Community Brag Posts

Raised Bed Garden Mother's Day Present

My 15 year old daughter and I built this as a Mother's Day gift. We used basic ideas from plan, but while looking for wood we came across stair treads and decking posts that we thought would work. We were very happy with the results. This thing is very solid and much better quality than the more expensive kits you can buy.

Estimated Cost
$130 plus plants and dirt
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Short version of cedar shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 05/16/2020 - 14:35

We wanted a shorter version, so that it would hide behind this fence. I just needed somewhere to store lawnmower, wheelbarrow, and a few yard supplies. I started putting the roof on hinges, but the gas struts couldn't support the 170 pound roof. So it's fixed in place (stronger structure anyway). That's why I went with 2x4's for the framed walls instead of 2x2's.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
600
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Not yet finished, will get to that.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

New counter height planters in use

Submitted by jrbdmb on Fri, 06/20/2014 - 05:05

Using the counter height planter plans from Janettx. Thanks!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Janettx

Mon, 09/20/2021 - 13:24

Nice job!!! I'm still using mine. I ended up putting 12"x12" pavers under each leg to extend their life. After the 2nd year now we get bumper crop out of ours each season.

Shoe Dresser

I had this space in my mudroom that was a perfect spot to make a custom shoe dresser. I adjusted the plans I found on this website to custom make storage for shoes. Now this weird little space is functional.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum chalk paint Serenity Blue, classic grey and special walnut Minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor Bar Height Table with Built-In Ice Trays

Submitted by RuthAU on Fri, 01/27/2017 - 22:11

This was my first furniture project and only my 2nd woodworking project, the previous one a cubby house over 20 years ago, so I was a bit nervous. I did lots of planning, research and designing before the first cut. I incorporated ideas from Ana projects as well as from other sites and learned how to use a drop saw, various sanders and the pocket hole jig.

We wanted a tall table because when sitting a a regular height table the view is blocked by the deck railing.

I decided to make it out of hardwood for durability in the Australian outdoors and also because we get sea air where we are. The hardwood (Blackbutt) was challenging to work with - extremely heavy and difficult to drill into, but the finished product is SO solid and will outlive us all. Due to the weight and density of the timber I overengineered as far as joining went, using more pocket holes than usual.

I saw the idea of the built in ice troughs years ago and was keen to incorporate them into my table. I also made the legs detachable so that the table top could be moved out onto the deck once it was finished and the legs added in situ. Once it was set up my husband put big screws into the legs just in case but it would really take an earthquake to move this thing.

I managed to build it over 3 weekends and finished it just in time for our family Christmas party but it only had 1 coat of stain on it at that stage. I finished it off later and we also decided that the ice trough covers would look good in a contrasting colour so did them in charcoal. If I made it again it would be a much quicker project as there was alot of 'firsts' and learning along the way.

The dimensions are:

2660mm long (about 8' 9")

1150mm wide (about 3' 9.5")

1165mm high (about 3' 10")

The legs are solid - 140 x 140mm (5.5")

It seats 10 - 12 comfortably and 14 at a squeeze.

We got the bar stools 2nd hand for an absolute steal - 12 for $200! They are handmade hardwood too and look great.

The timber was quite expensive but I was able to use the work account so got it at trade price. This would be a very expensive table to buy but all up it cost us about AU$1100.

This project was not exactly easy but I would class myself as a novice. With the right planning and preparation (plus stubbornness) anyone could do this :-)

Estimated Cost
About AU$1100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Intergrain Natural Stain - semi transparent - Redwood for the majority and Charcoal for the trough covers.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farm House Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 13:42

I am not a carpenter, I do not even have a tape measure. I got tasked by my leadership dothan class to build a farmhouse table for the academic dream room which is part of the Bright Key Program. Which is being renovated at Honeysuckle Middle School. Found your plans and got inspired. One glitch they wanted this table to be able to sit fourteen chairs. So I had to make a few adjustments like increasing the main boards to twelve foot. Because of your plans, many urban middle schoolers will have a place to get tutored considering cafeteria tables are so expensive. I am a believer of your plans. The positive feedback I received was well worth my time and would not of been a sucess without your plans. I did mine with pocket holes as well. 

Estimated Cost
146.37
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
American 230 and the middle a bluish grey.

Spent an hour picking out lumber. All boards are not the same length. Ran through a planer and I found it eliminates the need to sand. But remember not to plane them to different heights. Pocket holes are great but I found some really nice table joints at Lowes that looked classy with the kreg screws.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Custom kids closet

Submitted by Jon Moore on Sun, 04/07/2013 - 19:36

I was inspired by the custom closets on this site and decided to have a go at it. My daughter is in high school, so I wanted something functional with a bit of teenage flair.

Of all the designs I researched, I loved Kristen's design (from Pink Toes & Power Tools here: http://ana-white.com/2012/02/closet-organizer) the most, but wanted to add a substantial shoe section and not lose any rod space in the process. I also needed one rod section to be longer than the other two to hang her dresses.

All in all a fun project where I used just about every tool I own:

Circular saw to rough out the plywood shelves and supports.

Table saw with a cross-cut sled (http://wnwoodworkingschool.com/5-cuts-to-a-perfect-cross-cut-sled/) to make the plywood pieces all perfectly square & an extra long rip fence.

Router (with jig) for the dovetail joints, detailing on the drawer fronts and rounding the leading edges of the shelves.

Power drill for mounting the drawers, drawer fronts and handles

Compound Miter saw for the various face framing pieces and the shoe moulding

Pipe cuter to cut the rods (also made a jig to both hold the rods in place while I mounted the supports and set it at the correct height and distance from the wall--used a planer in making this)

Orbital sander

Brad nailer during assembly (also made a jig here to set the plywood pieces on during the tower assembly to keep the back square while I used 90 deg clamps on the fronts).

Airless paint sprayer (I have learned that my wife does not like brush marks!)

Washers for spacing the drawer fronts (found this trick online and it works like a charm!)

Lots of clamps!!!

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

Comments

Square Picnic Table

Submitted by frmoody on Tue, 08/10/2021 - 07:05

Enjoyed this project although with the price of lumber it was a little expensive to build. The only modification I made was to put a cross brace in the centre of the table top. That allowed me to attach the top boards a little more securely as some of them were a little bowed. I'll add a better photograph once I get it out of my garage and on to the back deck. It is a little heavy.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$240
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the dark part of the table with Behr water based English Chestnut and the seat and top with Minwax Ipswich Pine followed by four coats of Varathane Exterior Gloss.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Small Dresser/Changing Table

When my wife and I found out we were expecting our first child, I knew I wanted to build as much as I could for the nursery. This is how I ran into Ana White's website. Since then, I have built several pieces of furniture all inspired from Ana's designs. It had been over 10 years since I had done any kind of woodworking and I'm finding myself enjoying it now more than ever.

For our changing table, I used the idea of Ana's Small Dresser, and chose to put the shelf on top, we figured it would be more useful to have bins located on top for lotions, diapers, etc We had a great time building this changing table, and it is very rewarding to see the finished product. Thanks Ana for all of the great ideas and plans!!!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used a Sherwin Williams stain that was color matched to our crib.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

wishingbee

Sat, 12/21/2013 - 20:02

I'm determined to build as much as our future child's furniture as possible, and I am very much inspired by this build. Really love the drawers you placed on this piece- they look great!

thofland

Wed, 04/23/2014 - 04:17

This is beautiful! I am going to make this for my daughter as she is going to have my first grand baby. Could you tell me the over all height is and the drawer and shelf heights are?

Turning the Loft Bed into a Bunk Bed

Submitted by mommabutts on Thu, 04/14/2011 - 10:20

We adapted the loft bed plans so we could put our sons' current twin bed underneath it to make "bunk" beds for our boys.  It turned out perfectly!  The loft is very sturdy, even with 2 adults and a child on the top bed.

We made it taller and longer, and added an additional row of 1x8s to increase stability.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sectional

Submitted by Jehaws on Fri, 06/26/2015 - 19:05

I made the cushions and pillows myself using shower curtains as a cheap and water-resistant fabric alternative. I also ordered the foam and pillow forms on-line. This was a great Father's Day project completed with help from my son and husband. Great plans!

Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Easy DIY Garage Workbench with modifications

Submitted by kimsteps on Thu, 01/13/2022 - 14:30

My fabulous husband bought me an awesome new miter saw for Christmas, and it is way too heavy to lug around! So my first project with the new saw was a workbench to mount it on! I added wheels so it can roll anywhere. I'm also very short and wanted to store a very tall shop vac on the lower shelf so I made modifications to accommodate that. I also made it 30" x 36" to make it just the right size for my saw. I will be using this piece as the center of other work tables I will build in the future!

Comments

My First Project: Spinning DVD Rack

Submitted by Dan Y. on Sat, 07/13/2013 - 20:19

I was looking online for a spinning DVD rack to buy when I stumbled across a picture of a custom built rack. I decided to give it a try and this is the result. This is the first project I've done outside of basic shelves and it was a great learning experience. The overall fit and finish isn't quite where I'd like it to be but overall I think it turned out pretty well. I was able to find a 12" lazy Susan at a hardware store that supports over 300lbs and worked perfectly for this project.

I used pocket holes for the shelves, finishing nails for the top and screws for the bottom and lazy Susan. I also used pocket holes to attach the shelf backs and hid them behind the shelves. One thing I definitely won't use next time is spray paint/enamel. The finish isn't nearly as nice as I wanted and it cost far more than I was expecting.

This is also my first time using SketchUp and I'm really impressed with it. I've uploaded a copy of the plans.

Criticism and suggestions are appreciated.

-Dan

Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Universal Satin Spray Paint - Espresso Brown
Rust-Oleum Crystal Clear Enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Val Manchuk

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 11:35

I like this spinning DVD unit! Coincidentally, I just finished using spray enamel to redo some cupboard door handles. It's horrible stuff! I ended up sanding it off, and doing it over in flat black. I roughed up the edges with 180 grit to antique them a bit. Looks much better!

Wife's Kindergarten Classroom

Been a while since I had time to actually build anything worth posting about! My wife wanted some items for her Kindergarten classroom this year, so built several items, most inspired by the Farmhouse family.

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

Comments

sido17

Thu, 07/18/2019 - 15:27

I would love the dimensions or plans for this. Would love to make it for my classroom.

dlee69

Tue, 07/30/2019 - 12:07

Hello

Can I please get the plans to the u shape table?

Thanks

Linguine

Mon, 08/19/2019 - 12:09

I am guessing the corner posts are 2 x 4s, the top is 2 x 10s.  It looks like the width is 6’ (looking at the floor carpet tiles being 24” square). So 2 - 2 x 10s side by side for the main part of the desk top and 2 - 2 x10s perpendicular on each side of the chair.  I guess the height is subject to choice and the length of each side would also be subject to choice or to the length of the 2 x 10s to be economical.

 

an educated guess would be 4 - 8’  2x10s for the top and 6 - 6’ 2 x 4s for the legs?  

 

Anyone else have any input here?  Open to suggestions.....

Easy planter boxes

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/16/2023 - 11:39

Loved building these planter boxes!
I was able to use my laser to addd some personalization.
I also added small wedges at two levels in all four corners. This not only made it very sturdy but with a half lap “x” it creates two levels to pick from for different size pots

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Cedar Fence Board Planter Box

Submitted by iowachap on Sat, 03/15/2014 - 19:40

Using Ana's 10 dollar raised garden planter box idea, I made my own using the cedar fence boards and then used 2 x 3 x 8 studs for the L corner supports and mid center support along with top rail. This photo is the first 3, I will have a total of 6 boxes. Will post more as I progress.

Estimated Cost
20 to 25 dollars per box
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I used 6 fence boards, 2 for each side of the 6' long runs, and 1 for each short 3' section cut in half.

I got the 6' x 5 1/2 " x 5/8 " cedar fence boards at the orange box

I used 2 x 3 x 8 boards for the corners the middle support and the top rail. I got these at the blue box

I used 2 " and 2 1/2" exterior star bit screws.

NOTE: I pre drilled holes in the fence boards and screwed all the boards to the L corner sections from the inside out, so the screws are on the inside of the box, they did not poke through the 2 x 3 boards.

Instead of trying to measure how far off the side of the board I needed to go to match the vertical 2 x 3 boards, I just cut 10 11 inch long 2 x3 sections, and then used the 2 1/2" screws and made 4 L corner pieces the shorter side I screwed the short 3 foot length fence boards too, once I had both my short sections screwed to the L corner sections, I then stood one up and screwed 2 of the 6' length boards to the L corner section. Then the other side.

Once all 4 walls were done, I would then measure 3' in the middle of the 6' long side runs, and put in an additional 2 x 3 x 11" again screwed from the inside of the box out.

Now that all the 2 x 3 x 11" L corners and side support sections were connected to the fence boards I then cut 76 1/4" 2 x3 boards one for each length run, and then 2 26" 2 x 3 sections that were all cut on 45 degree angle to complete the top rail.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Cedar Ladder Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/13/2016 - 10:51

I followed the plan directions to a "T" and it worked out so well! This projects gives me joy everytime I walk up my front steps. Thanks!

Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

Modern Farmhouse Nightstands

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 01/09/2024 - 08:28

I downloaded th minimalist modern nightstand plans nearly a year ago and just got around to building them last week. Actually I modified them quite a bit because I had a small space to work with and because I wanted them to follow the design theme of some of the other furnishings and features I had made for my basement renovation. In particular I changed the top and made it out of oak stair treads. I also added pop-up electrical/USB sockets as well. I really appreciate the sequencing in the plans. Though I made some dimensional and design plans, I followed the sequencing steps. It made the project much easier to complete-particularly the drawer construction and fitting. If I had done it on my own, I would probably have permanently installed the middle shelf before fitting the drawer which would have made fitting the drawer and drawer front much harder. Thanks for teaching me that.

Craig Holstedt

Comments

Playhouse

Submitted by Dawnybb on Thu, 11/22/2012 - 09:32

This was so much fun to do! Very easy and I added some personal touches. I made the lower level an enclosed sandbox area with a chalk board on the back wall. On the outside of the back wall, I added a "ball wall" that my kids love. I enclosed the bottom sandbox with plastic "chicken wire" to keep the cats out. :)

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Dawnybb

Thu, 11/22/2012 - 15:34

Thanks! Glad you like it!

The paint was from Dunn Edwards: Roof was "Louisiana Mud", playhouse walls were "Drifting" and then the white was a snow white from Lowe's.

The slide and accessories were also from Lowe's.

m7hennen

Tue, 04/15/2014 - 09:35

I LOVE this! This is exactly what I'd like to build. Do you have plans you can share with us? I think I'd also like to add a couple of swings on one of the sides too. Thanks so much!

In reply to by m7hennen

Dawnybb

Sun, 04/27/2014 - 08:39

I know I messed with the dimensions a bit but I don't remember exactly. I made the playhouse larger (deeper and taller than original plans) . I also cut the roof line on the deck side for more room. I put aluminum over the wood on the roof and then painted. The Ball Wall was made out of plastic gutter pieces that I painted and we used practice rubber golf balls to throw into them. I hope that helps! We sold that house, so I can't go out and measure it :)

eegad1973

Thu, 05/28/2020 - 15:32

You may not get this as this is an old post. Did you dig post holes? I have older kids and I am thinking about building a plan like this but at a 6ft height. Wondered how much it moves around when there are a bunch of kids on there. The house I will build is also 6 ft heigh.

Seasonal And Holiday
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