Community Brag Posts

patio living room - modified from modern chair plan

Submitted by herbsuprb1 on Wed, 06/12/2019 - 09:09

I created two sofas, a love seat and a table by modifying the modern chair.  I added a back extension, tipped the back back 10 degrees, and angled the seat platform down a few degrees.  Considered doing Adirondack arms, but my wife preferred the rectangular shape.  The table is a variation of the 2x4 patio table (base construction similar), but we substituted pine 4x4 legs for the 2x4s, and implemented a 2x6 "picture frame" around Mexican tile on top.

I used pocket screws to attach the arms to the sides, and also to hide screws on the table "picture frame".

All-in-all, I would say this is an elegant-looking patio set that should last quite a while.  Very solid, very heavy to move around (my only complaint).

We plan to add some colorful throw pillows.

 

Estimated Cost
This project was created from a Menard's metal siding trim "shipping crate" that they refused to take back on return - so the many 16 foot 2x6s came to me for free. With hardware, stain, sanding pads and the pocket screw jig, I would guess I have about $300 there. The cushions were somewhat expensive, but are built to last - got those from Ikea - "Duvholmen" and "Folsom" haha - 24 1/4" x 24 1/4" cushions, 24 1/4" x 16" back pillows. Those were about $65 (per SEAT) .. so 8 for this project ($520). The cushions only come in this light tan, or medium/dark grey.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr semi transparent outdoor stain (Padre Brown). First sofa was assembled then stained (mistake). The other pieces were cut, sanded 60/120 and stained. Arms were additionally sanded with a 320 grit prior to staining. Stained all pieces two coats with small roller, then brushed over. Assembly after staining produced a cleaner look on the stained finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Castle for my Niece

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/26/2016 - 13:29

My sisters family was coming for a visit, all the way from england. I wanted to make it special for my niece so I built this bed from your plans. I made a few minor modifications, like adding an extra step (as she's quite small) and rather than making a wood slide, I found a plastic slide at my local hardware store and used that instead. I think that simplified the project, at least for myself. Thanks for the great idea and plans.

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

Mostly Cedar Vanity for the New House

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/04/2023 - 09:49

After looking at some terribly overpriced particle board vanities, I found the lovely Rustic Farmhouse Double Bath Vanity plans and decided to go for it. I think this vanity turned out much better than anything I could have bought with the same amount of money, and it will last much longer too!! Thanks Ana!!

Comments

Thank you!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/06/2016 - 17:12

Thank you for the plans!  Love the shelves! 

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Full size loft

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 18:46

Built a full size loft bed for my kids but wanted something safer than having them climb up and down a ladder so used the Camp Loft Bed plans to add the platform and stairs. It is much easier for the kids. Going to finish by covering the platform and stairs with carpet.

Estimated Cost
180
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)

Comments

Repurposed Rocking Chairs to Adirondacks!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/03/2023 - 06:31

I've done a couple of things from plans on this site but this turned out awesome. We had some old weathered rocking chairs that I dismantled and was able to use some of the wood for these Adirondack chairs.

Could have gone with a dark stain but the gray really worked well on this. Pretty simple build and very sturdy chairs. I loved this project and will certainly be making more of these.

Comments

Football Lockers DIY

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/11/2023 - 11:27

Here are a few pictures of the football lockers I built for our school. I used your mudroom locker plans and changed the dimensions to accommodate the boys' football gear. It worked great! I built 6 sets of 4 lockers, for a total of 24 lockers. I also used one of your plans to build 6 benches for the fieldhouse. Three for the home locker room and three for the visitor locker room. Each locker is 30 inches wide and 6 feet tall. 

Melinda Glenn

Our new garden beds. Thank you!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/04/2016 - 07:00

I'm only moderately handy and these were fun and pretty easy.

Learned a lot and got better as I went along.

I found ways to make it as cheap as possible, probably did all three projects for 150 bucks.

Estimated Cost
Around $150
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mat's Desk

We needed a desk for the office. I didn't want particle board - or to pay a fortune! Thanks, Ana!

Estimated Cost
$150-200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used Miniwax Ebony Stain for the base and drawers and some Rustoleum Spray Paint in Black for the top. Finished with a few coats of Varathane Diamond Clear. I would use brush on paint instead of spray if I did this again - the spray paint used 3 CANS and was a huge part of the cost!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

rickfred32

Mon, 02/15/2016 - 10:38

Hey there! The desk looks great! I'm curious do you have a upclose of the top of the desk? Is the top stained as well?

Bar height table with stools

Submitted by jsutton78 on Wed, 08/03/2016 - 09:41

This is one of my favorite pieces because the white contrasts perfectly with the walnut hardwood.  The base of the table is all standard 2x4 and 4x4s, and the tabletop is 100% walnut.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly Gloss, white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cedar Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/06/2024 - 13:17

Two projects that I recently built for my wife and my daughter. My wife wanted a tea bar and a beach vibe, my daughter wanted an outdoor couch so it is made out of cedar. They both loved them.

