Community Brag Posts

Smaller Crate

I loved the look of the crate, but my dog is a small Lhasa Apso - Poodle mix, so I had to cut down the size of it. To figure out the approximate sixe that I wanted to make the crate, I measured his current (ugly) wire crate. I forgot to take into account that a 1x2 is acutally .75x1.5 ish so my measurements were slightly off but the only thing it mattered for was the door. I used 1x2s for everything. I did not have a jig, so I predrilled holes and did it a little differently. I would have prefered to have the jig, but Home Depot doesn't cary the mini in their stores and I would have had to wait a few days for it. I built this on my own (I am a 22 year old girl) while my boyfriend is out of town as a surprise for when he gets home, and I am more then pleased with how it came out!

Here are my measurements:

21 inches high (the walls are 20 inches high, and the top gives it about an extra inch)
26.75 inches long (24.5 inches excluding the overhang of the top)
18.5 inches wide (17 inches excluding the overhang of the top)

I needed:
6 - 8' 1x2
1 - 20 inch wide pine board, 5 feet tall (for the top)
Corner brackets to connect the walls
Hinges
Latch
Screws

Tools I used:
Table Saw
Drill

Hope that this helps anyone who wants to build one for their little dog!

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

mother in law cabinet

Submitted by batbuilder on Mon, 05/04/2015 - 10:08

I built this cabinet for my mother-in-laws entryway, it is her mothers Day present. originally I wanted to build it with the copper handles like in your post but I decided it was more my style like that than hers. also she only needed about 4 feet wide so I kind of change the plan to be the size I needed. The top is cedar I planed from rough wood. also made a mirror from Ana plans to hang above it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$350 this is including the cedar top and I live in Alberta Canada so that is reflecting our prices here probably in the states you can do it for half
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Outdoor storage box

Submitted by mdsandell on Mon, 09/18/2017 - 10:46

I modified the plans slightly to go taller so it could fit a standard propane tank. I also added a hinged lid based on an image I found on Pinterest that did something very similar. I still need to sand and stain it next weekend.

Like others, I had a little trouble keeping the fence planks from splitting when screwing them to the 2x2 legs, since there was about an 1/8” gap between. I tried to find some scrap to fill in the gap and didn’t overtighten the screws. The lid was made entirely of 1x3”.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$35
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My wife’s new desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/11/2021 - 18:29

Oak top with espresso finish. She’s very happy. I’m very proud

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Funky Step Stool

I kept coming across photos of this step stool plan in the brag pages and felt very envious that I hadn't seen it before I built the other set of steps!  So I decided I likely had enough scrap wood lying around I could make one for our upstairs bathroom too!
I used two pieces of pine rough barn board for the sides and for the treads I used 1x4 scraps I had, two pieces that already had an edge routered in them from some trim I did for my sons World Map Mural. 
I used my Kreg Jig for everything except the treads which are nailed.

I'm thrilled with it!  It's nice and light and easy to move around and holds up my little guy with no trouble!

Estimated Cost
Free! I used leftovers!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
miniwax colonial maple rubbed on with a rag, no topcoat. (we'll see how it wears... didn't want a slippery finish.)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Upholstered Bench

Ideally we would’ve loved to have found a nice thrift shop coffee table and added a nice upholstered top to make a cheap and cheerful bench for the dressing room.

Unfortunately, no such table was to be found. So we did what DIYers do. We built one ourselves. Of course, as usual, we had big dreams and no clue where to start. In theory it seemed easy enough. Wood, nails…put them together.

After visiting Ana White’s amazing site, we came across this plan. Come on, it has the word EASIEST right in the title! It was perfect for us. Our bench is tweaked somewhat from Ana White’s.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
ProClassic latex paint from Sherwin Williams
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Kids Picnic Table

Submitted by shubes2 on Fri, 09/30/2022 - 06:57

This took much longer than it should have but I am very happy with the results. Finishing this with a brush was especially tedious. Time to try to to sell my wife on an HPLV sprayer... I breadboarded the ends to try to match our grown up version of this table. I wish their was an alternate plan that would allow me to drill an umbrella hole.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Wood $30
Hardware $5
Primer and paint $20
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Behr Latex "Firecraker Red"
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Sliding door buffet

Submitted by amberfro on Fri, 09/22/2017 - 08:32

I did the top in two pieces of rustic walnut and instead of using bard door hardware, I used black pipe. I made the door frames and the inserts are decorative metal sheeting

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
polyurethane on the top and paint for the rest
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

My First Project

Submitted by SHiggins03 on Mon, 10/18/2021 - 12:57

I just started building so finding this site was a God send. My wife and I wanted a new bed frame so why not tackle it myself. I loved every part of building it. Now my daughter wants one for her house. I'm happy to do it. I can't wait for my next project

Comments

Ana White Admin

Mon, 10/18/2021 - 17:14

That's so exciting, you got the building bug! Building for your home and family is such an awesome feeling and accomplishment, thanks for sharing!

First Build!

Submitted by jamilwest on Thu, 03/24/2011 - 11:02

The actual plans themselves came together REALLY well, and several times I found myself saying "How smart is SHE!?" when I would see how beautifully things were put together. 

 
The build was easy, but the finishing was hard.  I had to redrill sink holes a few times, putty the mess out of it, and I just couldn't get it sanded smooth enough to suit me.  
 
We ended up finishing it with Minwax Polyshades in Ebony.  Started out with foam brushes but ended up using the power sprayer.  Not recommended.  It was hilarious but very very messy!  We ended up with black stain all over ourselves, including our noses. :D
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshades in ebony gloss, put on with a power sprayer. Very messy!!
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Tryde media console

Submitted by Lmunro11 on Sat, 06/08/2013 - 07:34

This project was greatly inspired by another user's version. The extra 1x2s on the front and the color scheme. Also, in the plans you are told to use plywood for the back, I ended up using hardboard because it is less expensive and also much lighter. I found the console to be quiet heavy already so this really helped. Finally, the other user stained the top with English chestnut and I used "special walnut".

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
200
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Painters choice white paint/prime- 2 coats each
Mini wax "special walnut"- 2 coats
Varathane diamond wood finish gloss- 3 coats
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

DIY Veggie and Fruit Storage-Poplar

Submitted by sashreck on Mon, 05/11/2015 - 12:12

This was our first real project. We are pretty happy with how it turned out.

Things we learned:
1. Always trim the ends of the stock from the store. We missed one. Twas a bummer.
2. Clamp, Clamp, Clamp. Always clamp before you drill.
3. Sand and Finish all of the cut stock before you assemble it.
4. Drill the sides to the top basket first. That way, if your side is bowed, it will leave a space at the bottom.
5. We ended up using a hand screwdriver to assemble it. If your pilot holes are deep enough, this should be easy and more predictable.

countersink bit is a must have

Estimated Cost
$40 for just the wood ($70 with screws, polyurethane, paint brush)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane Clear Gloss Water-Based Interior Polyurethane (Interior Heavy Use Formula)

Sanded 120 grit-180 grit-220 grit-320 grit on raw wood
Laid three coats of finish
Sanded 120 grit-180 grit-220 grit-320 grit on finished wood
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rolling cabinet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 10/24/2021 - 06:26

This originally came from a sofa console plan but I added drawers and wheels to make an island.

Comments

Kid's Playhouse and Slide

Submitted by docfin02 on Mon, 03/28/2011 - 18:56

I LOVE these plans. This was my first project, and although it was a big one to start with, the plans were easy to follow. If I can do it, anyone can. I added the rock wall. My kids and I love it. Total cost for me (including all lumber, nails, paint, slide, etc.) is about $850.

Estimated Cost
$850
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
1 coat primer, 2 coats paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Bunkbed with bookshelves, stairs and storage bins

Submitted by ECAAC on Sun, 06/09/2013 - 17:45

We needed bunkbeds for our 4 and 2 year old before baby 3 came along. We used the basics of the side street bunk bed, combined it with modified plans of the playhouse stairs and then added bookshelves as the headboard and storage bins underneath. It took us about 4 different weekends plus to finish it. We used mostly 2x4s and 2x6s for pieces holding it together and 1x6s for most of the sides. We absolutely love how this turned out! Both kids have plenty of room for books and animals on their headboards. There are skinny shelves at the foot of the bottom bunk for books and the storage bins are awesome for cars, dolls, dinosaurs, etc. The stairs store blankets, toys, misc (there is alot of storage under the bottom bed too...just more difficult to get to...we cut 3 pieces of plywood for bottom bunk so we could access things underneath). The boards underneath the top bunk are 1x10s. The stairs were the most difficult part of this project. Hopefully this bunkbed will be passed down to grandkids! We had a great time building it! VERY sturdy too.

Estimated Cost
400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum stain
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

melodyshurkey

Wed, 02/05/2014 - 15:44

Is there a place to download plans for this bed? I would love to make this for our boys!

AlaskaSoul

Mon, 03/03/2014 - 15:53

Hi Ana!
This is an AWESOME bunk bed! I need to build two of these. Is there any chance that the plans will be uploaded soon? Thanks for everything that you do!

kcjumper

Fri, 05/09/2014 - 07:02

Curious if these plans had been posted anywhere? Looking to build this style for my nieces this summer.

mconnelley

Thu, 08/07/2014 - 08:40

This is a great design and I would love to build it for my kids. Has anyone gotten the plans by chance?

Ac13

Sun, 09/07/2014 - 22:31

I would love to build this for my kids, any access to the plans?

pcianciulli

Fri, 09/19/2014 - 13:15

Looks fantastic would love to make something similar for my twins. Are there any plans that are out for this bed. Please let me know thank you.

 

Ana White Admin

Tue, 12/09/2014 - 07:02

Thanks for your request Bauertravis. We are unable to commit to plan requests at this time. Thanks for your support and understanding!

annechatman

Sun, 01/11/2015 - 17:55

Hi! These beds would be perfect for our girls! Are you able to provide the plans for this?

Thanks!
Anne

Toddler Jeep Bed Easy DIY

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/23/2017 - 10:22

 

Designed and submitted by Andre

Toddler Jeep bed made to fit Ikea youth mattress. Looked at a lot of toddler bed plans before custom designing this one.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Outdoor Sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 11/05/2021 - 14:13

Perfect seating for our new summerhouse, loved how easy it was to build. Thanks so much for the free plans and making the easy to follow videos

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Cubby Storage System

Submitted by beckysnest on Fri, 04/01/2011 - 11:04

This was my first building project ever! Even though it took longer than I expected to complete (I have four tiny kids and snagged an hour here and there during nap time over the course of many months), it was absolutely worth the time investment (and wait)! Hanging the doors was tricky (my awesome husband tackled that part), but other than that it was easy to put together. Finishing it was the hardest part by far. If I were to do it again, I'd probably do some preliminary sanding of the boards before putting them together and I would most certainly not use oak (I was talked into it by the HD guys) especially since I ended up painting it. I think it would have turned out just as great if I'd used a cheaper wood or MDF. Thanks for the plans Ana!

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Started with two coats of Behr Ultra Interior Satin (paint w/primer) color matched to Martha Stewart Barn Red (sanded between coats). After one final (light) sanding to distress, I finished with one coat of Ralph Lauren Glaze in Tobacco that I had on hand (brush on one side of surface and then quickly wipe away excess with an old rag--moving the rag in the direction of the wood grain). The glaze brought out the wood grain more and helped tone down the exposed wood.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fancy X Farmhouse Table

Submitted by KatieC on Tue, 06/11/2013 - 08:25

This was my husband and mine's first DIY project! We started off using a miter box, and quickly caved and bought a miter saw. We also had trouble getting the X's to fit correctly, so we redid them and made it in a different order than Ana--we lined them up on the boards they would be attaching to and drilled in there. So we didn't make X's and then attach, but rather did it all at once. This made sure everything fit together!

Also, we didn't stain the top pieces of wood before we assembled, and it was hard to get in-between the boards, definitely recommend at least one coat of stain before attaching the top!

Had a great time making this bench, and love it!! Everyone that sees it is so impressed!! We made this one for outdoors, but we are thinking of making another in nicer wood for our indoor dining room table....

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project