Community Brag Posts

Murphy Bed - queen

Submitted by fielden_m on Mon, 10/08/2012 - 08:15

Taking the plans for the full sized Murphy bed (http://ana-white.com/2010/03/plans-a-murphy-bed-you-can-build-and-affor…) I added a few inches to convert to a queen and raised it off the floor 5 1/2 inches with removable fence post toppers.

The yellow head board lifts up and stores inside the frame when up. If I had it to do over again, I would sand and paint as I built. Thanks to Ana, I now have a guest room!

Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
wood was sanded, primed and painted
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Mon, 10/08/2012 - 11:13

Holy smokes! Great job! I just got my early birthday present - a Kreg Jig Master System!!! One of the first things I will be building is a murphy bed, so thank you for the inspiration.

It looks great!

nasrockswell

Wed, 04/24/2013 - 19:55

I love your adaptation of Ana's plans. Would you be willing to share the dimension for the queen murphy? Thank you!

fielden_m

Fri, 07/26/2013 - 18:51

I fudged the plans by adding to the width and height to make up for the change in bedding but also for the hinges and detachable feet. Measures will differ based on your hinges and feet.

vgb777

Mon, 04/29/2013 - 14:32

I am wondering what king of hinges you used for the bed. Did you use continuous (piano) hinges or regular door hinges? How wide are they? I am not sure what the acceptable width for the hinges is to be safe. Thanks.

fielden_m

Fri, 07/26/2013 - 18:47

I used 3 5" gate hinges. They are thick enough to leave a gap of 3/8" between my base and the part of the bed that swings down.

phelan1202

Wed, 06/12/2013 - 16:35

What were the altered measurements and exactly how did you raise it? I really like Anas plan except that the mattress was so close to the ground. I want to make this for my apartment and I'm painting the outside like a tardis. (:

fielden_m

Fri, 07/26/2013 - 18:50

I raised it 5 1/4 " using fence post toppers from home depot. The fence post toppers unscrew for upright storage. You could leave them in for a more dramatic look but I liked the cleaner lines with them out until needed

intrigued89

Sat, 11/02/2013 - 15:33

Would you be willing to share the dimensions you used when building your queen murphy? Even if they aren't exact, it would be such a big help to me!

rfpeterlin

Sat, 12/28/2013 - 03:33

That is definitely an attractive and well finished project. I am interested in how you finished the legs. I see in the second picture (bed in closed positions) where the toppers may have attached. Where do you store them?

fielden_m

Sat, 12/28/2013 - 22:56

In that same picture, if you look at the bottom 6 inches of the closed bed (under the hinge) there is a storage section where I hide the legs when the bed is raised. It is otherwise dead space and made for an easy storage conversion at the last minute.

Ben Childs

Sun, 01/10/2016 - 17:02

Can someone please help me I see this can be adjusted for a queen size bed. I don't know how to adjust the measurement to make it work. 

Ben Childs

Sun, 01/10/2016 - 17:04

Can someone please help me I see this can be adjusted for a queen size bed. I don't know how to adjust the measurement to make it work. 

Console Table

Submitted by missytoe on Thu, 07/31/2014 - 08:14

This is my first Ana White project and it came out great. We used the Kreg Jig for the first time and it's awesome! I put a coat of Rustoleum Weathered Gray on first, which has a blue tinge to it. Then I added two light coats of Minwax Provincial (basically wiped it on and then back off...didn't let it sit). Finished it off with two coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly, which is super easy to use and great for items that need a little protection. The only downside for me is that I have discovered that I am apparently allergic to pine resin which throws a major roadblock into building pine furniture!!! I end up with an itchy rash and face swelling when I around the freshly cut or sanded wood. Totally sucks. So I may have to have hubby do the cutting and sanding.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum Weathered Gray on first, which has a blue tinge to it. Then I added two light coats of Minwax Provincial (basically wiped it on and then back off...didn't let it sit). Finished it off with two coats of Minwax Wipe-On Poly,
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/13/2016 - 17:45

Table

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

First Ana Project - Modified 2x4 Potting Bench

Submitted by Tracy HNG on Sat, 08/01/2020 - 23:01

I have built several garden boxes and was lugging my gardening tools back and forth from the garage every day. I found myself with some spare wood and a tall, skinny pallet that I'd gotten from my work when a new conference room TV was delivered several months ago that I'd been trying to find a use for. So I decided to build a potting bench and found the one on Ana White's website and thought I could use what I had to build it. And it worked! I cut the pallet in half that I used to make the back wall and had a small piece of it leftover that just so happened to slide in between the two pallets walls. So I added some leftover scraps and made it into a small shelf for things like twine and plant markers. I couldn't be happier with how it turned out and how it looks in my garden! Looking forward to building more of Ana's projects!

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2 Piece Outdoor Wood Chair

Submitted by vendo on Tue, 07/09/2024 - 09:11

I built these chairs in about 90 minutes. I started with cutting enough boards for 2 chairs according to Ana's cut list. I then prefinished them by sanding and prestaining all the boards. Once they were dry I started assembly. At first I was having issues with the wood splitting, so I ended up predrilling my holes. I made the seat and the back 18" wide and where Ana uses the 1x3, I ended up just ripping the cedar fence picket to 2.5" wide. This was a fun build and will be nice to easily transport to an outdoor activity!

Family_DIYnamic on Instagram

Chris's Custom Beds

After seeing my daughter's bed. A guy I work with asked me to build his son one. He told me it could be just like Lillians, but if I could make it pirate themed that would be great. So here we are and the first bed from "Chris' Custom Beds" is done.

Estimated Cost
$1200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
The agreement was it was to be deliever and primied only.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Superman theme Loft Bunk Bed

Submitted by frenchy619 on Sun, 08/03/2014 - 22:29

My son is now 5 years old and needed a new big boy bed. His bedroom is tiny so finding the plan for this kind of bunk bed with an opening area underneath was perfect to have the space to play and have an area to store his toys. This was my first and biggest piece of furniture that I've built and I did it all by myself. My wife helped with the painting. Following the instructions was simple and easy. I picked the Superman theme because my son's middle name is Kal-El, which is Superman Kryptonian name for those who aren't superhero geeks like me ;)
Overall an easy and fun project. Took me approximately 1 week (working on it each day for 2-3 hours after work) to cut and prep all the wood pieces. The painting took about 3 days for 3 coats of paint. The assembling took about 2 hours.

Estimated Cost
$150-$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar planter and 3 tier planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 08/04/2020 - 17:48

My very first attempts at wood working. My new COVID-19 hobby 🥰

Estimated Cost
20.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Modern Outhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/15/2024 - 13:08

I used your simple outhouse plans and modified the roof with clear corrugated plastic roofing for maximum light inside. I used the leftovers to line the hole and direct everything into the hole so no smelly wood. I also used wood from free pallets for door and inside trim to keep cost down.
I have to credit to “Girl in the woods” from youtube that mentioned you Ana, and for the roof idea. Your plans were easy to follow and I’m so proud of my first build.

Built from Plan(s)
Seasonal And Holiday

Sandbox

Submitted by Irishwam on Wed, 08/06/2014 - 06:00

Added backdrop using 6inch boards.

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted with Rustoleum Restore color: Redwood
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Double Pedestal Farmhouse Table

Built this with 2 pedestals instead of 3, 7 feet long. Stained the top, then belt sanded and added a second coat for a more rustic look. Sprayed the entire project with the Titan Flexspray. 

Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The top is Kona from Rustoleum
Finish is 2 coats of Sprayed Varathane Oil based Polyurethane in Satin
Sherwin Williams Summer White Pro Classic
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Mediocre man makes an the outdoor sofa!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/07/2020 - 10:23

I made this awesome sofa based on the plan. I'm not very good at this stuff however, these plans were great. Easy to follow and gave me a great excuse to buy a mitre saw.
It looks great with the blue cushions. It's quite comfy and a great size.

Now complete - a mod I will make is to add a second 2x4 in front of the back brace as I find it too deep.

I really appreciate you sharing these plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$90 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Cabot Stain (I need to get better.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Toy Chest

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/22/2024 - 10:46

Toy chest / hope chest for great grandkids. My first project in about 30 years. Never had time before.

Ed Smith

Built from Plan(s)

Simple Modern Outdoor Sectional

This project my husband and I started together. We live in a very damp and rainy area where cushions would just be more of a pain than a comfort outside.
We decided to add slats on the back so the sectional would stand alone without cushions.

Well, after the first corner piece, I got busy and every day my husband would add another piece to it.

I did do much of the sanding and painting. We sanded and painted these before assembly, made life tons easier.

It was white pine with out exterior house paint color. We really love them!
Thank you Ana!!!

Estimated Cost
$170
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Exterior Paint and primer in one.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

rustic x tables

Submitted by PS1708 on Fri, 08/08/2014 - 23:23

Very simple. The vinegar/steel wool solution works fantastic as long as you put a coat of brewed tea on first. Otherwise, the wood wont turn color due to the lower amount of tannin in the pine. Also be sure to finish all of your pieces on the same day. The stain solution gets its color from basically rusting the steel wool in the vinegar, therefore, the longer it sits, the more the color will change. Also, I built these for my wife and she opted out of having the "x" on the tables. I also modified the end tables to be smaller and better fit our living room.

Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar/ steelwool
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple changing table

Submitted by Tbacks on Wed, 11/23/2016 - 03:14

Took the advice from another and made the width 16 1/4.  Fits the changing pad perfectly.  Thank you!!  Made from oak with Espresso stain and 2 coats finishing wax.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Espresso and finishing wax
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 Patio Chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/12/2020 - 11:18

One of my first projects! Built the 2x4 Outdoor Sofa and two of these chairs and had a blast! The plans for this were simple and easy to follow.

Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Porch Bench with storage

Submitted by bbcarey on Tue, 10/23/2012 - 10:27

We added a small porch on the front of our house last summer, but the only seating we had out there were our porch rockers. So- I had been checking Ana's plan catalog for something we could use. I came across the Weatherly Sofa- but with the back on it would cover some of our picture window... plus we wanted someplace to put the cushions while we were not on the porch.

I designed this using those plans- but enclosed the bottom as well as stopped the backrest at the point where our picture window starts...

The W-Mart here in town had their summer end clearance on pads at $10 a piece and voila- completed project.

ou cannot see the bench top- but it is pieced together from 1x4s. The remaining bench was made from 2x6 and 1x2s.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Exterior latex and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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