Community Brag Posts

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

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

tv stand and side tables (night tables)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/30/2023 - 12:45

I needed some furniture for a summer tv room ( cooler downstairs) I was making. These sidetables and tv stand are loosely based off Ana's work.

Comments

King Modern Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 05:52

Made this with pallet 4x6 and 4x4 posts, and construction lumber.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

I Built an Outdoor Sofa Set!

I have been wanting outdoor seating by my pool forever but couldn't afford anything I liked. When I came across Ana White's plans for the outdoor sectional I knew I had to build two. They are just what I was wanting and cost under $200. It took my brother & I one afternoon to buy the supplies and put it all together. Since this furniture is outdoors 24/7, I had to caulk the seams & paint the whole thing. That process took two days. The biggest expense was of course the cushions from Home Depot that Ana White recommends for this sectional. I have to admit, they are well worth every penny. They look amazing! Can't wait to spruce them up with some throw pillows.

Built from Plan(s)

New Dining Room

New dining room with a board and batten, farmhouse table and six parson chairs.
Thanks Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
wengue stain and white paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JoanneS

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 18:15

This room is absolutely gorgeous! You did an awesome job- love all the finishes and colors, and the fantastic chairs!

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 03/20/2012 - 12:43

Wow! This room turned out great - really fantastic job!

claydowling

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 05:14

I'm with Ana on the chairs. That's really amazing. The last time I made a chair it took a very full and tiring day to build the frame, and another evening to build the seat. Do you have tips for speeding the process up?

alamanda973

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 09:16

Thank you for all these compliments. I don't speak English very well because I'm french but I will try to make me understand. I built a chair with the modifications to see the result, then, I made all the cuttings with my miter saw for the 5 other chairs, then I made every chair within half an hour. I cut all that it was necessary foam and fabric in one step and I sewed everything for covers. To make covers, I made a paper pattern, then I sewed them in 10 minutes.
I am very happy I found this site with all that wonderful projects. It's my favorite site . Thank you Ana, you changed my life!

Milca (not verified)

Fri, 06/15/2012 - 07:44

Je suis impressionnee :)

kaytrishjr

Tue, 08/21/2012 - 13:16

I'm totally amazed, talk about getting busy! Your room is beautiful!

Angela Kempf (not verified)

Thu, 11/29/2012 - 14:24

Does your slip cover come off? I would like to make a couple of these to use as accent chairs in my living room. Yours look amazing.
I have one little boy, two cats, a large dog and a ferret. I need something that is WASHABLE =)

sugarhigh1605

Thu, 07/18/2013 - 12:37

I love your chairs and especially like the extra height. How tall did you make the backs of the chairs?

Panel bed with box springs

Submitted by Kait14 on Mon, 12/30/2019 - 12:36

I built this bed for a guest room. Easier than I expected and took 2 days! I used watco danish oil in medium walnut. I was able to save some $ by using two twin box springs that I already owned instead of adding slats. I modified the height of where the box springs sit by lowering the cleat 2” and shortening the legs on the center support by 2” as well. It worked perfectly! 

Estimated Cost
75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Watco Danish oil medium walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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