1. Home

Community Brag Posts

Modern King Farmhouse Bed with Canopy

Although I have experience building projects and using tools, this was my first Ana White project. I am a huge fan! I wanted a little bit more modern take on the Farmhouse bed with canopy, so I attached the headboards and foot boards directly to the 88" tall 4 x 4 posts. This was done instead of creating the king farmhouse bed first and adding the canopy on top of it like the plans show. I used solid 3/4" birch plywood instead of the planks for the headboard/footboard for a more streamlined look. I also used 1 x 4's around the entire perimiter of the headboard/foot board instead of just the top and bottom. I am thrilled with how it turned out, it looks exactly the way I wanted it to! Step-by-step information on how I built the bed are on my blog at decorsanity.com. Thank you Ana, you rock!!

Blog Link
Decor Sanity
Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Canopy Bed Frame (All Sizes)
Farmhouse Bed Canopy Modification (All Bed Sizes)
Farmhouse Bed - Standard King Size
Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1 sprayed coat primer, 1 sprayed coat Behr flat paint in Polar Bear White, 1 coat sprayed Minwax Polycrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

BeaxBuilt

Fri, 01/24/2014 - 23:28

It looks very sturdy. I like your idea of the 1x4 around the entire perimeters and making the canopy the actual bed frame. Thats what I would have done too. I am always trying to think of ways to use 2 x's or 4 x's instead of 1 x's I like the chunkier look. Great job

Corner Media Console

Submitted by craw4dz on Thu, 02/27/2020 - 10:39

We had just moved into our new house and were using an end table for our TV stand I just didn't like it.  I found this and modified it so it's shorter and fits in our room better.  I also opted to not put doors on it and use it to display items instead.  This was a relatively easy build and I'm learning new things with every build I make.  It took about 2 days to complete not including filling holes/paint/stain.  I love it, it looks so great in our room and I am planning on building end tables to match as well as replacing our buffet with movies in it to match also.  Thanks for the easy-to-follow plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Tall Corner Media Console
Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever white paint I had on hand (haha) and Varathane Kona with a satin poly for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kendra Storage Console (aka Bookshelf Toybox)

Submitted by bdel on Wed, 05/14/2014 - 11:34

We built this bookshelf/toybox for our cousin's daughter - as a 1st birthday present. Overall, the project only took a weekend (including staining and waxing), and the cuts and assembly are pretty straight forward.

We wanted it to be larger than the one in the plans, so it took some time to figure out the dimensions before we started cutting. There was a bit of, "What do you think of this height?" and, "Is this too wide?"

My husband and I have built quite a few projects together so this one was fairly low on the difficulty scale. As long as you are comfortable with a mitre saw, you can do it. The kreg jig made it easier to drill pocket holes, but even with only different-sized drill bits and a steady hand you can make them.

This is one of my favourite builds - maybe because it was a gift for the sweetest little girl. Plus others have shown interest in it, so I might just have to start a side business!

More details on what we did can be found at:
http://turtlesandtails.blogspot.ca/2014/05/child-sized-bookshelf-toybox…

Blog Link
Bookshelf Toybox Combo (DIY)
Built from Plan(s)
Kendra Toybin with Shelves
Estimated Cost
$100 (CDN)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Dark Walnut Stain,
Minwax Red Mahogany Stain,
Minwax Furniture Wax,
Steel wool after waxing and buffing gives an even smoother finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jon Barnes

Wed, 09/10/2014 - 08:13

I was thinking the same thing when I saw the original design.  I like it but the dementions are quite a bit smaller than I want to make for the toy box gift that I want.  I am doing the same thing.  It will be a 1st birthday present for a little girl  I am thinking of making it 36 wide and at least 36 high and 24 deep.  What would the dementions be and how much would that change the side angle cuts? 

Dumbbell Table Desk

Submitted by romanweel on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 17:17

This table filled two needs at once for us: we needed a dumbbell or free-weight rack ($50 and up retail), and we needed some kind of desk-like surface for our home gym area that could withstand us two jump-roping fiends (um, maybe that's just my husband). Basically, it needed to be able to hold a lot (a Lot) of heavy metal stuff and take a beating while NOT Falling Over. The trestle desk was my biggest inspiration, and I guess I just stole the metal stretcher idea from that Pottery Barn dining table. It doesn't even really seem to need the metal stretcher, though...this table is beyond-my-wildest-dreams sturdy, even though it is standard counter height. The metal bar was about $17, so that's a big savings, if you leave it out. You MUST use a compound miter saw for this project. OR...you must be flexible about working with irregular cuts and joints. Also, I'm not sure I'd attempt butt-jointed 2x4's without pocket holes (or biscuit joints, I guess?), but that might just be me. I think this project could have taken only a single day if I hadn't screwed up just about every step of the way. I'm not the only one, right? You can read about a lot of those lovely embarrassments on my blog :) If you'd like the SketchUp model, it is available in the 3D Warehouse as "Dumbbell Table".

Blog Link
The Dumbbell Table Revisited
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Small Trestle Desk
Benchright Industrial Farmhouse Table
Estimated Cost
$50 - $100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Boiled linseed oil and a coat of furniture wax. Since this table will be taking some hard knocks, we decided against stain or paint, which will show the pine when dinged. The oil hydrates the wood, and the wax protects it - easy upkeep is a plus.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Custom Tote Storage Rack

Submitted by vendo on Mon, 01/27/2025 - 12:20

I love Ana's tote configurator, no math required! Just plug in your tote dimensions and configurations and it gives you all of your cuts! I cut all of my boards in about an hour and the next day it took me an hour and a half to assemble. So this project is easy, budget friendly and quick to build! Time to fill the totes with all the things taking up space in my basement and to get better organized!

Blog Link
Family_DIYnamic
Built from Plan(s)
Free DIY Tote Storage Rack Configurator and Plans by Ana White
Seasonal And Holiday
Back 2 School
Fall
Spring
Summer

Wooden garden tools storage shed

Our last project was building a tiny garden tools storage shed. We used only 1 x 4 boards. We don't have any plans, but you can watch the entire building process on our YouTube channel. We are very proud of the way the project turned out.

Blog Link
www.workshoptherapy.com
Built from Plan(s)
Classic Shed Plans

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Planter Box from Pallets

Submitted by mtairymd on Sat, 02/08/2014 - 05:10

Video of the build is here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9Vmjm2BS3xQ

Other projects
http://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLcLIJdluqiyiI7J9qp5VAXrALMOftr0RT

Planters from Pallets

Drawing File -- Plan 1
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B21TbB8gGNQbMEl2WDBpU19semc/edit?usp=s…

Drawing File -- Plan 2
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B21TbB8gGNQbUWUwNV9UNk9tTTQ/edit?usp=s…

Image 1
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B21TbB8gGNQbVzhRRGRDNS1KS1U/edit?usp=s…

Image 2
https://drive.google.com/file/d/0B21TbB8gGNQbVGcxenVvRlZ4X0k/edit?usp=s…

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS
http://www.instructables.com/id/Planter-Box-from-Pallets/

Blog Link
Woodworking projects
Estimated Cost
$5 Stain & Nails - free pallet wood
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Oak
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Garden Bench!!

Submitted by Nathan1342 on Mon, 08/06/2012 - 12:09

I built this for my wife for an anniversary present. She had wanted a garden bench for some time but the ones that she wanted were between $500-$700 which is ridiculous for this type of bench. So, I did a search on here for garden benches but there weren't really any plans for them and the few brag plans were not really the type of bench I was looking for. I printed off a few pictures of benches that I liked and got to work. The front and back legs a 2x6 and a 1x6 glued together and then cut to be straight. I wanted something thicker then just a plain old 2x6. If I had to do this again though, I would have just glued 3 1X6's together. The reason being, is that 1x6's usually do not have a rounded edge and a 2X6 does. So needless to say when you glue them together you have a nice little gap on either side. Without a table saw to take this off, its pretty difficult to get a straight cut. But I ended up getting it right after sweating for a few hours in the garage. The bench stands 36 inches high, 48inches wide and about 18 inches deep. The seat height is right at 18in also.

In the unfinished pictures I actually had the depth being 24 inches. After sitting on it though it was just way to deep. So I pulled it apart, made the adjustments and its now much more comfortable to sit in.

If anyone has any questions or wants more details feel free to drop me a line!

Thanks!

Estimated Cost
85
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Oil based acrylic paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Torwart13

Tue, 06/16/2015 - 11:25

So legs are about 2 1/4" square? Are the seat supports 2x4's? Back cross pieces 2x4? Slats 1x4"?

smz1919

Wed, 06/17/2015 - 12:39

how did you get the curve on the back legs?

Nathan1342

Fri, 06/19/2015 - 13:34

I glued a 2x6 and a 1x6 together to get the thickness. Now that i have a table saw and a jointer this entire process would have been much easier but after getting it to look like one solid piece i just outlined the slant i wanted and cut it using a jig saw.

smz1919

Fri, 06/19/2015 - 20:17

So the back slats are just glued in place right? I wonder if it would be easier to use a biscuit joiner or not

Mikeyw221

Sun, 10/23/2016 - 17:46

on the back legs how high up did you go before you started cutting the angle? and was it around 15 degrees fromt he edge?

SawdustMaker21

Wed, 05/26/2021 - 08:32

Hi Nathan
Love the look of the bench. Would you have a list of material requirements. I intend to make a bench like this and would like to know the measurements of the top back spar (the shaped one).
Here in the Uk our timber yards do not always supply the same cuts as the US so I need to have some idea of the pieces I need
Many thanks

Farmhouse Table (Rustic Table)

Submitted by tmunds on Tue, 08/28/2012 - 21:57

My mom has been addicted to Pinterest for a while now, so eventually she was led to this site. To make a long story short, she asked me to build her a dining room table similar to the Rustic Table design, but just a bit beefier, and with custom dimensions to fit the family's needs. I used 2x8's (8 feet long) for the table top, 2x4's for the apron/skirt, and 4x4's for the legs. This thing is a monster. I'm assuming it weighs close to 200 lbs. I beat the legs up with an old golf club, and scratched them up pretty good with screws.

This was my first time attempting something of this caliber, and I am really pleased with the results. The best part is that my mother LOVES it, and I now look like the greatest son in the world to all of her friends on Facebook!

Blog Link
Rustic Table
Estimated Cost
$160
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sanded: 120 grit then 220 grit
Stain: Minwax Special Walnut (Brushed)
Finisher: Minwax Paste Finishing Wax (Rubbed in with a rag, then buffed off 20 minutes later).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

JenniferCarter

Mon, 02/09/2015 - 07:17

Hi there! Your dining table came out beautiful! Do you happen to know where those chairs are from? I have a client that is in love with them so wanted to see if you know where they are from! Thanks so much!

Modern Outdoor Deep Seat Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 04/21/2025 - 10:44

I was inspired by the "Deep seat cushion outdoor chairs" and made mine out og 2"x 2" instead of 2" x 4". Adjusted the measurements to fit the Ikea "Fröknabo" cushions . Love how they turned out. You'll find a reel on how I made them in my feed. - lendesign.interior 

Blog Link
lendesign.interior on Instagram
Built from Plan(s)
Essential Wood Outdoor Chair Frame for Deep Seat Cushion
Seasonal And Holiday
Back 2 School
Easter
Fall
Father's Day
Fourth of July
Halloween
Mother's Day
Spring
Summer
Thanksgiving
Valentine's Day

Rolling Cart with Casters

Submitted by writeaway on Thu, 02/05/2015 - 19:27

I LOVED this plan for a cart.  I was looking for a cart to hold my heavy mixer and be able to roll in and out of my pantry. In addition to Ana's plans,  I enlisted my 3 sons to hammer the wood to make it look rustic.  Instead of aluminum angles, I used steel angles and I used a 36 inch height to accommodate more shelves. This is one SOLID cart.  I absolutely love it!  Thank you for the inspiration!

Blog Link
Industrial Cart
Built from Plan(s)
Easiest Industrial Cart
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain-Espresso (Home Depot)
Polyurethane Sealant
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Simple 2x4 Potting Bench - Modified

I was intrigued by Ana’s Simple 2x4 Potting Bench. The project seemed simple enough and it would be used as a means to clean up clutter in the garage. My main focus was to make it semi-portable and weather resistant. Instead of using 2x4’s for the corner posts, I used 4x4’s to accommodate casters. I also shorted the length of the posts by 4 inches to compensate for the height of the casters. To provide extra rigidity I did a dado for the 2x4’s that connect the front and rear legs. In retrospect, I wish that I did not dado the legs because it made it more difficult to attach some of the shelf planks. I painted the frame green and left the shelves and backboards clear for beautiful contrast. My wife is ecstatic with the result.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple 2x4 Potting Bench with Slatted Back
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Benjamin Moore Environ Green paint for the frame and Minwax Polycrylic for the poplar shelves and backboards.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Floating Bench (Walnut bench Board and Batten Wall)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 12/30/2021 - 06:25

Followed the instructions in the original blog. I would like to thank Ana for the blog. It was the inspiration I needed. This project was challenging for a rookie like myself. The plan is basically the same as the original post from Ana.

Materials:
4" Vertical MDF primed boards
3" Horizontal MDF primed boards
Our wall has texture so we had to use tempered board to make it nice and smooth.
Half inch plywood for under the bench seat.
2x4 for the bench frame
I ordered furniture quality Black American Walnut from a sawmill for the floating bench (not cheap but worth it). I stained it with one coat of Watco Black Walnut just for protection (took 10 minutes to do super easy) let it dry for 24 hours at least.

Challenges:
1. The wall on the right side of the bench did not have a stud just a corner stud, I was not going to risk this bench support so I put the bench support on the one corner stud and installed a hidden strong tie: https://www.homedepot.com/p/Simpson-Strong-Tie-CF-4-15-16-in-x-6-in-Con…
This provided the support that the missing stud would've. Now the bench is structurally sound.
2. Walnut uneven cuts from the sawmill, I had to use a plane to bring the planks closer together didn't want huge gaps.
3. Outlet in the way. City code mandates to remove outlet leaving access to it. We decided to build above the outlet making the bench a bit higher than we wanted it but still worked out, now we still have an accessible outlet under the bench.

Built from Plan(s)
Floating Bench for Nook, Alclove or Closet

Comments

DIY Mobile Lumber Cart

I followed plans from Woodworking for Mere Mortals. Steve Ramsey has a great build video for the project. You can check out the video on his YouTube channel. This lumber cart replaces a previous one that I built a few years ago. My old lumber rack could not store sheet goods and took up too much floor space in my garage.  I disassembled the 2x4s from it and hope to recycle them for a future shop project.

For complete build details continue reading my DIY blog here.

Blog Link
DIY Mobile Lumber Cart
Estimated Cost
$100 - 125 for two sheets of plywood, screws and caster wheels
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

XL Modern Craft Table

I modified this plan so I could have 4 total work areas. Total Size: 48" x 96"

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Craft Table
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White paint to match walls and trim (SW Alabaster)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

briannamcelfresh

Tue, 09/08/2020 - 19:42

Is there anyway you can share these plans with me!? I drew out some plans for an identical table but I think my cuts may be off! It would be so helpful.

Back

Add Brag Post