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Garden Bench!!

Submitted by Nathan1342 on Mon, 08/06/2012 - 12:09

I built this for my wife for an anniversary present. She had wanted a garden bench for some time but the ones that she wanted were between $500-$700 which is ridiculous for this type of bench. So, I did a search on here for garden benches but there weren't really any plans for them and the few brag plans were not really the type of bench I was looking for. I printed off a few pictures of benches that I liked and got to work. The front and back legs a 2x6 and a 1x6 glued together and then cut to be straight. I wanted something thicker then just a plain old 2x6. If I had to do this again though, I would have just glued 3 1X6's together. The reason being, is that 1x6's usually do not have a rounded edge and a 2X6 does. So needless to say when you glue them together you have a nice little gap on either side. Without a table saw to take this off, its pretty difficult to get a straight cut. But I ended up getting it right after sweating for a few hours in the garage. The bench stands 36 inches high, 48inches wide and about 18 inches deep. The seat height is right at 18in also.

In the unfinished pictures I actually had the depth being 24 inches. After sitting on it though it was just way to deep. So I pulled it apart, made the adjustments and its now much more comfortable to sit in.

If anyone has any questions or wants more details feel free to drop me a line!

Thanks!

Estimated Cost
85
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil based acrylic paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Torwart13

Tue, 06/16/2015 - 11:25

So legs are about 2 1/4" square? Are the seat supports 2x4's? Back cross pieces 2x4? Slats 1x4"?

smz1919

Wed, 06/17/2015 - 12:39

how did you get the curve on the back legs?

Nathan1342

Fri, 06/19/2015 - 13:34

I glued a 2x6 and a 1x6 together to get the thickness. Now that i have a table saw and a jointer this entire process would have been much easier but after getting it to look like one solid piece i just outlined the slant i wanted and cut it using a jig saw.

smz1919

Fri, 06/19/2015 - 20:17

So the back slats are just glued in place right? I wonder if it would be easier to use a biscuit joiner or not

Mikeyw221

Sun, 10/23/2016 - 17:46

on the back legs how high up did you go before you started cutting the angle? and was it around 15 degrees fromt he edge?

SawdustMaker21

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 08:32

Hi Nathan
Love the look of the bench. Would you have a list of material requirements. I intend to make a bench like this and would like to know the measurements of the top back spar (the shaped one).
Here in the Uk our timber yards do not always supply the same cuts as the US so I need to have some idea of the pieces I need
Many thanks

Craft Table/Sewing Desk

Tables for my unhealthy sewing machine habit. :)

Blog Link
Mostly Aunt Dottie
Built from Plan(s)
Desk with Drawers and File Cubby Slots
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Paint (sigh)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Easy small space side table

Submitted by Dedavies3 on Mon, 07/07/2014 - 17:57

This was my first project. It was relatively easy but I did make some mistakes that are now design features

Built from Plan(s)
Rolling C End Table or Sofa Table
Estimated Cost
Reclaimed wood
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax English chestnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Hallway Shoe Dresser

Submitted by tjbr100 on Wed, 07/15/2020 - 22:19

This was the first project we built from Ana White's website and one of our most successful projects to date. Between Ana's great plans and description, along with tips from other people on the site, it was so easy to modify and build this into exactly what we were looking for. Jennifer and I are both novice wood workers, but this site made building a wonderful project really easy. Thank you. Now Jennifer wants a bigger one for the bedroom.

Built from Plan(s)
Shoe Dresser
Estimated Cost
$100 (CDN)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Primer and paint on the base, stain and varathane on the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

X Console Table

Submitted by MichelleC on Thu, 10/04/2012 - 13:53

I built this a couple feet shorter than in the plans because it is for my neighbor's fish tank! It was fun to build and I'm in love with the finished product. She's going to paint or stain it herself. The pics were taken in my messy, projects-everywhere carport right before the neighbor hauled it off! Her son-in-law wants one now, and I will be building one for MYSELF right away as well! Thank you Ana!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Console Table
Estimated Cost
75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Storage Daybed with Bookshelf Surround

Update 8/2017: This project started with the Storage daybed, which I built in 2014. My daughter is a book lover and I wanted to provide her with more space for her books. I recently added the following plans to the Daybed with Storage Trundle Drawers:

- Twin Storage Headboard Base

- Small Hutch for Storage Headboard

- Cubby Hutch Plans for the Storage Headboard

I also made one extra storage headboard base and added more shelves along the long side of the bed so she could be surrounded by books. There are two additional supports under long bookshelf and I placed them roughly behind each of the trundle drawers.

For the bed (I built two), I opted to use the alternate slat system. I also used 2" caster wheels and added dividers to the drawers--one drawer has three compartments, and the other two drawers were divided in half.

Note: In my main brag photo it looks like the drawers don't close flush... I didn't notice when I took the photo because I was focused on the new shelves. But they do close and line up perfectly!

 

Built from Plan(s)
Daybed with Storage Trundle Drawers
Small Hutch for the Storage Bed Headboard
Twin Storage Headboard Base Plans
Estimated Cost
$600 (Fairbanks, Alaska)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut and one coat of gloss polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack Chairs & Outdoor Side Table

Submitted by j_bowman on Sun, 04/11/2021 - 11:35

These modern Adirondack chairs were my first wood working project ever and they turned out awesome! I wanted to build a small table to complete the set and Ana’s new side table plans were exactly what I was looking for. I am truly amazed at how easy these projects were to make and how great they look on our front patio. Ana’s step-by-step plans make it so simple. My wife and I can’t wait to build some more of these projects for our backyard lanai and pool area.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair
2x4 Outdoor Side Table
Finish Used
General Finishes Red Mahogany stain
Spar Urethane

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Kentucky Fried Hilton Chicken Coop

Submitted by redtrek on Tue, 05/18/2021 - 23:12

I took the idea of the "small cedar shed" and decided to upsize it for a new chicken coop. Our old one was small enough that we had to let our six hens out to roam the yard. Chickens. Poop. Everywhere. I wanted one big enough to have them live in it. The nesting box is about 24 sf. The whole coop is 18' long, about 6-1/2' at the back with a 15° slope to the roof, and about 4' deep. I built the ladder up to their nesting box and made a mitre-cut panel under the nesting box for cleaning out, feeding, and watering. Total materials cost was about $1000, but a couple of local homebuilders helped by letting me scavenge the lumber for the nesting box from around houses that they were finished framing.

Built from Plan(s)
Small Cedar Shed
Estimated Cost
$1000-1200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Thompson's Clear Water Seal
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

4x2 Patio Seating

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/05/2021 - 02:12

Easy to make 4x2 Patio Seating with Ikea style cushions.
Added the diagonal designs on the back.

Built from Plan(s)
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
2x4 Outdoor Sofa

Comments

Tall Wood Planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 10/06/2021 - 09:36

Those are the first projects that I try to make. Thank you Anna White .

Built from Plan(s)
Tall Wood Planters

Comments

Vintage step stool end table, in 1:1 and 1:12

Submitted by uli on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 09:17

I built this step stool for friend, and a tiny version for my own dolls house. I had expected difficulties with the angled parts, but it went together very easily. I stained both of them with a vinegar/steel wool mix, painted with homemade chalkpaint. At last I sanded them for a distressed look and coated them with brown finishing wax.

Built from Plan(s)
Vintage X Back Step Stool End Table
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
vinegar/steel wool mix, homemade chalkpaint, dark finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse Table : Restoration Hardware Replica

Submitted by tsibiga on Mon, 06/20/2011 - 09:43

This is the first building project that I've tackled and it's all thanks to Ana-White. I did lots of things different than the building plan but it was definitely my inspiration and extremely useful. I loved the Restoration Hardware table and so I went to the local store to put my eyes on it for myself. Some of the things that I noticed, liked, and included in my design are; I used 4-2x12"s for the tabletop, I used 2x8"s as the breadboards, I used 4x4"s for the legs as well as the side stretcher, I used 2x4"s as the undertable supports, I built two 15" extensions using 2x8"s and 2x2"s, and I attempted to distress the wood yet stain it to match our dining room as best as I could.

www.tommyandellie.com

I've documented the build and you can check it out yourself at: http://tommyandellie.com/?p=14

I've revised the plans with even more details here; http://tommyandellie.com/index.php/2012/01/13/new-and-improved-farmhous…

Hope it helps.

Blog Link
Tommy and Ellie
Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I banged up the wood using random things around the garage and then used a Dark Walnut Stain. Additionally, on the tabletop I did two coats of Briwax (light Brown) for a nice, shiny, and smooth eating surface.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

niecey

Mon, 06/20/2011 - 15:06

This is stunning! I'm working on this table right now, but it's no where near as good as yours. I'm jealous. I love your extensions. I'd love to see a tutorial on adding extensions..

ispeakwhale

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 05:16

It looks beautiful. Did you attatch the 2x2 to the underside of the extensions and then notch out a place on the support for them to slide into? Can you please take a photo of the underside with the extensions on?

Tommy (not verified)

Tue, 06/21/2011 - 14:42

That's exactly right. Here's a link to the picture you asked for; http://www.tommyandellie.com/Site/Home/Entries/2011/6/10_Farmhouse_Tabl…

There's some more details and info specifically about the extensions on my blog at; http://www.tommyandellie.com/Site/Home/Entries/2011/6/10_Farmhouse_Tabl…

It's a super simple addition to the design and can take my table from 96" to 126"!!! Or take it from a 8-10 seat table to potentially 16 seats available for those Big thanksgiving meals.

Guest1 (not verified)

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 15:41

Hello,

I was just wondering that since your table is a bit wider than Ana's table, did you make the support for the stretcher wider? As in, did you increase the length at all (in addition to making it stick out a bit at the ends? If so, what did you extend it to? Thanks and gorgeous job!

tsibiga

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 18:49

Hello,

I followed Ana's example and allowed for a 1" overhang on both sides. So the tabletop is actually 44" wide and the stretchers are approximately 42". The long 2x4" stretcher is approximately 88".

Hope that helps. Thanks for the positive comments.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 06/29/2011 - 20:28

I cant believe how good that looks. Great job! Out of curiosity, how did you make the notches (dados) for the 4x4 legs where they meet the table top? Really impressive table!

tsibiga

Thu, 06/30/2011 - 04:43

For the table legs, I set my table saw blade to a height of approximately 1.5". I then made a first cut at 3.5" from the bottom, then made a cut at 7", and then made several subsequent cuts in between those two cuts. After it was all slivered, I used a hammer to knock it all out, and then swirled the opening all around on the table saw (blade still at 1.5" tall) to smooth out all the cuts. I used the same technique for the stretcher as well.

Guest (not verified)

Sat, 08/06/2011 - 21:36

Hi Tommy, I tried clicking on your site and was told the site could not be found. Last week, I saw it fine and showed my hubby our next project, but now it's gone. Help!

Keri Beth (not verified)

Thu, 03/01/2012 - 07:17

What inspiring pictures! Apparently everyone agrees, because I just "pinned" one of these pictures to Pinterest and it was immediately repinned 27 times and counting. So nice work! I hope to make mine this weekend.

DES.II (not verified)

Sun, 04/29/2012 - 06:29

She and her boyfriend would like to build it using lumber i cut from my mill. They are thinking walnut, hickory or maybe ash but im not sure how that will work out with being distressed. And your extentions, do you have a 2x4 or two that slides out from under the table to help support them on each end ? Are there pics of the under side of the table as well? This is a great table and i think they will have fun as a family assemblimng and finishing it.
Thank you. DesII

Marci (not verified)

Thu, 10/11/2012 - 12:12

Where can I find the bench instructions??

James Groover

Tue, 04/14/2015 - 13:31

Hey Tommy, I saw the Farmhouse table design with extensions, I don't have Excel to open the cut list and need the buy list and cut list to complete the project, I am really short on time and need to start this project tomorrow. Please if you can, do you have a word document or a PDF that shows the page for those?

corner cupboard

easy to follow instructions. I work in a hardwood sawmill as a sawfiler. I get a lot of wood from the mill. I bought a kreg pocket hole jig for the first time. Building the doors was easy. I'll never use mortise and tenon joints on small doors again. The door ornaments came from Lowes

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
golden oak stain minwax nothing else just rub in one coat
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Marshall's Crib Grandad's First

Submitted by pondrider on Thu, 12/03/2015 - 14:57

Delivered the nursury Furniture and have a very satisfied daughter preparing to bring our Grandchild into the world.

From Ariel "My sweet baby boy has the most beautiful nursery I've ever seen! I am so thankful for my father who hand built this furniture. It is definitely made with love and it's everything I dreamed of. I'm also thankful for my husband and brother in law who set up this entire nursery for me this morning. Thank you" 
I started with plans and inspiration and then added some creativity. For the legs on this crib I laminated three 1x4 poplar and used threaded inserts. #anawhite

Built from Plan(s)
DIY Farmhouse Crib - Featuring DIYstinctly Made
Estimated Cost
between special hardware, screws and lumber $400. The picture that my daughter gave me a disired end product had a retail of $975.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Actually used Sherwin Williams exterior Stain custom
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

light02

Sat, 02/06/2016 - 03:53

Can you tell me the color stain you used its beautiful!! I can't seem to get this color quite right and I've tried many times.

Ckendall

Fri, 03/11/2016 - 09:20

My husband would like to build our son a crib and I love this one! Is there a way to get the plans?? 

daf3000

Mon, 11/07/2016 - 19:14

I like your husband really like and want to build this crib. However pondrider hasn't replied so i was wondering if he/she sent them to you by chance. 

niter

Thu, 06/30/2016 - 16:33

I love this crib and was wondering if there is plans for this.  I would love to build it for my sister!

pondrider

Tue, 10/18/2016 - 18:51

Folks I am going to tell you to suggest you get the frame and hardware at place called products america .They have a link to plans that were on a magazine web site for sale.  I got the plans but the crib you see only used those plans to get started. If you look at each side independently you will notice that you can build this with Free and better written plans for Ana-White farmhouse bed.  yes, you'll do a little modifying for the sides but as we build that is beauty of everything we build in that we build for the size we need.   The plans from build America will help with dimensions. The other key with a crib safety and the fact that it must be assembled and disassembled in the room.   The plans from build america will attempt to show how to install threaded inserts.  I found Youtube and other instructions to be much better. My build has fixed sides meaning the front and the back do not come down. And I did not set it up to be convertable.

Farmhouse storage bed w/drawers (king)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/10/2023 - 11:51

Seen this awesome plan on Anas site and had to build it in KING SIZE. The drawers are enormous, the bed is rock solid. I love it

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Storage Bed with Drawers (Queen)

Comments

Grill Table with Marble Top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 08/14/2023 - 12:07

I used some leftover marble from having our countertops replaced and modified the plans to fit the marble. Love my new grill table!

Shawna

Built from Plan(s)
Sturdy Work Bench

Dog Bed Window Seat

Submitted by shellyward on Mon, 01/20/2014 - 16:53

I wanted a place for our dog beds, without just having them all over the floor (we have 2 big dogs and 2 little ones. I decided to build a window seat in front of the large window in our dining room which could double as dog beds/kennels. While the base plan was off the large wood pet kennel end table, it had to be modified significantly to be wider, shorter, and sturdy enough to sit on. I am also still trying to decide if/how i want doors on here. This is actually 2 kennels next to each other (not 4) Next will be to build 2 actual kennels for the big dogs to place on either side of this.

Built from Plan(s)
Open Bases for the Cubby Storage Collection
Estimated Cost
$150-$200 (high because of the foam and fabric for the seat cushion)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
black paint/ poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments