Build a modern childs picnic table or x benches
This was little tougher for me being new to wood working. But I like the look a lot better.
This was little tougher for me being new to wood working. But I like the look a lot better.
Built this from lumber from a daybed that I tore apart. Total cost was about $10 for the pieces for the top. Built in a small apartment with a Kreg jug and some clamps on the kitchen floor. The top is not completely even but close. Was fun to build and I am very happy with how it turned out, thanks Ana!
I made a few changes to Ana's plans to basically work with my cushions. I found cushions on clearance at Ballard's Backroom. I had to adjust the size of the sofas in order to fit the cushions. I also adjusted the height of the sofa, as I found it to be a little higher than I would have liked. The project took a while to complete, but it wasn't due to difficulty. This was an easy project for a novice like myself. I just primed every piece of wood with exterior primer and then painted the whole thing with 2 coats of exterior paint. It was the drying time that added to the total project time.
I also made a cocktail ottoman out of a lounge chair cushion that I purchased at Ballard's. Basically, the ottoman is a rectangular box built to the size of the cushion. I added feet purchased at Home Depot just to make it look a little less box-like. I applied a couple of coats of primer as well as the exterior paint to every piece.
My son moved out and needed bedside tables. I have been hounding him to learn how to build and this was the first project he did! He was super proud of himself and how they turned out. Not bad for a first build! #mompride
I added crown molding to the bottom of my ten dollar ledges to add a little fancier look.
Sat, 07/30/2011 - 00:35
Love that touch! Maybe this is what mine need before I install them!
Sat, 07/30/2011 - 08:18
Very classy looking! Just what I was looking for in my home office. Thanks!
Mon, 08/01/2011 - 11:58
Such a great touch with the moulding.
Thanks for sharing.
Tue, 09/20/2011 - 19:54
This looks great! What a wonderful idea! I have a question, Other than the moulding on the bottom, did you follow the plans exactly (Like used the same dimensional boards Ana said to use)? Just asking because yours came out looking so much better than mine (which very well could be the paint job and moulding fooling my eyes into thinking the other boards look smaller, lol)
Great job and thank you for sharing!
Wed, 09/21/2011 - 10:16
I did use the same size boards that Anna said they just might be a different length.
In reply to I did use the same size by Becky Darrington (not verified)
Wed, 09/21/2011 - 10:47
Thank you!
Wed, 02/15/2012 - 11:23
This is great as I am a photographer and love to switch up my photos often. Saves the walls from holes and is just a great idea! I also did not see all the instructions but will have my husband duplicate.
Wed, 04/11/2012 - 15:07
This is great. I made the ledge and plan on adding the crown molding. How exactly did you hang them?
Tue, 07/17/2012 - 13:11
I have high ceilings. I have been trying to figure out what to put at some of the windows to dress them up a bit. I think I may add them to the den area. Photos would be out of the reach of all the grandchildren, but photographs could been seen without cluttering tables.
Sat, 09/08/2012 - 09:00
Has anyone tried using a 1x3 for the back instead of a 1x4? Can anyone think of any reason it would not work?
Also thinking of making it deeper since the crown molding will provide extra support. I want to add more depth so that I can install a power strip under shelf, behind molding so that I can turn it into a charging station. Any thoughts on this? Would love to hear other opinions on this before I start building and then realize the problems that may exist in my plans.
Tue, 03/05/2013 - 10:12
It looks like your ledge is narrower than the one in the plans. Did you use a 1 x 4 for the base?
Thu, 09/15/2016 - 18:54
I feel so stupid... I have never used any sort of molding before. How do you use it? I went to lowes tonight and I don't know where you get the edge piece. My husband (who doesn't build things except for computers) says he thinks you just use part of the long strip and cut at a 45° angle. Is that how?
then what do you use for the bottom portion to cover the gap?
Sat, 08/12/2017 - 10:50
I found Ana's site a few years ago and have been dreaming about things I want to build for just as long. I'm finally ready to get started, and I thought these ledges would be a great way to start. I love the moulding on the bottom, but I have no idea what combination of pieces to use to get this look or what sizes of moulding to use with the 1x4 and 1x2 boards. Can somebody help me?
Tue, 08/15/2017 - 13:21
Sandy - take the picture to any lumber molding department ad start trying combinations.
The original pic was using some crown molding, but a fancy baseboard or other molding would look good too.
My first build... Not perfect but it has led me down a new path... Thank you soooo much Ana! More to come and a plan of my own in the works!
Farm house design. I used 4x4 for the base instead of 2x4.
Thank you Anna White for the 18 inch doll chairs idea. Me and my Dad made the table from leftover pieces from the chairs. I loved making the chairs because I love to using power tools. I have an idea for you Anna. Have you done a 18 inch doll locker before?
After completing the greenhouse, I built the potting bench in a couple of hours. Obviously well used. Sturdy, convenient, easy build.
I built this based on the rustic x bench. While I had previously built the x bench, I really had a hard time with that darned X! So I just added bottom pieces to this and called it a day. This will be put at the foot of the bed and will most certainly help me sleep better! How? Ah yes, no more hubby sitting on the edge of the bed at 4:30a.m. to put on his boots!
Bunk bed and Loft design and manf.
i build triple bunks,special needs beds,toddler,king bunk beds and lofts, you name it i build it with my heavy duty 2x6 design and affordable prices.
check out the site http://www.dreamworksbunkbeds.com
Just finished up this industrial L-shape desk. The desk top is solid walnut. I added a pencil drawer and a vintage locker basket mounted to a drawer slide. :)
This was a super quick and fun project that I made from scrap materials. I designed it to fit tapered glass candles that are readily available from online or your local big box store.
Today I'm starting on my 3rd Ana White project, the outdoor lounge chairs. Most of the couch is constructed from reclaimed wood. I used some old 4/4 for the legs instead of 2/4 and they worked fine, though the couch is quite heavy. I made the cover for our fire pit so that when we aren't having fires, it can be a coffee table.
I finally got the chance to share my first couple of projects.
For the work bench I made organizers for tools and screws. I made them with 1x3's and made simple boxes out of them. One longer one at 36" and a couple smaller ones at 6" for easier access to nails. I painted everything with granny smith green and fuchsia pink.
I had originally planned on just making a couple of storage benches to hide my husband's video games in the house, but decided one would be perfect to hold my circular saw, drill, and other power tools while adding a comfortable place to sit. I had ordered the fabric a few months ago and didn't realize that it matched the fuschia pink paint I had bought at orange for my work bench, and I am glad it did.
Though they are in my garage, being a wife to a Staff Sergeant in the Army, we entertain a lot so having something that is useful and looks great is a wonderful thing indeed.
Since I've started building, I've been browsing Ana White's project plans for anything else that could be useful in our house... I can't wait until we move so we can choose a larger house to make way for more projects!
Thank you Ana!!! You've given purpose to my usually uneventful days while the hubs is in Iraq for the third time!
Sun, 09/18/2011 - 14:27
I have to say I love that even though this is a workbench, it's still so personal and girlie! And what a great idea for the storage unit having seating! So many times I end up sitting in the garage, sorting God-knows-what, and I really need a seat! :)
I had a request from a friend to build her a bench, preferably one with a back on it. The plans for the Woven Back Bench were perfect. But as you can see in the picture I moved away from the plans a little bit. The woven back is beautiful but I was sure it would become frustrating to get it right so I went with the vertical posts. It worked out well.
It is not visible in the picture but I added a cross-member to the middle of the seat to give it more strength and stability.
I avoided pocket holes to hold the back together by using the Kreg drill and drilling vertically down about 3/4 the way and inserting 2" pocket hole screws and then capping them off. The caps are visible in the picture. I did the same from the bottom of the back.
In a couple of places that called for 2x2s I used re-sawed 2x4s that I think added strength to the bench. I only used pocket holes where they would not be directly visible. Also I used a router to soften many of the edges and to add interest to the arms.
I wanted to create a loft bed for my daughter so that she could have space underneath to play since her room is small. This was the perfect solution! I went ahead and added a stair rail so she could feel a little safer coming down the stairs (she is 4 yrs old). She loves her princess bed and what's best she wants to sleep in it instead of with mommy and daddy! This was my first wood working project.
Farmhouse bed - Queen Sized plan modified for a King sized mattress and frame. I added 2 - 2 X 4's and used unfinished wainscoat for the back of the headboard. Finishing added time to for completion to about a week.
Used the plans from attached garage shelving to make a 10 ft, 24 inch wide shelf then used similar idea for workbench which I still need to put doors on. I love it! Such an easy plan!
My Hubby and I worked really hard on building this bed, your plans are wonderful ;)
Tue, 08/09/2011 - 22:14
Just gorgeous, and thank you! Thanks so much for sharing!