Community Brag Posts

Door Spice Rack from 2x4s

Submitted by newfern on Mon, 09/07/2015 - 19:59

Bought only two 2x4s to complete this project. Ripped and chopped and milled like crazy to get it down to the dimensions of the plans. The pine is a little flimsy, I wouldn't recommend it unless you're on an extreme budget, but it CAN be done! Just know that any of the cross-bars that have a knot-hole will probably snap sooner than later. (Luckily I milled extras!)

Another cost tip is to skip the backing. I used two supports from the main material instead of any plywood. Watch out for wracking when doing the glue up and it'll be just fine. Fully supported with less weight too!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
cedar fence stain (Says mildew resistant... sounds great!)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pallet rustic cooler

Submitted by LARMO on Fri, 07/20/2018 - 18:40

pallet rustic cooler mad from pallet wood and pine

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Loft bed with stairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/12/2022 - 08:34

I wanted to share this build, as I get a lot of people asking me where I got the bed from and they're shocked (and many motivated!) to find I made it myself.
When we moved into our house about 6 years ago my son asked for a loft bed, but with relatively low ceilings in our house (and his desire for a Minecraft themed room), many of the ones we looked at in store wouldn't work. So I gave this a try, modifying sizes slightly to fit with the layout of the room. It worked perfectly for his Minecraft themed room, then, when tastes changed, with a couple of coats of paint it became part of his Pokemon room. We've recently moved to a new house, and sadly the bed doesn't work with his room here or his nearly teenage sized body, so the wood from it is now in our shed, waiting to be built into something new.

Comments

My Craft Table

I used Ana's plan for the modern project table to create my craft table. I modified it just a bit by removing the "floating top" and covering the front to provide more hidden storage (a must for me). I used my brad nailer and gorilla glue to construct. I used all whitewood boards for the base and 3/4" mdf for the top. I love it! You can read more details at http://www.shanty-2-chic.com/2011/01/all-finished-yeah.html !

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of Valspar Aquatic Edge and 1 coat of Polycrylic in Semi-gloss. I use 4" Whizz rollers on all my furniture painting.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Toy Box for my son

Submitted by KWJ on Tue, 08/13/2013 - 17:57

I had a leftover sheet of 1/2" plywood, so I built this toy box. The pocket holes didn't work very well on the 1/2" plywood, so I added some angle brackets for security, but it's a great toy box, bigger than I had imagined! I had to add a sheet of plywood in the open side because the bottom was too low for my 2 year old--toys kept falling in and he couldn't reach them, but kept trying to climb in after them!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior Latex paint with a coat of polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Altered Camp Loft Bed w/ stairs

Started with the basic loft plans. Changed out the 2x4 post for some sturdy 4x4's and added a bottom bunk to build this set for my two boys. I also deviated from the plans by using carriage bolts to connect the landing for the steps and the side rails to those post so the bed can easily be disassembled and moved in the future. Finally I placed the steps themselves on a set of hinges so I could easily access the area underneath the landing if needed. This has the added bonus of allowing me to lock the steps in the up position to restrict access to the top bunk during visits with younger family and friends. Now just need to stain it, seal it, and put inside.

Estimated Cost
200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Garden Bench

Submitted by Amras on Fri, 08/10/2018 - 07:31

Used the plans changed some dimensions a little bit.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
minwax wood stain and sealer
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Super Simple Bedframe/Hailey Planked Headboard

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 05/22/2022 - 21:57

My grandaughter and I built the super simple bed and modified the Hailey planked headboard. We used common douglas fir from Home Depot. The finish is equal parts Minwax cherry and early american with 3 coats of Minwax wipe on poly with a light sanding with 220 grit between coats. Total cost was about 250.00.

Comments

Mini Market, Fridge, Sink and Faucet

Submitted by canesa on Thu, 07/14/2011 - 22:33

The play kitchen is the favorite play area at our house! The girls and their friends play here for hours and that includes our 11 year old and her friends too! If you haven't built this set yet, it is a must! Give yourself plenty of time to finish it if you're going to give it as a gift because for me, the building was the easy part! It's the finish work that takes FOREVER!

Estimated Cost
$75 including wood, paint and vinyl
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I painted everything in Sea Spray by Glidden in a flat base.

I also used these plans to make the wooden faucet on the sink. http://ana-white.com/2010/12/play-faucet.html
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

The RustBucket

Sun, 12/11/2011 - 19:43

I have been thinking about finding my li'l girl a kitchen for Christmas - and I think my searching has just ended...I love it! Thanks for posting

Making the wife happy

Submitted by egreska on Sat, 08/17/2013 - 09:51

Adapted the original Queen plans to a King with a bed height of 27". Thanks for the original plans. Here are the adapted cuts to match the labeled photo:

Squared2 Headboard – King Size Cutlist for bed height of 27”

 

A - 2” x 2” x 76 ½”               x2

B - 2” x 2” x 61 ½”               x2

C - 2” x 4” x 76 ½”               x1

D - 2” x 2” x 18 ½”               x2

E - 2” x 4” x 18 ½”               x1

F - 1” x 2” x 11 1/16”                      x4

G - 1” x 2” x 19 ½”               x4

H - 1” x 2” x 12 ¼”               x12

I - 1” x 2” x 5 ½”                   x6

J - 1” x 2” x 5 7/8”                x12

K - 1” x 2” x 5 1/8”              x18     K* - (May need to be trimmed to 5”)

 

 

Lumber needed

2” x 2” x 8’                             x4

2” x 4” x 8’                             x1

1” x 2” x 8’                             x5

 

 

 

1” x 2” board cuts

19 ½”

19 ½”

19 ½”

19 ½”

5 1/8”

5 ½”

5 ½”

11 1/16”

11 1/16”

11 1/16”

11 1/16”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

12 ¼”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 7/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 1/8”

5 ½”

5 ½”

5 ½”

5 ½”

  

Estimated Cost
$40.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar satin finish - "Gray Frost"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

yurra-bazain

Sat, 08/17/2013 - 16:19

Phew, this pattern requires a lot of math, doesn't it? You did an excellent job of customizing the headboard to the size you need!

I'm working (today) on getting measurements right for a Squared2 Dining Table, so seeing your finished product is helpful. =D Thank you!

Skai's Table and Chairs

Submitted by kairasirs on Mon, 09/14/2015 - 18:03

My daughter needed a table and chairs for her room and we luckily ran across these fantastic plans. Thanks!

Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar paint + primer, Valspar paint (sample size blue) in Billow, assorted acrylic paints from crafts store, will be finishing off with a clear coat to seal
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

So easy!

Submitted by cslavinsky on Thu, 08/30/2018 - 16:01

The plans were super simple, and I had it finished in about an hour (worked around the little's nap schedule).  I left it unfinished so that the recipient could paint it or stain it however she wanted.  It was so nice to see it built and the bedding dressed up before kids got to it.   :)  I will definitely build another for my own daughter as soon as she's old enough to have her own American Girl doll.

Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
none
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Adirondack Benches

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 06/02/2022 - 15:36

I fell in love with the modern Adirondack chairs, I love how comfortable and simple they are. But I wanted benches to go around my fire pit area. So I decided to modify the modern Adirondack chairs to make 6ft and 8ft benches. I added in extra supports (of course) but it was an easy mod with a gorgeous outcome!

Seasonal And Holiday

Tall Farmhouse Queen

Submitted by chbowman on Fri, 07/15/2011 - 19:41

This bed is our first build. We added 4 inches to the height of posts on headboard and footboard. We also used brackets rather than screwing directly into footboard to make the bed easier to move if we ever need to.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$175
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats of Bin primer followed by two coats of Behr Premium Plus Ultra Heavy Cream.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Brandon R. (not verified)

Sun, 07/15/2012 - 01:43

I just finished building this same bed and I'm looking for
an easy way to mount it together invade I new to move it. Where did you find brackets for the head and foot board? Could you post a picture of them?

Thanks,

Brandon

Mrs Johnson (not verified)

Mon, 10/01/2012 - 00:42

How tall is the bed from the ground to the bottom of the side rail? I'm wanting 14" so I don't need a box spring {we're both tall so I don't want to feel like I'm on the ground}

Patchwork Three Drawer Rolling Dressers

Submitted by nmnguyen7 on Tue, 08/20/2013 - 05:42

We decided to build these for the kids, to get the old Ikea dressers out of their rooms. The build went very easy. Now the kids have a room full of only handmade (ana-white) furniture!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400 for the pair, including hardware
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Random left over stains :)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Rustic X Console

Modified to have more of a modern style. Removed shelf and half the X. Also, lengthened it to 11ft. Love!

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

Comments

Kids Sized Square Picnic Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 06/12/2022 - 17:59

I love the design but needed it to fit my young kids instead of adults. So I modified the scale of this plan to make it fit my kids. The other kids picnic tables we have tried all had some negatives to them. Additionally, it seems if my kids are sitting next to each other there will always be fights and/or someone bumping their brothers plate on the ground. So the four sided table was a must and it apparently is not a very common style. That was why I fell in love with Ana Whites design.

I had just completed a deck and had leftover materials. This table was designed to compliment the deck - using the leftover Trex decking materials for the top and seats. This also led to some of the design decisions on how I altered the seat design to match the look and style of my deck.

This was a great project and a VERY sturdy table. It's rugged, heavy, and easily holds adults as well.

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Farmhouse Table

This is my very first woodworking project (except for a Paper Towel Holder in High school over twenty years ago).I have always wanted a long farmhouse table, so when I saw the plans,I was excited to try building my own. Thanks so much Ana for making this doable! 

Estimated Cost
Under $200.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut #224 and Polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Puzzle Bookcase

This was my first attempt at DIY - had to convert to Metric! thank goodness I calculated right - end product is awesome. I lined the back panels with textured Silver wallpaper - gives an awesome contrast.

I'm Hooked, already looking for my next project!

Finish Used
Matt sheen enamel paint and wallpaper
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Full Size Camp Loft

Submitted by jcygan on Wed, 09/30/2015 - 16:37

We modified the plans for the Camp Loft Bed to accommodate a full size mattress.  We also extended the platform so that the bed spread wall to wall in the bedroom.  Since the platform was extended, we added a short railing to prevent falls.  The height was pushed up to make it taller than the junior size of the original design.  This way we were able to place a desk and add 2 pine shelves underneath the head of the bed.  

We added a board along the long side at the bottom to take out some wiggling.  The bed itself still seemed a little shaky until we attached the platform and now it is rock solid.  We have had 1-2 adults and multiple kids up there at the same time with no problem.

The bed itself could have been built in a weekend.  However, the time it took to sand, stain, and clear coat added many more hours.  Those hours were definitely worth it for a finished product.

Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used the medium warm stain used on the original bed. The directions are found here: http://ana-white.com/2012/07/medium-warm-stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Albright777

Fri, 10/02/2015 - 10:43

Thank you so much for posting this.  My oldest wants a loft bed, but has a full right now.  I am building my 2 youngest the junior loft this fall and the oldest was jealous.  I was scared to build one.  Afraid it would not hold up.  Thank you for showing that it does.  Great job!!!