Community Brag Posts

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.

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

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).

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…

Built from Plan(s)
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.

 

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

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)
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.

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

Modern Outdoor Collection

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/27/2020 - 16:06

Great plans - thanks so much! Started with two chairs, and kept going...

MODS: Once built, we felt there wasn't enough back support, so added a 2x4 then 4x4 on top. Also added a 2x2 in back of the seat bed, so our 25" x 25" seat cushions didn't float around.

Recommend paint gun vs. painting by hand.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Behr waterproof stain + sealer (BM swiss coffee)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

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.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Curved Bench

Submitted by stevez8420 on Sat, 08/08/2015 - 13:41

I followed your idea but i think my bench is a touch smaller. I decided to add arm rests on each end, I kept the top beverage ledge or "Bever-ledge" as I call it and ofcourse I added rope lighting along the underside. This was my first ever DIY project.

Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a Cedar Tone semi-transparent finish which turned out a little more orange than i though but it still looks good!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

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.

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. 

Built from Plan(s)
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

Herb Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/20/2016 - 14:42

Modified the dimensions to make a good sized planter for patio herb garden :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$50 for lumber and supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades in classic black satin applied, then distressed with sander
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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.

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

Built from Plan(s)
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

Modified Garage Shelf (w/ Workbench)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/08/2017 - 11:15

Great plans allow for versatility and easy customization. Put the whole thing together in a day w/ one other person. My set up is 16' long - 5' on the side shelves and 6' for the workbench. Added a pegboard and fluorescent light under the top middle shelves. I'm also designing a slim drawer to go under the workbencheck area. Thanks a bunch!

Estimated Cost
~$150 including pegboard.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Will stain dark in the future
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Kitchen set

Submitted by ShannonB on Wed, 03/09/2011 - 06:48

My husband I built this kitchen set for my daughter's 2nd birthday. She just loves it. For the sink I used the same plans as the stove and changed them a little. There is not enough room below but we used the Cute Play Pie Hutch plan too. The double door fridge we use as a pantry. I can't find the plans for the fridge but we used Ana's plans for that too.

Estimated Cost
Under 200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White semi gloss paint and Pink semi gloss paint. We primed it before we painted it.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Full over Full Bunk Bed

Full over Full bunk beds. Adjusted for Full from a twin measurement. only 1" off floor for more head room.extra rail bar coverage upstairs for my daughter who rolls out of bed regularly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
used common board mix and a few premium cuts. Pine was more costly. @$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White primer/paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

bjerfr

Sat, 07/11/2020 - 10:12

What measurements did you use to adjust to a full size?

DIY LP Vinyl Record Storage Box with Wheels

I have to say, there is something about listening to music on vinyl that just gives me the warm fuzzies! A little bit of crackle, fuzz and hum.. physically having to flip over the record to get to the next side, & listening to an album start to finish just has a nostalgic feel to me and I love it.

We’ve started quite the collection of LP’s and quickly found we needed some good storage for them. Since vinyl isn’t exactly the most popular form for listening to music, I just had to make my own.

I knew it had to have 3 things.. size to fit, wheels and easy of searching through records.

I had some scrap poplar plywood lying around, and just had to purchase some casters and furring strips to frame out the box. I even had an extra cabinet handle laying around to use.

I made it 12 inches wide by 16 inches deep, framed it out shaker style with furring strips and then stained it.. added casters and a handle ;)

Estimated Cost
$18
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax dark walnut stain and 2 coats of matte finish polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

yurra-bazain

Tue, 07/09/2013 - 10:59

I love how you appreciate vinyls and gives things you have on hand new purpose. This storage box is nicely done.

I looked at your blog and went straight to the Upcycle tab, since that's where my interest lies too. I love seeing a "pile of useless" restored to use. =D

Patio Furniture

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 09/22/2022 - 13:05

Based on Ana's 2x4 patio furniture blog and plan wirh some modifications.

Built all in cedar.

Seats are 1x6.
Seat back height is at 36"
Backs are 1x6 .

Cushions are from Home Depot:
Bozanto Sunbrella Deep Seating Cushions
24" x 24" seats with 6" thickness
Back cushions are at least 6" thick.
2200 UV hour fade life.
Aceent cushion are from Lowes.

Stain is Cabot Gold Sunlit Walnut put on with 2 coats.

Covers are custom ordered from Covers and all. Www.coversandall.ca

Estimated all in cost lumber, supplies, stain, covers - $2,500.

Much cheaper less than half than the retail cost for similar quality patio furniture.

Comments

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