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Pantry Cabinet

Submitted by JoanneS on Mon, 03/05/2012 - 16:57

Pantry cabinet, with lots of room, Ana-inspired. We combined ideas from the Momplex kitchen, simple armoire, and benchmark storage, and we are super pleased with how this turned out. We built it in 2 pieces, attached together and then secured to the base and wall studs so it’s a ‘built-in’. Then we added lots of trim and painted to match the dining room. The opening at the left is large enough to fit pretty much any size microwave, and there’s a dedicated outlet behind it in the opening. The shelves are spaced wide enough apart for tall cereal boxes, tall bottles, and chip bags to stand upright. Overall finished cabinet size is 48" wide and 95 3/4" tall. This took us several days to complete. Since the doors are tall and kind of heavy, we added the Blum cabinet door dampeners from Rockler (these things really work!). Ana, thank you so much for the inspiration. I don’t think we would have tried this if it wasn’t for you. We love our new pantry!

Built from Plan(s)
Simplest Armoire
Benchmark Storage or Media Tower
Kitchen Cabinet Sink Base 36 Full Overlay Face Frame
Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Ace Royal semi-gloss in Wishbone (front and bottom side), and in Crushed Peanut (upper side). We did 3 coats, sanding in between coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Debi_G (not verified)

Wed, 03/07/2012 - 00:05

Fantastic!

yogashell

Sat, 07/21/2012 - 07:44

It looks amazing! What a great idea to add it as a built-in. Nice modification for the microwave.

Good ol kitchen island

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 03/26/2016 - 17:22

I saw the plans for this project and decided I wanted to do something of the sort. I tweaked the plans a bit and made it longer and took out the drawer. My favorite part about it is Annie sloans chalk paint. Look into it, it's great stuff. 

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Small Rolling Kitchen Island
Estimated Cost
200$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Polyurethane, Annie Sloan waxing paint, cherry stain. To get the rustic color Google Annie Sloan, she has a ton of YouTube videos.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Brew Station

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 07/30/2023 - 14:38

I used your workbench plan to build my Brew Bench. I changed the measurements to fit my space and used a butcher block for the countertop. Very sturdy and pretty easy project. Took one day to build.

Scott R

Built from Plan(s)
Easy DIY Garage Workshop Workbench

Comments

King size Storage Bed - Highly Modified

Submitted by BJ D on Mon, 03/19/2012 - 12:59

In an effort to gain some space in our home, I decided to build up. The Bed is tall (not a problem for us) but not too tall. The added heigh allowed for an extra 2 LARGE drawers on each side and an additional storage space we refer to as the "cubby." This last space has a pop open latch insted of a drawer due to the side table above them. The cabinets at the foot of the bed have the same pop open latch system and house 4 large laundry bins.

The bed feels incredibly solid and I've already had several compliments from friends. One of the best came from a rather neat and organized contractor friend of ours who's home decor is wonderful. He asked where I bought it. My response: Lowes , in a pile of lumber :)

The time it took to build this was months, due to only working a night or two a week after my toddler went to bed. It could easily be week project.

Built from Plan(s)
Classic Storage Bed (King)
Estimated Cost
less than 700
Finish Used
Chocolate Brown paint with Polyacryllic over.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

BJ D

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 10:38

Thanks for the compliment!

I just realized that one of the drawers wasn't pushed all the way in for the pictures. Oh well.

spiceylg

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 11:36

This is stunning. What a beautiful build. Anyway you kept track of measurements and such so that you could post your modifications?

BJ D

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 14:35

I did...

But today is my first chance to start playing with sketchup. I'll see if I can put those together for you. In the meantime. Here's some numbers to look at. Remember, the bed is TALL, but my wife and I are both around 6 feet.
Each side cabinet is 60 inches wide by 20.5 deep by 22.5 tall (to the platform itself). The entire bed is 77.25 wide at the base, with trim.

Sewallmom

Mon, 09/07/2015 - 10:30

First of all......

 

Amazing work!!!  This is exactly what I am looking for to make for my daughters BDay.  She has a small bedroom.   I have never been afraid to take on a new project.  Saying that I will be having the lumber company cut all the pieces for me.   It will house all her clothes/shoes and hamper.

 

Please tell me that you have the dimensions for this platfrom bed.

HK (not verified)

Tue, 04/17/2012 - 14:20

LOVE IT!!!
Do you think its possible to create what you did on the end with the laundry hampers on all three sides, instead of having the drawers?? Do you have measurements or sketch-up of just that section. YOU ARE A GENIUS!!!!

BJ D

Wed, 04/18/2012 - 10:36

Thanks HK

Having the laundry hampers on all sides is quite doable. Email me if you want [email protected] and let me know what types of hampers you are thinking...how many... do you need doors... how tall...what materials you want to use and what size bed. I can help you with the design/modification.

kparrish21

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 14:05

I love the modifications you have made! I want my husband to make me this same bed that you have done. With our 3rd baby arriving in 2 months I really need the space that our clothes are currently occupying. Have you been able to make up plans for this bed? If not, do you have a list of measurements and supplies needed to make this?

BJ Epstein (not verified)

Mon, 07/16/2012 - 21:12

Hey BJ,

This is the other BJ (or as Greta would term it, "chick BJ")! I was looking at this site, and saw a picture of the bed you made, with the caption "BJ D made this." So I clicked on it, and it showed a picture of you, and I was like, "Hey, I know that guy! That's the guy that married my best friend! And that's their daughter! Wow, small world!"

Anyway, I was thoroughly amused, and also, I really like the modifications you made on the bed. I'm totally stealing some of your ideas when we make our new bed frame!

-BJ

BJ D

Tue, 07/17/2012 - 11:56

yes small world hun. I'd be happy to give tips/tricks I've come across through a few different projects, some from here and some I did solo.

If you don't have a Kreg Jig, get one :)

Nice to hear from you. :)

mvmauga

Fri, 04/18/2014 - 15:18

Hi, I emailed you, but just in case you don't still have that email or it doesn't go through to you. Did you ever make plans for your modifications? If so, I would love to see them. My email is [email protected]

Thank you!

VegTrug

Submitted by carongirls on Sat, 02/22/2014 - 18:52

A friend needed a raised garden bed for her husband who is in a wheel chair. I searched and found the VegTrug's. It took a lot of trial and error. I based it off Williams Sonoma's pictures. I wouldn't of attempted this with out a plan if it weren't for Ana's website.

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

steve badham

Wed, 09/09/2015 - 02:56

We have just set up a "Men'sShed" in our little village here in the UK, and think that these would make a great first project for novice handymen. Are there any plans available to help us?

Steve

Trickman2

Wed, 05/18/2016 - 21:45

Not sure what the story is here,  Maybe she got in trouble for saying Vegtrug?  I would like plans for a DIY Raised planter bed like the above. 

Corner Media Console

Submitted by craw4dz on Thu, 02/27/2020 - 10:39

We had just moved into our new house and were using an end table for our TV stand I just didn't like it.  I found this and modified it so it's shorter and fits in our room better.  I also opted to not put doors on it and use it to display items instead.  This was a relatively easy build and I'm learning new things with every build I make.  It took about 2 days to complete not including filling holes/paint/stain.  I love it, it looks so great in our room and I am planning on building end tables to match as well as replacing our buffet with movies in it to match also.  Thanks for the easy-to-follow plans!

Built from Plan(s)
Tall Corner Media Console
Estimated Cost
$45
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever white paint I had on hand (haha) and Varathane Kona with a satin poly for the top.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

rustic X End table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 08/10/2016 - 05:28

Very straightforward build. Lowes didn't have many 2x4's that didn't have some sort of warp or bend in them so the bottom shelf had to be trimmed slightly to fit. 

 

There is a sweet spot with the vinegar/steel wool that takes some mixing and testing to find. To strong a solution and the wood turns nice and brown to weak and it's a hardly noticeable light grey. My advice is get a strong 3-4 day old solution and mix 50/50 with vinegar and test on scrap, wait and hour or so to dry and adjust the mix from there until you love it. 

 

I finished with minwax polishing wax.

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X End Table
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Bucket Garden with 2x4 Frame

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/01/2024 - 13:25

Bucket Garden made out of 2x4s and painted with outdoor paint for many seasons of use.

Jeff DeVries

Comments

Chicken Coop

Submitted by Elloh on Tue, 08/11/2020 - 11:05

This was my biggest build yet and these plans along with being able to see a few brag posts with modicifactions made this project less intimidating. I extended the coop in order to add a walk in door. The drop down doors on both sides will give plenty of access and help with cleaning. I've added door latches to all the doors since putting it in place. My dad provided the cedar so that greatly reduced my costs. This project took about six days to complete. The fun part was getting it out of my carport : ) This was built for my daughter's chickens and she is thrilled with it. So am I! Thanks for the plans Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
A Frame Chicken Coop Tractor
Updated A Frame Chicken Coop Plans
Estimated Cost
Hardware, screws, hardware cloth and plywood - around $150

Garden Shed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 01/30/2017 - 06:26

Had to clean out my storage area to make room for my new woodworking shop, so a new shed was in order. Since my neighborhood does not allow large sheds i thought this would be the perfect fit for the small area right outside of the shop. I had to adjust the plan to make it narrow but longer. Used pressure treated fence pickets for the siding..

Built from Plan(s)
Small Cedar Shed
Estimated Cost
Cost approximately $300-350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Rocketship Bookcase

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 10/31/2020 - 17:27

Pretty much followed the steps as outlined in the rocket bookcase plans. Googled astronaut and spaceship stencils and free hand drew those on construction paper. This bookcase is heading to my 3 year old son's room and he's pretty excited to fill it with toys and books.

Built from Plan(s)
Rocket Bookcase
Estimated Cost
$70
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Semi gloss blue and red paint. A sparkling orange spray paint for the fire, metallic gray for the fins and stencils. Covered it with spray poly for a protective coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Workbench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 11/22/2020 - 05:47

Thanks for the simple plans Anna, they worked out great!. I resized the table to make maximum use of the material, still within the same quantity you specified in your plans. I glued the legs along the lengths of the table, and kept the table top and shelf screwed in, for easy dismantling, if necessary.

Finally I added pop down heavy duty wheels allowing me to move the table (not shown in this pic) easily. When the wheels are not being used they pop up, making the table very stable. The height of the table is about 1/2” lower than the table saw, making it an ideal outfeed table as well.

Great design, and fun build.

Estimated Cost
Cn$148 (went with a finished 3/4” 4x8’ ply board)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Farmhouse Console Table - Modified

Submitted by mpjacob08 on Thu, 12/10/2020 - 05:35

I Modified the plan to eliminate the middle shelf and shortened the length to fit as an entryway table.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Console Table
Estimated Cost
$68
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
White alkyd for bottom then conditioned the top before staining with special walnut then once dry used weathered oak. Sealed with oil based polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

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".

Blog Link
The Dumbbell Table Revisited
Built from Plan(s)
Simple Small Trestle Desk
Benchright Industrial Farmhouse 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

RH Inspired Shanty Sideboard & Hutch

Submitted by jhavinga on Wed, 12/31/2014 - 14:34

Have been wanting to build this for 6 months now and just havnt had the time. Finally completed it!
I made some small changes to the design, different trim layouts, different dimensions, and went with a plank look for the back of the hutch instead of a solid peice of 1/4" plywood.

Built from Plan(s)
Shanty Sideboard
Shanty Hutch
Estimated Cost
$500.00. This price includes wood, stain, and hardware.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat of Minwax Weathered Oak, then 1 coat of Minwax Special Walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

jhavinga

Thu, 01/01/2015 - 22:48

Thank you ehays216! Ive looked at your Farmhouse Storage Bed a few times.. Have always wanted to try the Steel wool/Vinegar trick.

Cheers,
Justin

timberandsoul

Sat, 01/03/2015 - 07:40

Great job! The love how the color turned out. May I ask where you purchased your backdrop from? And what size it is?

Thanks!

jhavinga

Sun, 01/04/2015 - 16:09

Thanks a lot timberandsoul!
Photo was taken on an empty wall in my living room, Which is currently a light gray wall. thought it looked boring so I did a quick switch of backdrops in PS. I just typed in brick wall in google.

Cheers,
Justin

Singhs

Sun, 01/04/2015 - 16:27

What type of wood did you use, home depot/lowes regular pine or some specialty wood ?

jhavinga

Sat, 01/24/2015 - 13:08

Sure! the plans call for 2 solid sheets of 1/4 plywood for the backing.. I simply just ran the plywood through a table saw at 5.5" wide and brad nailed it the back. =)
The stain is weathered oak and let sit for 15min. Then right away special walnut and let sit for 15 min.
repeat until desired colour. let me know if you have any more questions!

Cheers,
Justin

Sschoono

Sun, 01/08/2017 - 07:33

How many coats did you have to do to achieve this look?  The weathered oak looks so light...and gray.

 

Thanks!

Painterlyrhett

Sun, 05/17/2015 - 19:40

What was your strategy on attaching the sideboard to the Hutch. I haven't seen where there is any instructions or conversation around this. What and how did you accomplish this and/or is there anywhere to go that discussed this that helped you.

Thanks,

Extra Large Storage Bed with Stairs

Submitted by shellyward on Sun, 03/15/2015 - 22:22

My daughter wanted a bed with lots of storage so searched on here and found the queen and king storage beds, but she wanted something taller.  So, I modifed the plans for the bed and made it slightly larger than a queen storage bed, but not quite as big as the king, and almost twice the height.  I then built a set of stairs (modified the plans for the stairs as well so she would have 2 sets that created a bridge for her dog's kennel to go under her bed hidden away slightly.  This was by far my biggest and most challenging project to date, but we were thrilled with the way it turned out.  She loves the bed and I loved the time I was able to spend with her while building (she is 20 so time like that is far and few between)

Built from Plan(s)
Classic Storage Bed (King)
Storage Stairs for a Bunk or Loft Bed
Estimated Cost
$500
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
high gloss black paint and polyacrylic
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Our Farmhouse Table, Bench and Bar Stools

Our kitchen has been pretty much the same for the last 4 1/2 years but this last fall we started to undertake a huge do-it-yourself remodel. We painted our cabinets, replaced the sink and floors and even painted the counter tops! You can check out the transformation on our blog.

Now that our kitchen was looking so good we decided we needed some awesome furniture to match.

This is where the great Ana White and her wonderful blog stepped in. We were able to build some beautiful high quality furniture at an awesome price! This was the first time I actually had matching and completed furniture in my kitchen and I have loved it.

We built the farmhouse table, bench and the extra tall bar stools with some modifications.

Blog Link
Handmade Kitchen Furniture: An Ode to Anna White
Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Table - No Pocket Holes Plan
Extra Tall Bar Stool
Estimated Cost
We spent around $220 for all of the furniture.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a wood conditioner, 2 coats of a Jacobean colored stain and two coats of a satin finish polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse dining table with bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 01/02/2022 - 14:20

Simple design and fun to build. I did not however use the turned legs. I made a jig and went with tapered legs.

Built from Plan(s)
Turned Leg Farmhouse Table

Comments

Kitchen Island

The plans were easy to follow. I modified my island to fit my space and cut it down to 44 inches in length.

Blog Link
Home Frosting
Built from Plan(s)
Easy Kitchen Island Plans
Estimated Cost
The entire project cost $47.00.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the top and shelves with Watco Danish Oil in dark walnut and then used a satin finish varathane for only the top to protect it from spills, etc. The sides and legs were painted with an interior latex paint called "Sandbar" from Home Hardware.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Emily Jo (not verified)

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 15:33

Your island is gorgeous, and I love the modification you made to the original plans on the shelving support! I would like to know what size the boards are that you used so that I can duplicate. Thank you!

Lisa Tamaye (not verified)

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 18:10

This is great! ANyone know how I could extend one side in order to put stools for an eating area?
Would love to do that!

Alice (not verified)

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 19:43

I would think it would be basically the same build, just add brackets to support the extra wood.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 15:20

I want to make this Kitchen Island but if can't find the Supply List. Would you mind posting it or emailing me please! This will work perfect in my Kitchen

Katia57

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:46

Wow! Just a wonderfully simple project! I can figure it out by looking at it. I have a piece of Rock Maple Counter Top 24"x6'that needs legs. I'll probably use 4x4' for legs, six of them. But the shelves will be just like this. Thank you!

Katia57

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:50

Wow! Just a wonderfully simple project! I can figure it out by looking at it. I have a piece of Rock Maple Counter Top, 24in.x6ft., that needs legs. I'll probably use 4x4s for legs, six of them. But the shelves will be just like this. Thank you!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 04/04/2012 - 11:58

Just click on the link for the instructions. It's under the heading 'About This Project' titled as 'From Plan: Easy Kitchen Island Plans'.

Click where it says 'Easy Kitchen Island Plans'. When you hover your cursor over the words, you will see that is a hyperlink.

Lindsey Adams (not verified)

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 06:48

I love your island and I also have a small kitchen...would you happen to know the sizes of the boards you used? Thanks

??? (not verified)

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 14:31

Yours looks so different and so much better then the one that show how to make it, how did you do it? I really would love to build it but have no idea how...
Thanks so much!

CBsMama (not verified)

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 13:08

This island is perfect. I love the shelves and the size. Any chance you could send me the dimensions of this island and details on how you did the shelves? Great job!

lizzy1299

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 15:03

I'm SO glad I stumbled acrossed your website! I LOVE that island and getting ready to get all the stuff to make it. Did you use the Kreg Jig thing the original person used...? If not, how did you cover the screw heads?

Thanks!

ameliam

Wed, 12/31/2014 - 07:37

Hi, this is my first time building anything. I really like the modification made to the original plans. I like the legs facing the other way. I can't figure out how to modify the cuts on the sides and front and back supports for the top to adjust for turning the legs the other way. Are there modified plans. LOL I need instructions, I’m not quite there yet on doing it myself. Thank you

djbeenie

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 15:03

How did you mount the 1 x2s since its on the side of the 1 x 4s. Did you tac them in. I really like the way that looks. Thanks!

MBuckson

Mon, 03/16/2015 - 08:00

Amazing island! I am in the middle of building this and looking ahead to the finishing aspect of it and I have a question: What tool did you use to apply the oil on the counter top? A cloth or a certain type of brush?

wiri0302

Sat, 06/06/2015 - 18:33

Hello, i love this island but maybe i missed it. What kind of wood is everyone using? Frosting said $47 but that could only be for pine right? Are people using pine to build this? I would like it to look just like the picture. Any help would be appreciated! thanks!

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