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Outdoor loveseat

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 06/17/2023 - 01:31

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)
Modern Outdoor Loveseat from 2x4s and 2x6s

Comments

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.

Blog Link
Gentleman's Valet
Estimated Cost
20
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Boiled linseeed oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 09:20

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

viola

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 12:25

This would make a great gift for my husband and all the men in my family...

claydowling

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 19:12

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.

kristen

Mon, 02/06/2012 - 10:48

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!

claydowling

Mon, 02/06/2012 - 08:35

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.

claydowling

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 08:35

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.

Justine

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 09:21

Alright, I will give it a try this weekend. Will let you know how it went! Thank you so much

claydowling

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 10:44

If you get any results, post some pics. If not here, feel free to put up a link on my blog. Always good to share ideas and results.

Kat Roberts

Thu, 02/09/2012 - 19:17

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!

claydowling

Thu, 02/09/2012 - 20:06

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.

claydowling

Fri, 02/10/2012 - 07:30

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.

Kat Roberts

Fri, 04/20/2012 - 21:48

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.

claydowling

Sat, 04/21/2012 - 04:56

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.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 04/02/2012 - 18:27

Thank you for posting . I always learn something from you.

Beautiful Table!

Submitted by maph53 on Mon, 12/16/2013 - 08:29

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)
Corona Coffee Table - Square
Estimated Cost
Under $200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Coffee Table

coffee Table 

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse Console

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/06/2019 - 05:49

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)
Grandy Barn Door Console
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Red Chedtnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Greenhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/26/2023 - 07:42

Greenhouse for extended growing.

Built from Plan(s)
Small Gable Roof Greenhouse

Comments

Simple Play Kitchen Sink

Submitted by angiemicn on Wed, 02/08/2012 - 03:27

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.

Blog Link
Angidotes
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Play Kitchen Sink and Stove
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.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 18:18

Love the 'granite' countertops - what a creative idea! Also the little heart cut out -- just precious. :)

angiemicn

Wed, 02/08/2012 - 22:00

Thank you so much, my niece drew the heart, I cut it out, can't take all the credit :)...nice place to put plugs through, she has her Hello Kitty radio on that shelf, so she can "listen to her music when she cleans!"

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)
Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls
Cupcake Stand
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)
Modern Single Outdoor Chaise Lounge
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
2x4 Outdoor Coffee Table
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Barn Door Garage Storage

Submitted by MommaBlue on Wed, 10/09/2019 - 07:13

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)
Barn Door Entertainment Center
Estimated Cost
300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Easy Kitchen Island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/29/2023 - 09:21

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)
Easy Kitchen Island Plans

Comments

Loft Bed w/ Bookcase and Headboard

Submitted by trodkewich on Sun, 02/12/2012 - 15:05

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)
How to Build a Loft Bed
Under Loft Bed Tall Bookcase
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

greg f (not verified)

Sun, 12/30/2012 - 06:39

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)
Farmhouse Bed (Twin Size)
Estimated Cost
$135
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Gel Stain - Hickory
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mltnichols

Thu, 03/06/2014 - 07:00

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!!

mltnichols

Thu, 03/06/2014 - 07:00

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!!

christinamurr922

Thu, 03/06/2014 - 20:16

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.

Blog Link
DIY Stuffed Animal Toy Storage
Built from Plan(s)
DIY Stuffed Animal Zoo Tower
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

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 10/11/2019 - 11:09

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

Adjusted Balin Console Table

I loved the Balin Console Table plan, so my husband and myself decided to try it as our first project. We adjusted the height to 42" and we added a bottom shelf. I am so happy with the way it turned out. I have received many complements.

The mirrors were made by my father, I have to brag on him since he did such an amazing job! I show him Viva Terra's porthole mirrors collection and he re-created them with Teak wood.

Built from Plan(s)
Balin Console Table
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 14:39

You did a beautiful job and I love how the whole area is staged. The mirrors are amazing, too!

hammertime

Sat, 02/18/2012 - 11:14

Beautiful job. I love the finish and the hardware you chose. And your dad is quite talented too!

Chauncey's Car

Submitted by Gaucho85 on Tue, 12/24/2013 - 19:55

Thanks for the idea. I added a couple extras and figured I'd post them in case it helped anyone. Fun project!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Husky Table and Bench

I used the Husky Dining room table plans to build this table. I also modified the plans to make a bench as well. This was a very east build and turned out gorgrous!! Thanks Ana!!

Estimated Cost
$500 for everything.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark stain with matte wax coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Captain's Storage Bed with Pallet Veneered Headboard/Footboard

This piece was one I recently created for a customer using the plans provided in the Queen Storage Bed with Drawers from Anna's site. It was created using 3/4" birch plywood and 3/4" pine common board. 

I chose to cut dado's when building the boxes for stability's sake. I was able to leave out much of the construction screws by using strong, but relativity simple joinery techniques with dado's and rabbets. 

The piece's drawer fronts were then veneered with pallet wood to lay flush with the drawer faces, and hardware installed on top of that. The headboard and footboard were both then stained using a Varathane, Minwax (water-based), and General Finishes to create the various tones in the pallet veneer to create a complimentary uniform look to the drawer faces. 

The other variation in this bed was that I used Threaded inserts and hex bolts so that the head and footboard could be removed multiple times for transport without damaging screw holes. 

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Storage Bed with Drawers (Queen)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American (Minwax)
Early American (Varathane)
Ash Grey (General Finishes)
Dark Walnut (Minwax)
Wipe on Poly (Minwax Satin)

Mix and match stains in order to achieve the depth of color or based on pallet wood imperfections. I noticed that not all pallets are alike. Results WILL vary. I found it easiest to break down several different pallets and cut and reshape based on a random selection of boards, rather than breaking down and using one pallet at a time.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced
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