Community Brag Posts

Playhouse

We built this playhouse for our daughter's 6th birthday. She absolutely loves it! We were looking at purchasing one, but they were way out of our budget. Ana saved the day with these plans :).

Estimated Cost
$320.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We painted the house with white Pittsburg Ultra Exterior Latex paint. The mailbox, door and shutters were all painted with Pink Viburnum Sherwin Williams Satin Exterior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Modified Firepit Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/14/2020 - 09:12

I built the one bench using the original plan with the storage and table top unit but needed two additional seating benches to go around the firepit without the bulk of the backside of the bench.

I modified the original plan as follows:

Shopping List:
(2) 2X6X8
(3) 2X4X8
(2) 1X6X8

Cutting List:
(2) 2X4X17" front legs, 15 degree cuts, parallel long to short
(2) 2X4X23" back support, 15 degree cuts, parallel long to short
(2) 2X4X20.75" back legs, 15 and 60 degree cuts, not parallel long to long
(2) 2X4X23" Back support, 15 degree cuts, parallel long to short
(2) 2X4X24.75" under seat, 15 degree cuts, not parallel long to long
(2) 2X4X30" bottom support, 15 degree cuts, not parallel long to long
(1) 2X4X42" bottom cross brace between leg sets, 90 degree cuts
(2) 2X6 cut equally in half, 3 for the seat and 1 for the top plate
(2) 1X6 cut equally in half, 3 for the back rest and 1 to be tucked under the seat overhang

Estimated Cost
$40.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kkushner

Sat, 08/15/2020 - 22:52

I am the individual who submitted this modification on June 14, 2020. I was making a change to the submission but somehow sent it before correcting the cut list. The "(2) 2X4X23" back support, 15 degree cuts, parallel long to short" is repeated twice and should be only once.

6' Square Sandbox

I've been wanting to buy or make a sandbox for my son for a couple of years now. Since seeing this on Ana White I knew I had to make it. My son is 4 yo and I didn't think the 4' square sandbox would be big enough for him, so I made it bigger. Ours is 6' square.

Materials:
4@1x8x6'
12@1x6x6'
2x4 - used leftovers from another project
8 hinges
4 handles
decking screws

Cut lengths:
2@1x8 cut to 71.5 (long sides of the box)
2@1x8 cut to 70.5 (short sides of the box)
did not cut the 1x6 boards (top planks) - actually designed the other boards to fit their length to prevent cutting (saving time) (note that original plan uses 1x4 planks - I used 1x6s so I could use the same number of planks but cover a larger area)
4@2x4 cut to 11.5 (arm rests)
4@2x4 cut to 18.5 (back supports)

followed instructions for assembly otherwise. At my husbands suggestion we put the handles on the sides and can easily open from either side - prevents having to lean over to the middle to open (back saver)

I finished the project in 4 hours including clean up and a couple of small breaks. This is my first Ana White project. It was a lot of fun to build and I hope my son will enjoy it for years to come!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$190
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Sand and stain with sealer included
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Mrs. Chellebelle

Sat, 09/01/2012 - 20:59

Wow, this is just what I need! I've been wanting to make a sandbox for under the playhouse but the other plan was too small. This would be great for the little guys. Thanks!

Narrow Sewing Table

Submitted by WeezyWorks on Tue, 09/11/2012 - 18:06

Ive been looking for a sewing table to fit my space. but found none for less than $500 and they were quite small. I found a post at quiltedcupcake.com that linked me to another blog, linking me here. I modified the plan to be about 2 feet wide and cut a hole to fit my sewing machine. There is a support in the bottom to hold my machine level with the tabletop. When I make this in the future, I will splurge on a fine hardwood. This plan was easy to build and looks great! Just what I was looking for :D

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark stain and satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tommirhea

Fri, 09/14/2012 - 09:45

I'm jealous of your organization! I've had a folding table for my sewing table since I started sewing :(

tommirhea

Sun, 09/16/2012 - 10:11

Now, I've just got to make it! I love to free motion quilt and that would make it easier. With each baby I've had my quilting space has diminished (of course it's worth it) but now I think I will reclaim some space ;)

Rustic x garage tree.

