Community Brag Posts

Folding Workbench

Submitted by MrsCordz on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 07:47

We chose this project because we have a small garage and space is at a premium.  The dimensions of this build fit well in our limited space and allowed us to organize items such as paint, stain, screws and nails into one central location. I chose 2x4's on the sides to give it a more stable feel. Our garage and parking lot are all sloped and with the 2x4's this prevented the twisting. It feels solid and the wheels are smooth. We picked everything up at Home Depot. The screws that came with the hinges are to long and my husband used the Dremel to grind them down. You could just buy shorter screws.  This is one of my firsts builds and I've definitely learned a lot of lessons along the way. Measure, measure, then measure again before you cut a piece and use a level surface to make level pieces. Overall, everyone in my family played a part in helping me build this piece and so I love it and will cherish this piece and the memories always. Thanks Ana for all your fun videos, sharing your life with your family, and providing resources like this plan to us for free. I'm thankful for my son who bought me a compound miter saw for Mother's Day and other family for buying me a Ryobi circular saw. I'm truly blessed and loved. Thanks

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I'm leaving it in the raw due to the nature of the piece. I may put a clear coat on it later.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Garage shelves

Submitted by Queequeg on Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:35

This is my first project ever built. I can't thank you enough for this site. I already have several other projects I want to build around the house because of this site. Thank you so much!

Estimated Cost
$150 for the wood. And some extra for the stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax walnut water-based stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Queequeg

Thu, 03/31/2016 - 14:36

Didn't realize the photos were rotated. Can't figure out how to fix that!  Oh well.  :)

 

Workbench with Drawers and Carts on Casters

Submitted by vendo on Tue, 03/19/2024 - 07:38

Using Ana's Ultimate Workbench Plan and her easy drawer method I built this. I decided to do storage carts that roll in and out for small scrap lumber storage. The Kreg Foreman got it's own cart, I made it so the deck of the machine was at the same height as the work surface. I added a drawer so all of my kreg bits and screws can be in one place. I had batteries and chargers laying all over my small shop, so I incorporated a battery charging drawer. I'm excited for the projects to come using my new set up!

Farmhouse Storage Bed With Hidden Drawer

Submitted by Beekeeper on Wed, 12/10/2014 - 17:35

Ana, thanks for these plans! They inspired me to make my first bed build. I also want to thank all of you that added brag posts! They gave me ideas for some of the modifications that I made. I did this build by mixing your Queen Farmhouse and Queen Farmhouse Storage bed plans. I also added a number of modifications to suit my own preferences. The drawer boxes I changed by building a faceplate (I didn't want the plywood ends exposed), and by increasing in depth to maximize some additional storage. Since I increased the drawer sizes, I went with the euro roller bearing slides. I increased the foot-board height to be slightly higher than the mattress. I also designed the footboard to have a removable inner section with hidden latches on the inside. I did this because I wanted to make use of the "dead space" between the drawer boxes. I then used this space to house a hidden drawer, that is approx six feet deep (I couldn't help myself-I love hidden drawers wink). Because I added the hidden drawer, I changed the opptional center support to 4X4 blockes that were pocket screwed under the center of the boxes. I ended up using birch plywood and fir for this build. For my first bed build I'm fairly happy with how it came out. Thanks again!

Estimated Cost
I didn't keep exact track of the cost of this bed, but I think it was about $800.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I haven't got there yet, but I am planning on putting a mahogany stain and then a polyurethane. All
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 12/11/2014 - 07:41

This is your first build and you did all of those awesome modifications?! Really impressive and it looks perfect! Congrats and welcome to the community!

In reply to by spiceylg

Beekeeper

Sun, 12/14/2014 - 06:03

Thanks for the compliments! It was a fun learning experience. Making all the modifications definitely slowed down the build, but also made it more rewarding!

beckbg

Fri, 12/12/2014 - 13:18

I just started my bed (mostly out of Baltic Birch) and am wondering where you were able to find such nice 4x4s. Your bed is gorgeous! No luck here. I bought redwood, but really wanted fir for the sharper edges. It's my first project, too. I also bought same drawer slides, but the soft close. Didn't want the slam. I figure building it will be the easy part compared to procuring nice 4x4s! Hope you can help!

In reply to by beckbg

Beekeeper

Sun, 12/14/2014 - 06:01

Thanks! The 4x4s I found at a place called Better Living Building Supply. They had a pretty nice assortment of fir, including the 4x4s, so that is why I chose it for the build. Finding the 4x4s slowed down my start on the build. Our local Lowes only had them in treated pine.

athingvall

Sat, 09/05/2015 - 20:47

Thank you for the pictures, the bed turned out Awesome.  I was wondering about the latching system for the foot of the bed.  Do you think a piano hinge on the lower would work too?  Also on the center drawer did you use rollers or is it just friction?  Can't wait to start the build.

Thanks

Codding58

Mon, 02/15/2016 - 14:11

This is excellent!!!   I really like this, so much in fact that the wife is going to have to get used to it too. lol   But really, GREAT work!    Any chance you could post a pic and or comment about how you attached that removeable end?    i think this is the best part!    Cheers!

Kmaynard19

Tue, 12/10/2019 - 08:42

Beekeeper,  Awesome build!!!  Have you posted your altered plans anywhere?  I'm very interested in your build, I was wondering about some aspects of it and how you approached it.  Plans would clear it up instead of bothering you with all my questions.

NinjaPinky

Sat, 06/20/2020 - 09:06

I, like many others, have been wondering if you'd share your plans for this modification. It just looks so great!

tammis50401

Mon, 11/16/2020 - 15:42

Bed turned out awesome. I was wondering if you have the plans for the bed with a list of supplies it took to make this bed. I so want this bed it's just what we are needing

Great job

Octagonal Picnic Table

Submitted by frmoody on Fri, 05/28/2021 - 15:08

To say this was a complicated build is an understatement. Lots of pieces, lots of different angles and lots of screwing it together. It was really tough to keep everything perfectly square but in the end it turned out well. It is a very heavy table. I want to get it outside on a sunny day for some photos.

Estimated Cost
The price of lumber is ridiculous right now. Last summer this would have cost me about $200 in materials but I spent about $450 on wood, finish and screws. 2 x 4 x 8's right now are about $10.40 CAD$ and 2 x 4 x 6's are about $15.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I first painted all black parts with Wood Shield Oil Deck & Siding solid stain. I used two coats. I painted most of the boards prior to cutting to save time. The top and seats were stained with MinWax Gunstock Stain. Once everything was together I put on two coats of Helmsman outdoor polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

pipe/wood bookcase

Submitted by ltodd on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 18:26

1/2 ' x 18" black pipe was used along with 1/2 ' flanges. The wood was re-purposed 2x6' pine lumber that had been used for pallets, that would have been thrown away. The boards were joined with a Kreg Jig, It will house my stereo components.

Estimated Cost
$150 pipe/flange costs
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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)

Bunk beds

I built this bunk bed from the plans here on Anna white, I love this site. I think it came out really good. It took a little longer than expected because I sanded every piece down, every corner, every side, every end,  because it's for my kids.  

I devised the ladder myself for my situation and modified the rails I found as well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clear matte polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Murphy bed made from solid wood

My husband used the plans from this website to make a single Murphy bed. He didn't make any changes, save for building the frame out of solid poplar and using birch plywood for the flat surface the mattress sits on when it's unfolded. We trimmed it to mimic the the lines of a built-in in the same room, and stained it Jacobean to make it look dark. It's a solid piece of furniture and is saving us tons of space.

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Hanging daybed

Submitted by hponce28 on Sun, 04/14/2013 - 14:24

I wanted to make a large porch swing but just couldn't find the exact design. I wanted to be able to stretch out and take a nap but also be able to have a back to lean against. Most plans that I found were just basically a box you could put a mattress in and then hang. So I found Ana's plan for a basic daybed and chopped off the legs and raised the back just a little. It's perfect!! Thanks Ana. The plans were very simple to follow. This is my first project and I think it turned out great.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Colored stain in cocoa. Applied two coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

melimew

Sat, 07/26/2014 - 07:37

Looking forward to do one like this !
Do you still have the measurement for the back you have raised ?
Really nice !

Thanks :-)

jdaybama

Tue, 11/18/2014 - 17:38

We made the bed and it looks awesome!  Thanks for making the plans easy to follow and providing the picture, which was a fantastic reference.  I do have a question for you in regard to how you hung the beg.  We would like to hang this from our porch, but can see that we simply have 2x4 roof trusses.  We are concerned that the weight of the bed (pretty heavy) plus mattress and support plus a person may be too much.  Any additional information you could provide on how you hung the swing would be greatly appreciated!  Thanks!

Students build an Outdoor Classroom

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/27/2022 - 06:26

The high school environmental club built an outdoor learning space for classes. The plans were super easy to follow and the students were able to put them together with minimum direction. Imagine being able to take your lessons while out in a field beside the woods! Thank you Ana!

MODERN SLAT TOP OUTDOOR WOOD BENCH

This was my first project. I am pretty excited how it turned out. If I did it again, I would recommend sanding and painting prior to building.

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Spray Paint - Oasis
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Lean-To Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/24/2023 - 13:17

I’m a first year teacher of construction class at Waterloo High School in Illinois. We recently used your Small Cedar shed instructions with some modifications for a class project. It’s a bear getting cedar right now, so we used T1-11 for the outside and 2x4 for the frame.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Herb & Flower Ladder

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/09/2016 - 15:06

Living on a small city plot, this vertical ladder planter was just what I was looking for to grow my herbs and flowers. I am not an experienced builder but the plans were easy to follow. It didn't take me much time at all to complete this project. Now I am looking forward to fresh herbs and flowers all summer.

Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Octagon picnic table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 05/24/2017 - 20:34

I love our new table. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Thompson deck stain (cedar) and black Laytex paint.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Entry Shoe Bench

I've officially stopped stalking and started building! First project a modified spa bench. Still have to stain it, but it already makes the big pile of shoes by the door look neater! I'm a hands-on person and not afraid of power tools (got a band saw for my birthday!) but it's still a challenge building a piece of furniture. I've already learned lots of do's and don't do's for next time!
Thanx a bunch for your site, Ana! It definitely gets the mind plotting great projects to come!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~50$ (honestly, I can't remember!)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
PolyShades Royal Mission, several coats... and a spray can of clear coat too.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner