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Ottoman

This is my 3rd completed project. This has storage, individual hinges was used.

I am still on the sofa after 9 months could not decide if I wanted to make storage.

Blog Link
Ottoman
Built from Plan(s)
Upholstered Toybox Ottoman
Estimated Cost
estimate cast was $55 dollars, and that was due to the coast of the fabric covered top with plastic covering.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I sand the piece with 120, 220, 500 grit. Then stain/protection, it was suppose to be walnut, and it turn out this color. Can't complain, the cats are happy about it.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Loft Bed w/desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/29/2020 - 09:05

Our daughter has been asking us to build her a bed for months now. When eLearning became a reality for our household, we knew it was time to get to work. We usually do two to three big DIY projects a year, and have built from many of Ana White's plans. We often refer our the time together DIYing as "couples therapy".

We used Ana's plans for the Loft Bed and included the tall bookcase and desk system, with a few of our own modifiations and personal touches, such as:
- elimated the plywood backing on the bottom shelves of the tall bookcase
- only used one (1) bookshelf for desk system
- used toungue and groove paneling for back of small bookshelf, adding it to the sides as well
- made the desktop 19" wide
- added a framed magnet board
- added a sliding keyboard tray

Built from Plan(s)
How to Build a Loft Bed
Under Loft Bed Desk System with Storage
Under Loft Bed Tall Bookcase
Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Desktop: Minwax Ebony stain
Everything Else: Zinsser 123 primer & Valspar Cabinet & Furniture Enamel (Snowbound Semigloss)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White Admin

Mon, 09/07/2020 - 20:33

This is so cool, I'm sure it's a dream come true for your lucky girl!

Building is our couples therapy, sounds like a t-shirt in the making:)

Easiest $35 DIY Desk

This DIY desk provides workspace for two people. A portion of the desk is for my oldest son during homeschooling and the other portion is for my husband while he continues to work from home. Cost : $35 Difference in length, width and height will result in a change in price.

Blog Link
www.MinimalistFarmStyle.com
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

great project

Submitted by Hudsonic on Thu, 10/09/2014 - 16:01

Great site and projects! I had to add glass doors after I thought I was finshed. Then it was strongly suggested to add doors to keep gglassware safe from our four cats.

Built from Plan(s)
Corner Cupboard
Estimated Cost
Actually I reclaimed the shelving boards from shelves in a spare room that we were getting rid of. Probably about $100 as the 1/4 " glass ran about $50.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Some behr paint+primer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

booksnotbombs

Fri, 10/10/2014 - 07:11

I think adding doors to the top was a GREAT idea, as an owner of two cats myself. ;) It also adds a great look to the project. I think I prefer it to the ones without the doors. :) You did a wonderful job. It's beautiful.

Hudsonic

Sat, 10/11/2014 - 04:39

While the glass doors were an after thought, they do add something nice to the end result which I really like. Thank you for your comments.

Shoe cabinet!

Submitted by JMasters on Thu, 01/26/2017 - 13:43

Created my own version out this plan. 

Built from Plan(s)
Shoe Dresser
Estimated Cost
$80
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Doll Bed and Doll Mattress

Submitted by Pa on Sat, 12/26/2020 - 22:58

Well ... we found this farmhouse bed pattern as two play kitchen set were being constructed. Irresistible design; we decided that we HAD to also make the doll bed! And the bed came together very quickly. Two changes: per other comments, removed one vertical slat from the headboard/footboard (wanted the narrower width), and put an extra brace in the middle of the bed (just in case it gets stepped on or sat on).

Also used the pattern for the 18” Doll Mattress Tutorial. Skipped the buttons for tufting and simply sewed in 8 little Xs with embroidery floss.

This bed is for a granddaughter with a birthday in a few days .... and I’ve already started cutting out a second set for a granddaughter with a birthday in a couple of months. Happy to say that all of the bedding/linens are handmade; the pillows include lace and ribbons from two family weddings. You just can’t help but smile when you look at one of these finished farmhouse beds!

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls
18" Doll Mattress Sewing Tutorial
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Salsa Console/Buffet Table

Submitted by greg325i on Tue, 01/12/2021 - 11:19

This is by far the most complex piece that I've built off of Ana's site, and the first time I've done drawers or doors on anything. Thanks so much for the awesome plans! Be sure to check the supplies list carefully - I ended up bringing a lot of lumber back to Home Depot. But this is by far my biggest "win" in furniture making so far!

 

Built from Plan(s)
Salsa Console
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr white deck stain (Smokey White) (base)
Varathane Aged Wood Accelerator (top, drawer interiors)
Varathane Water-based Poly (Oil-based will add a yellow tint when applied onto white stain/paint)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Tall Secretary Cabinet with Modifications

Submitted by Stacie on Mon, 12/29/2014 - 08:15

I built this desk as part of redesigning my homeschool room, and made a few customizations to better fit our needs.  It's taller and deeper than the plans, which allowed for a larger work opening for a larger computer.  It also gave me much needed extra storage space.  

 

The cabinet is made from 3/4" and 1/4" PureBond birch plywood cut down to size using my Kreg Rip-Cut.  The frame is built from pine 1x2s and 1x1s.  The three cabinet doors are pine 1x6s and 1x2s joined together with biscuits, and trimmed to the correct size on the table saw.  Because the secretary desk is deeper than the plan and the mail slots are small, I finished with stain and polyurethane prior to assembly.  This saved a lot of frustration of trying to stain in tight spaces.

 

Thank you for the plans, Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Tall Secretary Cabinet with Mail Slots
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Dark Walnut, Minwax Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Sewing Caddie

Submitted by JoeCandy11 on Sun, 01/04/2015 - 22:25

Thanks for the inspiration!  This was my first full blown creation and my wife loves it.  Cannot wait to do more!

Built from Plan(s)
Folding Sewing Table
Estimated Cost
$50 for birch plywood
$30 for wheels, hinges, paint, and accessories.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint with primer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

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

Blog Link
https://thediyplan.com/giant-diy-kerplunk-game/
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Modified Fillman Dresser

Submitted by Lady Goats on Mon, 01/19/2015 - 12:58

Spent forever building this modified version because I couldn't figure out what kind of drawer faces I wanted. Finished with General Finishes gel stain and Minwax Paste Finishing wax. 

Blog Link
Longest Build Ever
Built from Plan(s)
3 Drawer Dresser or Baby Changing Table
Estimated Cost
Used scraps, so all that I paid for was the knobs and finishing wax.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
GF gel stain in Java and Minwax Finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My Mother's day gift (Chicken Coop)

Submitted by Bondgirl8 on Wed, 06/02/2021 - 19:44

I printed off your instructions and I had all the wood in the garage already. My husband and son finished this in a day and a half. I love it! I painted it. Still not sure what I want to do instead of the planters. I like that idea but I like to have access if I need to clean it. I love all the ideas on this site.

Built from Plan(s)
Small Chicken Coop with Planter, Clean Out Tray and Nesting Box
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

Sandbox with Benches

Burnt and stained with a semi transparent mahogany water sealer

Built from Plan(s)
Sand Box with Built-In Seats
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
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!

Built from Plan(s)
Fake Fireplace Mantle built from Pine Boards
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!

Corner Shelf for Nursery

Submitted by wojo1 on Thu, 05/16/2013 - 07:21

Super Easy.. I like it better without the doors. Recommend getting a KREG Jig. I have the Jr and it was perfect for this project.

Built from Plan(s)
Corner Cupboard
Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

"Tidy Up" End Table

Submitted by seeca13 on Mon, 05/27/2013 - 14:45

This is a variation on the tidy up end table. The dimensions for the tidy up end table were too big for my space, so I made it a little smaller and added an extra shelf to store our laptop computers. This makes it easier to charge our laptops and keep them out of the way. It took me a little longer than it should have because I had a 3 year old and a 5 year old "helping" me.

Built from Plan(s)
"Tidy Up" End Table
Estimated Cost
$25
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Golden Oak. Then 3 coats of minwax waterbased semi-gloss finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Farmhouse table & bench!

Submitted by jamie_C on Sun, 04/03/2011 - 19:42

This was quite the project- took us several weekends to finish (we don't have a garage or really any good working area- we rent.  Oh and we also have a toddler).  We assembled the table in the living room, stained it on our front sidewalk, did a couple coats of poly in the backyard, and finished the last coat of poly in the dining room!  (we know how heavy this table is, that's for sure!  We modified the original farmhouse table dimensions so that this table would fit in our oh-so-tiny dining room.  As you can tell, we also decided to build a bench to go with it.  We are extremely pleased with the results!

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Used wood filler on screw holes, and did LOTS of sanding. Used two coats of Cabot Early American stain. Followed by 3 coats of polyurethane, and 2 coats of Minwax Polycrylic on the table top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Home Depot Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Seth on Wed, 06/12/2013 - 12:07

A few weeks ago my wife said she needs a footstool for our rocking chair while she rocks the baby to sleep. Being a sneaky husband, I quickly began planning to build her one because I knew I wasn't going to be able to find anything commercially sold that matched our baby room colors. A week later I have 2 Adirondack chairs, a table, a bunch of tools I didn't have before, and no footstool.... So about the chairs...The plans were super easy and well thought out. I learned a few things about cutting angles, which if you look closely you can see the seat portion does not extend to the front legs. Instead of wasting more wood, I simply adapted the plans. This makes the backs of the chairs sit upright more, but I actually like it because I have a bad back. We sanded it with 150 grit sand paper, and should have done a second sanding with a finer paper, but we didn't. I primed the wood with a basic multi purpose primer and then painted with BEHR outdoor white semi-gloss. I wanted to seal it with a poly, but Home Depot did not recommend sealing with with Poly, and I could not find a Poly in Home Depot that did not warn AGAINST using it on painted surfaces. Oh, and make sure you wear eye protection! Dust in the eyes is brutal. Fortunately I have a kind wife who washed them out for me. :) Now I have a nice pair of clear glasses.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
BEHR white semi-gloss exterior paint

They only needed 1 coat of primer and 1 coat of paint. This paint was really thick.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Great Book Caddy / Wine Rack / Side Table..fun project!

Submitted by Don Ellery on Sat, 05/16/2015 - 17:12

Great project plans from Ana and of course, LadyGoats. Thank You!

Wood: Pine (similar cut list to what was in the plans)

Time to complete: Approx 4 hours.

Joints: 3/4 inch pocket holes with 1 1/4 inch pocket hole screws and glue. Love my Kreg Jig.

Stain: Varathane Espresso color, two applications.

Fun morning project! This table/shelf can be used for so many things. Once the two pieces are secured together it is very solid. The bottom was made from Ana's x book caddy plan and the shelf was modified from LadyGoats booksellers plan.

Hope you all like it!

Don

Built from Plan(s)
DIY Bookseller Shelf - Featuring Lady Goats
X Book Caddy
Estimated Cost
$80, approx. Depends on what type of wood you use.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Espresso color varathane, single application, foam brush and rubbed with rag to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cedar Toy box

Submitted by Kassidy_D on Fri, 11/19/2021 - 19:22

My first project, I've never done any kind of wood working at all. I made and noticed several mistakes however, I'm still very pleased with how it turned out. I learned from all my mistakes and now know the best ways to avoid them in the future. Super excited to begin my next project!

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Open Top Wood Toy Box

Comments