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truss shelf/bookcase

Submitted by mritek77 on Mon, 04/14/2014 - 22:34

This was a pretty simple project as long as you make accurate cuts. Making accurately angled cut allows for tight joint also love the pocket screws. I did add a top brace for stability, seemed a little unstable without them. I pocket screwed them on from the backside, so they can't be seen from front. Than went with a two tone paint/stain.

Built from Plan(s)
Truss Shelves
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple Outhouse

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/18/2020 - 13:45

We used the plans from the Simple Outhouse to make a space to hold our porta potty. The door is a repurposed barn door and I think it looks amazing! These plans were perfect for us as we were able to build it in panels and reassemble on our property by the lake. Some screened windows to allow for ventilation and light were the finishing touches. Thanks Anna for the simple to follow plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Outhouse
Estimated Cost
$200 Canadian
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We used pressure treated wood for the base and deck. For inside, we repurposed some scraps of composite decking. Painted with exterior latex "driftwood".

My Greenhouse

I went from a 6 x 8 Harbor Freight Greenhouse to this one 10 x 12. I added a few windows...

Built from Plan(s)
DIY Greenhouse

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring

A-Frame Hen House

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/22/2024 - 10:22

Great easy project to get the bigger chicks out of the garage to integrate with the older hens. Made some modifications because we have a lot of critters trying to kill the chickens/chicks.

Built from Plan(s)
A Frame Chicken Coop Tractor

modern park bench

Submitted by debinmi on Sun, 09/28/2014 - 11:50

Spent an hour or so an evening after work to make this bench .  Also made the umbrella stand but haven't drilled the hole for the umbrella yet so it' s still in the garage.  Love the bench, it's long & deep enough to lay down upon.  Made the arms from a 2x6 and rounded the front w/ a jig saw, made the other end the same size as the 2x4, and made them longer than the plan. Pretty simple, did use pocket holes in places. First major build & 1st brag.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Park Bench
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Pittsburg exterior stain in Oxford Brown
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Firewood Shed

When I decided to build a woodshed I was freaked out because I've never done anything even remotely like this.  I struggle with precision and patience, which made this project seem overwhelming as I knew I had to do a lot of prep work to properly level the ground, measure the wood, learn how to operate a saw, calculate angles to cut, etc...  I did a lot of research online and found this simple blueprint a great starting point.   I made some adjustments since i needed a much bigger shed, it's 11.5' x 7' x 7'.  Also, I already had the wood resting on pallets so I just build this shed around the wood with no built in floor.  Overall, I'm thrilled with how it turned out!

Built from Plan(s)
Firewood shed
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Corner Desk - from Farmhouse Desk plans

Submitted by james_e on Wed, 01/13/2021 - 14:15

My wrist has not taken well to the work at home requirement of the pandemic. So, I decided to replace my desk with a similar one that I have at work. Only, this one is much prettier.

Essentially, I built two desks using the farmhouse desk plans. One of them I made less wide than the plans by simply making the horizontal pieces 36" instead of the plan's 47 1/2".

For the middle portion of the corner desk , I based it off of the Office Corner Desktop plans. I made just the middle portion for those plans, but made the edges 46" instead of 38" for a deeper desk as well as to allow more room for my legs not to hit the uprights of the farmhouse desks. I made the corner desktop detachable, so it was easier to fit down the stairs to the office, using some small ~2" cubes placed on the bottom. They just serve to keep the desktop from moving around on the frame. The base of the middle portion I made up using the same ideas used to create the farmhouse desk frames.

I made plenty of mistakes along the way as I'm a software engineer, not a carpenter. I think next time I'll buy a miter saw, most of these cuts were by hand and aren't as straight as I'd like them to be. But, I like to work with my hands and this has made my day job less painful while I'm working from home.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Desk
Office Corner Desktop Plans
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax oil based Ebony 2718, then satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Floor to Ceiling Laundry Room Shelving

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/05/2017 - 11:06

After watching Ana White's video on easy garage shelving on FB, I knew right away it was the perfect technique for adding shelves to my laundry room.  The project was easy and turned out great!  I did the majority of the work by myself, although my Hubby did help me with some heavy lifting at the end (we had to add the shelving before the front frame due to the walls on either side). The shelving unit itself took only a few hours to build.  I painted it the following day making it a weekend project. We have considered adding trim to the front to give it a more finished look, but right now, it is serving its purpose. I will definitely use Ana's technique again.  It was simple and straightforward!  I loved it. 

Blog Link
Easy Laundry Room Shelving
Built from Plan(s)
BEST DIY Garage Shelves (Attached to Walls)
Estimated Cost
$85-90
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar's Linen
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 Outdoor Chairs and Side Table

I built the 2 chairs and side table using Ana's plans. Wood in the UK is perhaps not as cheap and ubiquitous, so I managed to get hold of some rough siberian larch to build them. After what seemed like a lot of sanding I started cutting. I've used stainless steel screws and have used a plug cutter on a mahogany board I had to plug the screw holes. I really liked the contrast and neatness that this has given the project. I also used some rubber feet to raise it off the ground and try and reduce any water damage. The side table is reduced in size from the 2 foot version in the plans, this was easy enough once I'd worked out the impact on all of the other measurements. My wife has commented that I should have used less wood in my next project as they are very heavy, they certainly aren't going anywhere! My wife did produce the lovely grey cushions that you see in the pictures.

Built from Plan(s)
2x4 Outdoor Side Table
2x4 Outdoor Chair
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Used a wood preserver followed by a coat of stain to obtain the light finish seen
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Playhouse kitchen from Modern Vertical Slat Top Console

Submitted by LauraLaura on Mon, 05/27/2013 - 17:21

I've been looking for a simple design for a consol table that I could easily modify to fit in my kids' club house. This one fit the bill perfectly! I also happen to have a pile of 2x4s left over from a closet demo, so I wanted to use those up. I basically built 2 of the consol tables, letting the 2 outer-most horizontal beams extend across and 25.5 inch space and connect the two consols. Then I put in a middle beam and that created the perfect space to set some catering pans in it. Also, I only had 2x4s so I used those for all the pieces, making the gaps a little wider than the original design. And lastly, because I didn't quite have enough wood, I shortened the vertical beams. If you look at the picture, all of this will make more sense! Thanks for the inspiration and direction! ps - I have no idea how to rotate the photos. Sorry!

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Slat Top Outdoor Wood Bench
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none yet, but I think I need to paint it or something so it doesn't rot outside.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Kid's Playhouse and Slide

Submitted by docfin02 on Mon, 03/28/2011 - 18:56

I LOVE these plans. This was my first project, and although it was a big one to start with, the plans were easy to follow. If I can do it, anyone can. I added the rock wall. My kids and I love it. Total cost for me (including all lumber, nails, paint, slide, etc.) is about $850.

Built from Plan(s)
Build the Simple Playhouse - Front Wall with Door
Build a Simple Playhouse Deck
Build a Simple Playhouse - Roof
Estimated Cost
$850
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1 coat primer, 2 coats paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Faux Fireplace with Hearth

We made some modifications by adding a hearth for additional height (the room we have it in is very large and open) and joining 2x4s for the mantel and base which I stained grey for contrast. We decided to use thin brick for in the "firebox" to make it look more realistic. We also have a newborn and spent over two months putting it together a little at a time in our free moments so I'm not sure how long it would actually take to do at once, but cutting and putting up the brick was very time consuming. 

Built from Plan(s)
Faux Fireplace Cabinet with Hidden Storage
Faux Fireplace with Hidden Storage
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White paint, Minwax "Classic Grey" stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

westmoundstar

Thu, 08/27/2020 - 11:16

This looks great! I'm actually in the middle of this build with the hearth as well. Couple questions....
How did you connect the two pieces? Also, did you connect to the wall? I'm assuming you didn't leave the 5 1/2 inch gap on the bottom of the fireplace and connected direct to the hearth. Let me know, thanks!

Seasonal And Holiday
Christmas Decor

OUTDOOR SOFA

Decided to build Ana's outdoor sofa for our Master Balcony and love the results. I was a bit impatient to finish the build and therefore did not take the time to use pocket screws for a more finished result, (which I will do next time). Regardless, I love how the sofa turned out and would reccomend for anybody to build. The cheapest outdoor cushions I could find were from Ikea and we spent around $160.

Built from Plan(s)
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
Estimated Cost
$100 BUILD, $160 CUSHIONS
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
OUTDOOR STAIN
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Parson Tower Desk

Submitted by millpherd on Tue, 05/17/2011 - 11:25

I made a few modifications to the plans, but the overall simplistic design was what I was after. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Parson Tower Desk
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint with thick polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Cedar Boxes

Submitted by drowland on Sat, 07/09/2011 - 07:18

We built these before we saw these plans, but they are pretty much the same... We added the chicken wire to keep the rabbits (and our dog) out of the garden. We added the owl to keep the birds out. We've gotten a ton of tomatoes, onions, and bell peppers so far. Next year, we'll add a few more beds. We also added the verticle garden to take up less space, but its not deep enough. We'll make the next one deeper.

Blog Link
$10 Cedar Raised Garden Beds
Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds - Narrow Width
Cedar Fence Picket Raised Garden Beds - 3' x 6'
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

KatieO (not verified)

Sat, 07/09/2011 - 20:11

Wow! LOVE IT! I love the taller posts so you can incorporate the chicken wire! I SOOOO needed to do something like that this year. Also, the vertical garden boxes are BRILLIANT! LOVE IT!

drowland

Thu, 11/17/2011 - 07:59

We ended up getting a ton of tomoatoes and green peppers from the garden boxes. We've actually built a couple more. We'll probably double again before next spring. We're looking at adding more veggies.

We now have ton of stuff planted for the fall...

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 03/13/2012 - 10:46

How did you build the upright planter boxes? Do you mind explaining the building process/design? I really want to plant this in my yard!

colton's mom (not verified)

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 06:19

i love the vertical boxes. I am just trying my hand at the world with a green thumb and could use as much advice as possible about how to make as well as to line the boxes or not to line them. All advice appreciated!

berman (not verified)

Fri, 11/23/2012 - 21:53

Hi, my name is berman. I found you pin from my pinterest and your box garden is so great. I am a newbie in this field and so interested to build garden in my house. If i can ask you some question, could you please to answer that?

cheers,
berman

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Easy Build wood headboard - King

Submitted by nestbliss on Mon, 11/14/2011 - 19:14

We used this plan for the reclaimed wood look headboard from Ana-White and these dimension mods for a king. We used lots of tips from Create and Delegate who made the same headboard last year. I love how it turned out! I posted more photos and blogged about everything we did for the finish, etc. at - http://nestbliss.blogspot.com/2011/04/we-made-bed.html

Blog Link
nestbliss
Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build Wood Headboard (All Mattress Sizes)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Craft Table-Aqua

Submitted by beingbrook on Sun, 01/15/2012 - 15:16

Love the Modern Craft Table! It has lots of storage space and tons of workspace on top. We used pine for the shelves and plywood for the top and edged the top with pine.

There is a spot for two counter stools at the opposite ends of the table which is perfect to give kids their own spot to craft/color.

Blog Link
Sewing & Craft Room Tour
Built from Plan(s)
Modern Craft Table
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Primed and Painted with Two coats of Behr's Woodwind Springs. Top has two coats of polycrylic.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 20:10

I love this table but I wonder how do you use it to sew with? or do you sew on this table?

beingbrook

Sun, 01/15/2012 - 20:24

I don't use this table to sew on. My craft room also has a sewing table that we built using the narrow farmhouse table plans. I use this to craft on and to cut fabric out.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 10:03

the whole room is beautifull. how many of the other pieces of furniture were built using Anna's plans?