Todd Springer

Horizontal Porch Planters

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/14/2021 - 18:11

Hi Ana! I recently got into woodworking because I saw my neighbors who had some cute horizontal planters but everywhere I looked, they were so expensive! I couldn't find plans exactly how I wanted them so I used your "Cedar Front Porch Planter Plans" and flipped them sideways so that they were shorter/longer instead of taller. Somehow I got all the measurements right and they turned out beautifully! I have made four more since then for family and friends. I was even able to get my mom to help me (see photo!). I wanted to share with you and feel free to share w/ your followers! I hope to complete some more projects...thanks to your website for giving me inspiration and also teaching me how to use power tools!

Built from: https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/frame-and-panel-planters

Estimated Cost
25
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded lightly with orbital sander. Stained with Miniwax Jacobean waterbased stain and sealed with Miniwax Polyurathane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Minnie Mouse Storage Daybed

This was my first project form this website and it was a great experience.  I used the storage daybed plans and modified them slightly so I could attach the Minnie Mouse headboard for my daughter.

 

Only difference form the plans is that i did not put the trim on the back of the boxes and instead build a craddle about 2 inches deep to hold the bulk of the head board.  I used 1/2 sanded plywood to create that and the bow. the mouse head is just pained black where as the bow I got a little more creative with.  I cut out the design topped it with furniture foam then fabric backing to hold it in place and create a smooth look.  After that I streched the pink fabric over it and stapled it in place on the back before attaching it to the head.  I also used some 1 x 2 pieces to run along the back to create feet for the headboard to add stability. 

All in all this project was alot of fun and my daughter loved it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Around 350 - 400. I used cabinet grade pine plywood and pine wood trim so that's the reason for the cost. You can probably do the whole thing for about 250 if you use regular plywood and white wood.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Latex paint - black and white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple White Outdoor Sofa

I followed the plan but made the sofa longer, the cushions were on clearance from Pottery Barn for $160 and the cushions are about 96 inches wide.
I used weather treated wood and did not want to spend more since its my first project. I used Behr exterior weatherproof transparent stain. I attached the seats back piece using a 2x2 attached on the bottom with screws and pocket hole screws are used to attach the 2x2 to both sides of the arm frame.
I love how it turned out. I was not expecting for it to come out this nice but I am really impressed.
I hope you guys like it too!

Total cost is around $240 including paint, wood, screws and the cushions.

Estimated Cost
$240
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Weatherproof transparent stain
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

8 foot long shelf with a little twist

Submitted by Daniel_ram on Mon, 01/03/2022 - 17:25

I just made this shelf using 2x4s 8 ft long wood. It is very strong and looks great. My garage size required the shelf to be max 16 in deep, so I used a 1 plywood sheet divided by 3 equal parts for the upper 3 shelfs. Since I made a 4th shelf, I used 3 1x2s for the 4th bottom shelf instead of a new plywood sheet and avoided having extra 2/3 of the sheet around and also saved like 30$ since the 2x1s were only 2$ea. That touch makes it look a bit stylish too so a win win. If you do that, here's a tip: use the outer 2x4s as rails - make sure that the cleats on the lower shelf are placed a bit lower ~ 1in. In such way, you can place the three 1x2 rails at the same level as the outer 2x4s and this you end up having 5 rails total in the shelf. Do use the wooden screws with star head if you can, they were muuuuuch easier to use compared with the regular ones. Note, this shelf is very strong, probably too strong for my needs. For a 8ft long, and my storage needs (camping, Christmas stuff, other lighter things), I'd probably use 2x2s instead of 2x4s. That would save costs, specially since wood isn't cheap these days( I spent ~$150 in materials Jan 2022).

Comments

Easy and Fast DIY Garage Workshop

I used these plans and modified the height to create functional countertop and shelving in my garage. I added a little face framing too. Thank you for the inspiration Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Mineral Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

tarah

Thu, 03/26/2020 - 15:58

How do I access the plans used for this project? Thanks!

Play fort and Swing Set

Submitted by gsnpbc on Fri, 03/16/2018 - 20:33

I wanted to build a structure for the kids to play in and on. I used the playhouse deck design and made it 8 feet by 8 feet. The "roof" is removable to provide shade when it's sunny. It's just 2x2 and a tarp - pretty simple, but it does the job. I used treated posts, dog eared fence boards andlots of screws. I stained and built the walls in my garage before assembling it. Once all of the wood at been stained, it came together pretty quickly with the grandkids help...Lol

 

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified PATIO TABLE WITH BUILT-IN BEER/WINE COOLERS

This build was our first one. I completed all the cutting and putt together while my better half completed all the staining and weather treating.

I loved the plan of the cooler table, while looking at that one i saw a modified version that was longer and had 4x4 for legs...

i choose that design due to the weight of the table and figured 2x4s just wouldn't be sturdy enough for the extra length my girl friend wanted.

Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
stain: summer oak
weather coat: clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

kevolution

Tue, 06/10/2014 - 10:37

Hello! Came across your cool website looking to make a similar table. Do you have the original source from which you had found plans or have the plans yourself and can you recall the approximate cost for this project?

Thank yoU!