Community Brag Posts

Queen Loft Bed

Submitted by christy on Tue, 05/22/2012 - 07:54

I made this bed for my 6 year old daughter. I loved Anna's Loft Bed plans, but she wanted a bigger play area underneath. So I modified the twin loft bed plans to fit a queen mattress. I also added extra supports for the mattress, and I used PureBond plywood on top of the supports for the mattress to sit on.
That's the Farmhouse Toddler Bed underneath. My younger daughter inherited her big sister's twin bed, so the toddler bed was put to use in the new "playhouse."

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I sanded the wood and primed it. Then I sanded (lightly) again and painted it with Valspar latex enamel in Gloss Almond.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Neatha (not verified)

Mon, 08/20/2012 - 13:04

Do you have your modified plans still? I don't know where to begin with editing the originals. I am moving and we have limited space I need to place a desk under and queen sized bed but my ceilings are only 8ft.

Lindsay (not verified)

Sun, 09/02/2012 - 12:45

I think it's great that you modified it to a queen! I live a studio and NEED something like this. Could you share the modifications? It looks beautiful = )

christy

Sun, 09/02/2012 - 20:58

The changes I made were:
End planks cut to 63"
Top back guard and front and back rails cut to 87"
The top guard rails on ends cut to 66"
I measured for the mattress supports and the front guard rail after the rest was completed.
You should also measure for the bookcases after the rest is completed, but each of mine wound up being about 31" wide.

Everything else was pretty much the same.

Hope that helps.

dbai (not verified)

Thu, 11/01/2012 - 08:24

This is wonderful - I've been looking to make something like this for an urban efficiency (adult) apartment! Thanks so much for sharing your modifications!

gmur589

Mon, 07/29/2013 - 14:08

Will the height of the bed allow for adults to stand under it? If not what modifications should be made to make the height fit a standing adult? (the highest being 6'1" male) Thanks! =D

etb1999

Sun, 10/06/2013 - 08:23

Hello, about how much did it cost you to make this?
THANKS

NicoleLance0826

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 12:30

Hey Christy I was wondering if you could send the plans for upgrade to queen size. I cannot pull up the changes. Thank You. Im sure its not to many changes.

pretty-prima

Thu, 03/24/2016 - 16:52

Hello! I would like to build this queen sized bed, could you give me a cost estimate? I don't have any wooden planks sitting around so I would have to buy them all new.

Colorful Custom Bedford Corner Desk with Live Edge Desktop

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 06/28/2019 - 20:41

I followed the plans pretty closely. I added dividers to make 3 drawer units but I didn't find it necessary to have the top shelf go all the way to the back since it would never function as a shelf. I used scrap pieces for that and they weren't big enough to be full shelves.

I used 1/2" MDF for the bottom, sides, and backs of the drawers to cut down on weight, cost, and general bulkiness. I used this free app called Cut List to figure out the easiest way to have the guys at Home Depot cut all the drawer panels after I learned I'm not that good with a circular saw. I used a hack saw to cut aluminum bars for hanging files and used scrap wood to make the little brackets to hold the bars upright in the drawer. The full extension drawer slides are functionally and asthetically better but it would have been so much easier to put in basic bottom mount slides. 

I wanted a wood grain top and ended up with common pine boards over more expensive poplar or oak and I would use pine again without hesitation. I used Google SketchUp to figure out the widths of boards I needed to make the top with minimal cuts. Then joined them with glue and mending plates and sanded the hell out of them. I altered the dimensions slightly to make it the same size desktop as the Bedford desk. My two wing sections are 23" x 23" but I should have made them 23" deep by more like 24" or 25" long. I had to hack the bottom bracing to make a spot for the drawer units to slide into. If you alter the dimensions make sure you can secure a brace between the main body and the wing of the desktop and still have room for the brace at the edge of the wing. 

My cost includes things like a Kreg jig, saw blade, clamps, paint brushes etc. so you may be able to do this for less. I could have gone with a middle of the line paint I think. This project was a beast for me because a) I'm not a furniture maker b) I don't own a table saw which would have been amazing c) I picked the hardest way to make the desktop and d) I modified some of the dimensions from the basic plans. I worked on this thing for weeks (granted sometimes I didn't touch it for several days or a week). But it was a fun and rewarding project. 

Estimated Cost
$500-$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Marquee, Minwax wood conditioner, stain (honey) and stain poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse side tables to match the $40 Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by b25pilot on Wed, 06/24/2020 - 14:54

First it was the $40 Coffee Table, after it was finished my wife asked for the matching side tables see my other Brag Post. This time I built and used a proper miter saw stand, as well as purchased a new 60t saw blade for cleaner cuts. My wife didn't think they were tall enough so I increased the height by 2" with no need of additional wood. I took my time with these and even bought wood filler to even out and fill the knots. Ana does make it look easy having a workshop, but it wasn't that hard to build in my garage. I hated making the Xs on the Coffee Table and tried a different technique. I decided to notch them using my circular saw and my multi-tool as a plunge cutter. Sanded all the wood stained with Jacobean 2750 tint Minwax and sealed with Satin Polycrylic. See Photos for Details.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean 2750 tint and sealed with Satin Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rekourt Dining Room Table and benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/18/2017 - 18:08

This was my first big build and I love how it came out!  Thank you Ana White for amazing and straightforward plans to follow for both the farmhouse table and benches.  

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top MinWax Dark Walnut plus Rusteoleum Weathered Grey. Bottom is painted with ivory chalk paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Counter Height Pub Table

Submitted by adecesare4 on Mon, 02/18/2013 - 10:59

After searching for a table i liked in stores the ridiculous prices for real quality tables made me just resolve it by building one myself. I have three boys under 10 so i knew I also wanted it to be sturdy and resistant to as much wear and tear as possible. Therefore I chose to use oak for this project...although more expensive it is so much harder and will hopefully last longer :)

ok, so I used some examples that Ana posted and some customer projects and combined them to create this table. I also made stools to match and so thankful I did (another brag post) because they are very sturdy with no tipping factor like regular store bought stools.

I probably spend a total of $600 on the table and 6 stools, but it was swell worth it and you cant buy a table like this in the stores for less than $1200 and that is with crap laminate wood that chips and then its ruined. So I feel this was a smart investment (plus I get the enjoyment and fulfillment of making it )

I did not finish painting the leg portion yet, but love the way it is turning out...I did by the Kreg jig finally as well and it is well worth the investment! so much easy, and secure joints.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Traditional Cherry
Minwax Polyacrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Kerplunk Game for Outdoors

Submitted by thediyplan on Thu, 03/18/2021 - 13:54

Here’s another fun game to play for all ages, especially for kids. It’s called a Kerplunk Game. The original Kerplunk game is small, made from plastic, and is mainly for indoor use. But to make it more interesting and to encourage kids to spend more time outdoors, I’ve built a Giant DIY Kerplunk Game with a wire mesh screen. This is a great backyard game for any occasion or a party.

See my website for additional pictures and how I've built it, TheDIYPlan.com

Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor patio sectional and patio coffee table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/16/2017 - 13:08

Welcome to our labor of love. This is our first build and while my bf did most of the work, it was a great project for us as a couple. It was definitely work, but well worth it. We love the way it fits perfectly in our courtyard and people keep commenting on how high-end it looks. Thanks for the plan, Ana! The project took a little longer than it probably should, since it was the first project for us. You should account fort he time it will take to cut, sand and stain your pieces before assembly. There are times you will need to allow for the lumber to dry etc.

Finish Used
1-gal. #ST-129 Chocolate Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Stain and Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My first DIY project!

Submitted by Celeste808 on Sun, 05/05/2013 - 10:30

Finally Completed!!! Thank you rainy Saturday! So I wanted a new entertainment center of sorts... couldn't find one that was just what I wanted..... so why not just build what I want! Just DIY it. ;)

I used the faux fireplace plan and modified it to have attached shelves on the sides. I also added an extra strip at the top of the fireplace opening so I could mount an LED bar light.

I used 1/4 plywood to make a tile base, penny tile, and 1/2 quarter round to finish out around the entire bottom.

Total project cost was less than $200 including the tile and light!

Best part is the whole thing is movable!

Thanks Anna White for such an awesome plan to start with!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
MDF & plywood
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spkramer

Wed, 07/03/2013 - 10:24

This whole unit is great. My wife LOVES it, which means I will be building it! Did you purchase the two shelf units or build them yourself? Did you use a pattern or plan? Thanks!

Alisonwunderland

Wed, 07/31/2013 - 13:09

This is amazing! Exactly what I'm looking for! Did you change the depth of the mantel to make sure the shelves would be deep enough to hold things?

Celeste808

Sat, 08/03/2013 - 18:25

I did make the depth of the fireplace deeper so I could have room for the halves on the side. I just sketched out the dimensions I wanted the side shelves and built them along the same lines as the fireplace. Wasn't hard to figure out and just made it to fit the size I needed. The inset of the fireplace does not go all the way back to the wall either, that way the power strip can fit on the floor behind it. Glad you like it and thanks for the compliments!

EAnne

Wed, 07/23/2014 - 14:54

Hi Celeste 808, What a wonderful faux fireplace WITH the bookcases, especially. I'm hoping I can try this in our space challenged bedroom. Did you by any change reply to the chap who asked if you had some kind of dimensions or plans you could pass along to us? I would love to see if we can make it work in the space we have available.
Thanks again for the inspiration,
e

jrybolt26

Mon, 10/28/2013 - 18:25

I absolutely love what you did with this. I am going to have my fiance help me make this for our house. If you still have the dimensions and details of how you built the whole unit I would greatly appreciate it if you could post it.

mommyof2cuties

Sun, 04/13/2014 - 13:00

This is gorgeous & I can't believe it's your 1st project. I would love to build this too. Did you use any particular plans for the side units? If you have any tips or information to share, that would be great! I've actually been trying to make up my own plans using Sketch Up, but that's not working too good, lol. Again, great job & thank you.
Lynda

emswave

Sun, 02/08/2015 - 12:31

I'm dying to know the dimensions you added to the width. Also, the dimensions of the book shelf. I have been trying to draw up plans for the last week and I'm stuck with trying to figure it out by looking at your pictures.

PLEASE HELP!

Thanks!!

mrittgers1

Mon, 07/27/2015 - 09:15

Do you have the blue print of how you built the mantel and side book shelves? I am wanting to go buy supplies to build this tonight!!!

 

Thank you!

4x4 Truss beam table and bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/04/2021 - 13:42

The plans were very easy to follow for non avid woodworkers. We decided to upholster the seat on the bench.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Sewing Table for Small Spaces

Love the sewing table! It was a surprise Christmas gift from my parents.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
We used Bombay Mahogany stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Doll House Bookshelf

Submitted by alhskier on Mon, 04/04/2011 - 19:43

My first project from this website.  Made it for my daughter's first birthday! Had a fun time with it. Caulked the joints for a cleaner look, it came out great.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Caulk, and semi gloss paint!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Allen/ Ana White Island

Submitted by tfj1283 on Sun, 07/07/2013 - 17:16

This was my husband and my first DIY project and we were thrilled at the outcome! It took us a day to build and then a couple days to stain and paint.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
It is stained with min wax Jacobean and painted with Martha Stewart's Barn red. This was a super fun project; thanks Ana White!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Washer/Dryer Pedestal

This was an easy build and after 2 months I am still in LOVE with it:)

Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 06/15/2011 - 05:30

This makes me feel so dumb for buying my pedestals for my washer and dryer... I spent $250 EACH!!! and my detergent and fabric softener don't fit in there!!

JSSB (not verified)

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 10:59

We have a HE front-loading washer and because of the power of the spin cycle, it vibrates/moves a lot. Anyone who has these pedestals have problems with that? I don't want a very expensive washer to take a tumble. :)

NB (not verified)

Fri, 01/20/2012 - 21:15

Not speaking from experience because I haven't built this YET, but... I believe I saw on someone's post that built these that they put some brackets on there to help keep the washer in place.

Our New Custom Closet and Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/22/2022 - 08:30

Our cheap wire rack in the closet pulled out from the wall...twice. With input from the wife, I took inspiration from the various tower style closet designs and built this epic masterpiece. I still go in and marvel at what I did...two years later. We doubled up the hanging space, provided shelves and cubbies for all the shoes! And even built the table out of scraps from the project (a neighbor gave us the tabletop material as scrap from a project they finished). I had some stain left over from yet another project that was accidentally tainted, but turned out as a great color on the table. Thanks Ana for all the inspiring work!

Comments

Ana White Admin

Fri, 04/22/2022 - 11:36

This is amazing, great vision and execution, thank you so much for sharing! Just shared on our Facebook page:)

First Project!

Submitted by meg_odom on Sun, 08/25/2013 - 16:09

My husband and I built this as our first project & are thrilled with the way it turned out! We shortened it to 44" to fit our space. It took us a few hours but we got the Kreg Jig working the first try (though on a current project it is giving us some headaches). We really enjoyed building this on a rainy Saturday and received many compliments after posting the finished project on facebook. Looking forward to our next project - thanks so much for all your tutorials Ana & other submitters!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American (1 coat) with Minwax Satin Poly (2 coats, brushed) for the top & shelves; Olympic Bewitched Satin (high grade with primer).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by bcarter_1 on Tue, 10/30/2018 - 04:57

Very comfy outside sitting

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

Comments

Sideboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/21/2019 - 23:48

Really enjoyed making this! Thank you for the plans Ana White! 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Chalked linen white with gloss finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Laundry Basket Dresser/Kids Dresser

Submitted by MamaPepper on Wed, 09/14/2011 - 14:50

I was reading a book called "ADD Friendly Ways to Organize Your Life", and one thing that stood out to me is that people struggling with ADD RARELY are able to fold and put away their laundry. Well, with 3 little boys (ages 5, 4 and 2)and being a single mama, this is amplified for me. One of the suggestions the book had was to give up the though of folding clothes and get colorful baskets to throw the clothes into once they came out of the drier. . . I immediately remembered seeing these, and I thought, "PERFECT!!!!"

I've made for 2 out of the three boys, but will make for myself and the youngest soon. The older boys now have their own dresser; shirts on top, pants in the middle, socks and underwear on the bottom. Now all I have to do is sort straight into the baskets and put away! Problem solved!

I didn't put the backs on these, mainly because I was being cheap, and they seemed sturdy enough without. I may add backs at a later date if needed.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Oooops paint and spray laquer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

A little take on Ana's sink

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/19/2023 - 21:55

This was a build to convince my wife that I should do the cabinets in our new house...now I have to do them all. I should have just said, Sure, go to Ikea!"

Comments

Fancy Baby Doll Crib and Hi Chair Set

Submitted by Linda7 on Thu, 01/21/2016 - 15:07

This was a Christmas gift for my youngest grandniece. The doll crib is made from the Fancy Doll Crib plans, slightly modified to be taller and longer. The high chair is made according to plan, except I substituted a 1" x 6" board for the back.

Estimated Cost
Purchased a 1" x 12" x 48" project board for the bottom and sides for about $10.00; the remainder of the wood was scrap, and I had the paint on hand. To make the set similar to the others I built for my grandnieces and granddaughter, I ordered a water-slide decal from Etsy - $13.00 including shipping, but there are several more decals on the sheet for future projects. The finials are from Hobby Lobby; need two pks at $1.99 each . I marked this as a weekend project just because I needed time to sand and dry time for the paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar "Ultra White" interior paint; spray a clear finish over paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner