Community Brag Posts

Patio Table with Coolers

Submitted by docfin02 on Sun, 04/26/2015 - 19:19

Basically followed the plan, but added 4x4 legs and used 2x8s for the long ends to make it a little wider.  I used the basic plans for the Farmhouse Bench (http://www.domesticated-engineer.com/2012/05/29/bench-for-farmhouse-tab…) for the bench, but tweaked it to make it match the design of the table.

Estimated Cost
$200-$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Red, White, and Blue Coop

We built this A-frame chicken coop using the plans from Ana White. We modified them a bit to include a front door, a solid front wall, and 8-foot untreated cedar fence boards (cut in half) for the loft floor instead of plywood. We also used hardware cloth instead of chicken wire since racoons are a problem where we live, and they have been known to reach through chicken wire to grab at hens. Instead of being able to open both sides of the top of the coop, we only put doors on one side just to make the building process a little simpler. The hardest part of building the whole coop was cutting the 60* angles on the 2"x4" trusses. Our cuts are not exactly perfect, so the nodes (meeting points of the 60* angle cuts) are a little rough, but we plan on covering this with a roof cap eventually. More photos and details are on my blog: http://littlefarmbigcity.wordpress.com/2013/06/29/red-white-and-blue-co… -kate

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175 with hardware cloth, paint, front door, and solid front wall
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint (only on the exterior of the coop and coop ramp)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

yurra-bazain

Thu, 07/04/2013 - 02:51

I love this! Makes me want to build one for my neighbor's hens with your touches in mind; perhaps in the near future. :)

Seasonal And Holiday

Farmhouse Bedside Table

Submitted by jsle_bel on Fri, 05/06/2011 - 10:45

I've been married for a little over 12 years now and we have NEVER had a bed frame or side tables. I had never built anything on my own (without the hubbies input) and I have to say that it was extremely empowering! I'm so proud of how it turned out! It took me a while to cut the pieces out because I used a handsaw and guide....ugg, we need a saw and once I get one I'm moving on to a bed frame!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
I used a lot of odds and ends so it was virtually free!
Finish Used
Valspar spray in Baby Blue (satin)
Minwax stain in Dark Walnut
Minwax Polyurethane spray clear semi-gloss.

I started by distressing my wood (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=werjbXUQf28&feature=player_embedded#at=13), I then painted with Baby Blue (2 light coats), sanded the edges to give it a warn/weathered look, applied stain and wiped down soon after application being sure to soak any crevice before wiping down (this takes a little practice to get the exact look you want). Finally after it dried I sprayed with the Polyurethane spray. I think this is by far my FAVORITE finish!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

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

Wardrobe

Submitted by MERCMAN on Mon, 03/05/2018 - 08:44

Made from Mirroed Door Wardrobe Plans. Built from pine shelf boards at a cost of approx $7.00 per board. Light grey cabinet paint, primed with Bins primer as it also seals the knots. Used a kreg jig and glue to attach boards to each other to get then wide enough. No ply-wood was used. 

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Bins Primer and Cabinet paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Floating bed

I built a floating bed using Ana's plans. In my case, I built a twin size bed which now my daughter enjoys every night. The bed turned out beautiful and very sturdy.

Comments

Reclaimed Lumber Farmhouse Bench by nhemlok

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/28/2015 - 10:46

I used reclaimed cedar and oak ripped out of a 100 year old house. The bench was made to go with the farmhouse table.

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Wactco Danish oil...natural finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Nhemlok

Mon, 12/28/2015 - 11:19

I stuck to the plans as much as possible, but I wanted to make the bench from the same wood as the table I am in the process of building so ended up changing it a little. 

Legs were made from rough cut oak posts measuring roughly 4"x3" that used to be roof timber. They aren't really all that straight, but I wanted to maintain the rustic look with the saw marked so I didn't plane them. The sides of the frame are made from cedar 1x5's that used to frame the doors of our donor house. The main part of the seat is made from 2x oak 2x8's, and the bread board ends of the seat are made from cedar 2x4's that were used for wall framing. 

 

Sorry for for having to include this in a comment...it's my first post 

Kitchen nook

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 03/10/2019 - 07:26

I have just finished this project one thing I recommend is the pneumatic lifts for the lids they are 10 dollars a piece and make a huge difference 

Estimated Cost
300-400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Strap hinges and pneumatic lifts
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

72 inch vanity

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 03/21/2019 - 19:25

We needed an inexpensive alternative for our master bathroom remodel. After looking at Ana-White.com, I decided I should build a vanity myself. 

I had been gifted some newel posts, which I thought would work great for legs. The aprons and shelf slats were made with "choice" pine that I purchased from a big box store. I had two drawers leftover from a piece of furniture that was repurposed and I added new fronts from a piece of wood left from that same piece of furniture. I also had some leftover 1/4 inch plywood that I used to partition the drawers. 

The overall length once the counter is installed will be 72 1/2 inches by 23 inches wide. Because we are using vessel sinks (sitting on the countertop) I choose to make the base of the vanity 32 inches high. 

 

Estimated Cost
Under $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Wood stain, custom color.
3 coats of poly acrylic in matte
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor escape

Submitted by Bread0186 on Tue, 04/18/2023 - 11:39

First build ever. Took about 2 days and the most expensive part was the cushions, but Lowe's had a good deal. I did not sanding, painting, or staining. I'm sure I'll do that eventually, or make another sectional later, but I'm in North Texas and loving this set right now.

Comments

Reclaimed Wood Queen Size Headboard

The plans for this headboard are great. Very easy to follow and the cut list is spot on. I used some choice pine from Lowe’s ($63) and then used the vinegar with steel wool mixture to age the wood.  That’s where this piece is at right now. Trying to decide if I want to leave it or put a light satin clear coat. 

Thank you for the plans!!

OK.....I added 2 more pics.  I added 1 coat of Satin Clear Poly witch gave it a richer look. 

Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
1 Sheet of 0000 Steel Wool torn apart and left in a mason jar of vinegar over night
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kid 4x4 Truss Farm Table

A friend asked for a kid sized farmhouse table and I knew immediately what plans I wanted to modify! The 4x4 truss table is my favorite go to table because it is extremely solid, easy to build and looks so nice! I know this table will hold up to the wear and tear of 4 kids for years! I also modified the 2x4 truss benches to match. They are the same style but not as chunky as the 4x4 truss bench plans. 

 

Dimensions for table are 24”h x 24”w x 48”L

benches 16”h x 13.5”w x 33”L

Estimated Cost
$82 for table and two benches
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Ebony stain for the top and 2 coats of poly. Behr paint and primer for base and benches- just white off the shelf
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Privacy planter

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 16:11

It's a take off of your privacy fence planter. But I added water to make it a water wall also.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Swingset with playhouse

Submitted by Handy Dad on Thu, 12/19/2019 - 14:44

I deviated quite a bit from the plans.  Mostly, I used readily available swingset hardware to beef up the design. This stuff can be found on big online sites or specialty sites. 

I bought all of the swings, and ninja rope online along with the 4ft slide and safety handles.

Estimated Cost
$1200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Outdoor Stain/Urethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Storage Cupboard

Submitted by sophie on Wed, 05/23/2012 - 23:44

My cupboard is quite a lot bigger than the one in the original post but is super sturdy.
It was a relatively easy project to build. My main issue was that I used chipboard for most of the cupboard and ironed on veneer on the cut sections which threw my door frame measurements out of whack and I had to shave a bit of my door off with a plane to get it to fit in neatly.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
€60
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White 2 in 1 primer and matt white
Silver hinges painted with high gloss black
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Amandahaslip (not verified)

Sun, 08/12/2012 - 11:47

Hi there. I love this!!! I was wondering if you remembered the dimensions of wood used or what not? I want to make one or two of these for my basement laundry room for storage but am new to this so not sure how much I would increase all of the wood etc from the original plans. Thanks!

sophie

Mon, 08/13/2012 - 02:48

Hi! So glad you like it! I used SketchUp to create my dimensions to fit my space. Have you ever used it before? It's a free designing tool and really helps me to visualise if the wood's all going to fit together or not.
Here are the wood measurements I used:

Chipboard, white, 19mm
Part/Length (mm)/Width (mm)/Amount
Top:1200/436/1
Side x2:2000/400/2
Bottom shelf:1124/350 /1
Shelf x4 :1124/350/4
Frame top & bottom:1162/100 /2
Frame side x2:1800/100/2
Door frame top & bottom:476/100/2
Door frame side x2:1594/100/2

Door backing MDF 3mm
Part/Length (mm)/Width (mm)/Amount
Back:2000/1162/1
Door back:1700 /360/2

If you have any other questions, I'd be happy to help. Good luck!

2x4 sectional outdoor sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/12/2020 - 08:10

My first Ana White project. My friend Shelley and I are RN's, and she got me hooked on woodworking. I started with cushions from Lowes ( in the sizes that you recommended)to see if I loved the sectional for a few years. I loved it so much I decided to have custom Sunbrella fabric ones made. Even though the custom ones were more expensive, it has been worth it. They go perfect with my California Mission style home. Now I want to add the armless one and make it a U-shape. I did add a piece at the bottom back of each sofa to hold the cushions in. The seat cushions would slide out the back when sitting on the sofa. I made the coffee table to match. Our family loves it!

Estimated Cost
building materials for sofa $250. Custom Sunbrella Fabric cushiosn $2000
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Stained with Carrington Minwax and sealed with spray Shellac
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cottage Loft bed playhouse with stairs, lights and desk

Submitted by kadnetop on Fri, 08/19/2016 - 10:18

We took the loft bed plans and modified a bit for our daughters bed. We made it a little taller including the doorway. Instead of a ladder we did a set of carpeted stairs with entry to the underneath space through a door on the inside and added a light for a 'secret' hideout. Everything else were just some added features. We built flower boxes and added foam blocks with silk flowers. For the gable we used bead board. For the shutter we used small wood strips and the horizontal pieces are just the free paint sticks from lowes cut down. We then added wired in lights hooked up to her light switch. (she loves this part) Then he built a fold down desk that can be opened or closed for when they want to play in there. The school supplies we used the rod and tin buckets from Ikea kitchen area. Over it took about 6 weeks to do everything between watching the kids and working. Cost for materials and the extras came to a little over $600. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$600-$700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
White color= Behr -Polished Pearl (we matched it to annie sloans Old White)
Green trim color- Valspar- green trellis
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

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