Community Brag Posts

King Size Farmhouse Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/03/2019 - 13:02

This farmhouse bed is a combination of Ana White's Farmhouse Bed/Modern Farmhouse Bed plans as well as some slight modifications. I modified the bed using materials already on hand and leftover from past jobs. The 4x4 posts are 2 - 2×4s glued and filled together. The headboard was made using 2x2's and tongue and groove boards. The side rails, foot board and matress supports are 2x10's since this was old material from a job site my husband was on. I opted for no footboard to make the bed feel less bulky. The finish was done using chalk paint in a light gray, giving it a more modern look.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
The bed is a painted finish using Rust-Oleum Chalked in Aged Grey. The paint dries quickly allowing for two coats to be applied on the same day. Between coats, I lightly sanded the paint to remove any roughness. I find chalk paint to be durable and easy to apply. I opted not to apply a clear coat as our bed doesn't see a lot of wear and tear.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Restoration Hardware Inspired Media Console

We got some new furniture and realized that the TV stand we currently have just wasn't going to work. We found a media console at Restoration Hardware that we really liked (http://www.restorationhardware.com/catalog/product/product.jsp?productI…). Well, we liked everything but the $1,300 price tag. With a couple sheets of 3/4 plywood, some 1x3's, 1x4's and 1x6's we built this for a fraction of the price. We even modified it so the two side doors have speaker mesh instead of solid panels so we can enjoy the sound without the eyesore of the speakers.

The stain is still drying so I don't have a final installed photo.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Once built, I beat it with chains, burned it with a torch and put one coat of MinWax Dark Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

meggiefrue

Fri, 09/05/2014 - 11:23

I was curious if you had any kind of plans for this peice or if you could at least tell me what sizes of wood you used. I am very interested in building this!

 

Thnak you,

 

Meghan

szilvaierika

Sat, 03/14/2015 - 08:18

I am trying to build a similar style cabinet with the middle part coming out. Could you please let me know, since the middle section of the cabinet comes out, is the bottom and top cut out of one piece of wood? You can email me at [email protected]. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks so much! Erika

shawnubis

Mon, 01/25/2016 - 08:33

I see several people have commented and asked for plans, but no one has responded :(
 

Jlplant

Sun, 10/16/2016 - 20:00

 Hello! This is a beautiful piece. Would love to see the plans, if they are available. Please let me know! Thank you! 

2x4 Outdoor Sectional with Matching Chairs, Ottomans and Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/12/2020 - 20:51

We were looking for outdoor furniture for our deck, and for the size and amount we needed it would have cost us at least $2000. We really like the idea of having an outdoor sectional that we can also use for dining, and we had trouble finding a set we liked. We found Ana's plans for the 2x4 Outdoor Sectional, and i loved the look. After seeing what others have done with the plans, I thought I would be able to modify it to get everything we needed for much less cost than buying a set.

We ended up extending the size of the 2x4 outdoor sofa by one 24" section, for a total length of 96". I then used the same design to make two outdoor chairs, just reduced the length to 24". I modified the 2x4 outdoor coffee table plans to create two ottoman's that can be moved around to make the seating more lounge style Finally, I modified the coffee table plans to make a 5 foot outdoor dining table. All in all, it took about a week and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out!

Estimated Cost
$800 Total ($200 for the wood, $600 for the cushions)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Semi-Transparent Antique Oak Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Full size Daybed (Hailey hybrid)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/02/2017 - 08:44

 This is a hybrid between the Hailey daybed and the Hailey platform bed. My son is in love with this bed! Used aluminum diamond plate for the headboard. 

Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum primer, black paint (3 coats) and clear finish. Aluminum diamond plate headboard. Lots of sanding. Used sponge roller for smooth finish. Cut diamond plate into three sections because I found a 2'x4' piece on Amazon for $22. One that spanned the length of the headboard (73") was $100!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Wooden garden tools storage shed

Our last project was building a tiny garden tools storage shed. We used only 1 x 4 boards. We don't have any plans, but you can watch the entire building process on our YouTube channel. We are very proud of the way the project turned out.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Flag Pole Planter

I wanted a place for a flag pole, but I didn't want to put one in the ground or screw into my siding, so I modified the cedar planter to hold a flag pole. It was a fun project!  Check out more here!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$40 plus flag pole
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
White Exterior Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Simple Outhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 13:45

We used the plans from the Simple Outhouse to make a space to hold our porta potty. The door is a repurposed barn door and I think it looks amazing! These plans were perfect for us as we were able to build it in panels and reassemble on our property by the lake. Some screened windows to allow for ventilation and light were the finishing touches. Thanks Anna for the simple to follow plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used pressure treated wood for the base and deck. For inside, we repurposed some scraps of composite decking. Painted with exterior latex "driftwood".

A-Frame Hen House

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 10:22

Great easy project to get the bigger chicks out of the garage to integrate with the older hens. Made some modifications because we have a lot of critters trying to kill the chickens/chicks.

Built from Plan(s)

modern park bench

Submitted by debinmi on Sun, 09/28/2014 - 11:50

Spent an hour or so an evening after work to make this bench .  Also made the umbrella stand but haven't drilled the hole for the umbrella yet so it' s still in the garage.  Love the bench, it's long & deep enough to lay down upon.  Made the arms from a 2x6 and rounded the front w/ a jig saw, made the other end the same size as the 2x4, and made them longer than the plan. Pretty simple, did use pocket holes in places. First major build & 1st brag.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Pittsburg exterior stain in Oxford Brown
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday

Firewood Shed

When I decided to build a woodshed I was freaked out because I've never done anything even remotely like this.  I struggle with precision and patience, which made this project seem overwhelming as I knew I had to do a lot of prep work to properly level the ground, measure the wood, learn how to operate a saw, calculate angles to cut, etc...  I did a lot of research online and found this simple blueprint a great starting point.   I made some adjustments since i needed a much bigger shed, it's 11.5' x 7' x 7'.  Also, I already had the wood resting on pallets so I just build this shed around the wood with no built in floor.  Overall, I'm thrilled with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple 2x4 Potting Bench - Modified

I was intrigued by Ana’s Simple 2x4 Potting Bench. The project seemed simple enough and it would be used as a means to clean up clutter in the garage. My main focus was to make it semi-portable and weather resistant. Instead of using 2x4’s for the corner posts, I used 4x4’s to accommodate casters. I also shorted the length of the posts by 4 inches to compensate for the height of the casters. To provide extra rigidity I did a dado for the 2x4’s that connect the front and rear legs. In retrospect, I wish that I did not dado the legs because it made it more difficult to attach some of the shelf planks. I painted the frame green and left the shelves and backboards clear for beautiful contrast. My wife is ecstatic with the result.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Environ Green paint for the frame and Minwax Polycrylic for the poplar shelves and backboards.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Modern Dorm Mini Refrigerator Microwave Cabinet

Submitted by rachelcb on Sat, 07/31/2021 - 12:35

I changed plan to make deeper. I also modified the bottom trim and top. I put a ball bearing soft door drawer guide on modern door so it can slide back and forth. I feel we need more modern plans on here but with a bit of creativity and using plans you can make anything. I have never built anything before. I love General Finishes Milk Paint in Snow White and I brushed rolled it on (sanded between 3 coats). It’s basically self leveling and leaves a nice matte finish. Used door glide in picture bought from homedepot in the 24 inch and that’s how wide door was and it was 36” tall. Door glide I only used one on top of the door not on bottom as well. Door piece of fiberboard with just strips glued on and quarters spacing them correct.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dorm mini refrigerator microwave cabinet
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Ultimate work bench

Submitted by markmart74 on Fri, 06/16/2017 - 18:44

Tablesaw, router, fliptop mitersaw, and dust collection workbench. 

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Storage beds (twin) with Corner unit

Submitted by Dinabu on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 08:48

We made these beds for my daughters, who were ready to pass on the bunkbeds to their little sisters. We have 4 girls in one room, so use of space is crucial! I originally wanted the hutch as well, but as you can see in the picture, we had to work around a wall cut out, so we modified the corner unit to have a larger shelf area to fit the space. We also left the sides open to be able to slide containers in to store out of season clothes and blankets, though the ends have a backing.

Estimated Cost
$250-$300.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Gloss white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Special Teacher Gifts

My son Jack, has Down syndrome. He's had the same preschool teacher for the last 3 years, and now it's time to move on to kindergarten. Not only does he have a dedicated teacher, but he has two paraprofessionals (teacher's aides) that take turns in helping him 1:1 all day long. I figured that it was time for all three of them to relax this summer. So, in appreciation, I made three of the adult sling chairs so they can enjoy their much deserved relaxation.

Estimated Cost
$25 - $30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Since I used cedar, I didn't want to do anything to it except put a coat of Thompson's water sealer on it.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mamma_joy

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 00:00

As an OT in the schools, I can understand your connection to the dedicated teacher and staff that work for your son. I'm sure that these gorgeous chairs will show your appreciation! What great choices in fabric, too!

marlaandwilliam

Wed, 06/22/2011 - 14:17

thanks!! i just love fabric! but mod-ish colors and designs really are so striking to me - LOVE it! :)

Sherry (not verified)

Fri, 09/23/2011 - 19:31

Would you mind sending the instructions for these chairs. I think this is something that I could do and would love to make a set for my husband for Christmas. We are all about homemade. That would be so great!

debandtom25

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 20:05

Hi Sherry. To find the page where I got the plans, just click on the words "Wood folding sling chair - adult" next to the bolded "From Plan" listed above. That will take you directly to Ana's plan.

