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Adirondack chairs for the family

Submitted by ddaavviidd on Sun, 08/14/2011 - 11:34

I've always wanted Adirondack chairs but found them way too expensive to buy. I found Ana's plan a while ago and promised myself I'd make one this summer. Well I enjoyed it so much I did three of them!

Built from Plan(s)
Classic Adirondack Chair
Estimated Cost
CAD$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Since I used mostly spruce (which was much cheaper) I needed to sand all parts that made contact when you sit (seat, back, armrests for the kid's chair). The first chair (to the right in the featured picture) is exactly like the one in Ana's plan. I sanded and painted it after it was built. The other big one was slightly modified: I made the arms and the back longer so that it is more inclined and I cut the top portion in a round shape with a jigsaw. I also made the armrests larger (6") and longer and also gave them a rounded end. I used cedar-colored protective stain, two layers. The kid's chair's armrests are also larger (4") and longer and have the same rounded end. I plan on getting cushions for them during the Fall promotions. All I have left to do is a small table and a second kid's chair for the new baby that's arriving soon!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Miasmom (not verified)

Mon, 08/15/2011 - 08:31

Those are awesome! All you need to make now is a doll adirondak chair and you've got a complete set of Ana White Adirondack chairs! ;)

Modern Adirondack chair meets Shou Sugi Ban

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 09/14/2022 - 15:17

Made one change to plans. I used 2x6s for the arms. I used the Shou Sugi Ban burning technique to finish the 2x4s and 2x6s. I stained the back and set and the applied a couple coats of poly. Love the chairs! Building a couple more sets for around the fire pit. Thanks!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Easy Build Adirondack Chair

Comments

Farmhouse Doll Beds

For these beds I modified the original farmhouse doll bed plans to accommodate a few more dolls. In the process, I discovered that, while doll furniture turns out SUPER cute, it takes me about the same amount of time to build a little piece as it does to build a big piece, especially when you consider the time it takes to sew the bedding.

I put these together mostly with nails and glue, but used my kreg jig to join the rails to the headboards and footboards.

Blog Link
Santa's Workshop
Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls
Doll High Chair
Estimated Cost
$20 or less per bed.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and Vermont Natural Coatings PolyWhey to seal. Lots of sanding before and in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 06:00

I love the mods you did on these. For the farmhouse w/trundle, I know you had to raise up the bottom and it looks like you did the headboard sized boards for the footboard and made the headboard w/even longer boards? Then for the bunkbeds, are those all headboard lengths for the head and footboards and then just very long 2x2s for the posts? I am never brave enough to mod anything just yet! I also absolutely love that bedding on the top pic! So bright and cheery!

hillarylouise

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 06:51

Isn't that bedding beautiful? I love it. The fabric is from Hobby Lobby. They have so many cute calicos.

Yes, you got the mods right. If I were to do the trundle again, I'd make the headboard longer so that it goes almost to the ground like the footboard, otherwise you can see the trundle.

The bunk was easy -- much easier than the other bunk plans all out of 1x2s. I've made them both now and the farmhouse one just comes together a lot faster (once you figure out the measurements).

spiceylg

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 09:57

I love Hobby Lobby but never think to check out their fabric! Silly me, I'll have to do just that! Okay, thank you for the info. I just noted the additional detail of the feet, how nice! If you don't mind, I'd love the measurement of the 2x2 for the bunks, simply because I'm lazy like that, lol!

hillarylouise

Thu, 12/15/2011 - 10:27

The 2x2s are 22 3/4" and the slats in the headboard are 7". I think the bottom of the bottom headboard is around 2 3/4" or 3" from the bottom of the 2x2s. All the width measurements are the same as in the original plan. Also, I used lath strips for the mattress to rest on instead of a rectangle of 1/4" ply -- it seemed easier and I think it was cheaper, too.

Tsu Dho Nimh

Fri, 12/16/2011 - 08:00

You are so right about the time it takes.

I made a stuffed doll and her clothing for a niece, and I could have made myself two complete outfits in the time it took to sew one dinky doll dress.

lmhaney (not verified)

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 07:40

Hillary how did you do the trundle for the farmhouse single bed. I read where you said you would do the headboard longer,but this is going to be my first build and I need a little more instruction to make the trundle and how long would you do the headboard. Thanks!!!

hillarylouise

Tue, 02/28/2012 - 09:05

Hey. I made the trundle using 1x3 boards just slightly shorter than the size of the overall bed (so it would fit underneath). I used two 18 1/2" 1x3s and two 14 1/2" 1x3s. I built it using pocket holes on the 14 1/2" 1x3s, screwing into the 18 1/2" 1x3s. Then I attached two 1x2 cleats to the bottom insides of the 18.5" boards so that I'd have a place to set support pieces for the mattress. I attached the cleats with glue and nails, I think, but pocket screws would work fine, too. I used pine lath for the support, attached with glue and staples.

For the headboard, I cut my panel pieces at 7", I think, but I should have cut them at 9 3/4" so that the headboard panel would extend closer to the ground like the footboard panel does. Here is an abbreviated cut list:
footboard panel -- 5 1x3s @ 6"
footboard legs -- 2 2x2s @ 7 1/4"
headboard panel -- 5 1x3s @ 9 3/4"
headboard legs -- 2 2x2s @ 11"

All of the horizontal cuts are the same as the original plan as long as you are using #1 pine. If you are using #2 pine or furring strips, your horizontal cuts will need to be slightly smaller b/c your panel board will be slightly narrower than the plans expect.

Just be sure to screw the side rails of the bed in high enough to get the trundle underneath.

Hopefully that all makes sense! Good luck! Can't wait to see photos!

claydowling

Sun, 08/05/2012 - 06:29

They -might- cut it for you. But based on the experience of a lot of people here, and the advice of some Home Depot employees also on here, it's a mistake to have them do that.

You can do the cuts on your own though. If you can't afford a circular saw, or you're uncomfortable with them, you can buy a hand saw for about $25. It's no good for cutting plywood or MDF, but for solid wood it's hard to beat.

Hillary (not verified)

Mon, 08/06/2012 - 19:26

Nope, I don't think they will. And if they did you won't be happy with the outcome. Too many cuts and there's no way they'll get every cut right. You'd be better off finding a friend with a miter saw you could borrow for an hour to get all the pieces cut. Good luck!

Aida (not verified)

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 08:27

Thank you........ I may have to stop been afraid of using this tools and just use it lol............love this bed and my daughter want me to make it for her........ I will post pictures

blair28

Tue, 10/29/2013 - 08:53

Just curious if you have ever thought of making these and selling them?? I have been looking for a doll bunk bed for my daughter for Christmas and love this bunk bed with trundle. So thought I would ask if you would consider making one and selling it!!

emmakayte

Sun, 12/08/2013 - 18:07

I absolutely love what you did with the trundle and the bunk bed. You are so talented! Thank you so much for sharing the measurements that you used to make the bunk bed and sharing tips. I am going to attempt to make one for my daughter. This will be my first woodworking project. I am crossing my fingers it goes well. Thank you! :)

DIY Outdoor Sofa, Chairs and Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 07/27/2023 - 13:22

I decided to build my patio furniture and built a couch, with cushions, coffee table, 2 Adirondack adult chairs and one child’s Adirondack chair. It was so much fun to plan and build all of the furniture and so enjoy going out there on cool days! Thanks to Ana White for all of the plans! This is my 20th Ana White project! On to my next project! Plans were outdoor modern sofa, modern Adirondack chair, kids Adirondack chair, 2x4 outdoor coffee table.

JoAnne

Built from Plan(s)
Outdoor Modern Sofa
2x4 Outdoor Coffee Table
Modern Adirondack Chair
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Book Rack

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/22/2016 - 11:08

I built this book rack using scrap wood and modified plans from the Full Length Plate Rack. It was a really straightforward build, and functions very well as vertical storage that takes up little space. I predrilled, screwed and glued all of the joints, vs. stapling.

Blog Link
DIY Wall Mount Book Shelf
Built from Plan(s)
Full Length Plate Rack
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of "Simplicity" country chic chalk paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Simple Adirondack Chair

Submitted by HoodFam on Sun, 05/13/2012 - 12:27

This was the second (larger) type project my husband has completed and I got to help this time! We made this for the loving ladies in our lives for Mother's Day. This one is his mom's and we didn't finish it because we don't know if she'll want to stain or just paint it. It was relatively easy!

Built from Plan(s)
Classic Adirondack Chair
Estimated Cost
25-30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Not completed yet! We are making two for ourselves so I will upload those when we get them finished.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Benchmark Storage Tower

Submitted by katefago on Fri, 03/14/2014 - 20:00

I was given an old window that was going into the trash from an old house in Key West that was being remodeled and decided I wanted to use the window as a door on a cabinet. These plans were very thorough and easy to follow. I modified the measurements to fit the window and am really happy with how it turned out. I added some trim to the top and bottom and used beadboard for the back to fancy it up a bit. I painted it in Sea Mist by Behr and distressed it by hand. This is my first post on this site. Thanks, Ana, for making this possible for me!

Built from Plan(s)
Benchmark Storage or Media Tower
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted Sea Mist by Behr and distressed for an aged look, followed by two coats of polyurethane in Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sectional from Crib Mattresses!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/28/2020 - 07:17

I modified the kids couch plans to make a sectional sofa for my apartment! We removed all but one of the arm rests. So when pillows are removed it doubles as a twin bed for our friends!

Blog Link
https://www.onecrafdiygirl.com/sectional-sofa-diy-how-i-made-my-own-couch/
Built from Plan(s)
Crib Mattress Sofa and Sectional - 2x4 Frame
Estimated Cost
$200
Finish Used
Espresso minwax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Truss Shelves: Cheap Garage Storage

Made of old fence rail (the dark pieces) and cheap 2x4s and 1x12s .

This is not as stable as I hoped, but for an afternoon's project that got all those tools off the workshop floor, it's not bad. I will add a diagonal brace at the back later. Much later.

NOTE: My engineer friend notes that 2 braces at the rear, below the bottom shelf and below the top shelf, would minimize side-to-side wobbling, and 2 braces front to back, both under the bottom shelf, would minimize the front-to-back wobbling, They could be a scrap of plywood, a 1x6 or wider scrap. Just nail them in two or more places on each of the ladders and they make the structure more rigid. Screw them in if you want a shelf unit you can disassemble.

TIPS:
If you are using pockethole screws, start the screws in all the holes before you put the crosspieces on. Stop when you see the tip of the screw come through the first piece.

Clamp scrap 2x4 to the uprights to hold the crosspieces in place as you drill.

To get the shelves in place, lean the ladders against each other and attach the bottom and top boards on one side. Than pull the other ladder out as far as it needs to go and screw that side of the shelves in place.

Don't try this without clamps.

It could have been cheaper if I had used all reclaimed fence 2x4s, and if my errand runner had bought cheaper 1x12s. He bought top-grade when #2 would have worked for half the price,

Blog Link
Build a Truss Shelves
Estimated Cost
$ 30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor rolling bar top

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 07/08/2020 - 19:43

We had some leftover granite from an outdoor kitchen build and wanted to maximize the use of it. We loved the look of a rustic table from Pottery Barn and set out to find something that was asking the same aesthetic. I came across the Jilly and Mia workbench console and thought it would work great with some minor modifications. I shortened the overall length and height, went with some heavy duty casters to support the weight of the granite, and reinforced the cross beams that would support the 3/4" plywood sheet and granite. I went with cedar for this build since it was outdoors and I'll finish it with a clear sealant.

Built from Plan(s)
Jilly and Mia Workbench Console
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

outdoor patio furniture

Well this was first project my hubby and I tackled together. He actually let me use the power tools. The plans were great! Loved having a shopping list! I made the cushion s myself. I have to say, I wish I had made the couch and chairs the size of cushions available at Lowes . AFt e r you buy foam batting fabric and chording I found set at lowes for a lot less but I am so happy how it all turned out . Thks for providing plNz!

Built from Plan(s)
Outdoor Sofa - Modern Comfort Collection
Outdoor Loveseat - Modern Comfort Collection
Outdoor Chair - Modern Comfort Collection
Estimated Cost
500 with cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Non transparent stain.Olympic elite stain an sealant n one
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

charitydtrull

Sun, 05/24/2020 - 14:45

I can't find the plans for these pieces. I found the one using 2x4, but these pieces look like they use 2x2. Can someone tell me where to get the plans?
Thank you,

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Shoe Dresser

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 04/22/2017 - 13:54

Loved this project!  We had an old headboard so my wife came up with the idea to cut off the top posts and use them as legs.  

Built from Plan(s)
Shoe Dresser
Estimated Cost
125
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Balin Console With Some Changes

We made this table from the original Balin Console table plans, but faced out the drawer fronts with some mitered trim and added some drawer stops inside to keep the drawers from falling out when pulled all the way.

The drawers were made with a cabinet grade plywood along with the sides and bottom of the table. We used 1x8s on the console top to get that nice wood look, where all corners and ends would be showing, but for the sides and bottom of the table, since the edges were all trimed out, the plywood worked out nicely. 

The legs seemed plenty sturdy without the extra trim, so we skipped that to get a more simple look.

Drawer handles were found at our local Home Depot.

For the finish, we stained (with Minwax ebony) the edges where we wanted distressing, then wiped on vaseline along edges and painted over in Behr Swiss Coffee (white) in matte. After drying we took sandpaper to the edges to show the dark stain through. Because we used matte paint, after everything was finished, we waxed with a clear wax and buffed for a nice shine and a smooth texture.

 

Pin For Later! 

Balin Console With Some Changes

Built from Plan(s)
Balin Console Table
Estimated Cost
$125 for plywood, wood pieces and knobs. We already had paint and stain.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax ebony stain, vaseline where you want distressing, then paint Behr (matte) Swiss Coffee on top. Sand all surfaces to distress and smooth, then wax with clear wax to add shine.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Triple Printer Console

Submitted by jbolson21 on Tue, 04/07/2015 - 16:07

We made this and a dresser just like it.  We wanted matching furniture.

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jewelry Box Retirement Gift

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 04/20/2015 - 17:19

This jewelry box is a gift for a friend at work who is retiring.   It is a variation of the Easy Jewelry Box, with the following modifications:

Hinged lift-up top with mirror

Overlay drawer fronts from ¼” craft wood (Gold stencil on top false drawer front, and drawer boxes are 1/8” shorter than the shelf from front to back, to ensure the fronts sit flat against the box front and drawer back doesn't touch the box back at all)

The bottom is 2 pieces thick, to allow space for the drawer overhang and attaching the bottom moulding.

Solid wood back (instead of plywood)

Top and bottom edged with mini stop moulding to make the overhangs, and added feet made from lattice

Removable drawer divider tray and 2 heights of removable dividers for the top, made from dentil, lattice and screen bead mouldings

I really took my time on this build to get everything just right with the build and the finish.   Probably spent about 6 hours spread out over the last few weekends. 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Easy Jewelry Box
Estimated Cost
Cost: 1x8 and 1x2 Lumber and finishes were already on hand (left over from other projects) and I spent about $25 for the mirror, hardware, felt, mouldings, and craft board.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coats Clark & Kensington semi-gloss paint + primer in Crushed Peanut, sanded between coats. Stencil: 1 coat Americana Gloss enamel metallic in glorious gold. Soft wax on the shelf and drawer bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Linda7

Tue, 04/21/2015 - 18:57

This is your best one yet, Joanne. Love it! :-)

JoanneS

Wed, 04/22/2015 - 18:29

Hi Linda, thank you for the nice comment! This was a fun build, and I'm very glad to say the gift was a big hit! :)

Raised Garden Beds

Submitted by kari on Sat, 03/12/2011 - 09:54

I made these last summer for my sister. And she didn't even use them yet! Very easy to make. She did want them taller, so that is the only modifacation I made. We're hoping the bunnies won't notice all the yummy veggies up this high :) I know, probably wishful thinking. Makes a great kid corral too.

Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds - Narrow Width
Estimated Cost
it's been a while
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Farmstyle Table based on Ana's plans

Submitted by NaasMarais on Tue, 09/12/2017 - 02:03

This table is made out of Solid Oak and took me +- 6 weeks to complete.

Thanks to Ana White for the plans as I followed them to the "t" with some minor changes in the size

Final size is 10ft long x 47 1/4 inch wide and 29 9/64 inches high

Built from Plan(s)
Fancy X Farmhouse Table
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rubio Monocoat Oil 2C - Natural Color
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bookshelf Hidden Doors Over Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/23/2017 - 10:13

Hidden door bookshelves hide a furnace closet.  Built by Kraig Faulkner

Built from Plan(s)
Inset Bookshelf Doorway
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

charkue

Thu, 09/17/2020 - 08:01

I'm currently working on a basement renovation project. I'm probably going to incorporate a feature like this for my mechanicals, too.

One important safety note for anyone who wants to do this: It's recommended that your furnace be a minimum of 30" away from any combustible materials. That includes walls and partitions. The image of this project displayed is right next to the furnace, which is not a good idea.