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Pergola and Outdoor Furniture

The pergola is finally complete! I'm sure I'll be adding some more things, but for now....I'm happy. I can not take credit for the Pergola, my husband built that, but there are lots of projects inside to tell you about. I built the sofa, coffee table, 2 chairs and 2 planters. It's a great spot for entertaining or just sitting with glass of wine. I really loved the Rectangles Daybed , but I really had no use for a Daybed, so with a few modifications, I came up with the sofa version. To make it more comfortable I used the slanted back idea from the simple outdoor sofa plan.I love how it turned out and it was fairly inexpensive too. Lumber cost was around $50. I used 2x 6′s, 2×2 furring strips, 1×2 furring strips and 1×4 furring strips. You really have to pick through the furring strips, with some patience I was able to find pieces that would work well for my project. Using the more expensive would would make things much easier, because there would be much less sanding and filling involved…but I love a bargain!! When I first built the sofa for this collection, it was for our covered porch. I was not intending to build any matching pieces. When we moved it to the pergola, I decided to build these 2 chairs. I used plan from the simple outdoor chair and modified the back to match the sofa. The lumber for the chairs cost about $25 per chair. I bought some 2X2 quartz tiles from the Habitat ReStore for $3 each! I thought they would work perfectly for the tabletop. I sketched up a quick design to match the other pieces and came up with this. I used 2×3′s and 1×2′s. The lumber cost was about $15. I also used the Square Planters with Finials plan. I love these planters do much and they were so simple! Thanks for all the fantastic plans and inspiration!!

Blog Link
I Love DIYing
Built from Plan(s)
Rectangles Day Bed
Outdoor Chair - Modern Comfort Collection
Square Planters with Finials
Finish Used
white paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

teresad2297

Thu, 05/12/2016 - 21:30

What a lovely space! Including the water feature behind the pergola. I'd love to pull it straight from your photos and drop it into my yard! (I'd better get to work!!)  Thanks for sharing.

 

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Ryobi Nation workshop and shelves

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/30/2020 - 15:48

I bought a whole workshop full of Ryobi tools second hand from my brother over a year ago. I started researching workshop plans and came across Anna White’s Ryobi Nation Dream Workshop. I downloaded the plans and spent about 2-3 months working on it in my spare time. I made a lot of mistakes along the way but I’m pretty happy with it overall!

Built from Plan(s)
Roll Away Workbench Center with Wall Storage
Table Saw Cart for Roll Away Workbench System
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

rcjones4

Fri, 08/11/2023 - 11:50

Do you still have these plans for the project? can't seem to find them anymore

Sewing table for small spaces

Submitted by mrs_gumby on Sun, 07/13/2014 - 09:25

I made this sewing table using Ana Whites Sewing table for small spaces plan. I used 3/4" fir plywood.
I did however make changes to use continuous hinges (aka piano hinges) and upgraded the legs to 2x2's. I used folding leg brackets from Lee Valley Tools found here: http://www.leevalley.com/en/hardware/page.aspx?p=40035&cat=3,41306,41309

It's finished with a dark walnut stain, and three coats of water based varathane. All told this project took about a week. I had the pieces cut for me by the lumberyard, but they still required sanding before assembly. Then assembly took another afternoon. Staining & finishing took the longest, probably 3 days, since I could only work on it in the late afternoon - evening.

Approximate Costs:
$30.00 Hinges, screws, & 2x2's for legs, paint brush
$20.00 Stain & Finish (some savings here as I had some leftover from another project)
$30.00 Folding leg brackets
$50.00 Lumber Costs (this can vary wildly depending on your wood selection)

Built from Plan(s)
Folding Sewing Table
Estimated Cost
$130.00 - $160.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
2 coats Dark walnut water based stain, and 3 coats water based satin finish varathane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Farmhouse X Table

This project was pretty dang easy. My husband and I whipped this out one weekend and were pleasantly surprised with the outcome. It now sits in our dining room and we LOVE it!! We used Rust-o-leum's Kona stain and it could not have been more perfect of a color. We used a brush to apply in sections and wiped it off immediately. Before staining we beat it with chains, hammers, screws, etc. And we also scraped it up and gouged it out with screw drivers, crowbars, and any other items we could find. Be sure and sand it down really well. We finished it off with a matte finish polyurethane. Thanks for the designs! We are on to table number 2 now! Jordi

Built from Plan(s)
Fancy X Farmhouse Table
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust-o-leum's Kona; matte finish polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

MichelleC

Mon, 09/24/2012 - 07:42

It's beautiful, great job! Did you have to use a pre-stain conditioner? I am definitely going to build this table and I like the color of that stain!

JJ and Shanon (not verified)

Mon, 10/29/2012 - 09:42

Hey, where can we find the plans for this table? We're new to this site. Thanks!

Entertaintment Center

Swiss coffee Entertainment Center... Distressed. All Trim work made by me.

Built from Plan(s)
Media Hutch
Apothecary Console
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Swiss Coffee , Dark Walnut Stain, polycrylic sprayed with air gun
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced

DIY Walk-in Closet

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 08/02/2024 - 14:10

I used the Tower Closet system as a base for my closet remodel. I wanted drawers and space for my long dresses. I also have internet/cable coming in through a closet wall so I needed to accommodate that which turned into a corner unit designed to fit laundry basket and suitcase storage. Overall I used 4x8” paint grade 3/4” plywood from HD which I had them cut down to 16”. The 3rd strip was slightly less than 16” so I ripped those down to make the shoe wall at 12” deep. The back and right wall are 16” deep and the shoe wall 12”. I bought the IKEA mirror door and built a cabinet to fit it. I store my tall boots, belts and scarves in there. I used my Kreg shelf in jig in the shoe wall and bought refinished 12” shelves for the shoes in 8 fit sheets and cut them down to fit. The entire closet is trimmed with 1x2” pine and painted with BM Advance Paint (best cabinet paint IMO). The floor was left over from a rental property. Overall cost about $1200. Hubby doesn’t need as much drawer storage as I do so we made a small shoe rack just for him. My favorite part is the matching drawer handles to faux crystal chandeliers for a feminine touch.

Michele B

Built from Plan(s)
Tower Based Master Closet System

DIY Country Pie Safe - Thrifty and Chic Decor

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/22/2024 - 09:21

Making pie safes have apparently become a hobby 😂 these things are just so cute! They can be made from pretty much just scrap wood you have lying around, some glue and nails. I’ve painted mine and have stained them. This time around I added the cute design to the side bottom and bead board to the back. 

Visit Thrifty and Chic for the full tutorial with modifications!

Blog Link
thriftyandchicdecor on Instagram
Built from Plan(s)
Countertop Pie Safe

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Christmas Decor
Easter
Fall
Fourth of July
Mother's Day
Spring
Summer

Rustic blue Bed

This was a build for a client's daughter's new bedroom. The clients added lights to the head board but I could not post the pic. I also built a cute bedside table mostly out of remnants of the bed to match.

Blog Link
https://www.facebook.com/TinaPalermowoodfurniture
Built from Plan(s)
Modern Platform Bed Frame with Chunky Legs
Farmhouse Bedside Table
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Combination

Just My Size Closet

Just My Size Closet!

Built this from Ana's plans with a few modifications.

Started with a big empty box after ripping the old stuff out and finished with this look.

Adjustable shelves and all !

Blog Link
Just My Size Closet
Built from Plan(s)
Just My Size Closet
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Whatever white paint my wife bought !!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Outdoor Sofa - Front Porch

Submitted by mclaudeg3 on Fri, 11/06/2020 - 16:47

This project was quite easy and did not require many tools. The plan allowed me to adjust the measurements easily so it could fit in that space. I used regular 2x4’s and treated the wood with Mountain Ash colour in a semi-transparent stain from Sherwin Williams, I just love the colour! I build 2 - 2 seaters exactly the same. The one side has no arm, as I wanted it to look like a lounge chair. I love to sit in the corner and stretch my legs 😊. I bought the cushion covers from IKEA, and got good quality foam.

Built from Plan(s)
One Arm 2x4 Outdoor Sofa - Sectional Piece
2x4 Outdoor Sofa
Estimated Cost
Wood ~$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
2 coats of semi-transparent Mountain Ash stain from Sherwin Williams.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

End Tables

Submitted by bozarthm1 on Sun, 11/15/2020 - 16:22

Built these two end tables from Ana's nightstand plans. Modified to add a shelf and drawers. I used stair treads to make the tops which give a nice thickness and strength. The shelves are cedar fence pickets. Shelf and tops are stained Jacobean with a semi gloss poly finish. Had to watch Ana's videos several times to get the build right, but spent much more time on the finish than the build. Added electric extension/usb outlet. Really happy with the project. THANKS Ana!

Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build End Table or Nightstand with Drawer
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Jacobean stain, semi gloss poly, white primer and paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

bozarthm1

Sun, 11/15/2020 - 16:28

Project for my son. End tables with one and 2 drawers. Shelf and tops stained with poly, frames and drawer primed and painted. Tops made from Stair treads. they are 12" edge glued so just had to trim down and glue together. comes with one bullnose, rounded off the other sides with a 1/2inch roundover router bit.

American Girl Dollhouse Masterpiece!

Submitted by MendiB on Mon, 03/13/2017 - 12:06

This dollhouse was super easy to make! Harper (the doll) wanted an open concept living/kitchen, and that is the first floor. Second floor are the bedroom and bathroom. Top floor is the closet. The roof is made from 3.5" slats of luan glued together and painted with black sanded paint. Notice the baseboards and crown molding? The window boxes are really cute, too! I still owe my granddaughter a garage and patio with pergola, and kitchen appliances and chairs, but that will wait until summer when she can help craft/build them. 

Harper's bed is modeled after the farmhouse bed plans available on this site, but I used smaller scrap lumber. I wanted milk paint but was unwilling to pay the high price, so I bought a sample jar of antique ivory paint and watered it down. It turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
American Girl Dollhouse - Fits 18" Dolls
Farmhouse Bed for American Girl or 18" Dolls
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Kilz primer, Behr satin indoor paint (leftovers from our house)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

My First Bed

Submitted by toolman81 on Wed, 01/20/2021 - 12:10

This was my first bed since we can not find any in stock due to the pandemic. I switched up the headboard legs to 2x6s for a slightly wider base. This helped with the mattress in a box we ordered. I built a simple frame using 2x8s, all basic lumber from the big box store, and used 2x6s for the footboard legs. I built the bed frame just about two inches shorter in width to give it some variation in sight lines. I finished it with basic white enamel paint and put 1x4 slats under the mattress. My wife loved it and it turned out well.

Built from Plan(s)
King Size Fancy Farmhouse Bed
Estimated Cost
$380
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
White Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Double square X pedestal dining table

Submitted by eklein21 on Wed, 12/31/2014 - 11:44

Thanks for the great plans. I modified them slightly by building a 60x40 farmhouse style top and a double pedastel. The other change is that I made the side 4x4s into 2x4s. 

Built from Plan(s)
4x4 X Base Pedestal Dining Table with Planked Wood Top
Estimated Cost
~$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
General finishes gel stain in brown mahogony (https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-wood-stains-sealers/oilbase-gel-stains#.VKRQ2ivF9UM) and finished using general finishes arm-r-seal in satin (https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-top-coats/arm-r-seal-urethane-topcoat#.VKRRDyvF9UM) ... sealer is so strong it was harder to drill through then the wood when attaching the top to the bootom. Started with the pre-stain conditioner as well (https://generalfinishes.com/retail-products/oil-base-top-coats/pre-stain-wood-conditioner#.VKRRmyvF9UM)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

traciw25

Fri, 08/12/2016 - 12:58

Your table looks great!  Love the farmhouse top and your revisions.