Submitted by johnpkuly on Sat, 07/18/2020 - 08:49

Fun project. Had the kids helping with the build. Easy to follow directions. Made the x side by side rather than cut. Sanding and painting took the longest. Had to put 2 good coats to protect it. Thanks!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Vale par signature urban sunrise semi gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Perfect College Student's Desk Combo

I combined the Dorm Desk and Flip-down Children's art desk plans to make a perfect combination for my school work.

The Dorm Desk was designed to be used with bar stools, so it would be rather tall. I simply made the dimensions shorter to fit with a computer chair. I also tweaked the children's art desk a bit for use as a laptop desk, just took out the shelves and put a piece in to hold binders and whatnot.

Another note, most of the materials used were scraps from other projects, so the dimensions are a little different there too. For instance, I had some 6" strips of 3/4" plywood sitting around, so I used those for the shelves instead of 1x8's, and I used a piece of 1x12 for the front of the wall-mount desk instead of plywood.

The estimate cost is not at all what it would cost if you were starting from scratch. The only things I payed for up front for these two projects was the D-ring hangers for the wall-mount desk, a piece of plywood for he desk top, some tin flashing, and a 2x2 for the frame.

*the tin flashing I got ended up not being magnetic, which was disappointing, but it ended up working well with wet-erase markers (the kind teachers use on overhead projectors) so at least it still has a function. I may also end up puting a cork border around the edges so I can still hang things from there.

Hint: I used an old wallet chain for support on the wall-mount desk. I also found some left over hinges and a small clasp I had bought for a keepsake box I made years ago. If you're pretty handy, you probably have plenty of stuff you can use just lying around the house.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Modern Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/08/2020 - 07:31

This was my first time DIYing furniture, so I definitely came up with a very easy design!

The dimensions for this sofa are modern as it sits low to the ground and has a squarish appearance.

Free detailed plan on Blog: www.MinimalistFarmStyle.com

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Watered down Varathane Water-based Java Bean.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Playhouse

Submitted by Dawnybb on Thu, 11/22/2012 - 09:32

This was so much fun to do! Very easy and I added some personal touches. I made the lower level an enclosed sandbox area with a chalk board on the back wall. On the outside of the back wall, I added a "ball wall" that my kids love. I enclosed the bottom sandbox with plastic "chicken wire" to keep the cats out. :)

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Dawnybb

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 15:34

Thanks! Glad you like it!

The paint was from Dunn Edwards: Roof was "Louisiana Mud", playhouse walls were "Drifting" and then the white was a snow white from Lowe's.

The slide and accessories were also from Lowe's.

m7hennen

Tue, 04/15/2014 - 09:35

I LOVE this! This is exactly what I'd like to build. Do you have plans you can share with us? I think I'd also like to add a couple of swings on one of the sides too. Thanks so much!

In reply to by m7hennen

Dawnybb

Sun, 04/27/2014 - 08:39

I know I messed with the dimensions a bit but I don't remember exactly. I made the playhouse larger (deeper and taller than original plans) . I also cut the roof line on the deck side for more room. I put aluminum over the wood on the roof and then painted. The Ball Wall was made out of plastic gutter pieces that I painted and we used practice rubber golf balls to throw into them. I hope that helps! We sold that house, so I can't go out and measure it :)

eegad1973

Thu, 05/28/2020 - 15:32

You may not get this as this is an old post. Did you dig post holes? I have older kids and I am thinking about building a plan like this but at a 6ft height. Wondered how much it moves around when there are a bunch of kids on there. The house I will build is also 6 ft heigh.

Seasonal And Holiday

Miter Saw Cart

Submitted by ivyfamily5 on Sat, 09/19/2020 - 13:49

I love this Miter Saw Cart. The plans were easy to follow and tweak to work with what I had on hand. I love all of Ana White's plans, passion, and inspiration. Happy Building!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I left it raw, but I might paint it later. I also plan to add a Stop Block to it soon.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified Eco Modular Desk

This was my first real project. I started with the base instructions from this site and plugged them into Sketch-Up. From there I modified them a bit to fit my space better and to accomodate my PC and Audio/Video equipment. The desk fir perfectly in the room. My wife and I put the flooring in plus new baseboards, window sills, and paint. I also used some plans for floating shelves from another site and incorporate lighting to complete the look of the room. Can't wait for my next project!!!

