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Kitchen Tower Cabinet

This is our first Ana White project and we're pretty happy with the results. We modified the plans a bit to use 1/4" plywood for the sides instead of the heavy 3/4" ply. Specifically built for our kitchen since we couldn't find one that we really liked or could afford. Pottery Barn seriously sells this for $1200?!?! Score!

Built from Plan(s)
Benchmark Storage or Media Tower
Estimated Cost
$70 + finishing
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
DIY chalk paint and wax - distressed.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Workbench Console

Submitted by katonley on Sun, 03/25/2018 - 18:15

This table was fun to build, but took me a looonng time. Things I learned doing this project: First, when the pros tell you something can be put together in a few hours, they do not mean for mere mortals. Second, good staining really requires you to know your wood. I had several pine boards with a very pink undertone that made it impossible to get the color I wanted. I had to restain this twice. Third, this console table can support at least 130 pounds! 

Built from Plan(s)
Vintage Workbench Console
Estimated Cost
130
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
After several failed attempts at something lighter, I went with Minwax Dark Walnut and a one-coat polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Barn Door and Hardware for around $80!

I really wanted to put a barn door in my husband's home office, but have you looked at the prices of the kits?  No way was I going to spend that for a door.  So I decided to fabricate it myself.  For the rail hardware- I used a 72" steel rod, copper pipe fittings, and lag screws.  For the door hardware, I used 12"ish, long pieces of steel, pulleys, and carriage bolts.

The door itself is made from plywood siding, 1 x 4's, 1 x 6's, and 1 x 3's.  The entire door and hardware cost around $80 to make myself.  It's functional and looks amazing!  The entire tutorial is up on my blog!

Blog Link
Were you born in a barn? No, I just like the door.
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kids Play Table and Stackable Chairs

I used Ana's plan for the Clara table and the $4 stackable chairs for this project. I spent a total of $30. I used furring strips to save money. My kiddos love it! You can see more details at http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2011/08/table-and-chairs-for-the-playroom… !!

Blog Link
Shanty2Chic
Built from Plan(s)
Simplest Kids Play Table
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Colonial Red Spray Paint and Minwax Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fireplace with hidden Mantle storage and side bookshelves

Submitted by ibseenu on Thu, 12/01/2022 - 14:30

Thank you Ana for you Fireplace design as it was exactly what I needed! We’ve lived in our house for 3 years now and I’ve wanted a fireplace ever since. Your plan was perfect and with a few modifications I made it come to life. My 9yr daughter as I was almost done building thought there should be a shelf for books and movies below the fire place. It gave me the idea of adding storage on the sides. I had already had the idea of the mantle storage and just used a floating shelf idea and made that. This was a lot of fun!! It took me a little over a week to build. But can’t wait to build something else for our house… like the mudroom!

Amy

Built from Plan(s)
Easiest Shiplap Fireplace Tutorial with Free Plans and Video

Comments

jtemperley

Sun, 01/08/2023 - 19:02

That looks awesome! My husband and I are planning on doing this as well. I do have a question, as I see you have carpet just like us. Did you cut out the carpet where you built out, and if so how did you go about that, or did you just build on top of it?

Sandbox with built-in seats

I modified this a tad from the original plans to suit my needs. I will eventually be adding a platform with attached slide and swing set.

Plans were easy to follow. My store didn't have 1x8's so I stacked 1x4's and used my Kreg jig to join them together and then I added extra bracing.

I had seen this on Pinterest a couple years ago and thought it was the coolest thing! Io excited I was able to build it myself!

Built from Plan(s)
Sand Box with Built-In Seats
Estimated Cost
About $40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet. I will stain and seal everything when I get the entire play set finished.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Reclaimed wood and hardware pergola

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/08/2019 - 12:39

100% reclaimed wood and hardware used for this custom pergola.  Designed to be more modern and simple cuts.

Estimated Cost
0.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Pantry Shelf

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/04/2023 - 13:03

I have a small kitchen. I found this plan on Ana's site to turn it into a pantry shelf. Initially, I was going to have wheels. That way, I could roll it to sweep. I took measurements to match the height of my upper cabinets and width so my door would clear. I put this shelf up to the side on my fridge. I didn't account for the height difference adding wheels. I still can add wheels if I change my mind. I did differing spacing, considering spices and cereal boxes and items between. I haven't quite figured out the end placement for items. I also am considering appliances to be placed on the bottom. I purchased baskets and spice drawers so I can visually organize and see what works. I used odd and end prices of wood and adjusted the measurements to fit my space. I love my corner 2x4s! They are dark and once planes, have these dark brown ribbons revealing the growth rings. We think they might be brown treated boards. Some of the shelves have a darker brown edge, 5 total. I purposely wanted the dark edge facing out. But I didn't have enough so I used different looking boards (same thickness) and played around with assign them their spot. My friend had copper pipes laying around, so I used those in the back to stop my items from falling off the backside. I polyurethaned to keep the natural wood colors. I really love it and am excited to do more projects!!

Built from Plan(s)
Reclaimed Wood Rolling Shelf

Comments

DIY Dust Collector

I have allergies to wood dust, which can make working in my shop a challenge. To help deal with the large amount of dust I've been kicking up lately with my table saw, I built my own dust collection system. It's not as good as a professional dust collector, but it's pretty good, and it was really easy to build.

Blog Link
DIY Dust Collector
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

claydowling

Sun, 12/04/2011 - 07:13

On facebook somebody suggested that putting the port for the vacuum in the center would improve the vortex action. That would match the configuration of the vortex collectors, which draw from the center as well.

StacieM

Wed, 12/07/2011 - 16:23

I have got to try this! My boyfriend complains about the sawdust EVERY time I make something and this would really reduce the justification for complaining :-) Thanks for the plans!

Farm House Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 08:52

Built this table and bench according to Ana's plans worked out great.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - Updated Pocket Hole Plans
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Farmhouse Bench - No Pocket Holes Version

Comments

Toy Storage

Submitted by hoffer5353 on Sat, 01/07/2012 - 19:30

After our basement remodel I decided we needed some storage for our growing collection of of toys.
This project went together much more quickly than I expected. I am so happy with the results.

Built from Plan(s)
Rolling Room Divider Cubbies
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
valspar, interior semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Vmc107

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 07:05

hi! Ive been looking for something like this for toy storage in my living room. Were you able to post the plans to make something like this?

Restoration Hardware inspired Maison bed tutorial and finish. Starting with Ana's platform base.

I have wanted a Restoration Hardware bed for so long. Now I have "one" but for way less and we did it all ourselves. starting with Ana's platform bed plans we build on it and walk through the process and even the custom 3 part finish. for a full tutorial please see my blog. http://imperfectlyimaginable.blogspot.com/2013/11/restoration-hardware-…

would love to hear from you and see any projects that are completed.

Blog Link
Restoration Hardware inspired Maison bed tutorial
Built from Plan(s)
Chestwick Platform Bed - Queen Size
Estimated Cost
under 400 I think the lumber cost me 175 or so
Finish Used
custom 3 step finish please see blog for tutorial
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Craft Table-Aqua

Submitted by beingbrook on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 15:16

Love the Modern Craft Table! It has lots of storage space and tons of workspace on top. We used pine for the shelves and plywood for the top and edged the top with pine.

There is a spot for two counter stools at the opposite ends of the table which is perfect to give kids their own spot to craft/color.

Blog Link
Sewing & Craft Room Tour
Built from Plan(s)
Modern Craft Table
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and Painted with Two coats of Behr's Woodwind Springs. Top has two coats of polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 20:10

I love this table but I wonder how do you use it to sew with? or do you sew on this table?

beingbrook

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 20:24

I don't use this table to sew on. My craft room also has a sewing table that we built using the narrow farmhouse table plans. I use this to craft on and to cut fabric out.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 10:03

the whole room is beautifull. how many of the other pieces of furniture were built using Anna's plans?

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 10:03

the whole room is beautifull. how many of the other pieces of furniture were built using Anna's plans?

mebohn

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 12:06

This table is fabulous and I'm really in love with the color! Thank you for sharing. So many new ideas for my room now!

mebohn

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 12:06

This table is fabulous and I'm really in love with the color! Thank you for sharing. So many new ideas for my room now!

Lis West

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 17:32

You won't believe this...but today I was shopping for the wood to make the Modular Craft Table, but I did not buy the wood because I was trying to tweek the plans to change the "cubbies" and size. So, I came back to this sight and here is this craft table that would be much better. I want to make it table height rather than counter height so I can sit down and sew at it. I also want to be able to drop the back 12 inches of the table if I do not need it and so it will fit better in my room, wheels on the bottom to pull it out easily so I can extend the 12 inch table when needed. I love what you have done!

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:36

You did a fantastic job on this project! Love the way it looks and the color!

Great job!

Ricci (not verified)

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 07:00

I love this table, but I can't seem to find the directions to make it. Can you point me in the right direction to find it?

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 17:24

Is there a reason you can't sew on this (from what I gathered from a previous comment)? I want to build something for my wife's craft room and love this, but she will need to sew as well. Help?

Brook @ BeingBrook (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 17:32

Joe,

It would be hard to sew at this table because the table is counter height. You wouldn't be able to reach the foot peddle to run your sewing machine. You could alter the plans to fit a spot that could hold the peddle foot. I sew on a different table in my craft room and use this for cutting fabric and general crafts.

Brook

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 19:26

at one time I had my sewing machine in a spot that was counter height. I used a wood box to put the foot peddle on. One of anna's steep stool plans or the bathroom platform for kids plan might be good to build with this. It was also nice when I was sewing small pieces that needed lots of ironing to stand and sew at the counter.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 14:25

I have a modern sewing machine (within last 5 years) and I routinely sew at counter height with no problem. I prefer it because it really helps my back. I cannot wait to make this!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 22:36

Joe,
I think it would work to mount the foot pedal on the inside of the shelf area. She would use her lower outer thigh to depress the pedal while seated.

Angela Preimesberger (not verified)

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 07:47

I love this table! I'm with Brook and don't sew on mine. Height issue is easily worked around - main issue is usually back support. Sewing at a huge workstation tends to leave you feeling unsupported and sitting on a stool (I have a nice wide comfy one from Target) leaves your back unsupported so you usually slouch (bad! bad!). I sew at my smaller desk in a good supporting chair and use my table for everything else. I use this table for a true work area including cutting. I have an Accuquilt Studio and that sucker is HUGE and heavy!

Michele Crane (not verified)

Mon, 11/12/2012 - 11:22

I just talked my fiance' into building this for me to use as a desk. I need a desk for my work from home position where I can store everything as well as have a large area to spread things out. I loved this the moment I saw it and talked him into building it for me. Can't wait to post the pictures when it is finished.

bbawol

Wed, 12/12/2012 - 16:47

I was wondering if you could tell me where you got the chair from? It looks like it pairs very well with this table and I would love to get one for my wife for her table I just finished.

nkliegel66

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 16:15

My husband made this FABULOUS Craft Table for me last weekend, it turned out PERFECT! Thank you so much for posting this with such detailed directions....

What do you have in your galvanized pails? What do the labels say?

Thank you!

Pool supplies storage shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/25/2023 - 18:50

I was looking for a shed to keep pool towels and other deck and pool items. This shed hit every feature I was looking
for. My husband loved the plans. He's always saying he can build anything with a measured drawing and a
cut list. The only thing we changed was the roofing material. we were given some metal roofing by a friend.

Built from Plan(s)
Small Cedar Shed

Comments

Outdoor Pool Cabana

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 10/31/2019 - 20:21

I wanted a huge cabana for my outdoor pool area to have a place guests could kick back and relax if they weren’t swimming. I took the plans from the one arm and armless outdoor sofas and modified the plan to include posts and a lattice top for shade. This inspired plan was finished off with cushions from at home and features seating comfortably for 9. Everyone loves this area in the backyard to kick back! At night we have solar lights twinkle at the top and they complete the project perfectly with a soft twinkle.

Blog Link
https://www.instagram.com/p/Bx7cd42gY7g/?igshid=xq9enehsxc18
Built from Plan(s)
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
Armless 2x4 Outdoor Sofa Sectional Piece
2x4 Outdoor Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
$250 before cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Nothing yet. Needed to wait for the pretreated wood to finish drying out.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Outdoor Grill Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 09/05/2023 - 09:21

 

This rolling bar was inspired by Ana White's plan.  It is used as a bar and conceals an electric smoker and a grill.  I added handles for moving and some hooks on the sides.  I stained the salvaged 2 X 6 's and brushed on clear oil based poly on the new Cedar fence boards.

Billie

Built from Plan(s)
Nesting Grill Station for Portable Grill

Love my bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2016 - 19:31

I changed the dimensions to make it a little smaller to fit the front of my house. My husband and I now spend our evenings sitting there drinking tea and enjoying the nice weather.

I spent close to $60 and ordered 3 cushions from target for $8.99 each.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Park Bench
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum semi gloss in white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner