Community Brag Posts

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)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Laundry Basket Rack

This was a great last minute Christmas gift. Took me a little over two hours. Made completely out if pallet wood.

Comments

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

Do-It-All Mobile Workbench

Submitted by JL Hurst on Wed, 11/28/2012 - 11:02

The need for a proper workbench in my garage/shop is a must, but. So is space! I already have a fold down workbench I’ve made with ¾ inch pipe & a door, but. I just need something that can handle all my tools. So, I stumbled upon these plans from the Family Handyman & couldn’t find a reason why this wouldn’t work in my shop. It has room for storage, can easily accommodate my tools & most importantly fold up to store. Easy to build too! Make sure you read all the plans first as some of the materials could be pricey, but well worth it. Technically it’s taken 2 months to build this bench, as I operate on a firefighter/teacher’s budget & during the holiday season no doubt. I ordered all the shelf standards & brackets through Amazon, $210.00 for those alone, but they hold so much weight to support your tools I figure it’s worth it. The rest materials (wood, screws) were purchased at Home Depot for around $150.00. The plans called for ¾ inch ply & it was $45.00 per sheet. However they did have a smaller thickness for $22.00 per sheet & was only a 1/32 inch thinner. I plan on topping all my surfaces with some ¼ inch tempered hardboard later on so I knew it would work. That also left me adjusting my screw size to mount my brackets. Due to the reduction in thickness of the plywood all my #8-1 inch screws needed to be adjusted to ¾ inch so to not screw through the ply. I also hit the molding isle to nab some pieces to use as furring strips to use under the shelves before attaching the brackets. This way I can sand each strip to match before mounting to make sure it lined up flat with the center top. One more thing; where it says “drill 1/8 inch hole in brackets make sure you use 1/8 inch pop rivets. I barrowed a pop rivet gun & was handed some rivets as well. Popped two & they had to be trashed because the rivet size turned out to be 5/32. So I stepped up in drill bit size & it all worked out. As I said, I’ll be topping it with some ¼ inch hardboard. I also plan to run it’s own electrical with an outlet on each post. I hope you all enjoy & this can help!

Estimated Cost
$350.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rusty Cottage

Thu, 11/29/2012 - 07:03

This is by far the best workbench I have ever seen!!! Thanks for sharing. And excellent choice of table saw and miter saw.

JL Hurst

Thu, 11/29/2012 - 14:59

If I had it to do over I'd had gotten the contractor grade portable saw from Dewalt. The smaller version I have is the same 10" saw, but. It's maximum rip capasity is only 16. The other will at least rip a sheet of ply in 1/2.

Thanks for the kind words on the bench! I hope everyone that may find this valuable will. The plans came out of a 2005 issue & were hard to find on the internet.

uniquetrio2000

Thu, 07/04/2013 - 18:28

I love this work bench and would love to build it but i cant find them. Could you post them or email them to me please. uniquetrio2000 [at] gmail [dot] com

phantom1

Tue, 06/02/2015 - 05:39

I built this bench 3 years ago and I couldn't be happier. The portability, space savings and functionality make it wonderful!

StepFar

Mon, 01/08/2018 - 14:44

Am I missing the actual plans for this. I downloaded the pdf but it doesn't have the build plans apart of it.

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)
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?

In reply to by spiceylg

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.

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).

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!!!

King Modern Farmhouse Bed

Made this bed from Ana's plans. Modified it with rail so I can add my box spring. Cost was approximately $160 for lumber, screws and stain. Absolutely loved the plans and easy to follow or modify if needed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
160.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax wood conditioner, Minwax Special Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

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)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Rustic X Bench for Entry

Made 2 changes to the plans which was using a 2 x 4 as a center top board to add some variety to the board width and also decided to go with breadboard ends which also used 2x4

Thanks for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)

Adirondack Chairs with Foot Rest

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 14:45

Great set of outdoor chairs with foot rest!

 

RG Design & Build

Comments

My Simple Outdoor Lounge Chair with 2x4 modification

I modified this chair with 2x4's as the base and 2x2 for decoration on arms, this is prior to sanding and finishing

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15-$20 dollars, depending on local lumber prices and finishing options.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

RandyW

Sat, 06/13/2020 - 16:33

I always take my sander to the sharp edges and round them off

DIY Modern Chicken Coop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/20/2024 - 12:00

Almost 5 years after we moved into the country onto our Hamstead of 3 acres, I finally committed to building our chicken coop. Last year, my husband brought home a ton of lumber used for shipping. I started tearing it down and slowly, over the past few months, I built this perfect coop for our 6 little chicks. It required a ton of sketching and planning, adjustments, and do overs, but it has come together so well. Thanks and shout out to the plan from Ana White and the brag post by @blackgirlbythesea

Seasonal And Holiday

Dog Houses

Our local Habitat for Humanity puts on an annual event where they get folks to restore discarded or worn down furniture and sell them at auction. My wife and I participated last year and this year I was asked to build 4 dog houses and then they were going to let local designers/decorators finish them out.

I figured it would be easy to find a good dog house plan, but I was wrong so I had to come up with my own designs. I did not want to use plywood becauase I wanted them to look good. So I used 1x4's and 1x6's. I built them all just a little bit different, but the same basic design on all 3. Since I am not very good with circular cuts, did not do any fancy 1/2 circle doorways!

There are "after" pictures on the Blog. Thanks for looking!

Estimated Cost
$100 each
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I didn't finish them out, but did use screws to attach everything, so filled those in with wood putty and sanded down of course.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sun, 11/06/2011 - 16:10

Great job for a great cause!

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.

Estimated Cost
180
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)

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)
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

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]

DIY Greenhouse Project -Added elevated raised beds & temp/humidity control

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/05/2020 - 09:09

We loved this greenhouse plan from AnaWhite and wanted to be able to grow in 3 seasons so we modified the design to include humidity & temperature control & 18" deep elevated cedar beds inside with 4x4 posts for support and trellis option. We added electricity in order to have a lighted workspace and the ability to put in a circulating fan to control mold and fungus. We added 2 work tables (2x2') on the inside of the door left and right side door in order to do seed trays & store supplies. This was a wonderful project for my husband and my plants inside are doing incredibly well compared to my outside garden beds here in zone 5. Products used:

Foundation
We had a landscape company come and scape/dig a platform and then fill/compact with crushed rock
My husband then used rebar driven into a 4x4 frame in order to secure the frame to the ground and create a base upon which to build the greenhouse

Active ventilation
AC Infinity Cloudline T8 Inline duct fan
Air king range hood wall cap 8" on the bottom outside of the greenhouse wall for air intake + flex 8" duct to the fan itself
Shelter logic autovent automatic shelter vent kits (1 on each side of the front wall) in order to allow air intake from the bottom back of the greenhouse under the elevated beds to flow to the front of the greenhouse and out
Circulating fan- Hurricane wall mount fan 16" - this fan has 3 speeds with tilt function and small mounting bracket

Soil - sourced 3 yards of 50/50 loam/compost from local landscaping supply
60% loam
30% organic compost
10% organic topsoil + perlite

Soil beds
-cedar frame 2 feet wide along sides, 3 feet wide on the back wall
-galvanized metal roofing with holes drilled into it for drainage
-landscape cloth lined

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$2000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

bushy99

Wed, 09/09/2020 - 13:09

Thanks for that update! I was wondering how to vent this project, as Green houses need the ventilation. Good to know dollar amount also. Great photos.

Back