Finish Used
Weathered Oak - Minwax
Satin Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Tree house without a tree

Submitted by TamarasJoy on Thu, 02/02/2017 - 18:52

Full Tutorial with a LOT more photos on the Blog HERE

We had measured the garden space so we could build this frame to fit the space. The deck frame was made to be the correct height for the slide that we would attach later.

Once all the boards were put onto the frame I added some rails for safety of course. Then stained everything....

 

PS This IS a beginner project! I promise!!!! I am a beginner and I built it, it's still standing so you can do it too! I promise!

Estimated Cost
$300

IF you can't scrounge around for old wood and someones old slide!
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Used blue & white outdoor paint & simple stain (left over from our fence)
Roof was a a green house product.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table

Submitted by ssshindler on Fri, 11/07/2014 - 05:39

This is my first project and I am thrilled with how it turned out. Thank you Ana, you have empowered this stay at home mom! 

Finish Used
minwax dark walnut stain, polyvore wax varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

sagey

Sun, 11/09/2014 - 18:41

I  love this table sooooooo much .

please explain exactly how you achieved the finish on it > is the wood reclaimed!!!!

sagey

Sun, 11/09/2014 - 18:42

I  love this table sooooooo much .

please explain exactly how you achieved the finish on it > is the wood reclaimed!!!!

Love this coop!

Submitted by ladybug7 on Sun, 11/30/2014 - 06:03

The plans are so easy to follow! They are a great jumping off point for customizing the coop for your own needs! We added a run door, ladder support, insulated floor and wall, removable window, and a loft door. The girls LOVE it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
After modifications, $250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cascading cedar planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/08/2017 - 17:18

Instead of the 2X6, we used an additional cedar board to complete the sides and the ends of the planters.  This was more cost effective and still provides enough support to hold the planters.  This is a great alternative to the more expensive items we found online.  We will be building multiple to put in an unused space in our yard.  Great project!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
15 each
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
no finish, we prefer the look of aged cedar
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Square Picnic Table

Submitted by frmoody on Tue, 08/10/2021 - 07:05

Enjoyed this project although with the price of lumber it was a little expensive to build. The only modification I made was to put a cross brace in the centre of the table top. That allowed me to attach the top boards a little more securely as some of them were a little bowed. I'll add a better photograph once I get it out of my garage and on to the back deck. It is a little heavy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$240
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the dark part of the table with Behr water based English Chestnut and the seat and top with Minwax Ipswich Pine followed by four coats of Varathane Exterior Gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Storage Bench/Daybed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/23/2017 - 20:49

This was my 2nd woodworking project, so I was very pleased with the results. I wanted more seating and storage for my office area. I liked the look of the Farmhouse Storage Bed, so I decided to modify the plans and turn it into a bench. I made the seating area 30" wide and 68" long. Instead of headboard and footboard, I made 2 sides that were about 40" tall (36" 4x4 plus the 2x4 and 2x6). I made 3 24" deep drawers and left the back side open so that I can store electronics that need to be charged in them with the cords hanging out the back of the drawers. It was a lot of fun to make, and I know that my family will enjoy it!

Estimated Cost
$350 for wood and hardware, then paint and cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Flat black oil-based enamel paint, then finished by lightly rubbing with fine grit sandpaper
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Patio Table w/Built in Beer/Wine Cooler

Submitted by RoyBoy on Sat, 05/18/2013 - 06:58

After seeing the patio table with beer/wine cooler, I wanted to build this for my brother and wife who recently bought a house. I asked them if they were interested and of course they said yes. I modified the original plans by adding a 2x4 on each side of the cooler to make the table wider. I also made the legs out of 4x4 vs the 2x4s that were originally called for. I used redwood and then stained it and used a varnish for the final coating. I probably wouldn't use the varnish again for an outdoor table, because it looks like it should be an indoor table vs outdoor. Overall, I'm pleased with the results and the best part about it, I get to enjoy it every time I go over for a BBQ.

Estimated Cost
$225-250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Olympic Redwood Naturaltone Toner Exterior Stain
Cabot Spar Varnish Semi-Gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Msharp1211

Wed, 07/03/2013 - 13:04

Awesome table, do you happen to have the measurements you used. I'd like to make the same table but I need the lumber yard to make the cuts.

Adirondack Chairs for fire pit

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/06/2021 - 03:51

We have a contemporary house on a lake and the standard Adirondack chairs were not fitting in this setup. However, Anna’s modern Adirondack chair plan was just perfect for what we were looking for. The chairs are comfortable and the result is amazing! Thanks!!

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Potting Bench

Submitted by bluejazz on Thu, 03/24/2011 - 12:09

The plans are great.  This went together really fast.  I am cheating a little here, it is not quite complete; I need to add the side blocks on top and my wife would like a another panel added to the front at work height level, just for looks.  But the overall look won't be changed.  I struggled some with finishing (I usually do).  A couple spots  have runs I didn't see.  One will be covered by the front panel I'll add,but another needs sanding.

Just for fun I added a picture of the bench 3 years later. Its held up well to a lot of use and a lot of sitting out in the elements.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
General Finishes Cedar Exterior 450 Water based stain. I was going to add a spar varnish to extend the life. I decided against that because while it likely would extend the life, I would have to strip it to re-stain. After a couple years, I can simply re-stain without stripping if I don't varnish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My version of the Chunky Bed frame, low modern headboard, and take-off of the squared headboard plans.

I've been on a building spree lately, and one of the things I have been wanting to do was change the look of our bedroom. We had a nice, traditional sleigh bed that we had since shortly after we got married(13 years ago), but really hadn't done much with our room since. We talked about platform beds, and I toyed with making the west elm one for a while. Finally hubby went out of town and I could get to work.
I decided to use 2x6s instead of 1x6s for a few reasons:1)It's a king bed and I wanted a heavier feel, 2)the 2xs were way straighter and way cheaper than the 1xs at my local store!
Just fyi--be sure that yo take into account the fact that you are using 2xs when you take your measurements! I was sloppy there and had a few tense moments when I thought I would have to do two sides over, but I made it work. Our mattress fits, but not as it is supposed to.  I should know better by now, but live and learn.

The frame came together great. The legs look like they are separate, but I ended up going with that look and making it deliberate.

Headboard: I used Ana's plans for the low modern cut out, but without the cut out. I used scraps! Yay! The structure is the same, but I used 2x3s for the legs and 2x2s for the interior frame. I happened to have a piece of 1/4" ply sitting around that was the perfect length and used it for the front. Then I used two shorter scraps for the back.

Finish is valspar glossy black spray paint. I like spray paint. A lot. I use it for everything.

Squared art: I originally wanted the squared headboard, but ditched the idea because I lean against my headboard while I have that first life-affirming cup of coffee, and it looked two uncomfortable. Then I picked up the latest issue of the  Do It Yourself mag, and they showed a room where there were two painted decorative screens on the wall very similar to the this pattern. I was super excited, because I knew I had plenty of scraps for this one. I started out with the kreg jig, but then decided that since the piece didn't need to bear any weight, I would use glue. Glue it was, and it went together fine. If you measure, there are some...creative differences in the squares, but most people won't notice. Impatience is my biggest downfall!

Finally--duvet cover is two 8.00 queen sheets sewn on three sides. The small pillows were what sparked the color scheme. I wanted the whole duvet cover to be that fabric, but it came from my stash and has been discontinued. The side tables are my own very convoluted plan, and were also made from scraps(I had a LOT of scraps). The lights are two 2.00 plastic bowls from Big Lots, with a hanging bulb-type fixture that I purchased from Pier One. I'm still on the lookout for a different shade, so those may change, as they are not quite long enough for me.
Now, it's time to turn the rest of the room into the same century and get rid of the mish-mash of broken old stuff that we have. Bookcase and dresser are next up.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~60.00 in wood for frame, the rest was scrap
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner