Community Brag Posts

Lean-To Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 13:17

I’m a first year teacher of construction class at Waterloo High School in Illinois. We recently used your Small Cedar shed instructions with some modifications for a class project. It’s a bear getting cedar right now, so we used T1-11 for the outside and 2x4 for the frame.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Redwood Farmhouse Table and Bench

Submitted by nkukona on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 05:35

Farmhouse Table and Bench. Made from all redwood. Table is all new wood, and half the bench was from reclaimed redwood. Used Danish Oil and Spar Urethane to finish the tops, and paint to finish the legs.   

Estimated Cost
Not sure, but redwood cost a lot more than pine. Maybe $400 or so.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cabin loft bunk bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/02/2019 - 08:49

Elevated loft bed for my two boys! Easy build with the plans from Ana White! I modified this version and elevated it so I could fit my youngest underneath. It was my first time using a Kreg Jig and I’m obsessed now. I would recommend buying top quality wood and increasing all numbers by 2-3 inches to make getting the mattress in easier. I would also recommend a lower profile mattress than I used. Happy Building!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used SW marshmellow and stained the roof walnut. Ladder is made out of steel piping that I spray painted (with primer) black.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DIY Famhouse Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/05/2023 - 08:24

I used the farmhouse table plans, with a few modifications. I made two benches to go along with it. This was my first big wood project and I'm pretty proud of it. My daughter bought her first home and needed a table custom sized to her space so this was perfect. I love all of Ana's plans, so easy to follow.

Living Room Console Table

Well after a successful first project building a Wine Console for my sis-in-law it was time to tackle a project for my own home. We have a huge back wall in our living room that used to be covered by a cheap set of "DVD/CD Organizer" shelves. I hated them from the day I bought them, but they were cheap and they did what we needed. So for my next project I wanted to replace them with something classier.

The basic concept is based off the same workbench console that I used to build the wine table but with some major modifications. First off, it's 9 and a half feet long to better fit the size of the wall. I also wanted to add some shelves for more display space. The wife likes non-symmetrical design styles so I offset the shelves with one hanging from the bottom of the tabletop and the other resting on the bottom shelf.

I just finished it and moved it in so we're still trying to figure out what to put on it. Personally I like a more minimalist approach while my wife loves picture frames so I made a deal. You can see a guest appearance of the first of two $10 gallery shelves that I plan on putting the rest of our pictures on. Stained the same color as the table it looks great on the wall right above it.

It's all made from good ol' Home Depot pine and finished with 3 coats of Varathane's Kona Stain-Poly applied with a brush.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Kona Stain-Poly by Varathane. 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Val Manchuk

Sun, 12/29/2013 - 21:22

What a unique and creative design you did with the shelves! Looks good!

Val @ artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca

Modified clubhouse bed

My daughter wanted to remodel her room with a peacock farm theme. These plans worked perfectly. I decided to just enclose the bottom, add 3 drawers and a barn door to give it functionality and add to the "farm" theme. Enclosing the bottom mad for way more storage in her room. I'm going to add a cubby on the head board side. It's going to mimic a "lean to" shead to further add to the rustic farm look.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Subway Tile Bookshelf

Followed Ana's plans pretty closely. I changed a few of the dimensions and did not include the middle shelf divider. I also added feet to the bottom rather than extend the sides to make those the feet.

I used 1x10s for the shelves, dividers, and exterior, 1x2s for the trim, and scrap 1x3s for the feet.

This was my first woodwork building project and while it took me a long time, I learned a lot in the process. I quickly realized the advantage of pocket holes as I was patching my countersink screws!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
white cabinet paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

My first build. Queen size playhouse loft bed.

Submitted by Bunnie1978 on Sat, 03/10/2012 - 18:57

Aiden's Clubhouse.

I can't even believe I was able to build this! Everyone thought I was crazy for undertaking such a huge project. I made it a queen size because my son would always sleep in my bed anyways... so I just gave it to him. The bed took 4 weeks because I could only work on it on Saturday afternoons. The first week, I made a frame with cleats on the wall. The second week I built the house and stairs. The third week I built the slide and did some of the painting. Today, I finished painting and trim.

I did modify the plans and merged the plan for the slide into my plan, which was a last minute addition. As such, I had to "measure-and-cut-as-you-go" build this bed. I would highly recommend to anyone considering such a task, don't do that. Make a plan, cut all your wood, paint before assembly, and stick to the plan. My stairs all lift up, and under the top landing there is also a cut out inside Aiden's clubhouse-you can see it behind him in the picture below. Also under the slide is a cut out for storage. I have not done anything with the inside of the clubhouse yet. Someday...

