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8 foot long shelf with a little twist

Submitted by Daniel_ram on Mon, 01/03/2022 - 17:25

I just made this shelf using 2x4s 8 ft long wood. It is very strong and looks great. My garage size required the shelf to be max 16 in deep, so I used a 1 plywood sheet divided by 3 equal parts for the upper 3 shelfs. Since I made a 4th shelf, I used 3 1x2s for the 4th bottom shelf instead of a new plywood sheet and avoided having extra 2/3 of the sheet around and also saved like 30$ since the 2x1s were only 2$ea. That touch makes it look a bit stylish too so a win win. If you do that, here's a tip: use the outer 2x4s as rails - make sure that the cleats on the lower shelf are placed a bit lower ~ 1in. In such way, you can place the three 1x2 rails at the same level as the outer 2x4s and this you end up having 5 rails total in the shelf. Do use the wooden screws with star head if you can, they were muuuuuch easier to use compared with the regular ones. Note, this shelf is very strong, probably too strong for my needs. For a 8ft long, and my storage needs (camping, Christmas stuff, other lighter things), I'd probably use 2x2s instead of 2x4s. That would save costs, specially since wood isn't cheap these days( I spent ~$150 in materials Jan 2022).

Built from Plan(s)
BEST DIY Garage Shelves (Attached to Walls)

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!!!

Camp loft bed with a farm house twist

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2023 - 07:58

As soon as I saw the plans for the camp loft bed with stairs, I knew it would be perfect for my daughters room. It was my first furniture build. While it is not perfect, I absolutely love it. The plans were easy to read and customize to fit her room. Don't mind the messy room, she's 13 and this is about as good as it gets lol.

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height

Comments

Long version of flip top storage bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 01/07/2016 - 10:46

We are loving the way this turned out. I made it 5.5 feet long, split the top and added a divider support bar in the middle inside the top storage area. It feels super sturdy (has had our twin toddlers climbing and banging all over it without a problem!) and is getting a ton of use. Winter gear in the top, and shoes/boots in the bottom. As my first big wood-working project, it was relatively easy thanks to the instructions. Having the wood pre-cut at Lowes saved me needing the tools, but the pieces were not exact. I also found that this cost us more in materials than was listed, maybe because I bought the higher-grade pine, and we made a longer bench. I

Built from Plan(s)
Pine Board Flip Top Storage Bench
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Base: Minwax stain in Jacobean, with clear furniture wax on top
Top: Homemade chalk paint in Valspar Posh Red, with clear furniture wax on top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wood Tilt-Out Trash Bins

Submitted by kendaves on Mon, 11/21/2011 - 15:38

These two trash bins were very easy and fun to make. Plans were very easy to use and made the project very easy to build.

Built from Plan(s)
Wood Tilt Out Trash or Recycling Cabinet
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish yet.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Tue, 11/22/2011 - 07:26

This came out really beautiful! I'm thinking of building two like this for our hampers which we keep in our bedroom. We really don't have another place to put them and this is so much nicer looking! Of course, I'd have to modify it so the clothes can breathe. Certainly worth looking into...

Melissa G (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 08:31

Seeing these 2 sitting side by side gave me an idea for our trash & recyclables. My husband & I want to make one of these for our trash, but now I am thinking it would reduce the clutter from the recyclables. Thanks for posting. They look great!

Jeff Giuliani (not verified)

Sat, 12/15/2012 - 10:54

This was a great project. Very easy to follow...until I got to the door. There are no instructions for the door and no link to a video. Now I have to try and "wing it" which I think is going to make my trash bin, which is a christmas present for my wife, look like trash. I only have this weekend to do this but maybe someone else will be saved by adding the directions for the door. otherwise, thanks for the great step by step.

murph447

Tue, 11/11/2014 - 13:31

The bins look great!  When you installed the beadboard did you just simply fasten it to the back of your door frame or did you cut grooves in your frame (on a table saw) and insert the beadboard?

Outdoor Sofa and Chair with Slanted Back

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/16/2023 - 10:22

OK, I think this build may be my biggest project yet! It is definitely the heaviest. With the strong winds we can get here in Florida we needed substantial outdoor furniture.
I did make some modifications along the way measurement-wise so the sofa would fit my front porch better. All in all, this took 2 full days. I built the sofa first, stained it the next day and then decided (due to trying to get stain in all the nooks and crannies) to stain the chair pieces first before putting it together.
I am so happy with the results and so far, almost a year later, this furniture looks great and hasn't moved an inch in any of the thunderstorms we've had! Thank you Ana!!

Blog Link
The Simple Salty Life
Built from Plan(s)
Outdoor Sofa - Modern Comfort Collection

Corner Headboard Storage for Twin Beds

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/08/2016 - 18:27

Corner unit for kids bedroom. Added fabric boxes from ikea. The fit perfectly 

Built from Plan(s)
Corner Unit for the Twin Storage Bed
Estimated Cost
$200.00. All the materials are from the Home Depot
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr. Polar bear white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Bench (Coffee Table)

Submitted by REASMOM on Mon, 04/07/2014 - 17:09

I made this coffee table from Ana's Rustic Bench plans in The Handbuilt Home. I needed something fairly small for my living room and this worked perfectly. I used pine and stained it with Minwax Early American. I finished it with 3 coats of Minwax Polyurethane.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain in Early American and Minwax Polyurethane (clear satin)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Sauna

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/15/2024 - 10:17

Outside sauna.

Charles

Benchright Round Side Table

These tables are part of the Benchright collection. They are not terribly hard to make, especially if you buy the 24" diameter round table top from Lowes.

Built from Plan(s)
Benchright Round End Tables
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut and Semigloss poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

jrankintamu

Sat, 08/11/2012 - 20:18

Good lord my camera was dirty. I promise it wasn't the floor. Doesn't help that I am NOT a photographer.

Pallet style outdoor platform sectional (variation) with patio table

Submitted by SeanyMc on Tue, 06/17/2014 - 13:44

Saw the Outdoor sectional on your website and I just had to build it! Made some variations to the original plans, one being making it higher off the ground and the other was a necessity because Home Depot didn't have the right size wood and I wasn't about to go running around from store to store, so I used scraps to make a corner piece that fits perfectly. The most timely aspect was the sanding and removing all the rough edges. Also used Bondo to fill in all the holes that were on the outside to give it an all around smooth finish. The end result is just about the same though and the family and friends are in love with it! Thank you so much for the plans! Really could not even come close to justifying what it would cost to buy a sectional like this. Cushions were a huge concern and rightfully so. After building, I started searching and was mostly getting prices in the plus $800 range. It was breaking my heart knowing I was going to have to pay more than double what the entire sectional cost me. In the end though, was able to land some 25 x 25 x 6 cushions at Lowes for 50% off ($50 a piece).

Blog Link
Platform Outdoor Sectional
Built from Plan(s)
Platform Outdoor Sectional
Platform Outdoor Sectional with End Table (part 2)
Estimated Cost
$750 ($300 Wood & supplies. $40 paint. $400 for 50% off cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Dark Walnut Paint, All in One.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

drhj84

Mon, 10/06/2014 - 08:18

I was wondering if you could tell us the model of your cushions.  I builth this over the weekend, but I ma having a tough time picking cushions.  thanks

 

 

HANLOP01

Mon, 03/16/2015 - 09:06

I love this modification. Did you use 2x8s or 2x10s for your base? It looks like you angles the back. How did you go about doing that? Thank you for posting this?! Great work!

longshot

Mon, 06/29/2015 - 18:00

nice build, when you get some time can you put up your modifications please:) would love to build this! Love the colours you used and how it looks!Me too..you cook like me, i make it my style...thats how i do my salsa ..my way i like it...

longshot

Mon, 06/29/2015 - 18:00

nice build, when you get some time can you put up your modifications please:) would love to build this! Love the colours you used and how it looks!Me too..you cook like me, i make it my style...thats how i do my salsa ..my way i like it...

tsmith@vanausd…

Wed, 07/22/2020 - 11:37

This looks great. This is exactly what I want to make. How is the height of the sectional? That's my only concern. Is there anything you would change if you were to do it all over again?

Seasonal And Holiday
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Easy Front Porch Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/29/2024 - 09:33

Easy Build DIY Planter Box with Cedar Fence Pickets

Followed these plans and made these planter boxes for the front porch! I couldn’t believe I was able to complete a project like this so quickly! Instead of paint, I opted to use some grey stain I had leftover from another project. Thanks! I love them!

Beth

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

Cedar Outdoor Dining Table and Benches

My wife and I loved the version that Finns-Dad made but we wanted it to be rectangular. The top is 1x6s around the edges with 1x4s in between. The frame is 1x4s. The bench tops are all 1x4s with 4x4 legs. There are 3/8 inch lag bolts in the legs. We did 4 coats of the urethane.

This was my first major project, and while there are many things that I would do differently if given the opportunity, we're still very pleased with it.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Outdoor Dining Table
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Varathane Classic Clear Water Based Outdoor Spar Urethane Semi Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Screen door with built in dog door

Our old screen door wasn't cutting it anymore, so I built a new one, and to kill two birds with one stone, I included a built-in dog door. Now I just need to find the motivation to close off the old dog door.

I have the plans to build this screen door with a built-in dog door posted via the blog link below for anyone interested.

Blog Link
Free DIY plans for the screen door with dog door
Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
white exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

2x4 Modern Adirondack Chair and Loveseat

Submitted by SofiaTaz on Sun, 12/06/2020 - 12:51

We loved the Modern Adirondack Chair pattern so much that we adapted it to have a matching love seat. It turned out beautifully!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair
Estimated Cost
$200 CAD
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Rustic X entryway table

Submitted by Erinawtrey on Mon, 10/03/2022 - 16:24

I made this to match Ana's rustic x console, end and coffee table!

Built from Plan(s)
Small Rustic X Console
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Secretary/Storage cabinet

Submitted by Kirch3333 on Mon, 11/02/2015 - 05:39

Inspired by the Tall Secretary with mail slots but with my own twist/needs incorporated in it. Finished with pure white satin paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Tall Secretary Cabinet with Mail Slots
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Pure white Behr satin enamel paint, finished with Varathane Matte Soft Touch Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Indoor firwood console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/25/2022 - 07:23

This was fun and easy to make. I made a few changes: it's only 4 ft wide and logs are 15 inches. Separate section for kindling and paper. Vinyl plank, matching our floor, for bottom and back. Added some hooks left and right for woodstove tools. I used the Kreg tool (new to me, love it). It was great to attach the top. I guess I didn't need to use it for the other parts, because the 1 by 4s would have covered the screws, but ... it was good practice with a new tool and the logs cover up the holes. Thanks Ana for all your great plans. I'm feeling encouraged to create some more stuff. Stay tuned.

Blog Link
Nicky Peeters
Built from Plan(s)
Firewood Holder Console Table
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