Husband built the loft bed plans for our oldest daughter. She said this was he was the best dad in the world!
I read and studied every comment and brag post about this shed. I must have read the plans a hundred times before I got up the courage to tackle it. It’s a very attractive and affordable shed design. I thought a double wide version would be perfect for our long, narrow side yard, and it is! I mostly stuck to the plans except for a few things. I made it 10” taller overall so there would be plenty of head clearance under the doorway. That was a very easy modification. I used 2x4s for the walls instead of 2x2s because we have high winds in our area. That modification was a little bit more challenging, but I planned it out and it worked! Also I used 2x6s for the headers instead of 2x4s. I also added 2x4s at the thresholds because I couldn’t image making it stay square without them. I basically made two sheds joined by a common wall in the center. I did not increase the depth, mostly because I was afraid to mess with the angles and how that would change the pitch of the roof. Joining two sheds together meant that I didn’t have to put the exterior pickets on the middle wall. But it also meant that I had to build 4 doors. Yuck. They were difficult to get lined up and level, but I was amazed it actually worked and that all the doors operate properly and smoothly. I was questioning the wisdom of my decision to do 4 doors while I was in the thick of it, but now that all the work is done, I love that I can open all 4 doors and have easy access to absolutely everything in the shed. Very convenient! I told my dad I was building a shed and he recommend that I add cross braces. It seemed sturdy enough without them but it certainly can’t hurt. My dad knows everything about building and I know nothing, so I took his recommendation. If I were to do this again, I would overlap the cedar pickets by 1” instead of ½”. My pickets were not quite wide enough. I could swear they shrunk after I applied the stain/uv protection. I used liquid nails along each lap but it didn’t hold. Where the glue DID hold tight, the wood split lengthwise. Anyway, for whatever reason, gaps appeared and I spent a fortune on clear silicon applied on the interior walls to make it water tight. I had to keep going back for “just one more tube.” So with hind sight I would have been better off just buying a few more pickets and increasing the overlap. Another thing I might do is make it deeper. I decided against it initially because I was worried that increasing the depth would make it flimsy. Now I don’t think that would be a problem. This shed is sturdy. I can’t say thank you enough. Great plans and a great website! I am completely hooked.
Mon, 11/11/2013 - 14:51
Thank you Ana! I can't thank you enough for introducing me to the best hobby ever. Your plans are the best!
Mon, 11/11/2013 - 12:01
Great Work. Any estimated cost of what this would cost to build?
Mon, 11/11/2013 - 14:56
I kept every receipt from caulking gun to stains and brushes. I just now added it up and it came to (cringe) just under $900. But I have lots of left overs for another shed and it's still a huge bargain. Other sheds that are similar to this plan are much smaller and start at $1,999 and up! I think it was well worth it to have a sturdy bargain shed that's also beautiful.
Sat, 01/22/2022 - 23:01
It looks great with the stain. I think your Dad's advice was good. Also I like that the heavier timbers add rigidity to the frame.
Built this table and bench according to Ana's plans worked out great.
I have wanted a Restoration Hardware bed for so long. Now I have "one" but for way less and we did it all ourselves. starting with Ana's platform bed plans we build on it and walk through the process and even the custom 3 part finish. for a full tutorial please see my blog. http://imperfectlyimaginable.blogspot.com/2013/11/restoration-hardware-…
would love to hear from you and see any projects that are completed.
Tryde Console Table. First project undertaken. Decided to make a bottom shelf. Used 4 1x4s and notched the middle two to fit around legs. Being that is was out first project, we had a few problems with keeping everything square and level but with a few minor tweeks it ended up looking really good.
I had always wanted a kitchen island and saw this project. Seeing that the plans were well written I decided to tackle it. In addition I made a few small modifications to enhance the style of the island. These included using 4x4's on the corners and a IKEA butcher block top. The top allows for a larger surface area to work with and more space to sit under. The stools in the picture are from World Market and they were the perfect pair for the island. The island is great for family gatherings or just sitting with your morning coffee. I had family over for Thanksgiving and received lots of compliments. Thank you Ana!
Mon, 12/02/2013 - 21:39
Marvelous job on the island! The baskets are the perfect finishing touch!
Val
artsybuildinglady.blogspot.ca
Tue, 12/03/2013 - 17:43
I love how this looks. This is actually next on my list of projects, thanks for the inspiration!
I love how these turned out! I did use my Kreg Jig to attach my back and bottom boards, but you could easily pre-drill and use regular screws. You can see a full tutorial at http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2012/01/20-shelves-anyone-can-build.html !!
Tue, 01/24/2012 - 18:44
Whitney these shelves are so beautiful! Th stain is amazing, and I love the art!
In reply to Whitney these shelves are so by Ana White
Wed, 01/25/2012 - 04:31
I love them... One of my very favorite projects!
I first made a set of these for my wife to use on the deck. She liked them so much that she's using them in the living room! (Second photo.) These were made from rough lumber left over from a building project so took a fair amount of time to cut and prep. I don't have a planer so the belt sander outside was put to good use. Then, to make them them fit well, I recut the sides, and rather than pocket holes I glued them into a plank before cutting the rounds with my table saw. That also gave me a tight flat top.
Her friend saw them and wanted a set, so here they are. Again I recut the sides and glued them to create a smooth plank. This time I used the router and a circle jig to cut the tops, giving me a much nicer finish. They will be stained mahogany and finished with multiple coats of polyurethane.
The large one I simply upsized from the original plan, roughly scaled. It is 22" tall, made with 2x8 lumber selected and purchased at the box store. My wife's friend is totally delighted with them! Thanks Ana for the inspiration.
I was looking for a shed to keep pool towels and other deck and pool items. This shed hit every feature I was looking
for. My husband loved the plans. He's always saying he can build anything with a measured drawing and a
cut list. The only thing we changed was the roofing material. we were given some metal roofing by a friend.
Mon, 06/26/2023 - 12:20
Fabulous, so glad you found our plans helpful! It looks great.
This is my first build and im really proud of it. We needed a new platform bed to fit our new matress! Yeah! a queen size bed! I discovered ana's blog and i got really inspired by all the projects in the blog! For the construction, i used birch for the showing parts, pine for side rails and center support and spruce for the slats. Actually, i haved cut de sides and builded the legs then i oiled evething before assembling. I used my Kreg Jig r3 to join the sides and i used a corner metal bracket to join the legs to the sides! Everything is attached from the inside, so no filler needed! I also decided to use 1x6 for the legs to get a taller bed. If you want your matress lower in the frame use 2x4 instead of 2x6 for the center support. Adjust de side rails to fit with the 2x4. Can't wait to build something new! FYI: I know my english is bad but its not my first language!Im french canadian!
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 08:17
Your bed looks good! It makes a nice focal piece for the room.
Your English is fun to read!
I loved this plan. It was my first build from Ana White plans and a true jumping off point for my imagination. I used pine boards, matte red underneath and semi-gloss white top coat. Steel wool was my tool for the distressing.
This is my second build. I used the Benchright plan but had to modify it for one drawer. The Dimensions are 39 long, 25 wide, and 19 tall. I have heard others comment on how difficult drawers are. I thought I would just jump in head first with the kind of drawer that closes flush with the rest of the table - really had some trouble with making it square. I ended up shimming the face onto to the drawer because even though it opens and closes smoothly, it isn't square with the rest of the table...
I had originally planned to make the 20 second tidy up table for my living room and begun purchasing materials. However, I was let go from my job last Sunday, so changed my plans. I took inventory of all the supplies and materials I had on hand and tried to find a plan that would not require any more spending to build... to sell... to pay rent.... and thus the new table was born. And I love it. And I hate to sell it.
I tried to copy the finish on the 20 second tidy up table, and this is how it ended up. I used Minwax Golden Pecan for the base color and Red Oak for the accent color. The colors got a little blended together through the staining process. I really love how it turned out though because it's a nice warm color. The only thing I don't like is the grain in the pine didn't take much if any color, so it's still a bit yellow, which seems slightly out of place when I look at it. I think it will darken with age and look a little better. Otherwise, this was a super fun project!!
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 04:43
Stain it all! You will get more money for it stained than painted or unfinished.
Tue, 03/27/2012 - 06:09
I will try to do that this weekend... if I can find some money to get stain with. Hehe. I think it would look really great stained with the same method that Ana used on the 20 second tidy up table... rubbing the edges with a darker color... I love that look.
Tue, 04/10/2012 - 04:58
This is awesome! I love it. You did a great job. Do you by any chance have the construction process on this? I would love to try it for my "first" project!! thank you.
Mon, 05/14/2012 - 15:30
I love the 20 second tidy up table and have plans to make 1 but I've been so busy with work that I've been commissioned to build. Nothing for me for a while.... So goes unemployed life. No complaints!!!
Toy bin box with cubby shelves
Caleb
Mon, 09/18/2023 - 15:49
Love your finish and customization! Thanks for sharing.
Beautiful fall planter front porch by farmhousewifey on Instagram
Love this tv table! It was my husband's first project from Ana's plans, and it turned out really well. The most difficult part was deciding how to make the sliding barn door hardware, since paying $70 for hardware when the wood cost about that much seemed crazy. My husband built it and I stained it, Sunbleached by Varathane. A nice blue-grey.
Our grandson needed a tv stand for his new apartment. They liked the plan from your website and this is our version.
Steve Mawhorter
Sat, 11/18/2023 - 13:31
Love your finish choice, it looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
I built this L shape desk based on Ana White's rustic X desk plan. I would not have attempted this without her guidance. Love how this turned out, probably the nicest project I've ever done. Thanks Ana!
Tue, 05/26/2020 - 09:34
This is awesome! My son and I are looking to build an L shaped desk for him and this looks to be the one. Any thoughts on how I would mount a computer tray beneath? Think there is enough clearance below the 2x4 without hitting knees?
Thanks!
"I still can’t believe my mom and I built this beautiful fireplace.” - Megan Shaffer on Instagram
I started off with Ana's plans and kinda went rogue from there. The idea of creating those curved back legs scared me so I thought I'd sacrifice an Ikea dining chair and use it as the legs. When I ruined one of the legs I decided that I'd come too far to back out and that I must continue. I adapted many conventional methods to make the settee but I'm super pleased with the outcome. For the full step by step on how I completed the settee, please check it out here Part 1 Part 2 Part 3
My co-worker and I built these planters from pallets that we had lying around at work. The only expense we had was the Kreg Jig I purchased (and love). It took us about 5 hours to put them together, including the time it took to cut the lumber to size. Then we used Thompson's water seal and stapled commercial grade landscaping cloth inside the planter. We made them for work and hope they will just naturally age. This was an easy project and we will definitely make more of these.
We had leftover screws, landscaping fabric and water seal from other projects.
Comments
jbyler
Fri, 12/23/2011 - 09:20
Jessica
We are so excited to complete this project for our oldest, but of course the middle child is wanting a bunk bed too-guess we'll be building one of those soon.