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 10:03

the whole room is beautifull. how many of the other pieces of furniture were built using Anna's plans?

mebohn

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 12:06

This table is fabulous and I'm really in love with the color! Thank you for sharing. So many new ideas for my room now!

mebohn

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 12:06

This table is fabulous and I'm really in love with the color! Thank you for sharing. So many new ideas for my room now!

Lis West

Mon, 01/16/2012 - 17:32

You won't believe this...but today I was shopping for the wood to make the Modular Craft Table, but I did not buy the wood because I was trying to tweek the plans to change the "cubbies" and size. So, I came back to this sight and here is this craft table that would be much better. I want to make it table height rather than counter height so I can sit down and sew at it. I also want to be able to drop the back 12 inches of the table if I do not need it and so it will fit better in my room, wheels on the bottom to pull it out easily so I can extend the 12 inch table when needed. I love what you have done!

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:36

You did a fantastic job on this project! Love the way it looks and the color!

Great job!

Ricci (not verified)

Sat, 01/21/2012 - 07:00

I love this table, but I can't seem to find the directions to make it. Can you point me in the right direction to find it?

Joe (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 17:24

Is there a reason you can't sew on this (from what I gathered from a previous comment)? I want to build something for my wife's craft room and love this, but she will need to sew as well. Help?

Brook @ BeingBrook (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 17:32

Joe,

It would be hard to sew at this table because the table is counter height. You wouldn't be able to reach the foot peddle to run your sewing machine. You could alter the plans to fit a spot that could hold the peddle foot. I sew on a different table in my craft room and use this for cutting fabric and general crafts.

Brook

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 19:26

at one time I had my sewing machine in a spot that was counter height. I used a wood box to put the foot peddle on. One of anna's steep stool plans or the bathroom platform for kids plan might be good to build with this. It was also nice when I was sewing small pieces that needed lots of ironing to stand and sew at the counter.

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 02/01/2012 - 14:25

I have a modern sewing machine (within last 5 years) and I routinely sew at counter height with no problem. I prefer it because it really helps my back. I cannot wait to make this!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 22:36

Joe,
I think it would work to mount the foot pedal on the inside of the shelf area. She would use her lower outer thigh to depress the pedal while seated.

Angela Preimesberger (not verified)

Tue, 05/08/2012 - 07:47

I love this table! I'm with Brook and don't sew on mine. Height issue is easily worked around - main issue is usually back support. Sewing at a huge workstation tends to leave you feeling unsupported and sitting on a stool (I have a nice wide comfy one from Target) leaves your back unsupported so you usually slouch (bad! bad!). I sew at my smaller desk in a good supporting chair and use my table for everything else. I use this table for a true work area including cutting. I have an Accuquilt Studio and that sucker is HUGE and heavy!

Michele Crane (not verified)

Mon, 11/12/2012 - 11:22

I just talked my fiance' into building this for me to use as a desk. I need a desk for my work from home position where I can store everything as well as have a large area to spread things out. I loved this the moment I saw it and talked him into building it for me. Can't wait to post the pictures when it is finished.

bbawol

Wed, 12/12/2012 - 16:47

I was wondering if you could tell me where you got the chair from? It looks like it pairs very well with this table and I would love to get one for my wife for her table I just finished.

nkliegel66

Thu, 02/28/2013 - 16:15

My husband made this FABULOUS Craft Table for me last weekend, it turned out PERFECT! Thank you so much for posting this with such detailed directions....

What do you have in your galvanized pails? What do the labels say?

Thank you!

Rustic Console Project

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 04/06/2016 - 07:31

This was my first project building something from this site. I absolutely love it! We didnt add the X's because the miter saw was at my dad's house, which I was kind of sad about, but I think it still looks good. Not too bad for mine and my husbands first build! 

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Console Table
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Jacobean
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner