Community Brag Posts

Rustic X Desk

Submitted by bozarthm1 on Sun, 04/19/2020 - 07:57

I built this L shape desk based on Ana White's rustic X desk plan. I would not have attempted this without her guidance. Love how this turned out, probably the nicest project I've ever done. Thanks Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Tops are Watco Dark Walnut with wax finish, prime and paint the legs
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

mfromo

Tue, 05/26/2020 - 09:34

This is awesome! My son and I are looking to build an L shaped desk for him and this looks to be the one. Any thoughts on how I would mount a computer tray beneath? Think there is enough clearance below the 2x4 without hitting knees?
Thanks!

wooden cooler stand

Submitted by stealth517 on Sat, 04/18/2015 - 20:48

This is the cooler stand presented by Jenny from Birdsandsaoap. Very easy to build and always ends up with someone asking to buy it or have you make them one.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$120.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax gloss polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Pergola Swing

Submitted by grarob1956 on Thu, 04/23/2020 - 17:59

I saw this project on YouTube under Arbor Pergola Swing. It did not mention any specific detailed plans or cut list but it was enough to get me started. I began with (2) 10' 6" x 6" post. buried each 24" and cemented. I cut the post tops at 83" from ground line. The rafter consist of (2) 10' 2"x 6". I used the leftovers of the 6" x 6" post tops in the middle of my rafters to hang the swing from with 1/2 " eye bolt. Then I used (9) 2" x 2 " x 8' and cut each at 36" to finish off the top and (2) 2x6x8 for the 4 rafter supports. I drew out the designs of the rafters and top ends free hand and at made a template for the cuts with s jigsaw.

The entire cost including hardware minus the swing was $170. My wife had purchased the swing last Fall at a clearance for $40 brand new.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$170.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Duramax Special Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Cottage bedroom bookcase

Submitted by yhaas on Thu, 10/29/2015 - 20:42

I used 1 x 10s to make the bookcase a little shallower, and left the back open. Thanks for the great plan.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane diamond finish water-based polyurethane, satin.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

A's Full Size Loft Bed

Submitted by Hulsberg on Sun, 08/12/2012 - 14:58

My son needed more room in his bedroom...and to be rid of the very girly furniture he inherited when he moved into his "big boy-ish" bedroom. At 10 yrs old, it was high time he got a bed that wasn't pink-tinged, white washed pine with 4 posters and enough curlicues to choke a forest. He also needed a desk which I couldn't really fit in his room with the armoire and chest of drawers that came with the Queen sized bed.

So off to Ikea we went and I saw a black loft bed for $300, but it was really, really high which meant I would have to cut it down and it was not sturdy at all. I looked at PB and saw the $1800 bed. Um, no - that wasn't happening. So, off to Ana-White I went and I'm so happy I did!

I built the full sized version of these plans and, to keep costs down, used wood I had on hand. This meant I had to work a bit at the cuts, but it all worked out.

Mods:
1) I modified the railings to have the ladder at the end of the bed to keep away from the ceiling fan.

2) Because I put the ladder at the end of the bed, I got very nervous about having a soon-to-be teen climbing on to a ladder secured to a 1x10 that was only connected to the side railings with glue and screws. So I sandwiched extra 1x3s over the bottom rails and attached them to the top railing.

3) I was very nervous about making sure that the bed was adequately supported so I put a 2x4 down the center instead of the 1x2.

4) I went a wee-bit overboard screwing things together to the point where it's a bit embarrassing and now I have to paint over the screw heads.

5) I made the ladder treads with 2x4's, modifying the inside spacer board cut lengths.

Because I had quite a bit of lumber on hand, the bed only ended up costing me about $90.

For the bookcase, I did end up buying the 1x12s and the adjustable shelf railings. I made the book shelf the entire width of of the bed and split the two sections based on width of the 1x24 board I bought for the desk. I only put the backer board up half way so that the daylight could get underneath the bed and make it not so cave-like.

The book case cost me about $70.

The desk was the easiest...but most costly item. A 1x6x24, 4 table legs and the table leg mounts ran me about $80. The plexiglass top that I had cut for the top cost me about $80.

Time wise, this would have taken me a lot less time than the 4 months it took - but I worked on it as I could and when I could, by myself. I got some friends to help me bring it upstairs and put it back together, but it was mostly done when I could fit in some time.

My son LOVES this and it really does give him so much room!!! Thanks Ana - I really appreciate it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
with paint, screws and bookcase hardware, about $450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
gloss spray paint / primer in one.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jennifer P (not verified)

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 07:38

Hi!

To modify this to be full sized, I just added 15" to the width of the bed. Ana said this in the plans:

Cutting Instructions:

Converting to Full Size This bed can easily be converted to full size. You will simply need to add 15″ to all boards that run parallel to the ends. This includes the planks, end top pieces and the slats. Shopping list will need to be adjusted as well.

So I modified the cuts to the head and foot board parts and the full size mattress fits perfectly.

For the shelving underneath, I just looked at some of Ana's other plans for shelves and winged it.

Basement Play Gym

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 01/08/2021 - 05:51

With Christmas approaching and the realization that my three young boys had way too much “stuff”, I enrolled the help of my dad to build this amazing basement play area. When I found Ana’s plans for the play gym with monkey bars, I knew we were in business. I modified the design to fit our space and we were off. Such a fun build and my boys absolutely love spending time down there. Thanks so much for your continued inspiration and the confidence you give us mamas to build with the big boys, Ana!!

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bookshelf Caddy

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/01/2024 - 13:28

Perfect size for my granddaughter. She loves it. Project turned out great. Thanks for the plans Ana! 

Trevor

 

Built from Plan(s)

Pantry Wall

Submitted by amiles573 on Tue, 03/28/2017 - 13:41

I modified the origianl plans by making the cabinet taller.  I also built 2 cabinets and trimmed them both together to make it appear as if it is 1 giant cabient.  It measure over 7 feet tall and just over 6 feet wide.  I did add an additional 1x2 brace in the center of the cabinet to help support.  I also cut an additional 1x4 to use a brace when anchoring it to the wall.  I also chose to add an additional 2 trim pieces to each door because they are much taller than the original plan doors.  

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Stain, Weathered Grey
15 7/8" center to center cabinet pulls
Fully Inset, Frameless Hinges
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

My first project!

Submitted by J_Weeks13 on Sat, 03/07/2015 - 10:26

Thanks for the awesome, easy to follow plans!! All that's left to do is stain it and build another one- I'm going to have 2 on my back patio! A successful first project! Thanks!!

Estimated Cost
$130.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

thecityalaskan

Sat, 03/07/2015 - 12:27

So awesome!!! Especially for your first project! Super inspiring for those of us who would like to attempt a project like this! Thank you for sharing!

Murphy bed

Submitted by bpcooper14 on Wed, 05/08/2019 - 06:09

So I've always wanted to build a Murphy bed.  And by always I mean since I first came across plans here that made it look so simple.  It ended up taking me a while to do because my job has me working 6 days a week so I was only able to work on it for short chunks of time.

I ended up utilizing a few different plans and mashed them together to build a full size murphy bed.  The shelves are the support legs when the bed is down.  The "hinge" mechanism are heavy duty 360 degree seat swivels.

All-in-all it turned out WAY better than I expected with only some minor issues throughout the construction process.  

Next up is a twin xl Murphy bed with a murphy desk attachment that will serve as a craft  table when up.

Estimated Cost
3 - 4x8 sheets of 3/4" plywood ($25 each)
3 - 1x2x8 to wrap the frame ($2-3 each)
1 pack Door Hinge pins to serve as the pins to hold the bed upright ($3-5)
1 pint stain
1 pint shellac
2 - Heavy Duty 360 degree seat swivels ($20)
Screws/nails/etc.

All told, this project probably cost around $200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Julie's benchmark media console

Submitted by Timjuliek on Sun, 03/19/2017 - 16:42

My wife used the benchmark media console plans with her own idea for the doors

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherman Williams pro classic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

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.

Built from Plan(s)
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!

Classic Bunk Beds Re-Imagined With Stairs

Submitted by edeboode on Mon, 04/03/2017 - 07:57

I modified the plans for the Classic Bunk beds by making them 74" tall instead of 63" and added a fourth slat all the way around to add more protection from potential falls.  I created one opening in the front for my youngest to get into the bottom bunk, and built slats about 2/3's across the front to act as a gaurd rail. I created another opening on the side for my oldest to get into the top bunk with stairs instead of ladders to again prevent falls.  I had to modify the Sweet Pea stairs to accomodate for the extra height in the bunk beds, simplified the railings, and I created each cubby to be big enough to use cloth storage totes that were 11x11x11.  Sanded the whole bed and stairs so the corners and edges were all rounded and smooth, and put two coats of white Deck and Porch paint to stand up to the the boys running up and down.  I used brackets to secure the stairs to the bed, and sixteen 3" bolts to bind the bed together.  Precut and drilled 17 slats for each bed seperated them 2" apart.  Spent a few hours every night during the week measuring, cutting, glueing, drilling and assembling the bed and stairs.  Spent an entire weekend sanding and painting.  Very happy with the way these beds turned out.  Overall cost of the project including the paint was around $400.  

Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Porch and Deck Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modern Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/13/2022 - 20:12

I made this with 1x6 since Home Depot didn’t have any 1x10 treated wood. All the wood I used is treated. I also used the exterior screws and put on a gray poly mixed stain for a little extra protection. I of course messed up the angles twice on the feet, but they just look like I gave them extra decoration now lol. Everybody loves this chair!

Comments

Coffee Bar with Built-In Beer Fridge and Wine Storage

Submitted by Chuck1979 on Mon, 07/08/2019 - 10:39

We made a beverage station for the corner of the kitchen!

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi-gloss white paint and Dark Walnut stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

gunnare57

Fri, 07/31/2020 - 09:43

Hello! Was looking to see if this is something you would be interested in building for us? We are in love with this project but don't have the tools or means to do it ourself..

Can talk about pricing / size etc.
Thanks!

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".

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

Gun cabinet

Submitted by Flowerchld on Sat, 07/21/2012 - 11:36

This is a gun cabinet I made for my dad out of old barn wood.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Joshua_kubinski

Wed, 12/02/2015 - 20:47

I would love to get plans for this. I have been trying to come up with my own but I'm not very good at it. Thanks love your work.

Joshua

Storage Daybed with Trundle Drawers + Storage Headboard and Hutch

I combined Ana's plans for Daybed with Storage Trundle Drawers and a Storage Headboard with a Small Hutch.

This is my 3rd daybed with storage drawers. It's such an easy build and gives so much extra space. The entire project took about 40 hours. I used Minwax stain in Classic Grey and three coats of polyurethane. For the drawers, I used 1.5" casters. I drilled a hole through the back of the headboard to feed cords through. Then I put the whole thing in the back of my truck and drove 500 miles for the final assembly. :)  In the provided photos, some of the pieces are flush because I hadn't permanently attached them. 

Estimated Cost
$450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Classic Grey
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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