Community Brag Posts

8 foot picnic table

Submitted by Abby721 on Sat, 07/18/2020 - 08:40

This picnic table was a quick build and turned out amazing. I modified the center base support by adding an extra table top support and seat support board to the opposite side of the center legs to give the table symmetry to accommodate an umbrella hole. I also shortened both cross supports by an inch to make sure the base wouldn’t be longer than the top boards. The space between the center table support boards and seat support boards is the perfect size to fit a standard umbrella. I used a 1 3/4” hole saw to make the umbrella hole. The build and stain/paint took me about 5 hours but additional time is needed to properly seal the table. I used untreated pine. Treated pine may give the table longevity but it would also add a lot of weight to an already heavy table. This was a relatively easy and quick build and is a great size to fit my whole family plus a couple guests! I’m happy with how it turned out and would recommend this build to anyone looking for a budget friendly and simple patio table.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Briarsmoke for the top and Rustoleum Canyon Black Satin for the base. Sealed with 2 coats of Varathane Helmsman Spar Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Sewing Table for Small Spaces

Submitted by Linda7 on Sun, 02/03/2013 - 16:51

My daughter-in-law needed a compact sewing table, and this plan fit the bill perfectly! I did use 2 x 2 legs instead of 1 x 2s. This makes the table considerably more stable if you plan to use this table with your machine. If you do use the 2 x 2s for legs, you will need to widen your table top dimensions from 15 1/2" to 17" to accommodate the larger diameter of the legs. I also used a piano hinge for each drop leaf. They weren't much more expensive than the hinges listed in the plans, but again, they provide more stability (imho).

I wanted to show the locking mechanism for the legs in detail. I love these as they hold the legs in place when the drop leaf is down, and they pop into place when the leaf is in use. Called "folding leg fitting" it is part S-149L at $3.65 each at the following link:

http://www.hardwaretree.com/proddetail.php?prod=S-149L

When my daughter-in-law received her gift on Christmas Eve, she wouldn't even let me keep it for another day or two so I could touch-uppaint some spots...she loves it.

Thank you, Ana, for the wonderful plans!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around $75.00 not including stain and paint, which I had on hand.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top and leaves stained with pine; box and legs painted w/ semi-gloss wall paint from my daughter-in-law's house (can't tell you the color, but it's from the terracotta color family). Three coats of poly on stained top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

ACM

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 07:49

The table for my sewing machine costs almost as much as the machine did! This is a wonderful build. You have a very luck daughter-in-law.

sksan

Mon, 02/23/2015 - 14:33

The hinges that hold the leaves look like they run the width of the table as opposed to separate hinges. What did you use? Thanks!

Linda7

Fri, 04/17/2015 - 18:58

I'm sorry. Just now seeing your question. Yes, I used piano hinges so that they would run the entire length. The worked well.

Christmas 3-tier cookie stand

Submitted by calcowoods on Thu, 12/31/2020 - 12:51

Inspired by Shara of Woodshop Diaries, created this 3 tier tray for displaying cookies for Santa. Added a 3 dimensional star as the topper and simply followed the excellent photos and schematics on Shara's website.

Estimated Cost
$5
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax paste wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Church Pulpit

Submitted by BBLinda on Sat, 06/08/2013 - 10:34

A good friend of mine, a pastor of a local church, asked me to build a pulpit for their recently finished church up in the countryside of Grenada. She showed me a picture of what she had in mind and based on that, I drew my own plan in SketchUp, and then built it out of Yellow Pine boards and Plywood.

Note to the dimensions:
After I drew the plan, and just when I was at the lumberyard to have the plywood and boards cut, I thought I might have had it estimated not wide enough, so I decided on the spot to make it 2" wider and the top panel 2" wider and deeper too. So if you'd like to build based on my plans, please consider if it's wide enough for your purposes.

This is what I used (corrected measurements here):

2x 2x8 26" long YP Boards (Base)
1x 18 1/2" x 6 1/2" Plywood (Base Support Panel)
1x 26" x 16" Plywood (Top)
1x 18 1/2" x 9" Plywood (Shelf Panel)
2x 45" x 9 1/2" Plywood (Side Panels ) - these are cut angled, see plans
1x 44 1/2" Wood Moulding (for the "stopper" on the top panel, and the "back" of the top shelf.

Estimated Cost
~ US$ 115 (material is very expensive here on the island, and I guess you could build it for about half or 2/3 of this in the USA)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
MINWAX Polyshades / American Chestnut Satin (375)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Whitewashed Cubby Media Wall

My husband and I built this for our son's bedroom using all five of Ana’s series of plans for the cubby wall system. We did pretty well, especially considering that it was our very first building project. We made the media component of the wall unit the same width as the two sides since we didn’t need it to fit a wide screen TV. My hubby was thrilled that the drawers went together beautifully. The doors turned out a little “off” -- luckily the room has a beach theme so this piece fits right in with the beach shack look!

Estimated Cost
Approx. $475
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1) Minwax Water-Based Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
2) Mixwax Water-Based Wood Stain in White Wash Pickling
3) Minwax Water-Based Polycrylic in Clear Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 08/04/2011 - 01:55

Congratulations! It's gorgeous and an awesome organizational tool for the room...

Nicole Seaman (not verified)

Tue, 01/15/2013 - 17:20

Love your version of this! Very nice, especially with the white wash!
We've got our wood cut... now between unpacking, and caring for a newborn and his three siblings, I've gotta find the time to assemble!

Farmhouse Writing Desk with Turned Legs

Submitted by kwildman on Mon, 01/07/2019 - 08:53

I modified the Small Old English Style Farmhouse Dining Table plan to build a writing desk.   I used five 1x6 boards for the top for a width of 27.5 inches.   I made my desk 56 inches in length.  I put the drawer on the long side like a pencil drawer.   I did use the legs that Ana recommended in the plan.   I love how it turned out.  I used dark walnut danish oil and dark wax for the finish.  

Estimated Cost
225
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Watco dark walnut danish oil and Minwax dark paste wax.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kwildman

Fri, 10/04/2019 - 21:46

Thank you!  I used Watco Danish oil and I used Minwax dark wax.  I've tried alot of different wax brands and I always come back to Minwax.  It dries the hardest in my opinion.

Playhouse

Submitted by Dawnybb on Thu, 11/22/2012 - 09:32

This was so much fun to do! Very easy and I added some personal touches. I made the lower level an enclosed sandbox area with a chalk board on the back wall. On the outside of the back wall, I added a "ball wall" that my kids love. I enclosed the bottom sandbox with plastic "chicken wire" to keep the cats out. :)

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Dawnybb

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 15:34

Thanks! Glad you like it!

The paint was from Dunn Edwards: Roof was "Louisiana Mud", playhouse walls were "Drifting" and then the white was a snow white from Lowe's.

The slide and accessories were also from Lowe's.

m7hennen

Tue, 04/15/2014 - 09:35

I LOVE this! This is exactly what I'd like to build. Do you have plans you can share with us? I think I'd also like to add a couple of swings on one of the sides too. Thanks so much!

In reply to by m7hennen

Dawnybb

Sun, 04/27/2014 - 08:39

I know I messed with the dimensions a bit but I don't remember exactly. I made the playhouse larger (deeper and taller than original plans) . I also cut the roof line on the deck side for more room. I put aluminum over the wood on the roof and then painted. The Ball Wall was made out of plastic gutter pieces that I painted and we used practice rubber golf balls to throw into them. I hope that helps! We sold that house, so I can't go out and measure it :)

eegad1973

Thu, 05/28/2020 - 15:32

You may not get this as this is an old post. Did you dig post holes? I have older kids and I am thinking about building a plan like this but at a 6ft height. Wondered how much it moves around when there are a bunch of kids on there. The house I will build is also 6 ft heigh.

Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic X Hall Tree

Rustic Hall Tree
I have been looking for a really nice Hall Tree with out having to spend an entire week just to build it and I found it here. I followed the plans with the exception of the width, which I had to narrow due to where it was to go. I also had to shorten due to wife's height (5 ft 1). Because I help with my friends projects I end up with left over odd and ends and can use them in my projects. The backing I used is T- 1-11, that I sanded down till smooth and then painted. The seat and shelf is a 1 x 12 x 6 bullnose that was left over from a prior project that I cut to 1 x 12 x 3, then ripped the other half to fill in the seat making it 18 inch wide and used the other half to make the top self. The trim was left over from a book shelf that I helped a friend build. I painted the tree but stained the seat, shelf, trim and X with red mahogany stain to match the floor and then sealed with 4 coats of semi-gloss polyurethane.
Thanks for the plans, next project will be a desk for up stairs.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Classic Bunk Beds Re-Imagined With Stairs

Submitted by edeboode on Mon, 04/03/2017 - 07:57

I modified the plans for the Classic Bunk beds by making them 74" tall instead of 63" and added a fourth slat all the way around to add more protection from potential falls.  I created one opening in the front for my youngest to get into the bottom bunk, and built slats about 2/3's across the front to act as a gaurd rail. I created another opening on the side for my oldest to get into the top bunk with stairs instead of ladders to again prevent falls.  I had to modify the Sweet Pea stairs to accomodate for the extra height in the bunk beds, simplified the railings, and I created each cubby to be big enough to use cloth storage totes that were 11x11x11.  Sanded the whole bed and stairs so the corners and edges were all rounded and smooth, and put two coats of white Deck and Porch paint to stand up to the the boys running up and down.  I used brackets to secure the stairs to the bed, and sixteen 3" bolts to bind the bed together.  Precut and drilled 17 slats for each bed seperated them 2" apart.  Spent a few hours every night during the week measuring, cutting, glueing, drilling and assembling the bed and stairs.  Spent an entire weekend sanding and painting.  Very happy with the way these beds turned out.  Overall cost of the project including the paint was around $400.  

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Porch and Deck Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Backyard Patio Set

Submitted by Theavy on Tue, 05/04/2021 - 15:03

Used Ana's plan for chairs, coffee table, sofa and lounger. Stained and clear coated. Wife is happy. What can be better!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
SPAR Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Barn Door Farmhouse Bed

I built this bed for my daughter and we decided to build a farmhouse bed but it didn’t stop there.. We added a barn door feel complete with handles and then we bought some vintage wall sconces and turned them into lights for the headboard. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$115
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Pallirondack Laundry Basket Dresser

I showed my wife the Laundry Dresser featured on Ana White's website and she asked if I could make one for her, but not quite so tall. I also turned the orientation to fit our laundry room space. I used primarily oak from recycled pallets to build the Laundry Basket Dresser. She wanted a work space on top, so folded laundry, empty baskets, etc. all have a temporary resting place depending on the day. From start to finish, it took me about 6 hours. She plans to stain the piece at some point, but its already in use, so I'm not 100% sure that will ever happen until we move or something. ;-) Great idea and laundry room organization!

Estimated Cost
Half a box of screws
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kathy in Pittsburgh (not verified)

Mon, 09/10/2012 - 10:22

I love the open sides, plus it makes it much more feasible to build with scraps repurposed wood, which I love. Thanks for the inspriation

payne.kj

Mon, 04/08/2013 - 08:48

Hi, do you have any kind of plans for how you did this or atleast dimensions? I think this one fits more of what my wife needs, but I'm pretty new to making anything.

nicholas_ftm

Sun, 06/14/2015 - 20:16

Soooo I made this according to the measurements and no laundry basket I find fit. Kind of dissapointed in the fact that this cool thing I just built doesn't have any baskets that will fit it. Any advice on finding a basket that fits?

jkread

Fri, 07/10/2015 - 20:56

I think the idea is to build it to fit the baskets you have or buy some and build around them.

Pool Noodle Holder from DIY Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/04/2022 - 06:58

I modified the plans for the planter box to make a holder for Pool Noodles. I made it 40" tall and used 4-4" fence pickets and 1-5.5" fence pickets. I used a 4" spacer and the openings worked out perfect. I stained inside and out since it would show with 2 coats of the solid stain. It is perfect! Thank you so much for the inspiration and plans!

Comments

Daffodil Yellow Potting Bench

Submitted by CathyS on Sun, 10/27/2013 - 18:53

I'm so happy to have found your site! I've been wanting a potting bench for a while. Today the Hubs and I built this one in Daffodil Yellow! It is only partially painted, but I already love it! The hubs wants to build a modified one for his heavy electronics equipment. Thanks a Bunch!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Daffodil Yellow paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Radiator Cover

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/02/2024 - 10:00

Radiator Cover! My son was starting to crawl and be interested in the giant radiator in his room, so it was time to cover it. I'm so happy with how it turned out and since we left 4-5 inches of space from the top, we can use it as a space to keep his air filter & light. I left 2-3 inches around the sides as well and put a board across the back for support and to keep the cover in place.

Margaret Cember

John Deere Tractor Bunk Bed

Submitted by Veronica P on Sun, 07/06/2014 - 16:43

With another baby boy arriving in August, my one and three year olds are moving to a "big boy" room. My oldest decided he wanted a bunk bed and as they both are obsessed with tractors, when I saw the "John Deere Tractor Bunk Bed" plan, I was sold.

We would be needing a twin sized bunk bed though not a toddler. I used the classic bunk bed plans and simply modified them to suit our needs. I moved the ladder to the front, added a rail on the bottom bunk and added a small ladder to the side for my one year old to climb into the bottom bunk.

Once the the frame of the bed was complete, I added the tractor accessories. A couple of storage cubby shelves with fabric baskets for toy tractors which act as stairs up to the ladder and make the tractor bucket at the front. Also, the wheels which are made from joined 1x6s as I find plywood hard to sand and paint to the quality of finish I like. A cab & roof from 1x4s framed together. A side mirror that I decoupaged a picture of another tractor on. I used push lights for the headlights as well as a reading light above each bed (they're on timers so they'll turn themselves off). A steering wheel (play equipment access from toys r us). Also, I built and mounted by the head of both beds a "flat wall book holder" so they would have somewhere to store a few books.

My boys and I are fairly new to building so I spent a lot of time planning and measuring to ensure it would all come together in the end. It paid off because it all went smoothly (even with "help" from my boys). It's not perfect but they're very happy with the result. We also built a John Deere themed "Just my size closet" and even finished with over a month to spare before the new baby arrives! :)

Just want to say a quick thank you to Ana both for the amazing plans and also the inspiration to take on these projects. The time spent with my boys building as well as the resulting treasures are priceless and I would have never realized what we were capable of had I not stumbled upon your website and been so inspired by you and everything you've accomplished. Thank you!

Estimated Cost
$550.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
John Deere Green paint (home depot was able to color match a toy tractor), marigold yellow and black and polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White Admin

Mon, 07/07/2014 - 12:13

I love this, such a great build and eveything came together perfectly! Thanks for sharing!

spiceylg

Thu, 07/10/2014 - 19:12

What an incredible build! I agree with Thriftygirl, I love all of the details!

carongirls

Tue, 09/30/2014 - 05:35

I am in the process of copying your bed right now. Just mine will be a toddler loft bed. Thank you for the ideas!

busymomof3

Thu, 10/09/2014 - 14:12

I am new to this and I was wondering were to find the measurements for the twin size bed?  I would love to make this for my boys!!

Veronica P

Mon, 11/03/2014 - 07:48

Sorry for the slow response to those requesting plans. For main structure of the bunk bed, I used Ana's "Classic Bunk Bed" plans. For all of the add-ons, I made up my own plans. I'm pretty low tech so unfortunately they're just pencil & paper plans but I'd be happy to scan and email them to you if you're interested. Just message me and I'll send them your way. :)

MartyC

Wed, 01/28/2015 - 14:08

Hi Veronica, Well done fantastic job! Two little men who want to move in together because of a new addition on the way. Their request though is a John Deere Bunk Bed! would be grateful if you could forward on your plans if you have time, Kindest regards.

tkdiver1

Tue, 05/26/2015 - 18:13

These are just what my grandsons need. I would love your plans.

Thank you

tkdiver1

Tue, 05/26/2015 - 18:14

These are just what my grandsons need. I would love your plans.

Thank you

Mimi64

Sun, 09/06/2015 - 10:06

Dear Veronica,

Our grandson, 6 years old, will absolutely adore this bed.  He loved riding on Grandpa's real JD tractor.  Please send me your plans for the attachments.  They are just darling and I could not do any better.  Thanks for your generosity!

bmeche

Fri, 09/13/2019 - 21:11

Hi Veronica. My 3 year old just loves the tractor bunk bed. I was wondering if you would mind sending me the plans you have. It would be greatly appreciated. My email is [email protected]   

Thanks in advance 

MyMaw

Wed, 10/16/2019 - 17:56

If you're still sharing, we would love a copy of your add-ons plans. 

Thanks,

MyMaw and PawPaw

Veronica P

Tue, 12/16/2014 - 07:21

I just emailed those plans. There should be nine attachments. Please let me know if you don't receive any of them.

cnejones

Thu, 12/18/2014 - 21:51

Could you please email me the plans for this project my son would love this

Veronica P

Tue, 01/06/2015 - 08:21

Hello all. I've tried emailing plans to all those who've requested them. I had some trouble attaching the files as they were large so if you didn't receive them, please let me know and I can resend. Thanks

Alwardt2708

Tue, 01/06/2015 - 11:53

Hi Veronica. I did not receive an email. Woul you have time to try again? If you email me your address I can send you my fax number if that's easier too. Thank you so much! I can not tell you how much I appreciate your dedication to this! [email protected]

Outdoor Wooden Cooler

These outdoor wooden coolers are a real treat to have at any BBQ, tailgating event, or get together! Available for order contact for details on shipping and prices.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American Stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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