Community Brag Posts

Window seat with storage

I wanted a window seat that would fit my window. There was no way I could afford to buy anything. Ana's site inspired me to modify her plans to create what I wanted. My husband and I worked on this during the weekends and between my son's nap. The piece is so large that 2 people were needed just to pick up the wood. The finished piece is 8' long, 2' deep and 18" tall. If we ever move, it might have to stay with the house.

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
3 coats of Swiss coffee (Home Depot)
2 coats of poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Camp loft bed with a farm house twist

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 02/14/2023 - 07:58

As soon as I saw the plans for the camp loft bed with stairs, I knew it would be perfect for my daughters room. It was my first furniture build. While it is not perfect, I absolutely love it. The plans were easy to read and customize to fit her room. Don't mind the messy room, she's 13 and this is about as good as it gets lol.

Comments

Treehouse/Playhouse

Submitted by Bigbill99 on Sun, 01/10/2016 - 00:07

Thank you! You've helped me look like a true carpenter who knows what he's doing! My whole family is impressed with my woodwork lately, and now I'm addicted. I've done your seesaw, bar table and stools plus the treehouse in 2 weeks. Thank you for sharing your plans!

Estimated Cost
$500.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Spar urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Easiest Industrial Laundry Cart

Submitted by robinles on Tue, 05/30/2023 - 08:37

After a laundry area refresh, I was looking for a slim utility cart to fit between the washer and dryer. I couldn't find anything that fit the space appropriately, so after finding the Easiest Industrial Cart plan, I decided to make one for my space. I built it using a 2x6x10 board and aluminum angle.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Floating Corner Entertainment Stand

This is a corner entertainment stand. I didn't have a plan to follow so I made it up as I went. The dimensions are 40" L xW and 27" tall. It has a base hidden underneath it help support the weight and is also screwed into wall studs to prevent tipping. The angle for the front cross section is 22.5 degrees. I made this for a friend. She is going to paint it unfortunately. Materials cost only around $120. 3 sheets 3/4" plywood, some 1x2s and a couple hinges and cabinet knobs.

Estimated Cost
$130
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Justin G (not verified)

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 04:49

This is REALLY a nice looking corner unit. In our living room, the ONLY place for the tv is in the corner. I have a prebuilt unit now that cost me quite a bit, and we hate it. Its all modern with glass shelves. This corner cabinet is EXACTLY what I want to build. I have a 1 year old so having doors to hide the electronics is a must.

I would VERY much like to build this. Are there any more detailed pictures or a plan I could download? Ive been searching for the last few days an just cant seem to find anything that catches my eye like this one.

Looks great!!

Wounded Marine

Sun, 01/06/2013 - 06:18

The shelves are made out of premium plywood. For the top, bottom, and the middle shelf, I measured and cut out on pieces of plywood. Then used plywood for the "walls" of the unit. I trimmed it with 1x2s. The doors are also plywood. I just rabbit jointed nice wood for the frame of the doors. Underneath the the TV stand is a 2x4 set back a little bit to give it that floating looking. It is anchored to the wall on the inside of the unit with screws going into the studs of the wall. I hope this makes since.

arod718

Thu, 09/05/2013 - 19:13

Is it possible to get dimensions of the stand and what you based the base from. I would like to build the Ana version for my wife because of the storage it has. Thank you, best site ever.

Twin Storage Beds

Submitted by anne_c on Thu, 08/07/2014 - 07:36

This was really my first build and it stemmed from not being able to find the kind of beds I wanted for my girls. My brother helped me cut the wood and assemble the first one and my husband and I did the second together. It was so rewarding to make them and I love how they turned out! You can store so much and they are sturdy pieces. My girls love them too. (bedding is from Pottery Barn) I would stay this is a beginner's project. You don't need any specialized tools. it was a lot of fun and now I'm it itching to buy a Kreg Jig so I can complete many more projects!

Estimated Cost
$150-$175 per bed
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
After they were built, I sanded them and primed. The paint I chose was Polar Bear, which is a pretty true white, Behr brand from Home Depot. I used 2 coats of water based polyeurethane (Verathane brand), which has really protected it from knicks and scratches
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Smaller Fancy "X" Desk

Submitted by NEmomof3 on Mon, 11/12/2012 - 12:21

this is a much smaller version of the $55 Fancy "x" Desk. We did not have the space for the larger version and my son liked that one best, so this is as close as I could come. I also made him the Higher Chair. He is six and very tall with it, but a standard height table and chair still make him sit low enough that writing and working on projects can be troublesome. He loves this, and we had fun working on it together.

Estimated Cost
Under $50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Ebony on bottom and English Oak (don't remember the brand) on desk top. the Ebony took several applications to get the darkness I wanted, if I did it again, I would probably just paint the bottom. The desk top got 2 applications plus a coating of Parks Super Glaze Ultra Crystal Pour On Epoxy Finish Kit, Clear Gloss. The epoxy was the most expensive part of the project, but the easiest.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Dumbbell Table Desk

Submitted by romanweel on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 17:17

This table filled two needs at once for us: we needed a dumbbell or free-weight rack ($50 and up retail), and we needed some kind of desk-like surface for our home gym area that could withstand us two jump-roping fiends (um, maybe that's just my husband). Basically, it needed to be able to hold a lot (a Lot) of heavy metal stuff and take a beating while NOT Falling Over. The trestle desk was my biggest inspiration, and I guess I just stole the metal stretcher idea from that Pottery Barn dining table. It doesn't even really seem to need the metal stretcher, though...this table is beyond-my-wildest-dreams sturdy, even though it is standard counter height. The metal bar was about $17, so that's a big savings, if you leave it out. You MUST use a compound miter saw for this project. OR...you must be flexible about working with irregular cuts and joints. Also, I'm not sure I'd attempt butt-jointed 2x4's without pocket holes (or biscuit joints, I guess?), but that might just be me. I think this project could have taken only a single day if I hadn't screwed up just about every step of the way. I'm not the only one, right? You can read about a lot of those lovely embarrassments on my blog :) If you'd like the SketchUp model, it is available in the 3D Warehouse as "Dumbbell Table".

Estimated Cost
$50 - $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Boiled linseed oil and a coat of furniture wax. Since this table will be taking some hard knocks, we decided against stain or paint, which will show the pine when dinged. The oil hydrates the wood, and the wax protects it - easy upkeep is a plus.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

pipe/wood bookcase

Submitted by ltodd on Thu, 04/11/2013 - 18:26

1/2 ' x 18" black pipe was used along with 1/2 ' flanges. The wood was re-purposed 2x6' pine lumber that had been used for pallets, that would have been thrown away. The boards were joined with a Kreg Jig, It will house my stereo components.

Estimated Cost
$150 pipe/flange costs
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Leaning Hall Tree

Submitted by vendo on Wed, 10/20/2021 - 12:33

I had a small piece of 2x10 left over from this plan's original post, as well as some 2x4's and a scrap 1x2 laying around, so added the top key hook and stained instead of painted. Love how it turned out. I did the top angle a little different too, so it sits a bit closer to the wall, making it awesome for a narrow entryway or space. Easy to modify for whatever the need.

Built from Plan(s)

Cedar Planter Boxes

Submitted by KaityJene on Wed, 07/17/2013 - 19:59

They were simple to make and the plan was easy to follow. The only modification I made was adding the 1x3 topper in place of the longer legs sticking out of the top.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$23
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson's Water Seal which I just brushed on using a cheap paint brush.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Debi G

Fri, 07/19/2013 - 06:36

Adding these to my to-do list for spring (yes, I plan ahead). I'm thinking of elevating and elongating them to fit around a bay window.

Reclaimed Wood Night Stand

Love these night stands! I spent $40 on lumber for two night stands and $30 on the hardware! You can see more pics of my finished night stands at www.shanty-2-chic.com

Estimated Cost
$50 - $70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut Stain and Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

acgosiger

Mon, 08/29/2011 - 09:56

I am going to be making these for our master bedroom (hubby and I currently do not have matching night stands). NOw that i see them finished i am even more excited! You did a fantastic job on them!

takahler (not verified)

Mon, 08/29/2011 - 20:10

We made two of these same night stands earlier this month. I haven't taken a good enough picture to post on here. I need to do that. Great job!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 09/28/2011 - 22:17

This is wonderful. I'm looking for something similar to build in the next couple weeks. Could you share the plans for it please?

Toni (not verified)

Mon, 05/28/2012 - 06:25

My hubby made these for my daughter and they turned out awesome.So now I have to have them too. He is working on them now, but we are making them out of some oak we already had. Can't wait. Now I need a matching headboard!! Looking for plans...

Loft bed with bookcase and desk

Submitted by abc1234 on Mon, 12/26/2022 - 08:01

I built this for my daughter and more or less followed the plan without changes. I wasn't able to get hold of 1x3 so had to rip 1x4s which was a little time consuming. In hindsight I would probably increase the depth of the desk as it's a little shallow but not a huge problem.
I primed with two coats of BIN Primer as there were a lot if knots in the wood and I heard this is the best to cover then. It was a lot more expensive but hopefully worth it. Finished with latex semigloss.

Comments

Adapted to Printer Stand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/05/2019 - 05:30

I adapted the plan to make a stand for our printer and shredder.  Except for one board, I was able to use scraps so my total out of pocket was $9!  I did plane the 2x material to 1 1/4”, and also used 2x material for the base to add a little strength to hold the shredder.  Thank you Ana White, for generously sharing your plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$9
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top - mixed brown and gray rustoleum stains. Finished with poly acrylic
Base - latex eggshell trim paint (custom mix leftover)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Traditional Toddler Bed: Simple Headboard

Submitted by Rosie_R on Tue, 05/08/2012 - 18:22

I made this bed for my daughter who is not yet two, but can climb out of her crib.

I needed to use some different lumber: 2x3's instead of 2x2's and 1x3's instead of 1x2's. I adjusted the headboard, as beadboard was not available and this simple design seemed more suitable for us. I was very pleased with the simplicity of the plan, although I wish I had read it more carefully before I began. I loved the Kreg jig also. Very easy to use.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35 (includes glue, putty, screws)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kendra Side Table

Thanks for the GREAT plans. Slightly modified to allow more space on the top shelf.

Estimated Cost
40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Linda7

Sun, 03/09/2014 - 15:23

Lauren,
They are found on this site called the "Kendra Storage Console". Click on "plans" in the tool bar above, type in that title, then hit "apply." The original plans will pull right up.

JoJo Lynn

Thu, 01/29/2015 - 20:01

I too was looking for the plans on this and i clicked on plans but when i entered Kendra Side Table it came up as no results found. Is this not the name listed above? Am i doing it wrong?

Jodi

Toddler Bed

We followed Ana's "Toddler's Upholstered Bed" plan nearly exactly. The only major change I made was to add fancy looking french country legs I found at the local hardware store. They were screw in, so I used metal screw guides that popped right in after a little pre-drilling. I included some pictures to help explain this variance to help give others ideas. Thanks so much for these plans Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
upholstery fabric, brown spray paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

DIY Glass Top Vanity

For anyone who is interested in building their own glass-top vanity with pull-out drawers :)

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Ultra White
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Double square X pedestal dining table

Submitted by eklein21 on Wed, 12/31/2014 - 11:44

Thanks for the great plans. I modified them slightly by building a 60x40 farmhouse style top and a double pedastel. The other change is that I made the side 4x4s into 2x4s. 

Estimated Cost
~$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General finishes gel stain in brown mahogony (https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-wood-stains-sealers/oilbase-gel-stains#.VKRQ2ivF9UM) and finished using general finishes arm-r-seal in satin (https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-top-coats/arm-r-seal-urethane-topcoat#.VKRRDyvF9UM) ... sealer is so strong it was harder to drill through then the wood when attaching the top to the bootom. Started with the pre-stain conditioner as well (https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-top-coats/pre-stain-wood-conditioner#.VKRRmyvF9UM)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

traciw25

Fri, 08/12/2016 - 12:58

Your table looks great!  Love the farmhouse top and your revisions.

 

Would you mind sharing what dimensions you went for the table top and what width you went on the doubt pedestal length?

 

THanks so much!!! I hope I get to have one like yours someday soon :)

French County Wardrobe

This is probably one of my favorite pieces I have built.  Challenging but fun.  I built it as two separate sections, an upper and lower cabinet to make it easier to carry indoors.  I added a full-extension drawer below for storage. The two-toned paint combination did take a lot of extra time. Because I used an airless spraying to paint I had to tape and cover each section separately. 

 

 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Venus teal and creme brulee by Behr. Dark walnut stain for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Wood Chuck

Fri, 03/06/2015 - 10:43

WOW it looks awesome the extra time spent on the painting was more than worth it looks spectacular. I bet you also could make a great profit selling this Wardrobe either on line or in a consignment shop, if I had the need for one and the money I would defiantly buy one!!

MrCoffee

Fri, 03/06/2015 - 13:54

I love the way the paint job came out on this and I really dig the having the molding on the top stained.

Calmly

Sun, 03/08/2015 - 07:36

This looks awesome! I love the the paint finish and it your profession work

TwoCuteKids

Mon, 03/09/2015 - 17:30

I agree this is your best so far...which is hard to say b/c all your projects are amazing! I love the style, the paint colors, the stained top, and the hardware!

whopua

Tue, 11/10/2015 - 11:13

Are there any available plans? I'd love to make this for my wife!

Anela

Sat, 03/19/2016 - 15:06

It looks really great! 

I have fallen in love with it the second I saw it and somehow I am now convinced that I need a new wardrobe ;) 

I guess you don't have plans for the wardrobe laying around - but would you mind doing a fast sketch (just a simple one on paper) with all the measurements noted? I would be thrilled to try building it myself in the summer. 

Greetings from Germany!

Anela

Sat, 03/19/2016 - 15:07

It looks really great! 

I have fallen in love with it the second I saw it and somehow I am now convinced that I need a new wardrobe ;) 

I guess you don't have plans for the wardrobe laying around - but would you mind doing a fast sketch (just a simple one on paper) with all the measurements noted? I would be thrilled to try building it myself in the summer. 

Greetings from Germany!

petemoore

Mon, 08/22/2016 - 07:32

its very nice but there are no plans

can you put up the plans or email me them please

many thanks

leftysgirl

Tue, 07/18/2017 - 05:43

Are there plans used for this beautiful piece? I do not see any links. Help please!! I absolutely need to make this armoire :) :)