Community Brag Posts

DIY Laundry Cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 09/18/2023 - 14:56

Our laundry renovation with the cabinet loosely based on the Ana's kitchen cabinet plan. I used 7mm red oak plywood for the door and side panels with some with Baluster hardwood for the doors frame. 

The benchtop was all cut from my usual 200mm x 50mm pine landscaping sleepers.

Mark

Comments

Playhouse

We built this playhouse for our daughter's 6th birthday. She absolutely loves it! We were looking at purchasing one, but they were way out of our budget. Ana saved the day with these plans :).

Estimated Cost
$320.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We painted the house with white Pittsburg Ultra Exterior Latex paint. The mailbox, door and shutters were all painted with Pink Viburnum Sherwin Williams Satin Exterior paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

2x4 and 2x6 Chairs and Couch

Submitted by clintusaf on Mon, 05/11/2020 - 16:43

I used the Modern Outdoor Chair from 2x4s and 2x6s plans and slightly modified then to make a 3 seater couch. My cushions(most expensive part) were 24 in x 24 in and purchased from Lowes for $40 per seat. The couch is 79 inches in total length. I also dropped the seat down to the lower level to allow more room for my cushion backs to sit further down into the seat.

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompsons Waterseal Teak Oil Walnut Semi-Transparent
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modified Simple Outdoor Dining Table

Submitted by DD5.1 on Sat, 04/26/2014 - 20:00

I didn't make any changes , his orginal design was great. Hope these pictures help others. I tried to link to the modified-simple-outdoor-dining-table but wasn't able too.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
make sure you stain as you go
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

DD5.1

Sun, 04/27/2014 - 14:06

Found the plans "modified-simple-outdoor-dining-table" and I built it. Very nice table, I posted more pcitures to help others

DD5.1

Sun, 04/27/2014 - 14:06

Found the plans "modified-simple-outdoor-dining-table" and I built it. Very nice table, I posted more pcitures to help others

$1.18 Bird Feeder

Submitted by jaime19861 on Mon, 05/26/2014 - 11:11

I have been trying to attract more birds. I built and put up some more birdhouses, added a bird bath, and wanted to add some more feeders. I found this quick and easy plan and I had to build it.

This took me less than an hour to build. I bought my picket from Menards when it was on sale for $1.18. That's not a bad price for a bird feeder!

You can see the steps I took to build this on my blog.
http://jaimeofalltrades.blogspot.com/2014/05/make-bird-feeder-for-under…

Estimated Cost
2.00
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

jessehawks

Sun, 03/01/2020 - 17:05

I can tell just from looking at this wood it was treated with a copper based chemical (note the green/blue blotches) while cedar is a good natural resistant wood these can sometimes be treated a well check for those greenish blotches around the Heartwood lines, chemical won't penetrate the tree sap in the wood and builds up along these lines. *I've worked in the pressure treated industry as a chemical tech for 3 years, and industry as a whole for more than 7.

Cedar Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 05/06/2024 - 13:17

Two projects that I recently built for my wife and my daughter. My wife wanted a tea bar and a beach vibe, my daughter wanted an outdoor couch so it is made out of cedar. They both loved them.

Todd Springer

Benchwright Living Room Collection

Submitted by hoosierary on Sun, 08/24/2014 - 19:09

We liked the look of the PB Benchwright living room collection but wanted to make a few modifications. The side table tops were cut a little larger and not perfectly round as we wanted to have a small flat surface on each side. We also wanted to have the same look among all pieces so rather than angle the legs on the side tables, we cornered it so it matched the other pieces. Table tops are 2x6 Douglas Fir boards that we added a 'V' groove in each of the seams and sides.

Estimated Cost
$350
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark walnut stain on top, sanded down after 1st coat and Rustoleum satin polyurethene. Slate Gray satin finish on bases with one coat of primer.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

JoanneS

Wed, 08/27/2014 - 14:21

What a marvelous build! Absolutely love your finish colors and the coordinated details on each piece. You did an awesome job!

X - Farm House Table

I modified this plan just a little on the ends, and I can not tell you how pleased I am with it! I did run into some issues with lining the boards up properly due to imperfections (and not laying the boards out ahead of time in the store because I was rushing at closing time), but in the end, I decided to add a wood filler in between the boards and everyone just raves over it. I could not imagine it having come out better. I would not do it any other way. 

Thank you Ana!! 

PS... I have a wonderful idea for a loft bed, but the plans are not provided. I know you would do it justice.. how do I submit the photo????

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Satin, Custom mixed stain, stainable wood filler, sander.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

jeffross

Sun, 01/07/2018 - 07:22

My appologies if I'm missing it but are there build plans for this table.  I would really like to build this for a friend but I'm not sure my skills will enable me to free style this. Thanks in Advance.  Jeff

cjtrunk21

Fri, 05/29/2020 - 11:50

Did plans over get posted for this table? Love the design. Thanks.

Storage step stool

I made this step stool in around four days. It took longer because of the five coats of paint. It has two coats of paint and three coats of finish. It should stand up to many years of use. With the storage area empty, the lid dropping closed can be somewhat loud. I added felt bumpers underneath the top step to dampen the sound. It's light enough for my 18-month old to push around.

The jigsaw cuts weren't always perfect. I filled any gaps and countersunk screws with wood filler. I used a mouse sander to smooth everything out after screwing it all together. The longest part was the painting. I painted every surface, hidden or not, to protect the wood and hopefully make it last forever.

I didn't list an estimated cost because I had to purchase several tools, including a jigsaw, sander, and countersink bits. It was probably user error, but the countersink drill bit was a pain to use. The locking nut couldn't be tightened enough to keep the adjustable drill bit in place.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Minwax Polycrylic over two coats of Behr Premium Plus Ultra semi-gloss paint (color: Old Fashioned Pink).
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 (and 2x6) Modern Adirondack Chair

Submitted by HR Dad on Mon, 12/28/2020 - 15:43

Been wanting to make some Adirondack chairs for years; have about 10 different plans saved that one day I could get to. These 2x4 modern plans made getting them done quickly possible due to simplicity of the cut list and cheap cost of materials. The only real change I made was to use 2x6 for the arms; I cut a taper along outside edge and increased the length of the arms by about an inch and a half to overhang the front legs a bit. Since I just used basic framing lumber, I milled all of the boards first with table saw and planer to make square consistent edges. And, I chose to use pocket screws in as many joints as I could so I wouldn't have screw holes on any visible faces. Add in a lucky find at the big box store paint return; scored this blue exterior paint for $2.00 a quart, and my weekend project turned out pretty good. Now I've got two neighbors that want 'em.

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 qrt Glidden Exterior Semi-Gloss; got it so cheap, I used the whole quart. Multiple coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Firewood shed

Submitted by Nowak on Sat, 02/09/2013 - 15:53

Build this firewood shed over one weekend and stained it the following weekend. This was my first project and I only received a little help from my boyfriend. Can't wait to start my next project.

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

Rural School Bus Shelter

Submitted by Medeek on Thu, 02/28/2013 - 09:02

Rural Bus Shelter with 3/12 shed roof, designed to keep your kids out of the elements as they wait for the bus. Shown with log siding and 2x trim. Can be constructed on a slab on grade or remain portable with pressure treated runners and wood floor as shown.

Upgrade further with electricity and insulation for those really cold and dark climates (ie. Washington, Oregon, Alaska, B.C.).

I will make the plans for this shelter freely available to all that are interested.

Estimated Cost
$1200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Very good idea to stain and treat the siding which will greatly increase its longevity and attractiveness.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kitty Outhouse

My first Ana White project. Built Ana’s awesome small cedar shed as an outhouse for our many cats. The have access to it from inside the house. Great way to keep litter boxes and the mess out of the house. It is stand alone, and attached to the house, in front of a bedroom window. There are two ‘entrances’ as well as two, one-way, escape hatches, if a cat in the outhouse is interrupted by another cat (I.e. a male cat comes in and the female feels trapped) they can exit to the outside (one way so no critters can come inside!). Ana has easy to build plans, great site! I plan on making the square table just posted today for my newly refurbished deck. Keep in mind, my estimated costs and time reflect a LOT of additional features on the inside. The shed itself, very easy, simple, inexpensive. Very little waste with Ana’s projects as well.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
No finish, at least not yet.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kid's country bench

This was my first building project from scratch! I have modified some thrift store finds, but this was the first from lumber. I learned to countersink! I was amazed at how easy this was, and I'm so excited that this bench will sit by our front door for my three boys to perch on when they put on or take off their shoes. I went with 3 cubbies to hold three pairs of shoes. It also works great for a couple of kids to sit on at the table for when we have guests and need some spare seating.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Oak stain (one coat) and polyurethane (2 coats).
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Queen Farmhouse Bed with Arch

It has taken longer than I care to admit to finish this project, but life tends to get in the way sometimes.  But it turned out great, there were little to no hickups during the process, and of course I had a lot of fun building this bed!

Thanks Anna for the plans! 

I have posted pics of the process below. 

Pic 1: All the wood.  Nothing smells better than a garage full of lumber! Oh, and please excuse my bulldog mooning you. She doesn't mean anything by it.

Pic 2: Headboard and Footboard finished and leaning up against the garage.

Pic 3: Just making sure everything would fit right.  I used the cross-beam from the original bed frame as a guide.

Pic 4: staining in progress.

Pic 5: Finished and installed!
 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350 - Since I was staining, I used select Pine (no knots) which is much more expensive.
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sanded well, increasing the grit from 120 - 150 - 180 - 220.

Used wood pre-treater to prevent blotchiness.

General Finishes Java Gel Stain - 2 coats.

General Finishes Gel Poly (Satin) 4 coats lightly sanding in between with 320 grit for the first two and 400 grit in between coat 3 and 4. For the final coat, I painted it on with a foam brush to make sure there were no marks from rubbing it on.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Loft Bed

Submitted by kdins31 on Sun, 12/10/2017 - 06:19

Built this loft bed for my tween girl who needed/wanted a hangout area and has always dreamed of having a loft. It may look daunting but it's actually quite simple.  2x8"s built to size in the shape of the bed, screwed into the studs in the wall with lag bolts.  A 4x4" holds the frame up where it is not supported by the wall. I considered a pole or chain or other suspension method from the ceiling but decided that a nicely trimmed 4x4" would look nicer and it really doesn't get in the way since the ladder is there anyways.  I built the bed frame bigger than I needed for the twin mattress to accommodate free space for clutter, e.g. books, pillows, etc. Once the frame is up I added supports for the mattress, with 2x2"s spanning length and width, then plywood.  2x4"s are screwed in vertically and then topped with a flat 1x3" and spanned with a 1x2" to protect her from falling.  Since she's older I didn't feel that I needed to add as much support around both open sides.  It has not been an issue at all and I am fully comfortable with it.  I installed small LED color changing lights in the underside of the bed.  The headboard was made from standard 5" t&g boards and has a small shelf to hold "stuff."  A custom in-wall shelf holds more of her "stuff."  The wood color is just a dark walnut Danish oil that I love working with.

Finally, I built the base for the couch with 1x3". The couch itself is two separate futon style chairs that open up into single beds, perfect for sleepovers!  They are meant to just lay on the floor but I wanted to make it look more like a couch. We bought those from Walmart. I recommend!  Hope you like. Let me know if you have any questions. I don't have formal plans but can try an answer all questions best I can! Cheers!

Estimated Cost
$200-$300 excluding couch
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut Danish oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Clubhouse based on Ana's Plan

Submitted by MattSl on Tue, 05/03/2011 - 09:18

I used Ana's plan as a base.

I changed it from 8x8 to 8x12, made the 4x4x8's to 4x4x10' for a higher main platform and swing platform, and added a 12' long monkey bar set to the other side. Also, an 8' climbing wall and a plank walkway to accompany the two slides.

For the clubhouse, I used Hardiplank 4x8 sheets for the siding and an EZ-Framer kit for the structure itself.

The slides I purchased from Lowes, monkey bars from Amazon, and the swing frame braces from Amazon as well. The swing kits I got from ebay.

Estimated Cost
1500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

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