I designed the bed specifically so that I could take it apart if we ever move... we live in an apartment. The stairs/stairwell are only connected to the rest of the bed with a single screw. The other wall is a bit more difficult to remove, but not impossible.

I learned a few things doing this, that I want to share with you all..
1. The Kreg-Jig is the best thing ever.
2. I LOVE LOVE LOVE power tools.
3. 4x4 sheets of MDF are difficult to carry upstairs by myself.
4. I can do anything.

I hope you all like it. This was my son's 4th birthday present and he really loves it.

It isn't finished yet though. The far wall in the room is about 2 ft away from the bed, and I haven't decided what to do with that side of the bed, so it's still plain. I would love some ideas! What do you think?

Estimated Cost
$800 including the new tools.. table saw, nailer, kreg, new drill
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr paint. I coordinated the colors on the Behr website to try and match the colors already on the wall.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 06:30

I did make a couple mistakes with the slide. I made it too narrow. Right now it is 1 foot wide. Next time I would do 1 1/2 feet wide. I also would make the landing at the top bigger. I like the angle of the slide now at 45 degrees, but my son did have to learn how to slide down it without falling foward at the bottom. So, a more well designed slide would be less steep, wider, and with a bigger landing at the top. Another tip... for the top of the stairs, take extra care to make sure they swing straight and are about 1/2 inch less wide than the space so they don't scrape the side of the stairwell walls.

spiceylg

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 03:56

This is you FIRST build? Impressive indeed. You did a great job and Aiden is one blessed boy!

Bunnie1978

Sun, 03/11/2012 - 06:32

Technically, I did finish the ten dollar ledge above his bed earlier this week, before I completed the bed, but it was all part of the same project! :) The only other thing I've built is 2x4s slapped together to hold aquariums. My other hobby is breeding fish. :)

Ganny Girl

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:01

This is amazing! I can't believe it was your first build! Did you add any extra support to accommodate the queen size mattress?

Bunnie1978

Mon, 03/12/2012 - 11:29

Yes I actually made a whole frame. Basically just studs - on the walls they are just screwed into studs in the wall, then the other two sides are supported by the walls of the house and a vertical frame piece also. There are two stud slats connected to that, so that bed isn't going anywhere. This is the same method I use for supporting 1500 pound aquariums. I have a bunch of 1x3 slats in there as well...

So, if I want to move the bed, I would remove the side with the stairs (~62 inches)- that whole side is one unit, secured to the frame with one screw, and secured to the other wall by about 5 finish nails and one screw. The longer wall (~85 inches) is secured to the frame by 6 screws.

Queen mattresses are HEAVY. :) I learned that too.

Dani83264 (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 08:21

we're making the Playhouse Loft Bed for a queen bed as well. Maybe you can answer a question for me. Are the dimensions to fit a queen size bed as written, or do we need to convert them. A queen mattress is 75 x 80 and it looks like that's what this is made to fit, but I don't wanna find out i'm wrong after I already have that thing hoisted up over my head :) Thanks for any advice you can offer!

ashleymyers233

Thu, 06/25/2015 - 00:53

Can anyone guide me as to what parts of the clubhouse and castle bed plans were used here to make this bed

Wooden patio Cooler by DIY Pete

This was my very first project I did. Very proud of how this turned out. Now my sister has one and I am building another one with Mickey Mouse on it for my other sister. I build it in a day with lots of breaks due to 4 teenagers.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Brew Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 14:38

I used your workbench plan to build my Brew Bench. I changed the measurements to fit my space and used a butcher block for the countertop. Very sturdy and pretty easy project. Took one day to build.

Scott R

Comments

Farmhouse Bed - Canadian King

Submitted by rbernier09 on Thu, 11/28/2019 - 06:39

Followed Ana’s plans to the inch and I had no issues at all everything fit like a glove. I used knotty pine for all facing boards except for the 2x4 sandwiched second from the top on both head and footboard (used spruce). I used spruce for anything that would be hidden. Glue and #10 fasteners. Instead of screwing the side rail cleats to the foot/headboard post I used 3.5 inch bolts and washers.

A Canadian King is when your dog owns your bed and allows you to sleep in it.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Circa 1850 Bleach.
Minwax white wash pickling stain.
Old Masters Wiping Stain - Dark Walnut.
Varathane Diamond water based clear coat - Satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 12/13/2019 - 18:53

My wife wanted a bookcase for her office. She had an idea on what she wanted, so this is what I came up with.
Made the case with 3/4” MDF.

Estimated Cost
About $38
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Bed made to order - Twin XL

Submitted by kjoslyn78 on Sun, 12/22/2019 - 10:40

My daughter has a twin XL bed, which we had been unable to find a frame for since getting it. After 2 years of her mattress and box springs on the floor, this plan came out and a plan was hatched to get it made. The biggest change we needed to do different from the twin plans was to make the side rails and the side rail cleats 5" longer to accommodate the XL length. We also added a middle support to keep the side from bowing out, and the cleats are at the bottom of the siderails, as we are using a boxpsring and mattress. 

Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I dont remember what we finished with, but the kid spilled half the can in the grass :)Photo is after sanding, and before finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

amymarie02

Mon, 03/28/2022 - 09:47

Hi do you have the measurements and what to buy for this bed frame? We also have a twin xl mattess and cannot find a frame anywhere

Step Stool

we made two of step stools for two little girls for Christmas! we personalized them. we drill some wholes so, it'd be easy for the girls to carry around.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Playhouse

This was our first project and it was pretty simple! We are really happy with the results. We went a little further and lined the inside ceiling and used outdoor carpet inside as well. We saved money by using reminant wood for the deck and some old shingles that had been lying around. It was our first time roofing so it is far from perfect but it should stay dry. Overall our two little girls LOVE it.

Estimated Cost
$400-$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Exterior Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

nikjwil

Sat, 07/07/2012 - 21:06

We just finished this project. I love the shutters, mailbox and curtains! What cute touches!

Small Kitchen Storage Pantry

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/02/2023 - 11:17

I adjusted your Barndoor l Pantry plans to utilize repurposed lumber from a Murphy bed. The shelves are 22" deep for my microwave, toaster oven, etc. It's so functional and much easier to work in my small kitchen.

Cheryl G

Built from Plan(s)

Corner Bookshelf

Recently, I wanted a redo of my mismatched furniture in my sewing room. When I was planning what to do, I decided I needed storage for my sewing books and a place to put my printer. I searched your site for plans (as usual). I found the corner bookshelf that was almost perfect. I had my boyfriend build it for me, but it needed to be just a little taller and a little wider to work with my desk. It turned out fabulous! Thanks for all the great plans you have. They are great inspirations!

Estimated Cost
Unknown - we used some pieces we had and had to get some supplies
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I finished it with whited paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Table Top Puppet Theater

Submitted by melfosson on Tue, 05/22/2012 - 14:26

My son's kindergarten teacher had a table top puppet theater on her "wish list" from an online store - but it cost $70 and I knew there's no way i could buy that. But just one look at it made me realize I could build my own. My son and I built it in just a couple hours and then took some extra time for sanding and spray painting. I had all the kids in the class sign their names on the sides and I used chalk board paint on the top sign so the kids can write their own show title or time, etc. There's a place to keep the chalk in the back. We presented this gift to my son's teacher at the end of Teacher Appreciation week, and it was a huge hit!

PLANS: http://www.tools4moms.com/2012_05_01_archive.html

Estimated Cost
$0-$15 (I only paid for spray paint because I had the wood scraps)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray painted all the boards separately before assembling. Use different colors to give it a fun look.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

The Rustic X side table

Submitted by gvandy on Fri, 04/18/2014 - 17:27

This is my first EVER project, but I have already made several more!! I love this site and the new found confidence I have to make things for my home! Keep the plans coming!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Nothing! I used only what we had!
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American top and Heirloom white base, sanded with stain rubbed on the edges!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Dollhouse

Submitted by keribeth on Sat, 07/07/2012 - 05:46

I combined my favorite elements from three of Ana's dollhouse plans to make this dollhouse for my kids. My favorite part is the stairs, which I cut from a 2x4 with a miter saw. I made this project from start to finish in one day while the grandparents took the kids, and it was ready for Christmas morning! I made simple furniture for it, too, which you can see in the second picture.

Estimated Cost
~$20 (I used some scraps)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
linseed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jerika

Wed, 02/11/2015 - 06:35

Is there any way you could email me the plans you used for the furniture? or just individual pictures of the furniture? [email protected] (you may wanna copy and paste that people always get it wrong, haha).
I LOVE THIS

MissM

Wed, 07/10/2019 - 04:08

I know this is an oldie but if you have the finals plans I would love to see them!

What a great open dollhouse!

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