1. Home

Community Brag Posts

Modified Shanty2Chic Rolling Rustic Wood Dresser

Submitted by gusnoll on Wed, 08/07/2013 - 21:47

I modified Whitney's (Shanty2Chic) Rolling Rustic Wood Dresser slightly because I didn't want to have mine on wheels. Other than that, I basically followed her plans and advice! I used Maple plywood with poplar boards. With a dark stain they are a good match. I did use 3/4 maple plywood for the dresser drawers instead of 1x8" boards to save money. My wife is happy and my boys love their new dresser--that's all that matters!

Thanks, Anna, for this great site!

Built from Plan(s)
Rolling Rustic Wood Dresser
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
3 coats of Early American Stain & 2 coats of polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Adam Colburn

Wed, 08/14/2013 - 06:07

Really love how this came out! How big are those legs? I'm thinking of copying this design for my new place!

gusnoll

Mon, 08/19/2013 - 20:23

Thanks, Adam. The legs are 3x3 poplar you can get a piece at lowes or home depot (can't remember which) but they are actually 3 1x3s glued together but you'd never know it. Anyways, they are 3 1/2" tall and I put an additional piece of my 2x2s underneath to support them, then the strip of 1x2 between the legs on the side that are pockethole screwed into them as well--this is where the true strength comes in.
good luck!

thogg4

Sun, 03/09/2014 - 06:28

Do you have a photo of the underside where the legs attach?

Farmhouse King Bed

Submitted by gahan22 on Tue, 02/02/2016 - 10:36

This was our first ana white build. Bed build took one Saturday - to finish up took another week or so working nights - most of our time spent on getting the color we wanted and sanding and finishing. Building the 2x4 frame took more time than anticipated as well. We are super happy with how it turned out.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Bed - Standard King Size
Estimated Cost
$250 for lumber, stain and lumber for bed frame. We used lag screws on the side and 2x4 hangers for the frame which increased costs.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Stain is two coats minwax dark mahogany plus classic grey over the top - wiped off and finished with minwax satin poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Mud Kitchen

Submitted by Noyehx4 on Mon, 07/20/2020 - 12:48

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!

Built from Plan(s)
Mud Kitchen
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Ultra Cover 2X Enamel Spray Paint and Behr Semi-Transparent Waterproofing Exterior Wood Stain and Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Murphy Wall Bed

Submitted by Dstor22 on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 07:05

Just finished up my Murphy Bed project. Hope you like.

Built from Plan(s)
PLANS: A Murphy Bed YOU Can Build, and Afford to Build
Estimated Cost
280.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Weathered Oak Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Loft Bed

Submitted by btsmith76 on Thu, 06/27/2013 - 08:08

We built this loft bed for my daughters fourth birthday and she loves it.
I customized the plans to a full-size bed instead of a twin, simply so I didn't have to buy new mattress down the road. We also integrated a 16 gal saltwater aquarium, since she loves Nemo so much. It is a simple design that we feel we can customize as she grows.

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height
Estimated Cost
$200 - $250 (wood & paint)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Gloss White (2 Gallons)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Marie320

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 11:47

I saw your post on the full size loft bed. I've only seen the plans for a
twin size. what are the plans or how do I modify to a full size? really want
to keep my sons mattress. and I love the flat panel on the side by the way
and the curtain

btsmith76

Thu, 08/08/2013 - 07:32

The original plans show a 44 1/2" width for a twin size mattress. I modified the width to 59 1/2" to fit the full size mattress. The original length of the bed was 75", I extended this to 77". Also, keep in mind the overall height of the loft bed. The mattress we purchased is 12 1/2" in height/thickness. So I also modified the overall bed height from 65 1/2" to 72" and 45" clearance underneath. Hope this helps.

ldulitz

Wed, 08/07/2013 - 16:59

i like how you have the extra 2x6 at the top. did you lower the height of the overall bed to do this? how high to you have it, and how much space did you leve between the "rows"?

btsmith76

Thu, 08/08/2013 - 07:37

I actually added more height to the bed. The original plan bed height was 65 1/2", I modified that to 72". I added that piece because of the mattress height. We purchased a mattress that was 12 1/2" in height / thickness. The space between each row is 3".

bhoppy

Thu, 01/02/2014 - 14:03

I love all the modifications you made. Do you mind answering a few questions? What width of wood did you add to make the aquarium wall? Is it 1/4 inch plywood or thicker? I also noticed that you did not add another cross piece on the back, is that because the wall added stability and you didn't need it? Also I noticed you added 2x4's under the front side 2x6. Was that for stability as well? I want to make the full size version as well and appreciate your help:-) Thanks

btsmith76

Fri, 01/10/2014 - 06:41

I used 1/4 inch plywood for the aquarium wall. The cross piece in the back was not needed. This is where our daughter gets in and out of the bed. The 2x4's in the front are just for aesthetics. They are not needed for stability. I used them to hide the end of the curtains. Hope this helps and good luck.

roccaburro

Sun, 03/02/2014 - 16:17

Do you happen to have a copy of the plans with your modifications done to it? Just I am trying to figure out how to convert the plans for a full size bed just not having an easy go with it LOL

btsmith76

Tue, 03/04/2014 - 08:12

I'm sorry I do not have the plans anymore. The original plans show a 44 1/2" width for a twin size mattress. I modified the width to 59 1/2" to fit the full size mattress. The original length of the bed was 75", I extended this to 77". Also, keep in mind the overall height of the loft bed. The mattress we purchased is 12 1/2" in height/thickness. So I also modified the overall bed height from 65 1/2" to 72". Hope this helps.

debduhadway

Wed, 04/13/2016 - 17:48

Do you think there is a way to make the steps double hinged so they could fold up on the landing?

Vinyl Record Storage

I've made another record cabinet, this time with a nice dark walnut stain.  To see more details and plans visit my blog.

http://www.woodworkingfourdummies.com/

 

Cheers,

Ian

Blog Link
woodworkingfourdummies.com
Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Mini Cedar Storage Shed

Submitted by jakevdp on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 23:10

I loved the idea of re-purposing fence pickets as siding for a cedar shed, but the plans on the website were much too big for the space I have. I ended up modifying the design to make a smaller shed, with approximately a 4 foot by 2 foot footprint. It turned out beautifully! Cedar is expensive, but I was able to save money on the project by buying much of the material at local salvage and second-hand stores.

Built from Plan(s)
Small Cedar Shed
Estimated Cost
$140
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

HOWsMom

Thu, 04/30/2015 - 05:44

This is exactly the size I want - did it take much to modify the plans to be smaller like this ?

RenoRustic

Tue, 05/19/2015 - 11:19

My mom just asked me about building her a garden shed in a small area. This looks perfect for what she is looking for. I'll have to show her this. Great job!

BeckfordRVA

Sun, 03/29/2020 - 09:59

I'd also love to know what modifications you made to create the mini version. Did you just take out one of the sections of the back frame and adjust the side widths? Thanks!

Daybed with Storage Trundle

Submitted by Crafty-Mom on Sat, 01/27/2018 - 10:38

This was my first project from Ana's website and I'm hooked! I'm a beginner, but thank goodness for my Dad's help because I have a lot of learning to do!

I wanted the drawer to be 1 drawer instead of 3. I feel like it looks cleaner (without having to adjust 3 drawers constantly to make it look good when you push them in). I was thinking the bed could actually be used as a trundle bed in the future too! I use this to store toys right now and it is Awesome!

I increased the bed size to fit a twin mattress and increased the height of the bed slightly so that the drawer would be a little bit deeper. We also added a back to the bed and carried around the trim to make all sides look the same. We added a bumper to the back and sides of the inside of the bed so the drawer is easy to push in and fits in snug. Finally we reinforced the bottom of the drawer with more 1x4 boards so that if a child does sleep in it, it would be more sturdy. I now have kids come over and jump into the drawer (literally) and I'm glad we reinforced it.

The changes we made did add to the cost and our time (as well as being newbies), but I think it's worth it and the bed turned out beautiful!

Built from Plan(s)
Daybed with Storage Trundle Drawers
Estimated Cost
$180
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Marquee (I'll have to find the name of the white color we used). We almost went with chalk paint, but after talking to the HD guy, he talked me into this paint and I'm glad we used it! So much cheaper and turned out beautiful.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Nisssc

Mon, 10/12/2020 - 07:51

This looks great! Any suggestion if I want cubbies instead of a trundle? Also, cubbies only on side as bed would be against the wall. Thanks for the inspiration!
Sandy

Farmhouse Table with Extensions

This was my first build and I learned A LOT and watched A LOT of youtube diy videos. The main take-away from this project is not to build in the freezing cold if the finished project is for inside. I finished this project in below freezing temperatures and I noticed that the wood expanded (increasing slightly the gap between the finished boards on the top) when it was brought inside.

I built this from the original farmhouse table plans with no kreg jig although I did buy and use a pocket kreg jig to make the extensions. The main modifications were using 4x4s such as were used in the Country Living magazine spread that inspired this build and also making modifications to allow the addition of 15" extensions at each end of the table's bread boards.

My first challenge was figuring out how to build with the 4x4 legs instead of the 2 2x4s screwed together. In order to accomplish this i had to use a chisel to create the corner lip that the table top frame would sit on. I added photos of this so I hope it will help someone. Chiseling these 4 corners (one on each post) only took an hour or two and was so worth it for the look of the 4x4s. Just measure carefully and work carefully with a sharp chisel. I actually removed half the wood by sawing off the corner at a 45 degree angle. Remember when cutting your boards for the table ends that a 4x4 has different dimensions than 2 2x4s screwed together. Compensate for this in your cuts.

Another challenge was hiding the screws on the table legs and table top. I was leaving the finish natural so didn't want to use wood fill. I accomplished this by getting a countersink bit and then buying wooden dowels the same diameter. For these screw holes, after finishing screwing, I put a dab of wood glue in the countersink hole, inserted the dowel as far as it would go, used a fine hand saw to cut off the dowel flush with the table and then used a hammer to make sure the dowel was in tight and flush.

I had trouble figuring out how to attach the table top frame to the table legs with the long screws from the plans so I included a picture of this step. Its really easy but I was not able to use three screws as the plan calls for. I used two instead and it has been very solid. I used the long screws as proscribed.

Finally, I wanted to build extensions (2 2x8 boards kreg jigged together) so I could increase seating up to a max. of 12 persons, so I needed to cut out 2x2 gaps on the table ends. I also included a picture of these in place. To make room for the 2 2x2s that extend under the bread boards and table top to brace the extensions, I left out one of the 2x2 cross beams at each end of the underside of the table (the boards that the table top boards screw into).

I hope this is helpful to you!

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Vinegar and Steel Wool Solution (soak steel wool for 24 hours in vinegar and be sure to test on a sample) to "age" the wood. Tung oil over this sealed the stain/wood. over this I applied a wax finish. First I used Briwax Liming Wax to enhance the gray finish and leave a slight white wash patina. This finish was enhanced because I had steel brushed with the grain to remove some soft wood so the liming wax would enhance the grain. I finished the project with clear briwax. We have been using this as our everyday table since February and there are no stains or problems with this finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

dyemond47

Mon, 02/10/2014 - 11:55

Great job on the table! I love...I had visions of this table before I saw it. I wanted to use the 4x4's for the legs as well, the same finish. I am concerned now about the 4x4's because I am an amateur and I think that may throw too many wrenches into my plan. I started with the bench, finished in 3 hours I have patted myself on the back. Plotting on a Kreg jig right now.

epweigel92

Sun, 07/24/2016 - 09:57

Love the look of this table! Just to make sure I'm following correctly, the extensions are ones you can add and remove, not fixed? Do you have a pic of how they slide in or out?

Incredible laundry station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 09:02

This laundry station is perfect for our new red cedar laundry room. We left the wood natural to match the unstained trim and the light color in the cedar planks. Coated with polyacrylic for a smooth finish. Thank you so much for providing the inspiration and plans for such an amazing laundry room solution!!

Built from Plan(s)
Laundry Station

Comments

Horizontal Murphy Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/09/2023 - 17:49

We are remodeling our 3 bedroom house into a 4 bedroom. In doing so, my youngest is getting the smaller room. We decided to go with a Murphy bed to allow more play time space. I do not particularly like the fact that this bed doesn’t sit off the ground but overall love the simplicity of making it. We turned it horizontal and just love the overall product. I can mot wait to make something else from this site!

Tams

Built from Plan(s)
PLANS: A Murphy Bed YOU Can Build, and Afford to Build

Outdoor Sofa and Chair with Slanted Back

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/16/2023 - 10:22

OK, I think this build may be my biggest project yet! It is definitely the heaviest. With the strong winds we can get here in Florida we needed substantial outdoor furniture.
I did make some modifications along the way measurement-wise so the sofa would fit my front porch better. All in all, this took 2 full days. I built the sofa first, stained it the next day and then decided (due to trying to get stain in all the nooks and crannies) to stain the chair pieces first before putting it together.
I am so happy with the results and so far, almost a year later, this furniture looks great and hasn't moved an inch in any of the thunderstorms we've had! Thank you Ana!!

Blog Link
The Simple Salty Life
Built from Plan(s)
Outdoor Sofa - Modern Comfort Collection

Modern Outdoor Chair with Backrest

Submitted by PoppaZotch on Mon, 08/17/2020 - 11:53

Per request of my wife, I opted to add a backrest to the chair. I feel as though my backrest design keeps with the style of the original build. I accomplished this by cutting the 2x4 vertical arms of the backrest at 13 inches with a 10 deg miter cut at the base. This allows you to keep with the 3/4" on the 2x6 backrest slats. I finished it off with a 2x4 top plate. I'd also note that I made slight modifications to the plans to accommodate 24" cushions.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
sanded to a 220 grit
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Two-Toned shabby chic 4X4 Truss dining Table and Benches

4c4 truss with dark walnut top 4" thick, base stained dark walnut with white wash and shabby etching.

Built from Plan(s)
4x4 Truss Beam Table
4x4 Truss Benches
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut, white paint, matte pily
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

thewoodbuilder

Tue, 11/18/2014 - 04:55

I know right, i think looks even more amazing when seen in person.  I did 2 chairs to match as well. which i will load up now.  :0)

White Bunk beds with ladder instructions

I redid this whole room for less than $600! Make sure you take your time with cuts and fitting. I did this with my father in law (my daughter even got to help out!), and it's less than perfect due to some rushing! More details on my blog.

I also couldn't find any 4x4's. Instead of doubling up on 2x4's, I just used one. That allowed me to change the tops of the head/foot boards to only 48" instead of 50 1/2. You can get enough for a head and foot board out of one board this way.

After looking at a TON of bunk bed ladders online, I designed my own. Just some leftover 2x4's. The sides are 47 1/2 inches long, and the rungs are 13 1/2 inches long. It's screwed to the bunk bed from the back so you don't see the screws.

Blog Link
Welcome to our peacful place
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Bed (Twin Size)
Simple Bunk Beds (Twin over Twin)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sanded the heck out of everything, then two coats of Behr primer, followed by 2-3 coats of Behr semi-gloss in New Day Dew (it's a Disney color)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Play Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 13:03

I made this play kitchen as a Christmas present for my kids, and it’s been a big hit! It’s built mostly from leftover hardwood plywood, and a couple of 1x12 pine boards. The oven knobs and faucet were cut from redwood scraps and attached with 1/2” dowels to freely rotate. The vertical surfaces were painted with leftover house paint and sealed with water-based polycrylic. It was a fun build, and I learned some new skills (like installing hinges)! Thanks for the plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Play Kitchen Sink and Stove
Simple Play Kitchen Narrow Fridge

Comments

Western Saloon doors

Submitted by tracysmith on Thu, 08/02/2012 - 00:44

I built these doors for a very good friend of mine who actually helped me get started turning my new love for building (after finding Ana's site) into a way for our family to make some extra money.

It took me a little while to wrap my brain around building something without using my Kreg Jig. I used a router table set up with some raised panels bits and put the whole thing together with glue and nails! Wonderful experience!

For the finish, I used a vinegar solution to give the cedar wood an old barn look. I think the final result turned out great and the final step was a clear coat sprayed on out of a rattle can.

Estimated Cost
Lumber cost was about $80
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Vinegar solution and a clear coat put on.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

birdsandsoap

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 10:51

These turned out great! I haven't seen this style of door in forever! They used to be really popular, I remember my Aunt and Uncle having these in the entry to their kitchen. They were the coolest thing ever when I was a kid! Maybe they are a making a comeback?
I'm really impressed with your routing skills, that's a task I have yet to tackle, but I've got the bits laying around waiting.

Nice job!

tracysmith

Thu, 08/02/2012 - 21:10

Thanks a bunch! My friend is replacing an old set of louvered doors that went into her laundry room. Her family are farmers and rodeo people so the western decor really fits in their house. Great western stuff there. They made a chandelier out of a wagon wheel! Really cool!

This was my first attempt at routing so I really appreciate your compliment! It's really simple if you can get the basics of it. I'm sure you'll do just fine when you get to that point. If I can do it, anyone can do it! Thanks again!!

laneal1987

Mon, 01/23/2017 - 09:32

I really want to try and build this for a closet.  Are there any instructions for this?  This is the first door of this style that I have come across that I absolutely love.

Hidden Desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/08/2016 - 12:24

I shrunk the size and dumbed down the plans to fit my skill level.

Built from Plan(s)
Hidden Desk Apothecary Cabinet
Estimated Cost
175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Texastia

Mon, 10/10/2016 - 09:08

I love what you did! It looks so great! I prefer this style, which is more simplistic than the other. Great work!!

 

Jessi_ites

Tue, 10/11/2016 - 14:56

Thanks! I wish I would of set up an account before I posted so I could get notifications.  I honestly didn't think anyone would notice it :)

Jessi_ites

Tue, 10/11/2016 - 14:58

I am so excited that people noticed this :)  Is there any way of putting this under my account?  I didnt make an account until today and I would like to get notifications.   I have my project on my facebook page and can prove that I made it with other pictures. Thanks!

crstorm

Mon, 01/20/2020 - 07:44

I would love to see this in a farm-house (rather than rustic) aesthetic along with drawers under the seats for extra storage. Maybe on casters with a fold up extension on the other side? So many ideas running through my head with this!