Community Brag Posts

Grillin' and Chillin' - Outdoor Grill Food Prep Station

Needed a table for food prep with my grill and found your plans! I used treated lumber for the base and nice cedar planks for the top. The treated lumber had a whiter than usual color which made the base really pop out. I put a nice pecan stain on top and a few coats of poly so the BBQ sauce wouldn't stain it! This was so easy, literally took 2-3 hours to build, stain and poly was done over the next few days. Ready for my next ana-white project. Thanks for posting these plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Simple pecan stain and minwax poly. Brushed on the stain and kept brushing until I got the darkness I wanted
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

tr7dul

Wed, 07/09/2014 - 16:24

I was looking on Pinterest and found this table. It was exactly what I was looking for. You inspired me to go out and buy a miter saw and some wood and make the table. It turned out wonderful. It now has a permanent place on my patio and gets used when I grill mostly. I was hoping to be able to upload a photo but don't see the option to do so. Anyway, I want to say thanks for the great plans/instructions.

Modified Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by ewood on Tue, 05/31/2011 - 08:04

Wanted a Patio table and when I saw the plans on this site I really liked it; I just changed the plan a bit. Everything was screwed from the underside of the table, also I attached the legs with 2" lag screws.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Reclined Back Outdoor Sofa and Chair DIY

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/09/2022 - 07:12

OK, I think this build may be my biggest project yet! It is definitely the heaviest. With the strong winds we can get here in Florida we needed substantial outdoor furniture.
I did make some modifications along the way measurement-wise so the sofa would fit my front porch better. All in all, this took 2 full days. I built the sofa first, stained it the next day and then decided (due to trying to get stain in all the nooks and crannies) to stain the chair pieces first before putting it together.
I am so happy with the results and so far, almost a year later, this furniture looks great and hasn't moved an inch in any of the thunderstorms we've had! Thank you Ana!!

Comments

Modern Outdoor Chair & Love Seat

Submitted by Wilsjac1 on Wed, 06/26/2019 - 13:59

After building the first chair I decided I did not like the sizing, it felt like the arms were to low and the back cushion really did not have any support so I modified the chairs a bit and rebuilt the chair and also made a matching loveseat. 

I also decided to reverse the arms so the 2×6’s are on the outside instead of the inside, Originally I did this by mistake but I decided to keep it that way because it helped hold my cushion in place and I like it better that way. But most people I have asked say they prefer the arms the original way that Ana-White had them though.

I ended up making the legs 3" inches longer to raise the height. 

I made the side slats and the armrests 3" shorter to reduce the depth to make my cushions fit better

For the love seat the only thing I had to change was I made the back slats the front slats and the seat slats 48" and I added in a 2x4 for support under the seat slats that attached from the front slat to the back slats.

Overall I love the way they came out very sturdy and we use them everyday! 

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded all of the 2x4's and 2x6's with 80 grit & 220 grit, I then used minwax primer before applying the stain, I used the color "Honey"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Large Garden Enclosure

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:40

The enclosed garden plan.
I made mine 12x12 and added a middle The instructions were very easy to follow. I also had old paver stones, sand and gravel kicking around from a project from last year so created a floor to help with weed control. I used screws and fender washers instead of staples to attach the caging. I added two tiny beds to the inside for sweet peas to grow up the caging to attract pollinators. Let the growing begin!

Barb

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Outdoor Sectional

I scaled back the length of the sofa by a few inches and I made the sectional only one seat to fit my space on the deck. This was my first woodworking project that I did by myself. I got the cushions for more than 1/2 off at Ikea so the whole project cost about $150 ($80 for the cushions). It took me about a week to complete but the total time was less than 10 hours to build and stain. I'm pretty happy with how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Pittsburgh Paints Stain & Sealant in One for Decks, Fences, & Siding in Walnut. I brushed on the exterior stain just like a paint. I did the top part of the sofa first, then flipped it over and stained the bottom. Read instructions on the label.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Queen Murphy Bed

Submitted by Jenga on Sun, 12/06/2015 - 12:59

Not too bad of a project but had to a good bit of guess work so I could changed the plans for a queen size bed and flip in on its side.

Estimated Cost
$200 if you already have the bed
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White Paint and laminate flooring left over from the floor.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Arilie

Sun, 05/29/2016 - 18:50

Good evening!

I am new at wood working, and would be very interrested in knowing the different measurements you changed to get from a twin to queen murphy bed. If it is posted on this page, I tried but couldn't find it. Thank you for your help. Have a good day.

Marie-Julie

Holiday Colored Tapered Crates

Submitted by PL8IM on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 15:49

We like to fly the flag in our family so 4th of July is a big deal for us. I built three sets of crates to share, each with a little difference but all three with red white and blue stain from HD.
Easy to build and the instructions/plans were perfect. Nine crates required four cedar picketts.

Comments

Storage cabinets

We needed extra storage in the living room and I didn’t want to pay mega bucks for our cabinet guy to make something I thought I could do. 
Its four ft tall, 3 ft long and 16 inches deep. I added 1x3’s to the sides and 1x4’s to the bottom.
I bought the Kreg shelf pin jig and it was super easy to use. Plan to use it again on a bigger project. 
Next is a fireplace and TV surround. 

Thanks Ana for the easy to follow plans!
 

Estimated Cost
$250-300. for both cabinets
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar cabinet paint in cream delight, applied with a sponge roller, 3 coats and sanded in between each coat. Knobs from Hobby Lobby and hinges from Hardware Source.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wood Garage Shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/20/2024 - 08:40

This was made using Ana's "Garage Shelf" plans. I modified it for a corner spot between two exiting cabinets, so it took a bit of thought, but the Ana's technique for the build made it so easy.
AND I used up scrap wood that I'd been hording in the garage for the build.
Thank you Ana!

Square Farmhouse Table

Submitted by eddingsr on Sun, 01/08/2017 - 13:17

I built this table for a friend who wanted a rustic, plank-top kitchen table. She wanted a square table with 4x4 legs. Since I don't have clamps, I used pocket holes and wood glue for the table top. Also, I only have a 7&1/4" miter saw, which means the 4x4s were too thick to cut. So I made one cut in the legs, then flipped them and made another. It worked! :) I sanded down the sides of the table top with 80 grit. They needed to be evened up since some of the planks were a little longer than others. I back braced underneathe the top with (3) 1x3s. Then, I sanded all over with 120, vacuumed, then wiped it down with a damp towel. Fun build!! 

Estimated Cost
~$100 for lumber, screws, wood glue, sandpaper, and finishing products.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
For the finish I used Minwax wood conditioner, then a coat of Minwax stain in Provincial. I went back and put a second coat of stain on a few of the premium pine pieces, because they soaked up the first coat really well, and I wanted some darker pieces on top. I let those soak for about 15 minutes. Afterwards I did 2 coats of Polycrylic all over, then a third coat for the top only. I dry sanded between coats with 600 grit sandpaper.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Outdoor Chair - High Back Adirondack

Modified with a high back and modern adirondack arms.

The base of the chair is built exactly to the plan except that the arms are done in a modern adirondack style.

The back was made independently to fit inside the base and then attached to the plan base.

Very comfortable but very heavy chair even without the modified back.

Not stained yet obviously.

Cushions are hard to find I think I would make it slightly smaller next time and maybe even find the cushions first and alter the plan to fit.

Estimated Cost
$45 Can
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Twisty Table

Submitted by stacynabby on Sun, 12/20/2015 - 11:48

Saw this clever side table on Pinterest. It's made out of 1 1x8x8. I was able to figure out how to build a jig for the table saw to suit the project and then it was easy peasy lemon squeezy from there.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Light Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seal

Fri, 10/28/2016 - 08:40

I would love to build this unique table, but can't seem to find some actual plans with dimensions and jigs

 

Seal

Fri, 10/28/2016 - 08:45

Would you please email me the plans for this table. Thanks so much

Outdoor hangout using 2x4 and fence boards

Submitted by sylvialh on Sun, 06/16/2019 - 18:13

Bought enough lumber for one sofa but ended up using old fence boards for the  decking so had enough lumber to make the sectional and a shortened coffee table. 

Great way to save some cash even if u have to buy the fence posts. 

Added a reinforcing piece to the one armed sofa between the legs using a kreg jig to stabilize the legs a bit more. 

Waiting on my foam from Amazon to finish off this project!

Used inspiration from the beer/wine cooler patio table and made the middle of the table removable to add a buck underneath later. 

Note the 5 year old patio set, also an ana white project from back in the day!

Super quick build!

I did find that the measurements for customizing it for your cushion size seemed about 1.5 inches too big for all the depth pieces so I sized down but I haven't received my foam yet so maybe I'm wrong but Smth to think about. I didn't want my cushions to slide around so I took that into consideration when building. 

Estimated Cost
60$ CAD for the high density foam for each sofa (3x24x72) plus throw cushions for the back.

11 2x4x10 - cost varies depending on cedar or PT
Fence boards were reused

Outdoor Fabric to cover the foam
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Lean-To Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 13:17

I’m a first year teacher of construction class at Waterloo High School in Illinois. We recently used your Small Cedar shed instructions with some modifications for a class project. It’s a bear getting cedar right now, so we used T1-11 for the outside and 2x4 for the frame.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Planter Porch Steps

Submitted by kstarbird on Thu, 12/26/2019 - 15:06

Plan modified to be built on stringers due to hight. 

Finish Used
Pending

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Corner Media Console

Submitted by craw4dz on Thu, 02/27/2020 - 10:39

We had just moved into our new house and were using an end table for our TV stand I just didn't like it.  I found this and modified it so it's shorter and fits in our room better.  I also opted to not put doors on it and use it to display items instead.  This was a relatively easy build and I'm learning new things with every build I make.  It took about 2 days to complete not including filling holes/paint/stain.  I love it, it looks so great in our room and I am planning on building end tables to match as well as replacing our buffet with movies in it to match also.  Thanks for the easy-to-follow plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever white paint I had on hand (haha) and Varathane Kona with a satin poly for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Laundry Basket Organizer

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/19/2024 - 10:58

This was a modification to an Ana White design and another brag.
Designed on sketchup. It holds 4 laundry baskets sideways. Because I wanted it to be counter height I have a 6 inch shelf.
3/4 reconditioned plywood for the base assembled using Kreg pocket screws.
The top is a low cost pine 11.5 wide.
I jointed them using a 14 inch hand plane. First time for that. Cut the top to 22 inches wide.
Prestain conditioner. Minwax dark walnut stain and 6 coats of minwax poly wipe on.
Attached using Kreg screws.

Randy Eby

Built from Plan(s)

Simple bench from pallets

I had some left over wood from pallets and I really liked the look of the simple outdoor bench. One pallet was made out of some type of red colored wood and I decided the slats for the seat would look good in the red colored wood. The rest of the bench was from a lighter colored pallet. I used nails and glue to attach the seat slats so that my daughter could help. She loves to help, but does not like my drill even if she has hearing protection. See more at http://www.makeitlovely.com

Estimated Cost
Free
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American wood stain (1 coat)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cottage bedroom bookcase

Submitted by yhaas on Thu, 10/29/2015 - 20:42

I used 1 x 10s to make the bookcase a little shallower, and left the back open. Thanks for the great plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane diamond finish water-based polyurethane, satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
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