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Community Brag Posts

Modern Park Bench

Submitted by Tim PIZZ on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 06:17

This was one of my first projects. I just used a circular saw but a mitre saw would be better. I’ll look for one soon. It was rewarding, fun and we love how it looks on our back patio.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Park Bench
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I primed the pieces with Sherwin-Williams exterior latex primer before assembly then painted with Sherwin-Williams Resiliance exterior latex. We chose “Retreat” as our color.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Planter for Pole Beans

Submitted by swhitead on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 10:41

Increased width of box to 46" by using 8 fence boards instead of 3. put base at 12" down, lined box with landscaping fabric to hold dirt. Created trellis with 1x2 boards with 10" long corner braces, spaced screws 6" apart around edges and weaved cotton thread to create the trellis. Used 12" scraps of 2x2 to create a "slot" inside the center of the planter to support the trellis. Added container mix and green pole beans started in egg cartons earlier in the spring.

Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Planters with 2x2 Legs
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Simple Modern Outdoor Sectional

This project my husband and I started together. We live in a very damp and rainy area where cushions would just be more of a pain than a comfort outside.
We decided to add slats on the back so the sectional would stand alone without cushions.

Well, after the first corner piece, I got busy and every day my husband would add another piece to it.

I did do much of the sanding and painting. We sanded and painted these before assembly, made life tons easier.

It was white pine with out exterior house paint color. We really love them!
Thank you Ana!!!

Blog Link
Ana White
Built from Plan(s)
Corner and Ends for Outdoor Sectional
Simple Modern Outdoor Sectional - Armless Piece with Corner/End Option
Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Exterior Paint and primer in one.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Backyard Bliss!

Submitted by kdins31 on Mon, 01/12/2015 - 09:26

I built this outdoor play area for my kids this past summer.  The area under that portion of the deck was always messy and muddy and so I wanted to make use of it.  I built the deck and anchored it with lag bolts to the deck supports.  On the one side I used rubber mulch and on the other there is play sand.  I dug holes in various locations and filled with gravel to allow for drainage under the sand and mulch.  For the awning I used plain cedar shingles.  I added a shower that is just regular 1/2" metal pipe with a hose adaptor.  The shower wall and fence are just old pallets that I had for a while, cut to size, which was pretty much random but they came out great.  I added a misting system under the awning that works great, the kids love the cool mist on the hot days. Overall, a heavy job ripping up the grass, moving the wood, gravel, stones, sand and mulch, but a fun deck build and even better experience doing this with my kids by my side!  

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

Comments

Einman10

Tue, 12/29/2015 - 17:10

I'm extremely interested in the plans for the bathroom vanity with the step stool that pulls out for kids to be able to reach the sink.  Is there a way I can get those plans?

Rustic 3 X Hall Tree with 3 Hooks

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/26/2023 - 07:42

I started with the Rustic X Hall Tree plan and modified it to 43" width to fix the space. All X's are half laps cut on the miter saw.

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Hall Tree

Comments

Ana White Admin

Fri, 05/26/2023 - 19:38

Thank you for sharing! If you uploaded a brag post of 2 end tables, I was working on fixing the sideways photo and accidentally deleted it. If that was yours please reupload!:) Sorry!

Pottery Barn Printer's Long Low Media Suite

I feel in love with the Pottery Barn Media Suite and new immediately I wanted to build it. I couldn't justify paying close to $2,000 on an entertainment center. I knew Ana would have the plans to help me out. I modified the plans a little bit and instead of building 6 cabinets, I decided to make the inner 4 cabinets one piece, and the 2 outer cabinets removable. This will give me options for when I have to place the Christmas Tree or if we move and cannot fit this huge piece. I also wanted to have as much strength in the middle for our plasma TV. It's about 4 years old and isn't as light at the new TV's are. I loved every minute of building this project and couldn't be more happier! Feel free to search PB website to compare their media suite to my version (savings of $1,700). Feel free to ask any questions!

Built from Plan(s)
Open Base for the Basic Collection
Media Hutch
Estimated Cost
$325
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

ctufano

Wed, 07/08/2015 - 08:35

Love how you did yours Christina

I too would like to make one larger unit rather than say 6 of the individual cabinets. Looking at your pictures, it looks like you still made them individually but I'm assuming you attached them (screwed) together? Is that the case? Did you have any issues with the main piece and two ends being different heights when finished?

