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Pergola Swing

Submitted by grarob1956 on Thu, 04/23/2020 - 17:59

I saw this project on YouTube under Arbor Pergola Swing. It did not mention any specific detailed plans or cut list but it was enough to get me started. I began with (2) 10' 6" x 6" post. buried each 24" and cemented. I cut the post tops at 83" from ground line. The rafter consist of (2) 10' 2"x 6". I used the leftovers of the 6" x 6" post tops in the middle of my rafters to hang the swing from with 1/2 " eye bolt. Then I used (9) 2" x 2 " x 8' and cut each at 36" to finish off the top and (2) 2x6x8 for the 4 rafter supports. I drew out the designs of the rafters and top ends free hand and at made a template for the cuts with s jigsaw.

The entire cost including hardware minus the swing was $170. My wife had purchased the swing last Fall at a clearance for $40 brand new.

Built from Plan(s)
Large Modern Porch Swing Couch
Estimated Cost
$170.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Duramax Special Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Murphy Bed Cabinet

Submitted by Aventusman on Mon, 11/30/2015 - 14:07

I made this cabinet to house my murphy bed.  I used the Toy or TV Armoire plans as a start and adjusted the measurements as needed.

Built from Plan(s)
Toy or TV Armoire
PLANS: A Murphy Bed YOU Can Build, and Afford to Build
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farm House Table and Benches

Submitted by markelll on Mon, 09/12/2011 - 09:28

I wanted a big rustic farm table, didn't want to drop thousands on one from a store, so I decided to make my own!

I built it in the (formerly empty) dining room, with tarp on the floor and plastic to seal the doorways.

Was a big project and my first project so I started with the benches as this site and users recommended.

I used the farm house bench plan - just shortened the dimensions so that I could have two benches on either side of the table. Then I merged the two table plans so that I could have the top with the bread boards but legs that attached underneath (like the rustic table) so that they could be removed when we move. I'll work to upload my plans too.

Used Minwax Wood Stain in "english chestnut" and Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer (instead of a Polyurethane).

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Simple Rustic Table
Estimated Cost
approximately $300 (for wood, finish, sand paper, stain, screws..)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax "English Chestnut" and
Deft Satin Wood Brushing Lacquer to finish.

I prepped the wood by sanding it down to 220 (could have done an even better job sanding, and sanded the table and bench tops even finer).
Used a sponge brush to apply the wood stain, wiped off rather quickly (only a few minutes on the wood).
Used brush to apply Deft Sating Wood Brushing Lacquer. Used spray can of Deft when I ran out of liquid. Didn't go on as thick. Although using a brush is more of a hassle, it had a better coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 09/25/2011 - 12:18

Your use of short benches makes the set more family and guest friendly. I usually hand rub my finish, I think i want to build this and probably use 0ak 2X12's (know it will be heavy).

Suggestions?

I will use it on a Florida roofed concrete deck for an outdoor dining area. Typically more formal dinners. Deck overlooks beautiful cove.

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 10/13/2011 - 11:00

Can you explain how you merged the plans to add the bread boards? I would love to do the same!

Jeff (not verified)

Fri, 06/01/2012 - 09:09

This is exactly what I am looking for in a table to build. We want bread boards on the end and we don't want stretchers on the bottom. How did you combine the two to do this. Can you send me a copy of your plan? [email protected]

Kimberly Dassel (not verified)

Sat, 08/04/2012 - 13:35

Could you please send me the plans for this table? I love it and would love to attempy making it. Thanks so much!

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 15:53

Your farm table and benches were exactly what I was looking for. Please send me the plans if they are available. Thanks

Faye Sawatzky (not verified)

Wed, 01/02/2013 - 19:23

I would love a copy of the plans for this gorgeous table you made. I am inspired.

Kelly Lucas (not verified)

Tue, 01/22/2013 - 15:26

Would love, love the plans for this project if you are willing to share. Many thanks! :)

danno2084

Fri, 01/25/2013 - 20:57

I'm sure you've heard this a hundred times already, but we've been looking for a very long time for a table like this. We would also love the plans if you're sharing. Thanks for the great blog!

jsh2001

Tue, 01/29/2013 - 07:47

Getting ready to build my own and now you have me thinking I prefer this design with no stretchers on the bottom. Looks great!!!

Mammavof3

Sat, 03/16/2013 - 20:12

Can I please please please have the plans? I have a very narrow dining area and this table is PERFECT. Thanks

PorkyPok

Wed, 05/08/2013 - 13:30

I too would really love/need these plans. PLEASE. Thanks :)

Cbreck21

Sun, 05/12/2013 - 14:30

I would REALLY like the plans for his version as well. I am going to combine them. Can someone ask him to post or his he sending via email? If so, [email protected]

Thank you SO much!!!

wendykeeler

Mon, 07/15/2013 - 09:48

just bought a cabin and need all sorts of furniture. I love what you did and would sure love to have your plans and how you merged the two----both for the table and especially for the benches. Trying to do a 10' table for huge family gatherings. Thanks so much! You rock!

Sarina88

Tue, 07/23/2013 - 14:28

This table and bench set is exactly what I am looking for. You did such a great job!

Do you have plans that you wouldnt mind sending to my email? [email protected]

KailuaGirl

Fri, 09/06/2013 - 14:25

Hi There!
It seems like there are no replies to the many requests for the merged plans.
I'm guessing he used the top of one set of plans and the bottom portion of the other set of plans?? I will attempt to tweak myself..
Good Luck!

markelll

Fri, 01/09/2015 - 19:54

Hi everyone,
Well I didn't see all these comments! Sorry to have ignored your requests for plans!

This is the bench I made (I did four of these, and adjusted the measurements so they were each about 40" long)
http://ana-white.com/2011/01/farmhouse-bench

I was going to do this table, because it matches the benches, but decided I wanted a table with removable legs so it would be more maneuverable when we move!
http://ana-white.com/2009/12/plans-farmhouse-table-knock-off-of.html

I ended up using more of this plan in terms of how I assembled it, but adjusted the plans to have the tabletop include breadboards (the plank on top perpendicular to the long tabletop planks) and I used 4x4s for legs, plus the top was from 2x8s not 1x10s. I put in the optional cross supports too, and additional supports under the breadboard to connect it to the table frame and table top slats.. this is more info than you need, all to say, plans are flexible and you can do what you want!
http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-very-rustic-table-and-cool.html

Sorry I don't have detailed notes. I was very picky about the dimensions (based on space) and how high I wanted the table (about 1.5" taller than a normal table). I also measure the distance between the underside of the table and the tops of the benches so I could cross my legs under the table (an odd requirement).

Happy Building!

brentlbg

Wed, 04/01/2015 - 15:10

I like the english chestnut stain. That works so well with this type of lumber. Great job. I plan to use the same stain on the Tryde coffee table I am building. Thanks for sharing your work!!!

modified bench swing

Luv your site. Took your bench swing plan and modified it a bit (shortened depth) and then created a small pergola to hang it from. Just need to stain/poly to finish it off. Thanks for your plan and website it is very inspiring.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Laundry Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/27/2017 - 10:03
We followed these plans, but instead of building two cabinets, we combined them with one side in the middle. We also used pine planks on top. The sides are painted with chalk paint, and the top is finished in dark wax. 
Built from Plan(s)
Laundry Basket Dresser
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Outdoor sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 04:17

Made the outdoor sectional. The coffee table was made out of left over pieces!

Built from Plan(s)
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
2x4 Outdoor Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
$260
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used a semi transparent stain applied with brush. We would recommend a hand sprayer instead.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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!

Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build DIY Planter Box with Cedar Fence Pickets

Comments

Full size loft

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 18:46

Built a full size loft bed for my kids but wanted something safer than having them climb up and down a ladder so used the Camp Loft Bed plans to add the platform and stairs. It is much easier for the kids. Going to finish by covering the platform and stairs with carpet.

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height
Estimated Cost
180
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)

Comments

wooden cooler stand

Submitted by stealth517 on Sat, 04/18/2015 - 20:48

This is the cooler stand presented by Jenny from Birdsandsaoap. Very easy to build and always ends up with someone asking to buy it or have you make them one.

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Cooler by Birds and Soap
Estimated Cost
$120.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax gloss polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Grill table with stainless steel top

Submitted by krochelle on Tue, 08/20/2013 - 08:00

I made this table to go next to an outdoor grill to be used as a food prep area or just a surface for holding ingredients (instead of using the deck railing!). The top is stainless steel which fits tightly over 2 3/4" pieces of plywood laminated together. The bar/handle in front is made out of galvanized pipe. All wood was treated.

Legs - 4x4 posts
Bottom shelf - 1x6's
Sides - 1x4's
Top - 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood laminated together with a stainless steel top (custom fit) over top
Towel bar - galvanized pipe (cut and threaded to size at Lowe's), floor flanges and 90 degree elbows

Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Kona stain but since it was over treated wood the stain did not take as dark as it should have. I will have to restain this piece after it has completely dried out.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 08/20/2013 - 09:07

Love this. Where did you get the stainless steel top? Did you have to special order to fit?

krochelle

Thu, 05/15/2014 - 10:33

Sorry about the late reply! Yes, I just gave my dimensions to a local steel supplier and they made the top. I think I have about $40 into the stainless. They didn't weld the corners but I've never had an issue with them.

krochelle

Thu, 05/15/2014 - 10:46

No...I didn't have any plans when I built it but it's a very simple concept. I chose to use all treated wood since I knew it would be sitting outside unprotected. However, my 4x4 posts weren't square so this caused a lot of problems and everything was built to fit. I believe I just used 4x4's, 1X6s (for the bottom shelf) and 1x4s for the sides (top and bottom). For the top, I just laminated 2 pieces of 3/4" plywood together to bulk it up and then had the stainless top built to fit. It fit perfectly so I didn't glue it to the plywood. This makes it easy to remove and clean, if necessary. For the galvanized pipe (towel bar), I bought it at Lowe's and had them cut/thread it to fit my dimensions.

Cedar Garden Shed

We needed a way to get all of the lawn & garden stuff out of our garage and organized. I found Ana's plans for the Small Cedar Shed & adjusted them to fit our space. We used 2x4s as our studs & added front walls on the sides. Our shed measures 9.5'x30". We had a concrete slab poured for our foundation. We are experienced DIYer's but had never taken on a project of this scale from scratch. This project was much easier than I was anticipating, and we were able to complete it in one weekend! Similar shed kits were way more expensive and not the size that we were looking for. Thank you so much for the inspiration!

Blog Link
Stacy's Savings DIY Cedar Shed
Built from Plan(s)
Small Cedar Shed

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Adirondack chairs

I built two of these for my front porch. Love them!

Blog Link
AutumnOstlundDesign {Our new front porch}
Built from Plan(s)
Heavy Duty Adirondack Chair Plans with Back Leg and Footstool
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained them red oak, then sealed them with 5 coats of spar varnish so they would be protected outdoors.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tevenden

Mon, 04/20/2020 - 10:03

On your chairs you made, the link is for an Adirondack but the picture has more flat seat than the plans. Please advise.

Workbench

Submitted by jaimej on Sun, 04/28/2013 - 18:38

This is our 2nd project - we liked building the bookshelf so much, we decided we're gonna keep going and need a good workbench. Got these plans from the Family Handyman Website (http://www.familyhandyman.com/DIY-Projects/Woodworking/Workbenches/how-…). They claim the cost to be $50, but it was closer to $80 for us - still a GREAT project and easy to put together with the nail gun.

Built from Plan(s)
Workbench to Get the Job Done!
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Outdoor Table

Submitted by Kingsamui on Tue, 07/24/2018 - 17:24

Modifications to the simple outdoor table plan thanks to Finn’s dad. 

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Outdoor Dining Table
Estimated Cost
$200 -Found a place that had Cedar shorts “B quality”, but very few knots for an unbelievably cheap price. I ran all to boards through a planer to start and saved a bundle.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
3coats Spar Urethane. I’ve heard the Spar doesn’t hold up well, so would have used something rlse if I knew that at the beginning.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Pie Safe

Submitted by Duckhook18 on Wed, 10/28/2015 - 18:56

This is my first, of hopefully many projects to come. I modified Patrick's Jelly Cupboard plans to be 40" tall and added the tins to the doors. I used spruce and pine board from a local lumber yard. The finish is Miss Mustard Seed milk paint inside and out. With kids in the house I didn't want to use stain with the heavy chemical smell so I mixed the milk paint with a lot of water to look like a stain. That product is so easy to use and looks great. Needless to say my wife loves her pie safe. Thanks Ana for this site and the inspiration to give this a try. I'm hooked!

Built from Plan(s)
Patrick's Jelly Cupbard
Estimated Cost
$140 including the tins, paint and lumber
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miss Mustard Seed Milk Paint - Shutter Gray (exterior), Curio (interior mixed 1 part paint to 3 parts water)
Topcoat - 2 coats of hemp oil
Painted entire piece in Curio first to get the layered look on the distressed finish. 2 coats of Shutter Gray over the Curio.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Joni

Sat, 10/31/2015 - 09:36

This is really beautiful!  Might I ask where you got your tin inserts?  Thanks!

2x4 outdoor cedar couch with ottoman

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/04/2023 - 11:51

I used pocket holes to hide the screws. I made an ottoman out of the outdoor coffee table plans to my dimensions that can be used as a coffee table when we need it.

Built from Plan(s)
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
2x4 Outdoor Coffee Table

Comments

2x4 sectional outdoor sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 08:10

My first Ana White project. My friend Shelley and I are RN's, and she got me hooked on woodworking. I started with cushions from Lowes ( in the sizes that you recommended)to see if I loved the sectional for a few years. I loved it so much I decided to have custom Sunbrella fabric ones made. Even though the custom ones were more expensive, it has been worth it. They go perfect with my California Mission style home. Now I want to add the armless one and make it a U-shape. I did add a piece at the bottom back of each sofa to hold the cushions in. The seat cushions would slide out the back when sitting on the sofa. I made the coffee table to match. Our family loves it!

Built from Plan(s)
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
Estimated Cost
building materials for sofa $250. Custom Sunbrella Fabric cushiosn $2000
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with Carrington Minwax and sealed with spray Shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Full length sliding mirror cabinet

Submitted by mltdblack on Tue, 10/16/2018 - 19:25

I built this for my daughter after building a ladder shelf for my kids bathroom. It took more time to install and adjust the drawer slides and paint the project.  

Built from Plan(s)
Full Length Mirror with Sliding Storage Cabinet
Estimated Cost
$65.00 - I used a slightly larger mirror.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior - Valspar Black Flat Latex
Interior - Valspar Filtered Shade Flat Latex
Top Coat - Minwax Gloss Spray Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

akagracegallag…

Sat, 09/07/2019 - 03:32

Hi mltdblack

Really nice finish on the cabinet.  

It looks like there’s molding on top of your mirror.  

Did you buy a mirror with a frame or buy molding and put it on over the mirror?  

What molding did you use an how did you secure it?  

What size mirror did you use?  Thanks

mltdblack

Fri, 01/07/2022 - 14:14

I am so sorry. This is the first I am seeing your question. The mirror came with a frame and I carefully nailed thru the frame to attach with my 18 gauge nailer. I bought the mirror at Lowe’s and I believe it was 15.5” x 50”. Also, I used full extension soft close drawer slides.