Community Brag Posts

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!!

Bar Stool

I liked the lines of the Extra Tall Bar Stools and I changed the plan to fit my needs. I made them 24" to the top of the seat and both stools are constructed entirely out of 2x4s (except the seat, of course!).

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Less than $25
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Rust-Oleum's Ultimate Wood Stain in Sunbleached and Ultimate Polyurethane in Matte.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Essential Adirondack chair

Submitted by str1523 on Mon, 05/25/2020 - 10:23

Like this chair! Changed the 3 1x10's on the back to 4 1x8's ripped down to 6 ¹⁵/¹⁶

Estimated Cost
40
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)

Comments

2x4 Outdoor sectional

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 06/01/2020 - 12:00

I stumbled upon this page and instantly fell in love. I made the 2x4 outdoor sectional this week with a few tweeks to make it work for us. My husband does a lot of computer work on our patio so we did the tall table to make it work. I plan to add a shelf at the bottom and touch up on my staining but for my first project I'm impressed. With the instructions and lists given this was a breeze of a project!

Estimated Cost
160$ before cushions
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi transparent stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Wooden Sandbox with Convertible Bench / Cover

I make and sell kids picnic tables on craigslist and a buyer asked about making one of these. I took it on and found the plans on here very easy! I now list these on craigslist also and hope to sell more before the summer is over.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
~$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none, until PT has dried
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kitty Tree Condo

Submitted by Proto on Tue, 11/13/2012 - 15:21

I adapted the simple Kitty Tree plan to make an outdoor sunroom for my cats. They are locked inside when I'm away, so this was a way for them to get some fresh air. They can access it via a tunnel, visible on the side as a grey box that butts up against the panel for the cat flap.
It's 36"X30" and 68" high.
The walls are made of plexiglas and I made the interior ramps by cutting up a set of wooden shelves.Plexiglas is expensive, but I salvaged some that was slightly scratched and going to the landfill. Otherwise, it would have cost me well over $100.
The frame was built using a Kreg jig, which is now my new favourite tool. I also added some casters so it can be rolled away from the wall for cleaning.
I found the Kitty Tree plan to be easy and versatile.

Estimated Cost
$25 for lumber and plywood, $15 for exterior paint, $150 for plexiglas
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior latex. a mis-tint I got for cheap.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Proto

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 06:42

The plexiglas is not quite large enough to cover the space between the posts so there is a 1/8" inch gap around many of the edges.
Also the back is open. When it's away from the wall, I can lean in to clean it. So, it's not at all airtight.

Proto

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 06:45

One could use a wire mesh instead of plexiglas to save money. It would look okay, especially if painted, but I splurged on the plexiglas because it does look nicer than wire. I wanted to prevent complaints from our immediate neighbours if they thought a wire cage was an eyesore.

babysteps

Mon, 11/19/2012 - 07:04

Your cats are going to love this. Once the birds (thinking about swallows) figure out they can swoop by quickly without harm, the birds are going to love it too. You could even put a bird feeder nearby to make it more interesting for the cats to look at.

Modern Outdoor Patio Set

Submitted by dlangford on Sat, 09/05/2020 - 16:08

Built this over the weekend for my girlfriends sister. It was a great project and the whole family was able to work together on it, sanding and waterproofing it before assembling. The loveseat plans need a little tweaking. We ran ran the slats the same direction as the chair plans call for so we added a middle support for extra stability. We also pitched the seating down towards the back by 5* to make a more natural sitting position.

Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Cedar Natural Tone Waterproofing Stain and Sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday

benches for kids table

Submitted by adecesare4 on Wed, 01/23/2013 - 15:32

Well I have found your site through Pinterest md now I am Addicted. Not only did I make one stool, but now three ( one for each of my boys). I will be finishing them shortly. But since it is my first project I wanted to share and thank you for the plans.

Next up is a sofa table (90% done already) and the media center (which I will float and use as storage for kids toys and double as a window seat)

Anyway, these stools are great, the kids love them and thy will go great in the kids room under the camp loft bed or loft playhouse bed (my next project :)

Estimated Cost
$15
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Will be staining and then putting polyurethane over top for protective durability
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

American girl 3 story doll house and furniture

For my daughters 8th birthday I decided I would make her a doll house for her American Girl dolls. Then I decided to make all the doll furniture too. Then I started thinking that I might as well sew all the bedding and cushions. She loves it!! 

Estimated Cost
$220-250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
A lot easier with the alloy wheels.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Drop Leaf Mobile Kitchen Island

Submitted by jkjackson on Sun, 03/14/2021 - 11:19

This was born out of the need for more counter space in our galley kitchen. We don't have the space to add an island. Especially around the holidays, it would be great to have extra space for making cookies, serving big meals, etc. I used Ana's Small Kitchen Island Prep Cart plans for inspiration. I adapted the dimensions to fit at the end of our counters when not in use and added a drop leaf to give us almost 4 additional feet of butcher block counter top when we need it. I used scrap lumber that I had for the cabinet and had an extra drawer handle that matches our kitchen cabinets but bought the butcher block, locking casters, drawer slide and hardware for the legs. Also, the weight of the butcher block makes it want to tip when it's away from the cabinet with the drop leaf down so I added a lead counter weight inside the drawer.

Estimated Cost
$150-200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr paint for the cabinet, food grade mineral oil and cutting board wax for the butcher block
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

Comments

jkjackson

Sat, 07/24/2021 - 16:59

Sure! I used a 4 foot butcher block and cut it down. The horizontal part is 13 1/2" and the drop leaf part is 32 1/8" attached with a piano hinge. The legs need to be cut and hinged to fit when folded up. This one is made so that the drop leaf fits right under the overhang of the kitchen countertop that it is next to so it's snug against the cabinet and not an issue but, if you want it to be freestanding, the weight of the butcher block will pull it over if you don't weight the cabinet down with something as well. I got a 5 pound lead bar from Amazon in case we need to use it somewhere else. I hope that helps! Let me know if you have any other questions.

Coffee Station

Submitted by kittykat on Tue, 06/06/2017 - 15:31

Built this to use as a coffee/smoothie station in our kitchen area. We had some extra space and this was the perfect use for it!

 

My first attempt at making doors.... turned out pretty well. I might add some magnets just to assist keeping the doors from freely swinging.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-Oleum Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bookshelf with bench for kid's room

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/27/2017 - 15:12

I was looking for something for my son's room that would last him until college, so I adapted your plans and added hooks and a bench and stained it.  Bookends are all we are missing to make it perfect. He loves it, and I don't think he will be able to break it.  I could use a suggestion for anchoring it to the wall, though. Thank you for the great, easy-to-follow plan!

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Natural stain and polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

DIYMomof4

Tue, 06/27/2017 - 18:30

Your bookshelf and bench look really nice and sturdy!  I'm sure it will hold up for many years.  As far as anchoring it to a wall, I have had luck with anti-tip furniture straps.  I would use several and anchor them right to the studs.  I also use long, self tapping construction screws instead of the screws that come in the package.  

Hockey 'lockers'

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/29/2017 - 19:56

I needed something to organize our hockey gear so I customized this mudroom idea. It turned out great and makes me feel better when I walk in the garage. Everything must have a place!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Camp Loft Bed Full size

Submitted by katjagest on Wed, 10/06/2021 - 05:05

Made this Loft bed for a full size mattress in 2019 and it is still strong. I added a stretcher on the bottom of bed across the length of the the bed added strength.

Comments

Repurposed bed frame dog kennel

Used the inspiration of Ana-White dog kennel and made ours with an old bed frame that wasn't being used anymore. I'm very happy with how it turned out. I just need to paint and stain it. You can see the side is from the bed headboard and footboard.

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A-Frame Chicken Tractor

Submitted by Tonya P on Tue, 07/09/2013 - 19:46

New to raising chickens, but eager to jump right in to it.
We bought a pre-made coop for the main home for our new chicks and it's very nice, not something I could do myself since I'm not yet at that level, but I saw this chicken tractor and thought it would come in handy for what I have in mind so I made up my mind to build it.
The lumber, chicken wire, staples, and wheels are all store bought new and came to about $75. The materials we had on hand were the screws, hinges, plastic coated metal shelving (used in the nesting area, I thought that would make it easy to clean), paint, and the corner piece of vinyl siding for the roof cap (hubby's brilliant idea, and I painted it green with spray paint for vinyl).
I did not try to build it quickly, I don't really know how much time it took me, but if I had to guess I'd guess total time would amount to about 3 afternoons, by myself.
I wanted to leave the top on the one side open with the option to slap on the other boards if/when the need arises. I have the other t1-11 panels that can sit right in those areas because I stapled the chicken wire in a way that would allow it.
I also added a flip up panel as seen in the pictures for access. I didn't want a small door that I would have a hard time getting to things in there. I'm so glad I added this feature, it sure gives plenty of room for me to maintain the food and water dispensers as well as get in there and catch the little chickies :)
I wanted it green to blend into the wooded background in our backyard. I didn't want to take any beauty away from the cedar greenhouse and fencing we added last year, and this tractor would be moved from time to time and I felt this green that we had on hand was perfect to help it blend in rather than stand out.
This thing is heavy! I have a hard time moving it around and usually need my husband to move it so I won't hurt myself. I am considering some options... I don't like the rope I have on it to pull it, any suggestions would be appreciated.
As with the other items I've made with Ana's plans, this was fun and pretty easy to make. I love this site! Soon I will take on my next project, I've bought and gathered the materials, I'm anxious to get started :)
Thank you for looking :)

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75 - $85 for the new materials listed
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Green exterior paint we had on hand.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

King Storage bed

Submitted by Pbelton40 on Mon, 07/20/2015 - 06:57

From start to completion, it was exactly two weeks.  One of those weeks, I was sick and didn't get a chance to do much.  I believe we picked the hottest days to work on this project, so we were taking more breaks than actually working.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bombay Mahogany stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Canopy Daybed Modified

I really loved the outdoor daybed, but after discussing it with my husband we decided to go without the canopy feature. We, also resized the bed from a twin size to a toddler size (which happened to be almost the same dimensions as our love seat). In order to make the daybed without the canopy, I had to put the top pieces on last in order to have them go all the way from edge to edge. All in all, this was a super easy project, and I had a lot of fun doing it!

I got the crib mattress free of craigslist, and since a crib mattress is already covered with vinyl, I didn't do anything extra to waterproof it, and the fabric came from the home decor remnants section at our local fabric store for $4 a yard, which I applied a 40% coupon to. The throw pillows are not the ones we will be using, but I haven't made those yet, so these are just for looks :)

Estimated Cost
I spent a total of $63 with stain, screws and enough wood left over to make a table to match
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I used minewax stain in ebony, and applied several coats to get the look I was going for... I don't typically like stain, and I probably won't use it for a project like this again...
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

brookifer86

Mon, 06/06/2011 - 13:56

I love this! The fact that it's bench-sized, that it fits a waterproofed crib mattress, all of it! I'm totally doing something like this with the crib mattress we got secondhand.

CreativeBaggage

Sat, 06/11/2011 - 00:13

I think now that I have done this one, I may do one with the canopy for my daughter's room... Ana has so many amazing plans, I have the hardest time making up my mind on anything! But, so far this has held up great.

Tanya (not verified)

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 11:33

Going to be making the outdoor daybed for my daughter this weekend and think this will make a very great reading bench for her room! We are going to make a bunch of throw pillows out of old sheets and just make it nice and comfy looking!

CreativeBaggage

Tue, 07/26/2011 - 11:38

I absolutely love that idea, and the thought of re-using old sheets to make new pillows. For these ones, I used some fabric I had around and a bag of fill, but when I ran out I was in search for old teddy bears no longer being played with :) I would love to see pictures when you are finished!

King Farm House Bed

My husband designed this after the farm house bed. I wanted panels on the head board and foot board to "dress it up a bit" and storage drawers. He did a wonderful job. I don't think I have ever had a more prized piece of furniture. Now to find some tall night stands.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Off white oil based semi gloss paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

vanash2012

Wed, 09/23/2015 - 11:54

Any chance you or your husband would share the adjusted plans to include the storage under mattress?

Thank you so much! love your site and your work!

vanessalust

Thu, 01/21/2016 - 21:52

Hi Ana! 

I was wondering if you had the plans available for this bed with the drawers underneath and the head and foot board ? 

 

:) thank you!

vanessa

nateleejohnson

Fri, 02/10/2017 - 05:27

What a beautiful bed.  Like others I was looking for the plans for the headboard and drawers.  Are they available?

Thanks,

 

Nate

danthony313

Sun, 12/17/2017 - 16:03

the wife loves this design but are there plans for the whole thing yet?

Tacoma9596

Wed, 09/25/2019 - 10:40

Ana,

   Can you provide plans with pics for this bed?   My wife wants it and I got tasked with doing it.

Dining Room Buffet Cabinet

Submitted by kdins31 on Sat, 08/13/2011 - 11:26

I scoured the web unsuccessfully for months trying to find a cabinet big enough to store everything we needed to store. I wanted something huge and bright and simple, and so I decided to just build away. It's 8'4" long, 18" deep and 36" tall. Topped with a slab of Giallo Napoleon granite and painted a nice plain white. Took me only a few nights to build and paint, thanks to my power nailer and power paint sprayer. Thanks to a great deal on a remnant granite slab, this was just about $400 total start to finish. I winged the entire plan and didn't really use any plans in particular, though I have gathered many great ideas and tips from this site.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$450-500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin white, nothing special!
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

shanestric

Sat, 08/13/2011 - 14:51

Wow - looks great! You would think it was done by a pro! You should be very proud of your finished product.