Am wanting to make a total length of around 104". Means I'll have to tweak some measurements.. In addition, I would like to have one side be a lift top so we can put in a record player and simply lift the top face to access. That wont be too big of a deal.

How did you find the doors were to make? No big deal? i've been curious how the dimensions all play out with the hinges and doors opening etc.

2x4 Outdoor Sectional Sofa

Submitted by lknolan2 on Sat, 04/18/2020 - 20:19

Great Plan! Loved how easy it was to build and how little the cost was.

Built from Plan(s)
Armless 2x4 Outdoor Sofa Sectional Piece
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Outdoor deck stain by Valspar in Canyon Brown
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jwood4

Sun, 08/01/2021 - 18:40

Looks amazing! What method did you use (pocket holes, dowels, deck screws, etc) to join the visible portions like the arms?

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Adjusted Counter Height Farmhouse Table

Submitted by rahurtado on Mon, 05/04/2020 - 23:26

I liked the look of the “counter height table” and adjusted the height to make it a table for an office. I used 4x4s for the legs and oak for the top.
I used a biscuit joiner to join the top, a Dremel tool to carve grooves in the frame so I could attach the top with figure 8 fasteners (allows wood to move as it expands and contracts).

Built from Plan(s)
Counter Height Farmhouse Table for Four
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

$1.18 Bird Feeder

Submitted by jaime19861 on Mon, 05/26/2014 - 11:11

I have been trying to attract more birds. I built and put up some more birdhouses, added a bird bath, and wanted to add some more feeders. I found this quick and easy plan and I had to build it.

This took me less than an hour to build. I bought my picket from Menards when it was on sale for $1.18. That's not a bad price for a bird feeder!

You can see the steps I took to build this on my blog.
http://jaimeofalltrades.blogspot.com/2014/05/make-bird-feeder-for-under…

Blog Link
Make a Bird Feeder for Under $2
Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build Cedar Birdfeeder
Estimated Cost
2.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

jessehawks

Sun, 03/01/2020 - 17:05

I can tell just from looking at this wood it was treated with a copper based chemical (note the green/blue blotches) while cedar is a good natural resistant wood these can sometimes be treated a well check for those greenish blotches around the Heartwood lines, chemical won't penetrate the tree sap in the wood and builds up along these lines. *I've worked in the pressure treated industry as a chemical tech for 3 years, and industry as a whole for more than 7.

Catio heaven

Submitted by bhoppy on Fri, 09/04/2020 - 15:43

Ana doesn’t have a plan for a catio but she does for a playhouse and a cedar shed made from 2x2’s. I sort of combined my knowledge from making her plans over the last 10 years and came up with this for my cats. It was fun to make!! My baby kitten is loving it. I used garden fencing and stapled it to the outside and pocket holes for the walls. I made each wall individually like the playhouse then connected them once in place.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Small Cedar Shed
Build a Simple Playhouse - Back Wall
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Cabot semi transparent outdoor deck and fence stain. ($9 oops section)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Wifey

Wed, 06/09/2021 - 12:36

Thank you for sharing! My daughter wants a cat for her birthday but it can't be inside due to our son's allergies. Roaming outside isn't really an option because we have coyotes. We are going to use one of these in combination with an underground electric fence.

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

First project, Truss table and benches

Submitted by wbengle77 on Wed, 09/23/2020 - 08:34

I followed the directions for every step but the down strut supports in the middle of the table. I reversed them purely for aesthetic reasons, I thought i looked better that way.

Built from Plan(s)
4x4 Truss Beam Table
Estimated Cost
280-320 depending on finish
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used an antiquing wax, milk paint for the top and sides. Then I used butcher block oil and wax to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sectional - Love It !

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/18/2020 - 06:11

Great experience building this sectional, although would recommend pre-drilling the holes where practical to avoid splitting. It only happened to me a few times on #2 douglas fir, but I would have preferred to avoid it. As you can see from the picture, I didn't account for the siding taking up the space, and was expecting a perfect fit. Easily fixed with a bit of saw work, and now it's really custom fit for the space. :-)

I've added the details of the finish we used, and really happy with how it turned out, with the exception of my garage workshop lighting not revealing the spots I need to touch up now that it is in the natural light.

And of course, this is a terrific time to purchase couch cushions at the end of the season. Lots of great sales, and we found these at Target for $47 per top/bottom set.

Built from Plan(s)
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Rock Solid Deck Start Wood Primer followed by Behr Premium Porch and Patio Floor Paint. This gave a really matte finish that looks a lot like the metal patio furniture we will have next to it, and Home Depot was able to tint this for us. We also added a mildew and moss inhibitor to the paint at the store for a couple extra bucks since we live in the PNW. The extra time needed to get multiple coats on for full coverage was totally worth it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Indoor Playhouse - I May have gone a little overboard...

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 19:38

Thanks for your amazing Farmhouse Indoor Playhouse plans!
So easy to follow your directions! I may have gone a little overboard.
I used some scrap wood from recent Renos and wood from an old boxspring my parents had.
The kitchen was originally from Ikea with some updates.
The shrubs are silk plants from Ikea and scrap wood.
The only real cost was Paint $30 ish.

Blog Link
https://www.instagram.com/p/CJzfOGwjLT4/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link
Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Indoor Playhouse
Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Christmas Decor

Best Lounger Ever

Submitted by teeninyg on Sun, 08/21/2011 - 13:37

This was my second project from the site. I wanted somewhere to read my book on the back deck. This chair is perfect. When I get tired of reading I can lay it down and take a nap. It is very sturdy and easy to put together. I do recommend using pocket holes to assemble it. I found it much easier.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Single Outdoor Chaise Lounge
Estimated Cost
$70.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded the seat and sides of the chair. Then stained it with oak and finished it with polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mini console table

Submitted by Mikegarrod on Sun, 02/21/2016 - 21:50

First table built by us. I think it turned out pretty good! Custom built to avoid baseboard heater. 

Blog Link
GBM Décor
Built from Plan(s)
Small Rustic X Console
Estimated Cost
$30-50 depending on if you need stain or not.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain, water based paint and Minwax Polycrilic.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kg112677

Tue, 06/28/2016 - 19:09

The plans catalog link does not work. Can you please repost these plans? Thanks

Dunnie

Sun, 01/15/2017 - 21:24

I am in desperate need of instructions for

this mini console table.  I can't find them anywhere. I won't be able to modify other plans, lol I need it all planned  out.

theUgly_bear

Tue, 01/17/2017 - 12:35

i plan on making this next week, so i can update you with the plans, the only thing i am doing different is the way i am doing my cross in the back. 

stay tuned 

theUgly_bear

Tue, 01/17/2017 - 12:35

i plan on making this next week, so i can update you with the plans, the only thing i am doing different is the way i am doing my cross in the back. 

stay tuned 

Mrs.tash

Sat, 02/04/2017 - 13:12

This is beautiful and simple! Great job!

You costum built it to fit the baseboard, were the original plans Ana White's? Can you link it or tell me the name to find it?

I'm new to the site and not navigating very well. I'm trying to save plans for a console similar to this to my profile/account and looking for the little "save to plans" to easily find this again

Farmhouse Storage Bed - Twin

Submitted by Abby721 on Mon, 04/20/2020 - 13:26

Modified to have storage boxes on only one side since it was being placed next to a wall.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Storage Bed with Drawers (Twin and Full)
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Custom white color paint to match trim.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified Simple Rolling Bar Cart

I honestly think Ana is a mind reader. Whenever I need plans for a particular piece of furniture, they magically appear on her site. Of course if she was a true mind reader, everything will be exactly as I need it requiring no modifications. That's what makes her plans so amazing. I can build bigger and better because I've learned to modify her plans to fit my current needs.

This Cart was no exception. I had to make mine a few inches deeper and change the height of the legs and it was a piece of cake. I put this together in less than 2 hours and finishing was easy too.

I did a blog post all about what I did differently including how I constructed a towel bar instead of the pipe. Check it out at www.thepursuitofhandyness.com

Blog Link
Tabletop Grill Cart Diy
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Rolling Bar Cart
Estimated Cost
$25 Depending upon the type of casters used
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil Based Primer & Rustoleum Painters Touch Spray Paint in Paprika Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
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