Community Brag Posts

The playhouse project!

We started this project a few months ago. My husband made most of the construction, and I decorated the inside. We added many little details, including a clothesline, windows with plexiglass, a BBQ, a little kitchen, a doorbell, a solar light, a slide, shelves, a table, a bench, etc. The kids loooooove their new house. The whole project took many many hours, but I am really happy with the results. Thank you so much Ana for the plans!!

Estimated Cost
900 $
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
primer and extorior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Theresa W

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 17:24

It is beautiful. I can only imagine how excited your kids are to play in this gorgeous space made just for them. Well Done!

LadyBird

Sun, 07/14/2013 - 21:10

Looks like your child has everything they need. Including a phone! I love the bench seat and the pillows with the window. So cool. You put a lot of work into this. Well done.

denaschance2

Thu, 04/03/2014 - 08:23

Love, love it! Couple of questions... how did you attach the walls to the decking and how far apart? How tall is the railing? I'm curious to know the sturdiness of the project overall and my SIL has concerns about the 3/4 roof sheeting over 1/4 walls. Comments please. My son-in-law and I have just started this project.

DIY Modern Rustic Outdoor Chair

Submitted by susanshamp on Fri, 07/10/2015 - 15:07

I made this outdoor chair by looking at a variety of plans and designs from Restoration Hardware and other stores. Check out more info on the project on my blog link. Thanks for looking!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Little girls Jr. Loft Bed

Submitted by TamiJ on Mon, 08/03/2015 - 22:26

I built this for my little girl's room and she loves it! She loves the play area underneath especially. The build did not take that long, but the finishing (sanding and painting) took many hours. It is very sturdy. My girls sleep up there together all the time, and we have even had adults sleep up there. We didn't have a corner to put it in, so I built wider steps along the same wall as the bed. 

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Antique white with a satin finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Janeece

Wed, 09/16/2020 - 19:25

I am interested in this design, but would like to have it with a full size mattress. How would I alter the plans? I would also like to have the stairs be storage drawers/stairs. Can you help me with this?
Thank you!

Rustic x Console

Submitted by BnDRoller on Tue, 08/25/2015 - 05:31

My wife has been wanting this project for months. Had to shorten the size to fit our wall. Thank you Ana for such easy to follow guidelines.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Approximately $75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Husky Farmhouse Table and Bench

Submitted by frmoody on Fri, 06/03/2022 - 09:23

I have built several of these tables but this was the first one with turned table legs. They were somewhat expensive but I think the final product looks great with them. I actually stained the bottom aprons and legs the same colour as the top and then put on two coats of an antique white followed by a little scuffing up with sandpaper. I also cut the aprons from 2 x 6's so they were actually 4" in width. I used MinWax Jacobean stain which I had never used before. I then applied three coats of Varathane Satin finish. Not the best photo from my garage but no way I was getting it inside my house for a better photograph. Thanks for the great plans Ana.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Simple Modern Outdoor Sectional and Ottomans

Submitted by dwcampb on Fri, 07/22/2011 - 12:04

This was my second project and is the simple outdoor sectional. Took me about 8 hours to build all the sections and another 8 hours to stain everything. We ended up buying the cushions and pillows from Garden Ridge in Texas. Total cost for the cushions was about $500. Wood and materials was about $300. I used 1 x 4 cedar to insure it was rot and insect resistant. Then I stained it with Behr Premium Outdoor Natural #500. Looks great out on our covered patio. I will be building more as we are in the process of installing a pool of which I need lots of furniture to go around the decking!

Estimated Cost
$850 with cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Outdoor Natual #500. I sprayed all stain with a cup gun and gently spread the stain with a pad applicator. I did 2 coats on all sides.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 07/22/2011 - 13:55

This is gorgeous and it goes really nicely with your brick house too! I'd love to see more pics if you have. Great job :)

spiceylg

Mon, 07/25/2011 - 08:09

I want to build this so bad but have to be patient and wait because of the cost of the cushions - it's crazy! You did an amazing job!

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 02/26/2012 - 12:41

Cushions are expensive because you want to buy a mold/mildew resistant foam on the inside. Secondly, you want the fabric to be an outdoor fabric that has resistance to fading from the sun, but again that will resist mold/mildew and withstand rain, etc...with that said it makes them expensive.

Seasonal And Holiday

Garage shelf and work bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2022 - 12:29

Used the plans from attached garage shelving to make a 10 ft, 24 inch wide shelf then used similar idea for workbench which I still need to put doors on. I love it! Such an easy plan!

Comments

My stainless steel kitchen island

Submitted by LRSinCA on Sat, 10/24/2015 - 22:36

I really do enjoy my island. It has great storage and the added prep space has been wonderful. With the added counter space It has aloud me to make breads and pizzas and with the stainless steel top it is a breeze to clean. I really have enjoyed Ana's website with all the great plans and tips. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
It was a bit more expensive because of the top. In total it was around $400.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a primer and then the Red paint on all the wood except the inside of the drawers along with the stainless steel top which I love. I used a spray primer to seal all the wood and then I used my Paint sprayer for the Red. I then used a gloss poly spay for the top coat to give it a nice shine.The stainless steel top I had made here in the Oakland, CA area. It works great to prep on and roll out pizza rounds.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Garage / Basement Shelving + Bonus Wine/Liquor Under Stairs Storage

Submitted by MJC2DIY on Wed, 10/12/2022 - 21:35

Using the guidelines for the “BEST DIY Garage Shelves (Attached to Walls), I added this to our unfinished basement area for additional storage. I plan to replicate it in our actual garage as well and build the freestanding shelves also!

As a bonus, I used this plan as inspiration and built directly beside it, which is an unused space under stairs, a wine/liquor storage shelving replacing the plywood with cut 2x4s for added weight capacity/stability.

Couldn’t have been easier!

Comments

MJC2DIY

Wed, 10/19/2022 - 09:14

Thank you!! I am so thankful for Ana White and team! These projects are helping me build a lot of confidence to continue endeavoring more challenging projects each step of the way :-)

Tryde Media Center!

Submitted by perchik on Wed, 08/24/2011 - 20:04

I finally got the tryde media center built! This is actually the last piece I built but the first one I finished. I've made the rest of the tryde tables and I'll upload those later.

You'll notice that I made some cosmetic modifications to the hutch. I extended the top trim out and wrapped it around the sides. I also embellished the trim at the base of the hutch. Finally with the hutch, I changed the plans to allow me to break it down into smaller pieces to move. The top piece is basically a box with trim. Then the back boards break down into two sections of four boards and the sides come off. Everything is attached by screws so I can undo it later.

I slightly modified the base unit so that the top boards are 48" long [so I could get two from an 8' board] and the breadboard piece is a 2x6 instead of 2x4 to compensate for the lack of width a little. [This modification wasn't planned until I had the base built and realized I bought 8' 2x4s instead of 10' boards.]

Additionally, on all of my tryde pieces, instead of untreated 4x4s I used a 2x4 1x4 2x4 sandwich and modified all the plans to account for the extra width.

The first picture is the unfinished base.
Second is the top piece of the hutch.
Third, the completed unit, unstained.
Fourth is a detailed pictures of the molding that went at the bottom of the sides of the hutch.
Finally, there's the back boards I used, just because I think they look neat.

After finishing, I ran a rope light around the top of the hutch [hidden by the molding], for some ambient overhead lighting. I also did a lot of cord organization on the back side of the base to hide all the cords.

Estimated Cost
~150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I sanded with 120 and 220 grit BEFORE assembling. This made it so much easier to finish. I'd strongly suggest doing this if you can.

The stain is Cabot "English Leather", which is one they have to tint for you at the desk.

I finished with a spray can of shellac. I liked how it came out, but it was too expensive for me. In retrospect I would have just done it right with a can of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Above Toilet Cabinet

Submitted by Smokeydog on Thu, 12/24/2015 - 13:08

I built this above toilet cabinet for my son and his wife for Christmas.  They needed a little extra bathroom storage.   Turned out pretty good.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$135.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
BEHR SATIN PAINT
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Butcherblock Farmhouse Table and Benches

My parents needed a table for their newly expanded dining room at our cabin. I love the look of butcher-block, and wondered how I could design a table with the thick chunky look. I decided on using 4x4's for the majority of the build. This project took me a while to complete because in the middle of it, I twisted my ankle while lifting the table! Ha, building can cause some damage. Although, the ankle did slow me down, I was still able to deliver the table and benches to the cabin in time to give it to them for their anniversary present.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Mixwax: Aged Oak stain for table top and benches, Jacobean for legs
Famowood glass poured on top
Poly on Benches
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Ultimate Workbench/Miter Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/06/2023 - 15:32

This plan is exactly what I needed for my workspace. I ended up adding some slat wall pieces and cabinets above from cubicles in an old office nearby that closed down for a tool wall and storage. I left the right opening empty due to how unlevel my floors are. I may close it in later with drawers or cabinets, but it will be my sitting workspace for now. I trimmed out the edge with 1x2s and painted and stained everything for aesthetics.