 

Would you mind sharing what dimensions you went for the table top and what width you went on the doubt pedestal length?

 

THanks so much!!! I hope I get to have one like yours someday soon :)

Farmhouse coffee table under 40 - ( 65 dollars Canadian)

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Wed, 02/17/2021 - 15:50

This was my first project and had tons of fun building it. Can’t wait to build to end tables to match.
The plans are so easy to understand. The only change I made was instead of exposed screws I used the pocket hole method

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Coffee Table [Beginner/Under $40]
Estimated Cost
65 dollars ( Canadian)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax pre- stain wood conditioner, minwax classic grey ( 2 coats) minwax clear satin poly urethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

mh6558

Fri, 01/12/2024 - 08:33

This is beautiful and just the look I'm going for with the color scheme. I am wondering if it would be easier to paint the wood before constructing it? Also, what is the pocket hole technique? I think I would like the screws hidden too.

Chevron simple 1x10 single step stool

Submitted by Eplunkert on Thu, 01/08/2015 - 12:22

I built this stool for my niece's first birthday! It was super easy to build. The painting process was another story. In hindsight I should have just stained it but I wanted something fun and bright. I'm happy with how it turned out and I will definitely be making one for my nephew for his first birthday! Overall it took me about 2 hours to cut and put it together.

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Step Stool Plans - Straight Legs
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Spray paint and spray clear coat
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Drop Zone/mudroom

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 07:10

I used ShelfHelpNow which I LOVED! Got it delivered at the start of a snowstorm! Would never have made it then if I had to go get the wood myself!
Got so many compliments and requests
To build this.
Thank you for your easy plans and wonderful ideas!
In hindsight I would have either connected the two units or separated them more. I’m more a wing it/see how it goes type of builder for myself rather than a planner. 🤣
Diane

Built from Plan(s)
Built in Mudroom Bench with Open Bottom - Build in Any Size
Mudroom Locker Hutches - How to Build in Any Size
Estimated Cost
600 for carcass
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Putting it together took a couple hours. Painting and waiting for things to dry took a lot longer!
Hopefully this will free up some room in my house for more utilitarian closet/pantry.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Media Center

Submitted by brittanyj on Wed, 01/21/2015 - 08:59

Made this media center for a DIY TV show at my home and I think I'm proudest of this project!  It turned out so beautifully.  Shelf pin jig was used for movable shelves inside, ORB handles and knobs, a very smooth poly'd top, and plenty of room for our components.  The doors were the hardest part.  Being inset, they just didn't want to fit and would scrape the frame.  Lots of repositioning of the hinges.  The thick acrylic for the doors was a little difficult as well- it cut easily enough in the table saw, but screwing in threatened breakage.  It was also hard to fit them where their fasteners didn't compete with the knobs or shelves.  I also made the TV stand to match the media center (and because I didn't want to buy one!)  Love this project!

Built from Plan(s)
Benchmark Media Console
Estimated Cost
$120
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
kona stain, poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

DIYER_MD

Wed, 01/21/2015 - 14:37

This turned out nice. I did notice that you are showing the pocket holes on the inside. In the future you can get the Kreg pocket hole plugs to fill these holes. You glue them in the holes and you can then sand them down even and you will not see any of the holes.

Great job.

Farmhouse Hall Tree

Submitted by brino on Sat, 05/29/2021 - 07:53

Added a shelf for plants at the top, coat hooks.
I mounted the back panel to the wall so I could remove the supports between the bench and the back panel.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Hall Tree

Comments

Kitchen Table

Submitted by MikeB on Wed, 05/24/2017 - 09:27

My wife wanted an 8 foot long table, but wanted it to be a little narrower that as standard table. This one ended up being 97.5" x 29" I used a torch to scorch the wood then apply poly finish.

Built from Plan(s)
Triple Pedestal Farmhouse Table
Estimated Cost
250.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
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