Shoe Dresser
I had this space in my mudroom that was a perfect spot to make a custom shoe dresser. I adjusted the plans I found on this website to custom make storage for shoes. Now this weird little space is functional.
I had this space in my mudroom that was a perfect spot to make a custom shoe dresser. I adjusted the plans I found on this website to custom make storage for shoes. Now this weird little space is functional.
This was my first furniture project and only my 2nd woodworking project, the previous one a cubby house over 20 years ago, so I was a bit nervous. I did lots of planning, research and designing before the first cut. I incorporated ideas from Ana projects as well as from other sites and learned how to use a drop saw, various sanders and the pocket hole jig.
We wanted a tall table because when sitting a a regular height table the view is blocked by the deck railing.
I decided to make it out of hardwood for durability in the Australian outdoors and also because we get sea air where we are. The hardwood (Blackbutt) was challenging to work with - extremely heavy and difficult to drill into, but the finished product is SO solid and will outlive us all. Due to the weight and density of the timber I overengineered as far as joining went, using more pocket holes than usual.
I saw the idea of the built in ice troughs years ago and was keen to incorporate them into my table. I also made the legs detachable so that the table top could be moved out onto the deck once it was finished and the legs added in situ. Once it was set up my husband put big screws into the legs just in case but it would really take an earthquake to move this thing.
I managed to build it over 3 weekends and finished it just in time for our family Christmas party but it only had 1 coat of stain on it at that stage. I finished it off later and we also decided that the ice trough covers would look good in a contrasting colour so did them in charcoal. If I made it again it would be a much quicker project as there was alot of 'firsts' and learning along the way.
The dimensions are:
2660mm long (about 8' 9")
1150mm wide (about 3' 9.5")
1165mm high (about 3' 10")
The legs are solid - 140 x 140mm (5.5")
It seats 10 - 12 comfortably and 14 at a squeeze.
We got the bar stools 2nd hand for an absolute steal - 12 for $200! They are handmade hardwood too and look great.
The timber was quite expensive but I was able to use the work account so got it at trade price. This would be a very expensive table to buy but all up it cost us about AU$1100.
This project was not exactly easy but I would class myself as a novice. With the right planning and preparation (plus stubbornness) anyone could do this :-)
In reply to A Piece of Art! by Ana White Admin
Sat, 01/28/2017 - 16:12
Thank you so much :-)
I am not a carpenter, I do not even have a tape measure. I got tasked by my leadership dothan class to build a farmhouse table for the academic dream room which is part of the Bright Key Program. Which is being renovated at Honeysuckle Middle School. Found your plans and got inspired. One glitch they wanted this table to be able to sit fourteen chairs. So I had to make a few adjustments like increasing the main boards to twelve foot. Because of your plans, many urban middle schoolers will have a place to get tutored considering cafeteria tables are so expensive. I am a believer of your plans. The positive feedback I received was well worth my time and would not of been a sucess without your plans. I did mine with pocket holes as well.
My first Ana White project. Built Ana’s awesome small cedar shed as an outhouse for our many cats. The have access to it from inside the house. Great way to keep litter boxes and the mess out of the house. It is stand alone, and attached to the house, in front of a bedroom window. There are two ‘entrances’ as well as two, one-way, escape hatches, if a cat in the outhouse is interrupted by another cat (I.e. a male cat comes in and the female feels trapped) they can exit to the outside (one way so no critters can come inside!). Ana has easy to build plans, great site! I plan on making the square table just posted today for my newly refurbished deck. Keep in mind, my estimated costs and time reflect a LOT of additional features on the inside. The shed itself, very easy, simple, inexpensive. Very little waste with Ana’s projects as well.
Thu, 04/29/2021 - 09:06
Thank you for sharing, what a cool project!
Instead of building a free-standing, 4-poster Pergola, I attached one side directly to the house. There are various Pergola design types and shapes. Simply Google for "pergola" images and decide which design you like best, or combine design ideas together (as I did).
Couple things to consider:
A: Is your Pergola more for decorative purposes or actual shade?
My design was more for actual shade (but with a decorative design), which is why I added the 1in x 12in x 12ft Pine boards between the cross beams at the very end (last picture). If your design is more for decorative purposes, you can space out your support beams and cross beams wider (using less wood and money).
You can also choose to use 2x4s as your support beams with 2x2 cross beams on top (essentially furring strips) either close together or spaced farther apart. This would also reduce the overall cost of your Pergola and make it much lighter as well. I chose to use all 2x6s for both support beams and cross beams.
B: What path does the sun follow across the sky over your Pergola?
If the sun passes directly over your Pergola and you want a lot of shade, you'll obviously need to consider this in your design (i.e., more cross beams that are close together).
C: Do you want your support beams and cross beams to inter-lock (by cutting square notches and assembling them like linking logs), or simply stacked on top of each other? (Again, Googling for Pergola images will help you see the differences in designs.)
I chose to interlock all of my beams by cutting notches and fitting them together. Obviously more time consuming to measure each notch, cut, and chisel them but the stability of inter-locking beams should hold up a little better in the strong winds of Las Vegas.
HOW TO (abbreviated)
Overall Pergola Dimensions: 10ft Height, 12x12ft
Tip: Paint or stain all your wood prior to assembly. Much easier. You can always touch-up scuffs and scrapes after it's built.
1. 2x6x12 installed directly onto the house (thru the stucco into the studs) using 3/8in. x 5in. lag screws. (Tip: Seal the top edge of the 2x6x12 that's against the stucco so water doesn't run behind it and down into the lag screw holes.)
2. Install the 2x6 Double Shear Hangers (as many as you need for your design)
3. 4x4 post anchors secured directly into the cement patio using Tapcon 3/16 in. x 2-3/4 in.cement anchor screws.
4. 4x4x10ft posts screwed on top of the anchors. Ensure level on all sides (use a partner to help hold the posts).
5. Attach the front and side 2x6 beams to the 2 posts (again, use a partner to help hold posts while you're up on the ladder screwing your beams to the posts)
6. Attach the remaining 2x6 support beams.
7. Attach the 2x6 cross beams on top (whether you inter-lock them by cutting notches or simply resting them on top, be sure to toe-nail screw them in with 2in exterior screws).
8. Lay 1x12x12ft pine boards on top in between the cross beams and secure with 2in exterior wood screws.
9. Construct the post bases ("sleeves" or "leggings") which greatly adds to the look, as outlined in the "Weatherly Pergola" plans.
10. Touch-up paint / stain any areas you need.
I wanted to use our laundry basket dresser as a collector for dirty laundry in our bathroom, and wanted it to have doors so it would blend in better. I also made the shelf above for our towels. It is painted white with a faux-zinc finish on the top. I made the top slightly larger so it would overhang and added cute little bun feet. My talented friend Carli helped me build the doors (and by helped I mean I handed her things while she impressed me with all her tools and skills!) and frame.
Fri, 07/29/2011 - 23:37
this is perfect! i totally need a bunch just like this! I love the added doors!
Tue, 10/11/2011 - 20:42
Would you mind sharing the dimensions for this cabinet? Love this idea!!!! Great job!
Wed, 01/11/2012 - 08:29
I love this idea! I will have a new bathroom soon and I think this will get used! What are the dimensions, or what style cabinet would you suggest to look for? TIA!
Fri, 02/17/2012 - 05:57
The dimensions are the same as Ana's plan: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/laundry-basket-dresser except that the top is slightly bigger (3/4" overhang on front/sides) to look more like a countertop. On the doors we just made a frame w/ angled pieces, routed a notched line on the back & glued/nailed some beadboard in from the back. Sorry I can't be much more detailed on that, a friend did most of the doors for me!
Sun, 02/19/2012 - 07:42
I actually got the plywood to do this project and I was going to add doors. I looked at the baskets suggested but it seems they would stick out the front. I was just curious, did you use different baskets that would fit inside the cabinet or did you make the cabinet slightly deeper?
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 05:36
Actually I discovered the same problem after it was built. I just didn't put a back on and they stick out a tiny bit in the back. I actually kind of like it that way because it lets some air in (being in the bathroom and putting towels in I could see it getting mildewy without much circulation). But if I had gotten the baskets first I probably would have made it about 2" deeper, then leave some open space, but not all, on the back.
I created shelving and a workbench space for my garage. The plans were simple to use and the shelving ended up being sturdy and level!
Took some liberties on this one. Used paint stirrer sticks for the roof.
After looking at some terribly overpriced particle board vanities, I found the lovely Rustic Farmhouse Double Bath Vanity plans and decided to go for it. I think this vanity turned out much better than anything I could have bought with the same amount of money, and it will last much longer too!! Thanks Ana!!
Thu, 05/04/2023 - 10:26
Absolutely stunning, thank you for sharing your beautiful createion!
I took a woodworking course through the community college and built this cedar bench for my front porch. I learned so much throughout this process and am proud of how it came out. I am now building up my own arsenal of tools and supplies. I can’t wait to choose my next project!
Plans from myoutdoorplans.com/2x4benchplans
Mon, 06/19/2023 - 17:39
Such a great first project, thank you for sharing. Can't wait to see your next project!
Loved this build had to make it smaller but wow.
Paula
More Info / Build Instructions:
http://www.instructables.com/id/Hanging-Basket-Column/
This project is an expansion from my project (Pallet Planter Box) posted 2+ years ago. The pallet planters are holding up great but the finish was looking dull after a couple of years in the sun. I decided to refinish them with a darker walnut stain (vs. original red oak). At the same time, I thought it would be a good time to upgrade the planters. To provide flowers for the deck, my wife had been talking about a hanging basket column that could be placed in the ground or in pots. We found something we liked in a catalog; but to me, the price of $86 per column seemed pretty high for something so simple. So, I created this very simple project from 4x4 lumber, end caps, base plates and hangers. I made it a little more complicated by cutting down the 4x4s to match the decorative end cap dimensions but that isn’t really necessary. We are very happy with the results and the cost; it was less than $20/post to make. Now we have hanging baskets and the planters to provide seasonal flowers
Loved this Coffee Table and wanted to suprise the wife for christmas, so being my first project I got started! had no idea what I was doing but they were great instructions, and the KREG JIG is AMAZING. altered the plans a bit to make it a rectangular coffee table (added 12 inches) instead of square to fit our living room better. Now to tackle the next project!
Wed, 03/19/2014 - 07:39
I absolutely LOVE the finish on this, thank for sharing!!! For the estimated cost you put $100, is that without including the cost of the turned legs? Did you get the legs through Osborne? I think I NEED to make this coffee table and use that finish!
In reply to I absolutely LOVE the finish by MichelleC
Wed, 03/19/2014 - 09:02
Now that you brought it to my attention you are absolutely right, I completely forgot about the cost of the legs. including the cost of those, it does come to $200 dollars, ill change that. I also did get the legs from Osbourne. As for the finish yes do it! I am really happy with how it turned out :) thanks again and let me know when your coffee table is done so i can check it out!
Cheers,
Justin
Wed, 03/19/2014 - 09:55
if you dont mind me asking, in what order did you apply the stains?
In reply to if you dont mind me asking, by 2nervous2build
Wed, 03/19/2014 - 11:47
not at all! here is a link as to what I followed.
http://ana-white.com/2013/05/vintage-graybrown-stain-pine
Ana shows exactly what to do :) mine didnt turn out as dark as her project, but am still lovin the table none the less. :)
Cheers,
Justin
Wed, 03/19/2014 - 09:55
if you dont mind me asking, in what order did you apply the stains?
Sat, 04/26/2014 - 17:54
Wow, congrats on your first build! It turned out amazing! And that finish? OMGosh, so incredibly beautiful! I love it! Thanks for sharing!
Tue, 05/20/2014 - 13:32
Thank you Jen for checking out the coffee table! thanks for the compliment as well!
Tue, 05/20/2014 - 13:32
Thank you Jen for checking out the coffee table! thanks for the compliment as well!
In reply to AWESOME 1st Build by RE
Fri, 01/02/2015 - 09:48
Thank you!
Cheers,
Justin
Fri, 01/02/2015 - 09:47
Sorry for such a late response! incase you still needed to know, I made a typo and I did mean special walnut.
Thanks!
Cheers,
Justin
Fri, 07/17/2015 - 12:59
Being as yours is much lighter (and i like it more than the darker). Did you use the wood conditioner and how long did you leave the stain on for? it almost looks like once it was on you were wiping it off. Love it well done :)
Also, do any of you guys use the paste wax when finished? I was thinking about following the stain with some poly to seal it. any suggestions?
Wed, 08/19/2015 - 09:47
An excellent finished project. Did you use 2x6 for the top as your wood looks a tad thinner?
Wed, 08/19/2015 - 09:47
An excellent finished project. Did you use 2x6 for the top as your wood looks a tad thinner?
Wed, 08/19/2015 - 13:58
Can you tell which legs and size you used from osborne?
Project looks amazing!
This is my first try at building furniture. I've built larger things in the past like decks and a fort for my nephews, but never furniture. Even though I used the plans to build the main box, I did change up the bottom and added some new stuff. I added wheels to the bottom my wife could easily move it around her classroom. I didn't want to put a square base on it because I thought it might hit her ankles when she was standing close to it. So I sort-of notched it out to give an opening for her feet and I used some scraps to create a short shelf at the bottom. I also added more trim that the plans call for. I cut strips of the pine plywood for the base molding and topped it with quarter round. I used corner trim for the front corners, the self inside and the bottom notched shelf. I also used screen trim for the back of it. I think it came out nice and I've very pleased with it. I used 2 coats of Minwax PolyShades American Chestnut on it.
I modified the modern tree house plan and added some safety features for young kids. I did a spiral up ladder enclosed with a mesh net so they can’t fall very far. I also added more siding and put cross bracing in window wells to limit opening size. Finally, a full porch style railing and the main support beams are pinned at one end and have a self designed treehouse sliding bracket to allow for tree movement in the wind.
Wed, 11/18/2020 - 11:16
Absolutely love all the features you added! Thanks for sharing:)
Sat, 10/30/2021 - 07:09
Hi! I know this post was forever ago, but this is exactly how I want the treehouse to be for the my kids! I am trying to see if there was anyway you could show me how you did the modifications! I’d be forever grateful!
I’m very happy with my tool organizer. I also used the tool organizer idea for bracket to hang our bicycle rack. We love the way it all came out. Thank you so much for sharing!
We run a fence company. The best thing about this project is that it cost me $0!! I used 2X4 cutoffs that we were going to trash!
This was my first build, like ever. I am very proud! Props given to my hubby who is a carpenter by trade. I went back and forth on stains and paint colors at home depot. He didn't rush me and was awesome the entire time! He actually picked up the supplies, and is now a fan of the self tap screws! He thought he knew where everything in home depot was, but he had to ask to find those LOL. He wanted to use his new nail gun, but I wanted to follow the plans. The plans are awesome! We decided not to add an oven door just yet. Likely will soon. (Avoiding pinched fingers for now) I also have the knobs for the front, but it was hot and since I had only just stained them, they needed time to dry and second coat yet. (I kind of forgot about them once I finished them with my new dremel) We purchased the hose kit from the kitchen section at home depot. It came with everything, I searched market place and even posted asking if anyone had a used one for sale. No luck. This was $20 and came with everything, the guys at home depot showed me what adapters to get to ensure that it would hook up to our garden hose, and we grabbed those too and they worked perfectly! I messed up cutting one of the angles for the shelf the wrong way, but there was enough scraps for my husband to help me fix it. It was a fun build, and so rewarding to see our kids playing with it! I used my dremel 4300 and it wasn't powerful enough for the thicker wood, so my stove tops are thinner, but he actually enjoys setting them up and spraying them off the table with his hose! I painted the brass hooks green when we were painting the kitchen so they would match. The pots and pans came with the little tote and the apron chef hat and pot holder. It was a perfect finishing touch. *Edit to add photos kitchen hose kit from home depot, reading comments, others had a hard time finding adapters. I suggest taking what you have with you to home depot so they can show you what adapters you need. We needed three because we have a quick attachment on the end of our garden hose, (for our sprayer) now little mans mud kitchen can be connected and disconnected easily!
I built this for my daughter. I had to alter the plans just a little, but all of Ana's plans are so well done, that it is easy to change them a little and make them personal. Thank you Ana.
Made the sandbox 6x6. Recessed it so it sits flush with the timber’s around our fire pit area. I added extra armrests in the middle that double as supports when the lid is closed in case anyone wants to walk on it. Filled the sandbox full enough that the armrests sit on the sand when closed. It’s very sturdy now for walking on and the kids have tons of room to play. Thanks for a great plan to work from.
The charming Mantel Moulding Headboard with a unique accent feature where the "fire" would normally be. We created a tufted cushion for this open space to create a unique twist.
My wife and I completed this project over 4 days, but still under 20 hours not including wait time for wood filler and paint to dry.
Sun, 02/10/2013 - 13:50
I love the twist to this headboard. Any way you can tell the rest of us how you accomplished that, please???
I mimicked one of the brag post on this webpage. I used 1x4s and luan for my back. The seat is 2x4s with a project panel stained and polyurethaned. I am grateful for people sharing their wonderful projects on this site for inspiration.
Comments
Ana White Admin
Wed, 10/07/2020 - 18:44
Beautiful!
Just perfect!