2x4 outdoor couch
Love my outdoor couch. Easy to build and follow plans. Thanks Ana!
Built from Plan(s)
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Entryway Bench
I picked this bench because our entryway isn't very big and this was small enough that I didn't have to make any alterations to the size.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint- Filtered Shade (Valspar)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Comments
Mon, 01/30/2012 - 14:04
It looks really nice, I like
It looks really nice, I like the paint color and the baskets are cute!
Mon, 01/30/2012 - 15:05
I agree with the above comment :-)
That looks great! It looks great on it's own, but it also looks fab in your beautiful house!
Tue, 01/31/2012 - 11:58
What type of floor is that
What type of floor is that and color, it's beautiful!, as well as the bench,love it
Wed, 02/01/2012 - 09:00
The Floor
Thanks for the compliment on our floors!! My husband and I just installed them a few months ago. I love them but I'm always a little embarrassed to say this, because I'm a bit of a wood snob, but it's laminate. Kensington Manor 12mm Imperial Teak Handscraped, from Lumber Liquidator. We bought it when it was on sale for $1.99 a square foot. Can't beat that!
Wed, 02/01/2012 - 09:00
The Floor
Thanks for the compliment on our floors!! My husband and I just installed them a few months ago. I love them but I'm always a little embarrassed to say this, because I'm a bit of a wood snob, but it's laminate. Kensington Manor 12mm Imperial Teak Handscraped, from Lumber Liquidator. We bought it when it was on sale for $1.99 a square foot. Can't beat that!
Thu, 04/05/2012 - 05:49
these things looks realy
these things looks realy nice,i would like to appreciate u
Rocketship Toddler Bed
Did this in January 2013.
Slight alteration of the Traditional Wood Toddler bed:
http://ana-white.com/2011/10/traditional-wood-toddler-bed
Made the rear posts taller so I could cutoff the triangle shape for the rockets. The front is the same with no real headboard just some support and used a custom upholstered padded headboard there for the view from the cockpit. The sides are cut out of thin plywood and screwed onto the bad (eliminated rails). The rocket engines are upholstered circles I cut.
The main bed is cheap, easy, and quick to build. Designing the rockets, and painting and polying the whole thing are what takes most of the time (along with trying to get everything to dry in my garage in the middle of winter). The fabric, stencils, and paint probably cost as much as the wood.
I thought I had more pics and I probably still have my scribbles for measurements and cuts (if for some reason someone wants them).
Estimated Cost
70
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
water based paints and Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
chalkboard shelf - key holder
Made this little chalkboard shelf/key holder for my niece. She is building a new house and I thought it would look nice in her kitchen or entry way. It was inspired by Ana's "easiest chalkboard shelf from scraps," but I routed the edges of the 1x12 and add different hooks for keys.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I used all scraps I had laying around.
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Gold trim paint around the edges and chalkboard paint on the inside.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Modern Barnwood Bed Frame and End Table
We built a bed frame off a different DIY website and never fell in love with it. We decided on Ana’s Modern Farmhouse and matching end table plans and decided to throw a local barn wood twist on it. We loved the look so much we didn’t sand or stain it, just gave it a good power wash. We really like the functionality of being able to take a few screws out to move and the fact that we could reuse our old barn wood headboard and make an end table out of it. Thanks for all your free plans!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150 for both projects combined
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Outdoor loveseat
For this loveseat, I added a slight reclining angle to the back. I've also made this design with a reclining angle to both the back and seat slats.
The main alteration I've made to the plans is on the bottom. I added a bottom slat and beveled feet by subtracting 3" from the leg length. After attaching the feet to the bottom slat, I taped around the bottom of the foot. I then added a small layer of acrylic resin. This helps prevent splinters when moving the loveseat and helps to keep moisture out.
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Sat, 06/17/2023 - 10:38
Great outdoor sofa!
Love how you modified it, looks amazing! Thanks for sharing.
Gentleman's Valet
This is a gentleman's valet that I build for my sister in law's boyfriend as a Christmas present. It was also a good opportunity to try out my hand tool skills, since I cut all of the joinery by hand.
Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Boiled linseeed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 09:20
Beautiful!
Wow, this is gorgeous! Love the rich finish and the dove tail details, and the sliding top tray is so neat. Everyone in the family is going to want one! :) Joanne
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 12:25
Great gift
This would make a great gift for my husband and all the men in my family...
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 19:12
Hand Tool Joinery
Kristen you should try it yourself. You'd need to buy a joinery saw, but I just picked up a decent dovetail saw for $13, and a set of good chisels, but for $26 you can get a good set of 4.
My joinery isn't brilliant, but it's functional and doesn't look terrible. I'm pretty sure you could start knocking out some strong joints pretty quickly.
The upside is that it's faster than setting up power tools to make these joints. Hand cut dovetails will always be faster than machine cut, unless you're building a dozen boxes.
In reply to Hand Tool Joinery by claydowling
Mon, 02/06/2012 - 10:48
You don't give yourself enough credit!
From here, your dovetail joints look great! I've always just skimmed past instructions for dovetails thinking I'd never put the time into constructing them. Perhaps I will investigate for future projects. The glue and nail option just goes quicker right now, with the list that looks like it just might take forever in this house!
Mon, 02/06/2012 - 07:29
Very nice, Clay
You may not think your joinery is brilliant, but those are some tight joints. Looks beautiful. I love the top!
Mon, 02/06/2012 - 08:35
Tight joints
Those are very tight joints. Slightly too tight in fact. There was a small amount of hairline splitting on the side I didn't show, that I had to fill with glue and sawdust to keep from spreading.
My dovetails aren't bad, just slow for me to cut right now, especially cleaning out the waste. I bought parts for a small bow saw that should make that easier, once I get the thing built.
Tue, 02/07/2012 - 07:49
What a great present!
This Gentlemen's Valet looks amazing! How did you do it? This would be a great Valentine's present for my husband!
Tue, 02/07/2012 - 08:35
How To?
The short answer is that I built a box, then built another box to go inside of it. A plan with dimensions wouldn't be a very good idea, because I sized this to match the $7 board I'd found at the hardwood dealer. Your lumber dealer almost certainly carries differently sized boards.
I'll think about a tutorial or video though. Box making is fun, rewarding, and can be profitable. Especially since most cabinets are just different variations on the box.
Tue, 02/07/2012 - 09:21
Thank you!
Alright, I will give it a try this weekend. Will let you know how it went! Thank you so much
Thu, 02/09/2012 - 19:17
A Must-Steal
Your work is gorgeous! I'm definitely stealing this idea for my husband's birthday as well as all the men in my family, who all have birthdays this spring. :) Only thing is, I'm using tools, my hand tool skills are no where near as good as yours.
Also, I appreciate the tips you've posted on other project plans, they really help clarify some of the smaller details overlooked by the designers for beginners like me.
Hope to see some more projects from you soon!
Thu, 02/09/2012 - 20:06
Hand Tool Skills
Hand tool skills actually develop pretty quickly, and one of the reasons it's gaining popularity. You can use scrap wood to learn how to make joints. The first ones will be rough but with even a little bit of practice they'll improve.
The tools are also getting cheaper. I just bought a decent dovetail saw for $13 from Tools For Working Wood, and $26 will buy you a decent set of chisels from Narex.
Christopher Schwarz and Logan Cabinet Shoppe are two good sources for hand tools articles, including videos. There are also good books on the subject. My first text was Hand Tool Essentials, but I'm told there are others worth looking into for first books.
In reply to Hand Tool Skills by claydowling
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 07:30
The Book I was thinking of
The Essential Woodworker is the alternate starting text I was thinking of. I haven't read it yet, but heard it recommended by a few sources as a good place to learn about hand tool woodworking. I just ordered a copy for myself. Amazon sells it too, but for considerably more, and I've heard unpleasant things about the binding on the copies available on Amazon.
If the book turns out to be any good I'll post a review on my blog.
Fri, 04/20/2012 - 21:48
Please do! Thank you for the
Please do!
Thank you for the tips and information, I'll definitely be starting on hand woodworking soon. I love the results of hand vs. machine woodworking, it's just sleeker and has more of a homemade quality.
In reply to The Book I was thinking of by claydowling
Sat, 04/21/2012 - 04:56
The Book
I did finally buy the book, and I've reviewed it at http://claydowling.com/articles/02242012-1350/getting-started-woodworki…
There's also a new video coming out (or maybe it is out), that I wrote about: http://claydowling.com/articles/04022012-0947/learning-use-hand-tools I've ordered my copy, but I won't have it in hand until next month. I grabbed is specifically for the information on block planes. I own them, but I've had the least consistent results from them of all my tools.
Beautiful Table!
We added a 2x6 to the top and made the table 5.5 " longer and wider. We had to adjust all of our cuts. Read your instructions on the can of stain because on Shanty2Chic's site they mentioned leaving the stain on for 5 minutes and then wiping. However in doing so, you will end up with a very dark finish.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Under $200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Farmhouse Console
My daughter wanted a console for her holiday Halloween village and Christmas village. I had to measure and modify the original plans as they were longer and shallower than what I needed. I also used tongue and groove boards for the sides. She also wanted mitered doors on the front because the barn door stood out too much. Phew! I wish I had a CAD program.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Chedtnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Greenhouse
Greenhouse for extended growing.
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Simple Play Kitchen Sink
This is the first sink that I made, for one of my nieces of course, and when the other niece saw it, she started campaigning for one of her own. They are extemely easy to build, used my trusty Kreg jig, and on the back, hinged, is a painted, plain top, so when they're tired of using the sink, the top can come off, and instant nightstand! I used the home depot brand sink fixture, 10.00, and a dog dish for the sink. I added a "granite" top, and since this pic, I've sewn the 3 tier curtains. There are 2 different sinks in the below pics.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
45.00 around there
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
kilz tinted to match colors, 2 coats, light sand, red on one, and icey blue on the other.
For the countertop, mixed a handful of playsand into light grey paint, when dry, sprayed top (before fixtures and sink added) with Krylon grey granite stone faux finish. Let dry completely, then it's very important to spray clear coat of Polyurethane over this and let dry. if you use a brush, you'll remove the "granite" finish. I've since done a pink one with tile countertop, just haven't grouted it yet.
For the countertop, mixed a handful of playsand into light grey paint, when dry, sprayed top (before fixtures and sink added) with Krylon grey granite stone faux finish. Let dry completely, then it's very important to spray clear coat of Polyurethane over this and let dry. if you use a brush, you'll remove the "granite" finish. I've since done a pink one with tile countertop, just haven't grouted it yet.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Farmhouse doll bed and play cake stand
I enjoyed making these projects for my 6 year old for Christmas. Warning: make cuts as you build. Even though I bought standard board sizes, my finished measurements did not all match cut list. Just keep measuring as you assemble and make cuts and small changes as needed. A 1x3 can be anywhere from 2 1/2 to 2 3/4 wide for example. I finished with primer and two coats of Benjamin Moore Advance semigloss Cloud White on both projects. I used 2 inch high density foam for the mattress. The quilt is pieced from 2 1/2 inch squares. The small pillows are 3 inch square finished. The large pillows are 4x7 approximately. The cake stand is cute enough for a child's play room but also large enough to be borrowed for an adult's dessert table.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Semigloss Benjamin Moore Cloud White
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
modern outdoor lounge chair
Just finished this beauty, entirely made with 2x4, plans were modify to match our outdoor sofa and coffee table. I think our best looking project so far ;) Thank you for inspiring me to build !!!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
In reply to Very nice! by Ana White Admin
Tue, 03/01/2016 - 18:13
Thank you Ana
Little by little I am transforming my ugly concrete patio with no view in Zen garden...
Tue, 03/01/2016 - 18:15
Thank you Ana
Little by little I am transforming my ugly concrete patio with no view in a Zen garden...
Tue, 03/01/2016 - 18:16
Thank you Ana
Little by little I am transforming my ugly concrete patio with no view in a Zen garden...
Barn Door Garage Storage
I adapted this build from the Barn Door Entertainment Center plan. Like most families, our storage space needed some major help! We had minimal space to work with and all sorts of awkward things to store (rollerblades, helmets, etc). I measured how deep I needed the shelves to be to fit our helmets and pretty much built around that!
The open shelves are great as they allow easy storage spots for the kids to reach - the doors are great because they allow me to hide the stuff that just never seems to get organized! And the best part? The sliding barn doors! I park next to this thing so not having a swing out door was a major win for me!
I left the center of this piece open so I could fit a stand I already had in our garage, which allowed for a “charging station” for the cars! Our garage is rustic theme so on this piece I went with standard common board for the walls and shelves and built the trim and doors from cedar. The entire piece is stained with Minwax Provincial.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Easy Kitchen Island
Easy Kitchen Island. This was my first big woodworking project so I bought the top and recycled some old wood. I learnt a lot, it took me about 20hrs to complete including painting and staining. I found the plans easy to follow and I’m super happy with the results.
Anji B
Built from Plan(s)
Comments
Mon, 11/11/2024 - 08:34
Looks great! I was wondering…
Looks great! I was wondering what stain you used? I love how it turned out!
Loft Bed w/ Bookcase and Headboard
We used the loftbed plans, http://ana-white.com/2010/05/furniture-plans-loft-bed.html and the bookshelf plans, http://ana-white.com/2010/06/plans/what-goes-under-loft-bed-how-about-b…- then designed our own headboard. The girls love their new room and we're going to build another one for the boys! We just put a platform bed from Ikea underneath!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Sun, 12/30/2012 - 06:39
big bookcase under loft bed
i want to build this project for my daughter, but the link for the bookcase is a dead link. where can i find the bookshelf plans? i plan on making the loft be a full size, so will be adding 15" to my project. thank you!
Colin's New Bed
Colin needed a bed for his room to upgrade from his toddler bed. I new immediately I was going to use plans from Anna's site! Building the bed was extremely easy with the new tools that I received for my birthday. This was my first time staining anything so that took the longest time for this project. It is my second thing that I have built from Anna's awesome website!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$135
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Gel Stain - Hickory
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Fri, 02/21/2014 - 17:19
Thank you! I'm getting ready
Thank you! I'm getting ready to post my second project now! I love her site!
Thu, 03/06/2014 - 07:00
Pocket Holes?
Did you use a kreg jig and attach 4x4 legs via pocket holes? I don't see any screws... trying to decide how to best attach everything before taking on this project. Thanks!!
Thu, 03/06/2014 - 07:00
Pocket Holes?
Did you use a kreg jig and attach 4x4 legs via pocket holes? I don't see any screws... trying to decide how to best attach everything before taking on this project. Thanks!!
Thu, 03/06/2014 - 20:16
Yes. I used the kreg jig and
Yes. I used the kreg jig and created pocket holes that screwed into the 4x4. I used the correct size when drilling the holes but I may have used the next size up in the screw length for extra support. The bed gets plenty of use between my 7 and 5 year old and is one solid piece of furniture.
DIY Stuffed Animal Storage
This was a really easy build and has brought much needed order to my little one's stuffed animal collection.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
ECOS Paints Woodshield Special Walnut + Satin Varnish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Headborad with Fold Down Tray Tables
I first saw this headboard on Ana White's Instagram and loved the idea! I took a screen shot so I would remember it later. One day my daughter was flipping through the photos on my phone and saw this screen shot. We were about to move to a new house and she wanted me to make this headboard for her new room. She is 11 years old and loves to play games on her laptop with her friends so this was perfect for her. Within a month of moving into the new house I started to build this piece. It took me a couple weeks to finish since I have three kids and was also trying to unpack our entire house but I love the finished product! My daughter really loves it too!
Estimated Cost
$115
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with semi-gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Farmhouse Playhouse
Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday
Comments
Ana White Admin
Tue, 06/13/2023 - 10:54
Great outdoor build!
Thanks for sharing, awesome job!