Seasonal And Holiday

Garage Shelving - Some minor mods to Ana's great basic plan

My father-in-law and I knocked this project out in about 5 hours including the trip to the lumber yard. You've got a great basic design here! A few modifications we made:

1. I thought the depth of the shelves in the original plan was a little too shallow so I used 3 2"X6"s instead of the 4 2"x4"s. That made the shelves 1 1/2" deeper. Although 2"x6"s are obviously more expensive, the overall cost for the project didn't change much because we only had to use 3 boards per shelf instead of 4. This also reduced the amount of screwing and made it easier to position the shelf boards without taking measurements since we only had one middle board to deal with (instead of 2 with the 2"x4"s). We just eyeballed the spacing of the middle shelf board as we worked.

2. Since our garage has a 10' ceiling, I decided to go 8' tall with the unit. This allowed us to add a 5th shelf.

3. Some oversized tubs can be 18-20" high or more so I varied the height of each shelf -- 24" at the bottom, then 20", 18" and 16". There's approx. 24" available between the top shelf and the ceiling.

4. Due to the position of the garage door track, I had to notch out a couple feet at one side. The end support piece is only 6' high.

5. Since many storage tubs can be 16-18" wide, I made sure that there was at least 54" between 3 of the vertical support structures. This will allow us to store 3 tubs side-by-side and maximize storage. You might notice that I have two vertical supports that appear to be very close together near the back wall. I did this so I would have something on that side to attach more shelving to on that short wall where the garage door opener is. 

The only cuts we had to make for this entire project were for the 18 1/2" 'braces' or support pieces on the vertical ladder structures. The shelves are either 14' or 12' (top shelf only) and the vertical 2"x4"s are either 8' or 6'. Most lumber yards will carry these lengths in either 2"x4"s or 2"x6"s. 

We didn't use any wood glue, and I admit this may come back to haunt me. However, to get a good fit and eliminate gaps, I used clamps I already owned to squeeze the boards together before adding the screws. Everything feels very solid and sturdy to me. 

Because of the extra height compared with the original plan, I was worried about it possibly tipping over (we have a 10-year-old who likes to climb frown) so I made sure that 3 of the supports are lined up with the wall studs. After leveling the entire unit, I plan to anchor it to the wall using 3 1/2" screws.

So for about $187 in lumber and maybe $20 in construction screws, I've got 76 feet of STURDY shelving that should accommodate hundreds of pounds! Not a bad investment at all...

 

Estimated Cost
$187 lumber + $20 construction screws
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None right now, but my wife wants to sand it and apply marine varnish to give it a shiny, yet still unfinished, look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

truss shelf/bookcase

Submitted by mritek77 on Mon, 04/14/2014 - 22:34

This was a pretty simple project as long as you make accurate cuts. Making accurately angled cut allows for tight joint also love the pocket screws. I did add a top brace for stability, seemed a little unstable without them. I pocket screwed them on from the backside, so they can't be seen from front. Than went with a two tone paint/stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Raised Bed Garden Enclosure

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/28/2020 - 17:08

We perviously had a larger garden farther back in the yard, it was on the ground which is very hard and rocky. It was tough to till and maintain, so it was taken down a few years ago.

My wife and teenage daughter have green thumbs and have planted herbs and tomatoes in pots over the past few years, but this year they wanted something more substantial. After an online search we found this plan.

It was a bit small for what the girls had planned, so with a little bit of tweaking, we changed the depth of the enclosure to 10'. It was pretty easy to do. Also the girls wanted the beds to be a bit deeper, so we made them three 2x6's deep instead of two

It was built by my wife and I in one weekend, well actually the truth is we built the entire enclosure, minus the door on Saturday about 10am and finish up about 5:30pm. I built the door the next day and we hung it together.

Just an FYI, I have quite a bit of woodworking experience and have a workshop with table saw, band saw and much, much more. I did use the table saw for most of the cuts, with the exception of the gate support which I cut using the band saw.

One caveat, if you have the lumber yard cut any pieces for you, make sure all the lumber is the same length. It's kind os a nit picky thing, but none of the lumber was exactly the length shown on the labels. If you want all the joints to be "perfect" I suggest measuring and cutting all the pieces to the correct length to match the plans.

We also used an industrial hand held staple gun to fasten the chicken wire.

The cost of all the materials, including two sets of work gloves came out to $447.92 from Home Depot in 2020.

We are now waiting for a delivery of the top soil to fill the beds. Since we used weatherguard lumber, we are going to gat plastic sheeting and line the beds.

It was a fun project and my girls are looking forward to planting all their seedlings.

For fun we made a time lapse video, which I have uploaded to Youtube. If you watch closely, you will see that we started the build in one area of the yard and moved it because the ground sloped much more than we originally thought.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h7vvBLy034U&list=WL&index=112&t=0s

I hope that our experience may help others in some small way.

Thank you Ana for making these plans available!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$447.92
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

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