Community Brag Posts

King Bed Frame for adjustable base

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/08/2019 - 05:50

I could not find a frame which would accommodate my new adjustable king base. Modified Anna's plans by increasing the height of the headboard and footboard. Finished with chalk paint and antique finish for a rustic look. Side rails attached with mortises to allow for moving bed in 4 pieces if needed. Love my new bed

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Chalk paint (purchased from Habitat for Humanity re-store) using recycled paint. Finished with three coats of Annie Sloan wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

khowe791

Sat, 11/30/2019 - 03:31

Hi! We are making this headboard this weekend. We want to increase the headboard height and footboard as well. Do you happen to know the cut measurements or how you adjusted the height of the 1x6 (or 1x8 as others used) to make it work? Yours looks perfect! Thank you in advance for any feedback! 

4x4 Truss Table and Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/24/2019 - 12:41

Modified so that it could fit 12 people comfortably.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Chicken run

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/19/2016 - 19:28

Or use the same plans with the exception of I extended the height so I could actually walk into the run fairly simple to assemble I would strongly recommend an air compressor staple gun or you'll end up with four arms like Popeye

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250-$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by AlexaWoods on Thu, 05/31/2012 - 08:20

This table was made with Cedar but the base was pressure treated wood. The legs were Cedar 4x4s and very sturdy. I used a mix of designs and altered each to fit my needs. Getting the lumber from a lumber yard vs. big box cut my costs in half. Used stainless steel finish screws, Kreg Weather Treated Screws, and Deck Screws.

Estimated Cost
170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Clear Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

BMullett

Sun, 03/17/2013 - 16:23

I love this! I'm planning on starting this project once the weather warms up and I was wondering if you could tell me how you attached the legs to the table top without visible bolts.

Laundry Sorter

Submitted by CPeezy on Sat, 05/23/2020 - 20:17

My wife had begged and begged for something like this, so I took the plunge. This was my first build and I’m getting the itch to try other things! We built the ship lap wall and sign together as well!

Comments

Outdoor Sectional

We have been looking for a deal on an outdoor sectional for a whole year. Nothing. The cheapest we could find was $899 for one that was much smaller than this one and with thinner cushions. So we upped and drove to the lumber yard and purchased the lumber on the list and got to building. The total cost of lumber was $200, the Spax screws we already had on hand. We used pocket holes for the joints. The wife made the cushions herself. She had most of the fabric on hand, we just had to buy 3 yards for the back cushions, which are made of standard size pillows. They have been sprayed with fabric protectant for outdoor use (I think she used the Scotch brand). The seat cushions are 5 inches thick (they are wrapped in silk film to protect them from getting soaked when it rains or when someone who just got out of the pool sits on them), around $100 for both. It took her a couple of days to sew the box cushion covers.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Laundry Sorter

I was tired of having my laundry piled on my garage floor. These plans were the perfect solution. It fits great in the small space I had next to my washer. And it was so easy. I was able to do it all by myself. My husband just had to catch the plywood for me when I ripped it. I was able to find the baskets on the plans at Target and used left over paint from my sons' playroom. My laundry is now always sorted, making it much easier and faster to clean.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Water based paint in eggshell finish. Since this was going to be in the garage I just used leftover paint. If it would have been used anywhere else, I would have used a semi-gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cute corner desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 09/11/2016 - 07:55

This 2x2 desk base was the perfect size for our 6' exchange student. He needed plenty of room width and length wise. We went with stain in Kona. More time was spent staining then building.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
It is the base for a corner desk
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Attached Garage Shelves

Thanks to Ana's plans for the attached garage shelves, we've managed to change 12' of garage space into 60! A quick trip to the local Home Depot and following the included instructions, these SUPER easy shelves were perfect for our needs. Thanks, Ana!

Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

4 Drawer Entry Way Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/15/2024 - 10:49

I had an empty space next to my stair case and desparately needed a place for my kids to hand their back packs and put their shoes that wasn't all over the place! I adjusted Ana's plans for 4 drawers since there are 4 of us and added board and batten. I also was placing the bench over an outlet which I didn't want to lose so I got an extension piece and cut a space out for it on top with a jig saw. Love the way it came out!

Built from Plan(s)

12 year old built her bed!

Submitted by gmktt on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 20:01

Thanks Ana White for the awesome plans! My daughter decided she wanted a new bed, so I told her I’d help her build one. I am not a carpenter, by any stretch, but I thought it would be some good dad/daughter bonding time. She tweaked your plans, did all the cuts, drilling, sanding, and painting (well, most of the sanding and painting anyway), and tolerated her father with great grace. It turned out pretty well. We couldn’t have done it without your plans! Thanks again! —Gabe

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$600.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White semi-gloss interior latex.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Murphy Bed - queen

Submitted by fielden_m on Mon, 10/08/2012 - 08:15

Taking the plans for the full sized Murphy bed (http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-a-murphy-bed-you-can-build-and-affor…) I added a few inches to convert to a queen and raised it off the floor 5 1/2 inches with removable fence post toppers.

The yellow head board lifts up and stores inside the frame when up. If I had it to do over again, I would sand and paint as I built. Thanks to Ana, I now have a guest room!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
wood was sanded, primed and painted
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 11:13

Holy smokes! Great job! I just got my early birthday present - a Kreg Jig Master System!!! One of the first things I will be building is a murphy bed, so thank you for the inspiration.

It looks great!

nasrockswell

Wed, 04/24/2013 - 19:55

I love your adaptation of Ana's plans. Would you be willing to share the dimension for the queen murphy? Thank you!

fielden_m

Fri, 07/26/2013 - 18:51

I fudged the plans by adding to the width and height to make up for the change in bedding but also for the hinges and detachable feet. Measures will differ based on your hinges and feet.

vgb777

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 14:32

I am wondering what king of hinges you used for the bed. Did you use continuous (piano) hinges or regular door hinges? How wide are they? I am not sure what the acceptable width for the hinges is to be safe. Thanks.

fielden_m

Fri, 07/26/2013 - 18:47

I used 3 5" gate hinges. They are thick enough to leave a gap of 3/8" between my base and the part of the bed that swings down.

phelan1202

Wed, 06/12/2013 - 16:35

What were the altered measurements and exactly how did you raise it? I really like Anas plan except that the mattress was so close to the ground. I want to make this for my apartment and I'm painting the outside like a tardis. (:

fielden_m

Fri, 07/26/2013 - 18:50

I raised it 5 1/4 " using fence post toppers from home depot. The fence post toppers unscrew for upright storage. You could leave them in for a more dramatic look but I liked the cleaner lines with them out until needed

intrigued89

Sat, 11/02/2013 - 15:33

Would you be willing to share the dimensions you used when building your queen murphy? Even if they aren't exact, it would be such a big help to me!

rfpeterlin

Sat, 12/28/2013 - 03:33

That is definitely an attractive and well finished project. I am interested in how you finished the legs. I see in the second picture (bed in closed positions) where the toppers may have attached. Where do you store them?

fielden_m

Sat, 12/28/2013 - 22:56

In that same picture, if you look at the bottom 6 inches of the closed bed (under the hinge) there is a storage section where I hide the legs when the bed is raised. It is otherwise dead space and made for an easy storage conversion at the last minute.

Ben Childs

Sun, 01/10/2016 - 17:02

Can someone please help me I see this can be adjusted for a queen size bed. I don't know how to adjust the measurement to make it work. 

Ben Childs

Sun, 01/10/2016 - 17:04

Can someone please help me I see this can be adjusted for a queen size bed. I don't know how to adjust the measurement to make it work. 

My First Build -- the $55 Fancy X Desk

This was my first build EVER. I had never even used a saw before, so if I can do this, so can YOU!

The original plans call for this desk to be 72" in length, but my space only allowed for a 60" desk, so I cut the 3 braces that go along the back down by 12", as well as the 2x6s that make the desktop. The cross-braces in the back were also cut down, but I did that by measuring for fit (as demonstrated by Ana in one of her videos where she made the x-bench).

I described this as a weekend project ONLY because of the time I had to allow between coats of paint, etc. I built it easily in one day (with kids at home!).

This was a GREAT experience and I am HOOKED! Thanks to Ana and Shanty-2-Chic for designing this!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I painted the base with flat black paint, and the top of the desk with Minwax Jacobean stain (primed with the Wood Conditioner first, and finished with the Polcyrilic Spray that Ana recommends).
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Lianna (not verified)

Tue, 01/08/2013 - 08:27

I hope to build this desk this week! Your post timing is great! AND your end result is gorgeous!!!

berryrach89

Thu, 01/10/2013 - 19:31

I absolutely love this. I've been searching for a new desk and I think I want to copy yours. Love it.

Jodye (not verified)

Fri, 01/11/2013 - 00:35

Well done...I too have been contemplating giving this ago. Our out door glass table exploded due to the heat here in Australia on monday...never going glass again...did I mention the nightmare clean up job :-((
Im building the big version....Im excited..you did it so I can too!

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

Sandbox with lid

Submitted by Klondike on Mon, 03/16/2015 - 15:57

Sandbox with lid, painted first, then assembled. I had originally planned to alternate the colors on each board, but partially assembling it into the 5 large pieces and then painting made the process much more manageable.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
approximately $200, including wood, paint, and play sand to fill the box.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex exterior paint, primer plus three coats. Assembled the main box and each lid piece, painted separately, and then assembled. Could probably have been built in a single weekend except for paint drying times.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Klondike

Wed, 03/18/2015 - 23:04

Doing multiple colors added some additional work, but definitely pleased with how it came out.

Lounge Chair

Modified the arm rest and the back to my liking. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

gmhurley

Tue, 06/23/2020 - 08:59

Hi, are plans available for this modified chair design? I like that the seat pan appears to be flat and the Adirondack style to the back slate.

Simple Plant Stand

Submitted by mtairymd on Fri, 05/01/2015 - 12:32

Build Instructions:

http://www.instructables.com/id/Garden-Plant-Stand/

The plant stand allows you to grow edibles in a compact vertical space. We use the planter to grow herbs and edibles on the deck close at hand to the kitchen and the grill. In the containers we have mint, pineapple sage, marjoram, oregano and two other types of sage. The plants that like the most sun are placed on top. The lower levels of the plant stand are used for more shade tolerant plants; however, they still get plenty of light. For growing the plants, self-watering planters were chosen. Other planting options are a rain gutter system, individual pots, wood boxes, etc. The stand can be easily constructed from excess lumber or pallets

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Full Farmhouse Bed with mods

Submitted by Kingsamui on Thu, 12/14/2017 - 16:29

Made the standard full farmhouse bed with storage, but did a couple modifications. 1) Didn’t use drawers, but wanted closed, not open cubbies. I made the drawer fronts and then attached with full overlay hinges and magnetic catches do they open from top down like a horizontal cabinet. 2) built the slats as two, one piece slat frames which sit on the cleat so that they can easily be removed for the extra long term storage between the cubby boxes. Just lift mattress and the two pieces of slats and lots more space. 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Red Mahogany Stain and semi-gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Laundry Basket Rack

This was a great last minute Christmas gift. Took me a little over two hours. Made completely out if pallet wood.

Comments

Planter Box with Trellis

My husband built the Planter Box with Trellis for his mother for her birthday. We planted one of our rose bushes in it. They are pink teacup roses and should look fantastic against this bright white backdrop once the buds blossom.

This was a great project that was easy to cut up beforehand and put together the next afternoon. I think I want one!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 with exterior paint
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
White exterior Valspar paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mmhmakeover

Tue, 07/12/2011 - 03:59

Thank YOU, Tina! The plan was so easy to follow and we were just amazed that this thing came out looking almost exactly like the picture. Often times, we are not so lucky and "modify" the project at the time, or "modify" our expectations when it looks a little different. Not so with this one. It's perfect!

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