Comments

Rustic Computer desk with Shou Sugi Ban and Epoxy Top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/14/2023 - 14:16

I slightly modified the Rustic X Desk plan to make my L shaped computer desk with a monitor platform! The desk surface is Shou Sugi Ban with an epoxy finish. All made from stock lumber and a lot of pocket hole screws. Thanks for posting your plan Ana to give me the idea! Construct for around $200.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

chicken boxes that work!

I have tried all sorts of nest boxes. No one ever used them. I decided to make the one from Anna White's site. I used joinery to attach the various pieces. The best thing of all: I find girls sitting in the boxes and take eggs from them. It really is awesome. I got a photo with real eggs and you can also see the wooden eggs to entice them to try it out. Thank you so much! I will build another one for the other side of the the wall.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Patio Furniture in Progress

Submitted by lbrown on Thu, 01/05/2012 - 13:08

I built six armless and two corner sections of the outdoor sectional but now I need to paint it and make cushions. For more details: http://www.homeandawaywithlisa.com/blog/2012/1/5/patio-furniture-in-pro…

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

Home for the Fridge

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/14/2016 - 07:42

I used this plan to build this cabinet space around the fridge. Before this was built, we just had a small dinky counter space and the overhead cabinet. I had to make a few minor adjustments in order for it to fit in the space.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
sanded, primed, and painted - Sherwin Williams Pure White.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Yard Swing Pergola

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 07/08/2023 - 09:31

Just saw on instagram that no one bragged about this plan yet. We did order the swing online, but built the outdoor room from your plan. We did put our support posts in concrete, very windy here. Just waiting for the roses to grow up the sides. Thank you for making it easy with your plan.

Bill and Maryann Tate

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Bedroom

I turned my son's room into the TMNT Secret Sewer Lair. I created artwork using a 1x8 piece of lumber and printed images on laser paper I found online. Cost $6.99
I created the outlets by printing on laser paper and decoupaging them onto the coverings. The cost for decoupage glue at Wal-Mart was $3.00 for 4oz, called Mod Podge. Which was more than enough since I used the same technique on my 20yr old bunk bed and nightstand and had some to spare. However you must use a x-acto knife to cut away white space so that print looks apart of the furniture. The individual Turtle characters I purchased from eBay because it was free shipping they were $17.99 each. The round table I turned into nightstand was $9.00 at Wal-mart and I hand painted it along with decoupaging the logo on to it. Any questions feel free to email! I hope this helps with ideas. I was lost do to lack of ideas online.

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

Easter Dinner

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 03/28/2016 - 08:10

For our first Easter, my wife wanted to bring both our families together to celebrate in our new home. I've never done any woodworking before but the plans from Ana and Shanty2Chic allowed me to stretch my creativity. I got some awesome power tools from my father and started cutting away. 2 weeks later we were eating, drinking, and laughing over a 106" farmhouse style dining table. The materials were from the local home store and it was untreated lumber. Because of my inexperience I bought Prime Douglas Fir. The table took 4 of us to move from the detached garage to the living room. Who knew that wood was so heavy!!! Thanks to Ana and the girls at Shanty2Chic for some great tips. I relied on the pocket holes to attach the top boards but added a 4x4 in the middle for a feature piece to the table. The table top support beams are through tenon and mortise (I researched this on YouTube) but shimmed a bit since I didn't make them 100% perfect. The bottom 4x4 support is laid into the 4x4 on the leg support. Such fun, and am definitely looking to start more (perhaps with a lighter wood) projects soon. I'll continue to post any/all future projects.

Estimated Cost
$115 - $125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
5:1 Varathane Weathered Gray Stain/Poly Blend and Dark Walnut
I also sanded the first coat with 180 Grit in some areas and then rag stained some Dark Walnut and immediately wiped it off with a lint-free rag.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments