Community Brag Posts
Outdoor Sectional with 2x4s
We LOVE Ana's plans for the outdoor sectional! We just bought a house with a first patio and we knew this is what we wanted out there! We used one corner unit and four armless units to fill our space. I'm also planning to add a couple ottomans as a coffee table. Let the cookouts begin!
I don't know if it's true everywhere, but here 2x4s are about 1/2 the price of 1x4s so we made a couple modifications to the plans so we could use the much cheaper 2x4s instead. It saved us tons of money and gave the sectional a really chunky, sturdy look - a nice bonus!
When we finished it, the blue store employees suggested we use a deck sealer to make the cheaper wood last a long time. We were able to use a waterproofing stain to color and seal the wood at the same time which made the finishing go a lot faster than other projects I've done with stain and polyurethane.
This is the first time I got to use my new Kreg Jig, which was super fun, and made the furniture nice and sturdy!
If anyone is interested in using 2x4s I have the modifications here: http://morelikehome.blogspot.com/2011/06/our-new-outdoor-sectional.html
And info about my finished project here: http://morelikehome.blogspot.com/2011/07/patio-perfection.html

Comments
Sat, 07/30/2011 - 23:20
Love this!
You did a great job. I really like how it looks with the 2x4's, too.
Sat, 07/30/2011 - 23:20
Love this!
You did a great job. I really like how it looks with the 2x4's, too.
Sun, 07/31/2011 - 04:33
Yes!
Love the chunkier look as well. Beautiful job and thanx for posting the mods which I will be sure to use in the future when we build ours! If you don't mind me asking, where did you get the cushions and how much for each? Also, love, love, love your profile pic! Absolutely precious!
Wed, 08/03/2011 - 20:06
Thanks!
I'm glad you like it! Thanks for the nice comments!
The seat cushions were from walmart for $25 each (marked down from $30). We spent almost as much on those as on the furniture! Crazy! The back pillows are just regular throw pillows to save some $$$. :)
Mon, 08/03/2015 - 10:21
I used your plans and made
I used your plans and made this! Thank you so much for the adjustments on the measurements!!
Bench Planter

This build was also a lot of fun! I made an extra brace to hold the wait of two sitting on the bench. Thanks again Ana for your plans!
David Marks
Built In Storage Bench

I wanted to make a built in storage bench for the breakfast nook in our eat-in kitchen, but wasn't entirely sure how to go about the process. After seeing Ana's "Mimi's Storage Bench" I thought the plan could be modified to fit our space, so I convinced my husband to give it a shot. We've done a fair amount of carpentry in our house, but this is the first piece of furniture that we have ever built. Thanks to Ana's plans and our new Kreg jig, it turned out better than I ever imagined. We absolutely love the new bench, where my toddler spends every morning eating his breakfast while staring out the window and giggling at the squirrels in our backyard.



Comments
Fri, 08/02/2019 - 21:25
What did you use in the area…
What did you use in the area of the floor grate? I’m going to be doing a built in bench over a floor grate too. Thanks!
Sling Chair

I'm really happy with how these chairs came out. I did go through several failed attempts at first. I've put all the details on my blog.

Narrow Sewing Table
Ive been looking for a sewing table to fit my space. but found none for less than $500 and they were quite small. I found a post at quiltedcupcake.com that linked me to another blog, linking me here. I modified the plan to be about 2 feet wide and cut a hole to fit my sewing machine. There is a support in the bottom to hold my machine level with the tabletop. When I make this in the future, I will splurge on a fine hardwood. This plan was easy to build and looks great! Just what I was looking for :D

Comments
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 16:38
Thank you! This project was
Thank you! This project was very easy to build and would be very easy to make in a smaller size. I'm so glad I did it, free motion quilting is so much easier with this table.
Wed, 08/26/2020 - 07:13
Good morning Ana, Where can…
Good morning Ana,
Where can i get the plans for this table.
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 10:11
Oh man. . . .
Now, I've just got to make it! I love to free motion quilt and that would make it easier. With each baby I've had my quilting space has diminished (of course it's worth it) but now I think I will reclaim some space ;)
Tue, 02/26/2013 - 14:14
Plans Please
Cannot seem to find the plans for this project. Please post them.
In reply to Plans Please by SinKitty71
Tue, 02/26/2013 - 17:40
I used the plans for the
I used the plans for the narrow farmhouse table (search in the plans tab) and made a few modifications for my sewing machine.
Thu, 06/20/2013 - 12:27
What size boards did you use
What size boards did you use for the top of the table?
Outdoor sectional
I changed the plans a bit and added backs to the chairs. I've never used a saw or a drill before, but I am thrilled with how easy this was to do. I love the end result!
I found cushions to go with the furniture at Target.

Beginner Farm House Table w/ pocket holes

Love this! The farm house table and bench (1st photo) were my first 2 wood project ever. They came out great so I decided to make a coffee table using modified dimensions (2nd photo) and used poplar for the table top instead of pine. Poplar took to the stain I used really well. The farm table is Danish Oil, Light Walnut and the coffee table is in Danish Oil Dark walnut. I used wipe on Poly to finish both tables and I used matte black wood screws for an accent on the base of the coffee table. Everything else was assembled with a compact circular saw and pocket holes w/ a Kreg Jig. Thanks for the plans!



-Danish Oil Dark Walnut - 1 coat (coffee table)
-Wipe on Poly, Gloss - 2 coats (both)
-Sanded all wood w/ orbital sander prior to assembling (I find it easier to get all the splinters, scratches, and stamp marks out if I do it before assembling)
Comments
Mon, 10/19/2020 - 23:48
Ana white is a superb…
Ana white is a superb personality. She is doing a superb job in the agricultural field. I want to know more about the farmhouse table but now it's easier to finish the assignment at https://ifpnews.com/how-to-finish-your-dissertation-during-lockdown and get all the help about. Even I am more interested in vertical farming. Please guide me in this regard.
King Bed Frame

This was a fun project. Easy instructions great piece of furniture. It is very sturdy. I'm a beginner at DIY wood projects so this was a rewarding project.


Simple DIY Headboard and Bed Frame

I built this queen size bed by myself! Hubby was on a hunting trip. I used the bed plans with no pocket holes. It was an easy build. My first project was the outdoor seating and then the cedar planters! I’ve gotten so many compliments on everything! Thank you so much for sharing these plans! - Donna

Laundry Basket Organizer

I use this dresser in my walk-in closet to separate dirty laundry...each basket holds either "whites", "lights" or "darks". The size of each basket is perfect for one wash load. I just love how much more room I have in my closet because of it!
Comments
My First Project: Spinning DVD Rack
I was looking online for a spinning DVD rack to buy when I stumbled across a picture of a custom built rack. I decided to give it a try and this is the result. This is the first project I've done outside of basic shelves and it was a great learning experience. The overall fit and finish isn't quite where I'd like it to be but overall I think it turned out pretty well. I was able to find a 12" lazy Susan at a hardware store that supports over 300lbs and worked perfectly for this project.
I used pocket holes for the shelves, finishing nails for the top and screws for the bottom and lazy Susan. I also used pocket holes to attach the shelf backs and hid them behind the shelves. One thing I definitely won't use next time is spray paint/enamel. The finish isn't nearly as nice as I wanted and it cost far more than I was expecting.
This is also my first time using SketchUp and I'm really impressed with it. I've uploaded a copy of the plans.
Criticism and suggestions are appreciated.
-Dan



Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel
Comments
Sun, 07/14/2013 - 11:35
Spinning DVD Shelf
I like this spinning DVD unit! Coincidentally, I just finished using spray enamel to redo some cupboard door handles. It's horrible stuff! I ended up sanding it off, and doing it over in flat black. I roughed up the edges with 180 grit to antique them a bit. Looks much better!
Sun, 02/12/2023 - 01:19
Can I get a design drawing for this piece?
Can I get a design drawing for this piece?
Chevron end table

I loved the look of this table and wanted to try something a little bit different.
The chevron detail was made using painters tape, off white spray paint, then then edging the chevrons with a gold Sharpie
$40 Ping Pong table top game

With Father's Day rolling in, my sons and I needed a gift, stat! My husband thinks that Table Tennis is the quintessential father-son activity, so that was an obvious choice.
We needed something easy to make, easy to store, and budget friendly. With a 6, 4, and 2 year old helping out, I made a foldable mdf ping pong table that could easily be placed on our picnic table outside.
We had home depot cut the mdf in half, primed it, taped off some lines, spray painted it with chalkboard paint (bonus, you can keep score!), and screwed 4 small hinges to attach the 2 halves. We added a removable table tennis net, some paddles and balls, and have played nearly every day!




Comments
Baby Ray's New Closet!

This was the second building project I've ever completed. I had to make a few adjustments to make it fit the size of ray's closet, but it was totally worth it. most of the work was in the measuring, sanding, and sealing of the wood. Ftting the frames can be a little tricky if your planks aren't perfectly straight. Otherwise, this project was pretty straight forward and can be done in just a few days depending on how much time you have to dedicate to it. Thanks Ana!
Modern Park Bench

This is my third build and it took about 1/2 a day and cost $50 for lumber and $15 for hardware (decking screws). I previously built Ana's Farmhouse Table and doll farmhouse bed and cupcake stand.
I used the small kreg jig for part of the underseat frame, but it is not necssary. I wasn't using kreg screws so I found it easier to just attach through the end of the 2x4s. I recommend checking for squareness often for this project, especially as the arms and stretcher are attached.

Freestanding closet

I’ve been searching for a free standing closet for so long!! I stumbled across these plans a few months ago and asked my hubby and brother if they would be up for a little project and boy, did they ever do an amazing job!! I am so happy with this. We ended up making ours a little bit shorter to fit in our room and adjusting some of the other plans. The rods were cut a little short, but everything still worked out beautifully. Thank you for these plans! <3

We stained outside and the smell definitely lingered a few days once it was inside. I’d recommend staining with a less smelly stain, maybe water based?
We sanded down the rough edges and then finished it off with the protective layer.
Comments
Sat, 09/12/2020 - 11:14
Love this project!
Thanks for sharing, we chose this as our Brag Post of the Day on Facebook!
2x4 Outdoor Chair and Loveseat Set

I love the ease with which this set came together! I adapted the plans for a loveseat and a chair for 24x24 deep seat cushions I had picked up on sale in the spring. I spent about $70 on douglas fir 2x4 studs. I spent three partial days on this project: one to cut all the pieces, one to assemble, and the last day for sanding and staining. After assembling the chair, I decided to move the back support of the loveseat forward by 1 1/2 inches and attached the back seat support at 23” because I’m a bit shorter (5’4”) and my feet didn’t touch the ground when fully seated in the chair. It worked out perfectly for me and my husband loves the chair. Now we have beautiful and sturdy seating on the porch. I love how easy Ana’s plans are to follow and the videos are immensely helpful.
Heavily Distressed Bathroom Shelf
My interpretation of the Martina Bath Wall Storage Shelf. It is constructed from 3/4" pine boards; then heavily distressed. I watered down some dark brown paint for the exposed wood to make it appear that a darker hardwood was used rather than plain pine. Also, instead of the 1/4" ply wood for the back, I used solid pine boards as well to create a flat surface on the back. Plus, it adds stability for hanging.
I used Behr's "Bon Voyage" paint for the outside. The inside of the shelf is mostly white with a splash of "Bon Voyage" to match the outside.
The hardware was bought at Hobby Lobbby.




Comments
Mon, 01/28/2013 - 13:35
That finish is great...how
That finish is great...how did you do that? My wife loves that look, but I have yet to replicate it as well as you have.
Mon, 01/28/2013 - 13:59
Thanks, etbuogie. Sorry for
Thanks, etbuogie. Sorry for not elaborating on the finish in the project discription already.
Well, after building I beat the shelf up (just a little bit) with a steel chain to create some dimples on the larger surfaces. Next, I used an awl to randomly stab holes into the sides (wormholes?). After sanding all surfaces smooth, I painted parts of the shelf white with two coats. You could paint it all white, but you really only need to paint those areas that you want to have exposed later. I mainly concentrated on the edges and two outside sides. Next I painted everything blue with a couple of coats. Then I mixed some very light blue paint with white and a bit of my other main blue paint to paint the inside cubby of the shelf. After everything dried, I took a hammer and beat some cornes up. Then I scraped some "cracks" into the side using my awl. Using sandpaper, I eased some edges, sanded the blue paint down to the white creating a layered look, and made larger notches in some parts. Try to imagine where the wear would be if the shelf was in fact - let's say - 20 years old. Then I watered down some dark brown paint (probably a 1:1 ratio) and painted all the exposed yellow pine areas. This made a huge difference, I think. A couple of coats of Polycrylic wrapped the project up.
It sounds like a lot of work, but it was a lot of fun. Just make sure you don't do one area at a time but rather, focus on the whole piece. Periodically, step back and "squint your eyes" to not lose track of the big picture.
I hope this helps you create this beautiful look for you wife.
Adirondack Chairs

This was one of the first plans that I built and I haven't really stopped since then! These have been in my backyard by my firepit and have held up wonderful. They have had some rather large people sit in them with no problems at all. They are very sturdy and comfortable too.

Comments
Four station desk (PB inspired)

I really liked the PB mega desk, but I didn't want to spend $1600 on it. After seeing someone's post here (a couple years ago...) asking for plans on that desk, I decided to do it myself. I took these two plans and made 4 base units. They are 18" square at the top and 34" tall. I used 2 IKEA table tops connected underneath for the top, to make a total height of 36" - counter stool height. I constructed them a little differently than the plans, but no matter how you make them, the idea is the same. The plan is to take them apart and make 2 desks once everyone is too old and cool to do homework/artwork together.




Comments
Mon, 03/16/2015 - 20:39
this is really awesome! What
this is really awesome! What a cool work area :)
Sun, 08/02/2015 - 11:39
four station desk
Where did you get the chairs to complete your project? And how much were they?
Sat, 08/15/2015 - 04:33
Stools from Ballard Outlet
Just seeing your comment...sorry for the delay! I got the stools and the light fixture at a Ballard Backroom (outlet) store near me. 3 of the stools ended up being about $40 each with the sale they had at the time, and the 4th was $60? - bought at a later time than the first 3.
Sun, 08/30/2015 - 13:54
Could we get more detail on
Could we get more detail on how this was built? The base units, for instance.
Thanks!
Wed, 11/04/2015 - 07:40
Connecting Table Tops
How did you connect the table tops from the bottom so that the tables were secure together? I'm curious what's the best way to do this. Since two of the four seats will be where the seam is, I want to make sure I secure it properly so it's not wobbly. Thanks so much.
Sat, 01/09/2016 - 05:06
connecting table tops
I'm just seeing these latest comments for the first time, so you may have long finished this project already! The tops were surprisingly sturdy but I did reinforce them. I placed the tops on the floor upside down and screwed some metal brackets (about 12" long each) across the joint in four places. I just screwed them in through holes already in the brackets. This wasn't the most stable because those tops are particle board and don't hold screws very well... But since it was already pretty sturdy, I figured it would do. It has been fine, even with standing on the top (kids who get up there and me hanging the light fixture above).
Once the tops were joined, I placed the bases so there was about a 1" overhang on the top. To hold the top in place, I used small pieces of wood screwed to the underside of the top at the inside corner to act as a placement stop. The top is pretty big and heavy even though they are IKEA tops, so they don't have a tendency to move or slide at all anyway. I'm going to try to figure out how to post another picture of the braces and corner stops...we'll see if I can do it! Let me know if you have any more questions...again, sorry I didn't see this in a more timely manner!
Sat, 01/02/2016 - 05:55
Photo
Is the photo above the Pottery Barn version or your product result? I'm trying to figure out the dimensions for the drawer and shelf configurations. Thanks! BTW, I'm totally addicted to your style and personality...my husband loves the productivity inspiration I've received. :-)
Sat, 01/09/2016 - 10:17
more detailed measurements
Hi!
I'm glad you like the desk! The one in the picture is the one I built, not the pottery barn one! My dimensions were a good bit different than the PB desk - square bases instead of rectangular and counter stool height instead of desk/table height. So, I have no idea if I have my plans for this anymore, so I went and measured it again for you!
So each base is 18" x 18" square and 34" high so that with the 2" top the total height is 36".
Each base was made of oak plywood that made with 3 sides, a top and a bottom. All edges were rabbit joints (3/8" deep in thickness of boards and probably 3/8" wide - not 100% on width of rabbits). It's kind of a pain to do rabbit joints if you don't have a dado blade for your table saw, so you could use pocket hole screws instead. I glued and nailed these joints with a finish nailer, I believe.
I figured a diagram with measurements would be easier than trying to write descriptions...so I'm adding another pic with the dimensions outlined. Drawing is NOT to scale, so sorry about that! I really need to learn to use SketchUp. Let me know if you have any questions!
Sat, 01/09/2016 - 07:57
more detailed measurements
Hi!
I'm glad you like the desk! The one in the picture is the one I built, not the pottery barn one! My dimensions were a good bit different than the PB desk - square bases instead of rectangular and counter stool height instead of desk/table height. So, I have no idea if I have my plans for this anymore, so I went and measured it again for you!
So each base is 18" x 18" square and 34" high so that with the 2" top the total height is 36".
Each base was made of oak plywood that made with 3 sides, a top and a bottom. All edges were rabbit joints (3/8" deep in thickness of boards and probably 3/8" wide - not 100% on width of rabbits). It's kind of a pain to do rabbit joints if you don't have a dado blade for your table saw, so you could use pocket hole screws instead. I glued and nailed these joints with a finish nailer, I believe.
I figured a diagram with measurements would be easier than trying to write descriptions...so I'm adding another pic with the dimensions outlined. Drawing is NOT to scale, so sorry about that! I really need to learn to use SketchUp. Let me know if you have any questions!
Wed, 06/22/2016 - 15:26
Can you buy the bases from
Can you buy the bases from ikea? or did you build them from scratch?
Thu, 07/28/2016 - 14:13
No you can't buy them from
No you can't buy them from Ikea. I bought the table tops from Ikea, but I built the bases. The dimensions for the bases are in one of the additional pictures with the post if you want to see them!
Mon, 10/10/2016 - 07:41
Table top size
What are the total dimensions of the table top? Thinking of building something like this, but want to make sure it will fit in my space.