Farm Table
Loved building this table. Look forward to building more! Thanks Ana!
Built from Plan(s)
Community Brag Posts
Farmhouse Bench
This was our first build. I have always wanted a rustic table and bench set, but they are so expensive. We already had a miter saw and jig saw, so I thought why not. We did not use a pocket jig when we built this, so we had to brainstorm for the bread boards. I found these really long screws at Lowe's and they worked great. I actually love the way they look. We are going to use the screws on the next bench even though we have a Kreg Jig now. Soon I will have my dream table without spending $2,000!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
I distressed the bench using a sock with two bolts in it. I also used a hammer, but was very careful to not hit it so it looked like a hammer imprint. I used: Minwax Pre-Stain wood conditioner, followed by Minwax Red Mahogany #225, and finished with Minwax Fast-Drying Polyurethane Clear Gloss. I put I think 3 coats of stain and 3 coats of Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Playhouse with swingset
I combined a few different plans here, mostly the Playhouse deck, swingset.
I haven't finished it yet, this spring I want to finish the exterior as it's just primed plywood right now. Still going to add a window above the balcony (there is a loft up there).
I insulated the roof/ceiling and will insulate the walls when we finish it. In the bottom we'll be putting in a sandbox with a cover that folds up into benches.
It was a fun project and should give our girls many years of fun.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Right now the plywood is just primed, we'll be putting some sort of siding or other exterior sheets to finish it.
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced
Farmhouse table!
Built this for a friend of mine and his fiancé. They just bought a house and thought I would help them fill it. This is my 2nd farmhouse table. I really like the thickness of the table.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$125 with bench and stain
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark walnut on top and white paint for the frame
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Cedar Raised Garden Beds
We made two $10 raised beds last weekend and can't wait to get them in the yard!
The cedar fence pickets ended up costing us about $15 per bed with another $15 for screws, so total cost was about $30 per bed.
We found it tricky to do the 1x2 pieces in the order recommended and when we make these again, will form the full box and then add on the 1x2s for support.
We made a YouTube video detailing the process - hope you'll check it out!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Dining table
I found this table idea on:
http://diy-my-homes.com/stunning-purebond-plywood-dining-table/
...then went for it. This is only the third thing I have built so it was one of those "Sure, I can do that" projects. At first I tried the hairpin metal legs, but they just didn't look right so I went with another design which I feel came out much better. Did a mix of 1 1/2" Birch and Oak strips on top of 3/4" MDF for the top. 2x6 routed out X for the legs bound together with 3 1/2" lag bolts and a 4x4. The chairs you see I picked up for $10 each from IU's surplus warehouse and the before/after are in the picture. All in all I am happy!
Thanks to Ana, Kelly and Dave for sharing their plans.
Estimated Cost
Table and Chairs - $250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Express - Black, Walnut, Oak, Black/Walnut mixed to make espresso, Minwax poly oil based seal.
Legs - Black gloss spray paint and clear coat.
Legs - Black gloss spray paint and clear coat.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Thu, 03/20/2014 - 04:00
Impressive for a first
Impressive for a first project. I love how you used the different stains.
Thu, 03/20/2014 - 04:00
Impressive for a first
Impressive for a first project. I love how you used the different stains.
Playhouse with Swing Set
We really enjoyed building this playhouse swing set for our kids. We have a decent slope to our backyard, so we needed to sink our posts, which required a bit more work thank Ana's plans. We also used a real window (my dad just happened to have in his garage) instead of the 3 open aired windows Ana's plans called for. Inside we built a fold under table, shelf, and a chalkboard for thier entertainment.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$800
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Home Office Solution
Both me and my partner work from home, where we share an office. It’s nice to be together all day, but not always. Sometimes we get on each other’s nerves, and sometimes we can’t stand the sight of each other. We’re a happy couple - it’s just that working from home together takes its toll from time to time.
First, I considered renting an office together with a friend. That idea did not last for long, unfortunately. The overall expense, as well as the ins and outs of council permits, forced me to scrap the idea.
In the end, I decided to go for a backyard office in the form of a log cabin. I put two and two together - these things are perfect garden offices and both me and my husband have some of that DIY enthusiasm in us. Why shouldn’t we give it a try?
Once we found the right backyard cabin company, everything went pretty smoothly. It took them six hours to build the whole thing. Granted, it’s a 4 x 3 sqm cabin, which I chose for three reasons.
Firstly, I thought it was big enough to give me the needed space. Secondly, a cabin of that size doesn’t dominate the garden. Finally, the guys from the company assured me that it doesn’t need council approval.
The cabin came fully installed. I got it with an insulated roof, fitted windows and doors, light sockets, and a deck. All that I needed was some furniture for a home office. Which is when I decided to check out the plan catalog on Ana White.
We decided to go for two projects - a simple office desk and a file cabinet. These were the only two things I really needed. As we’re both handy with tools, it took us two afternoons to complete the projects.
Once I got the furniture I needed, I started organizing everything. Here, I realized that setting up a functioning home office is a bit more complicated. Here’s a list of things I had to take into account:
A View
One of the first things I remembered was how important it is to have a view. Just like in the office in our home, I needed to have some natural daylight while I’m working. Moreover, I like opening the windows for fresh air in good weather. I put the newly-built desk close to the window.
Lighting
Having good natural light inside your home office is one thing. Having a good lighting solution is another. The lighting in our shared office was pretty good, so I wanted the same in my cabin.
Since it’s pretty small, we solved the issue with a ceiling LED lamp and a brass lamp for the desk.
Plants and Decorations
I love plants! I have a bunch of them in and around the house. Naturally, I decided to bring some into my new home office. I also brought in a couple of paintings, and I intend to start using essential oils, too. All of this makes for an atmosphere of a stimulating office, which I think is really important.
A Second Monitor
With new space that’s only my own, I decided to upgrade some of my techs. The first and most important thing was to purchase a second monitor. I always wanted some extra screen real estate, as I hate juggling windows.
I advise buying the same model as the one you already have. You’ll get the same screen fidelity and user experience.
A Sound System
Some people find music to be too distracting when they’re working. I’m not one of those people. My husband always nagged me about this. I finally managed to shut him up by finding out that work plus music equals productivity.
For that matter, I’ve decided to invest in a good sound system. I’ve set the speakers at the strategic spots around the desk. It’s a bit weird without my hubby around, so music also helps me feel less lonely while working.
The Right Chair
If you’re someone who works from home, do not underestimate the convenience of a good chair. It should be the core of your productive home office. Make sure to choose comfort over style.
I decided to avoid buying the chair online and went to a store. After testing nearly a dozen of them, I found one that provides the right arm, thigh, and back support.
Wire Management
Since my computer setup includes a lot of wires and cables, I was worried about them getting tangled up in such a small space. Clearing up this mess was pretty easy - I only needed a couple of zip ties and clamps.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Oak Blanket Chest
Over sized Oak Blanket chest. 60x25x31. There's a full 27" deep over storage space. Decorative border on the top is perfect is you want to add a seating cushion later. Natural wood color with just a clearcoat to enhance.
Estimated Cost
$180
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Delphs Semi Gloss Laquer
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Mon, 08/19/2013 - 02:19
Second the request for plans
This is beautiful!
I would love to see the plans for it.
Pottery Barn Inspired Media Console
This project has been a long time coming and I'm so excited that it is finally finished. We modified the plans to better fit our media center opening, so it is about the same dimensions as the original Pottery Barn Benchwright TV Stand. We also used true dimension lumber, so we adjusted the measurements based on that. This is definitely my favorite project to date!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Provincial
Minwax Polycrylic in Satin
Minwax Polycrylic in Satin
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Farmhouse Table
This was my 5th build. Took a few weekends working in the morning. Table is Weathered Oak (base) and Early American (top) stain. Modified the plans to make it slightly smaller so it would fit better in my kitchen. Very sturdy and table looks gorgeous in person, very happy.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110+/-
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Early American and Weathered Oak
Rustoleum Triple Thick Polyurethane (2 coats on base, 3 on table)
Rustoleum Triple Thick Polyurethane (2 coats on base, 3 on table)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Farmhouse Bed - Standard King Size
Really loved these plans and they produced a beautiful product. The only minor change I'd make is to double the number of support slats. Our Casper mattress requires gaps less than 3" between each slat. Thank you for the plans!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$430
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Honey Stain + Minwax Wipe-On Poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Fireplace and Bookcase Built-in
I used your guide for the shiplap fireplace and paired it with some ikea bookcases. Surprised the wife with it and she was completely blown away.
Built from Plan(s)
Sturdy Bunk Beds
We were shopping for bunk beds for our 5 and 3-year-old kids, and everything I saw was overpriced, mass produced junk. I'm not kidding - we were looking at $800-$2000 for anything that appeared to be remotely stable, let alone well-designed.
Naturally, I started searching for plans (it's the right thing to do), and naturally, I found my way to Ana White. This project began in earnest when I found the Side Street Bunk Bed plans here:
http://ana-white.com/2012/03/plans/side-street-bunk-beds
I figured I'd give it my own twist. I needed to practice using my DeWalt compact router (and the new trim router table my wife had given me months before), and any excuse to bust out my Kreg Jig is fine by me. I also had different ideas for the ladder and guard rails...so I printed out the plans, sketched out my variations, and proceeded to suffer through the indignity of lumber shopping at Home Depot.
I know what you're thinking - WHY would anyone even bother trying to find a straight board in THAT place? Well believe me, I suffered for the convenience of driving to the HD two miles from my house. I had to work each and every board like crazy, but eventually I got em all into fine shape. Wood wants to be good, even the crap they sell at HD.
About halfway through the build, I started to worry that what i was building was TOO sturdy - total overkill. But now that it's in use, I can tell you I'm glad I built with these plans. I can still climb up on top of the bed with both my kids if I want to and this thing doesn't budge. Not an inch. Not a creak. SOLID. Exactly what any parent wants.
Not a lot of complex tools involved here; my trusty Delta chop saw, my DeWalt 18v cordless drill, a DeWalt palm sander ( I spent hours with this), the Kreg Jig and a couple of clamps (of course), and the DeWalt Compact Router and table. The router really made a difference in the overall design – and I wasn't afraid of screwing up the lousy lumber I was working with. In the end, it all finished rather nicely.
I treated every piece with Minwax wood conditioner, then a single coat of Minway Polyshade in Pecan. Nothing fancy, but after sanding it down and giving it a polish, I gotta say it looks just as good as your average IKEA finish. Not bad at all.
This is the largest piece of functional furniture I've ever built, and my kids LOVE it. They talked about it for days after, and you can't buy that on Amazon. It was a real confidence builder, and I'm PSYCHED to move on to some nicer lumber and more complex projects!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Minwax Polyshade
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Thu, 05/24/2012 - 09:42
Beautiful!
That is really lovely. You should be proud and how wonderful that you created this experience for your boys instead. No doubt you have inspired and impressed them. Way to go.
Sat, 07/14/2012 - 16:01
Great job. We just bought the
Great job. We just bought the wood to make the same bunk bed. Would you mind sharing your dimensions/cut list for the ladder on your bunk bed? We would like to build the same ladder instead of the one that goes out to the floor.
Thanks.
Doing things big down in Texas
We decided to build this a bit bigger and taller. I will caution you to be careful as we came inches to not making it through our doorways. We expanded the depth 15" to make it a full bed and we extended the length of the legs to allow for 48" clearance underneath.
We also went with a rock wall instead of a ladder. I 1st built the angle too steep; recommend at least a 30 degree angle on a wall. Kid's love it; mom not so much when attempting to make the bed! :)
We went with military theme - green rope lights, camo netting for a roof, and sandbags filled with old clothes from my high school years for a bunker underneath.
Still working on a sign for top of the door.
Great project! Thanks for the idea!
Estimated Cost
materials $350; tools needed that I did not have $250
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Natural Color MinWax stain then Clear Satin Poly.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Modified Farmhouse Storage Bed (California King, headboard with bookshelves)
Modified the Farmhouse Storage Bed with Storage Drawers. Changed the design to california king and added booshelves to the headboard. Will eventually turn a shelf into a nightstand for water/light. I LOVE IT!! Thanks for the Design, Ana!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$400
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
minwax grey stain and light grey paint (I can't remember the color, but it's valspar prairie something)
Recommended Skill Level
Advanced
Farmhouse Table & Bench
We NEEDED a table really bad when we moved into our first home. This was really easy to build as it was only my second project doing woodworking. I must have put 5 layers of polyurethane on the finish, but it was sooooo worth it!
Built from Plan(s)
Two Tone Farmhouse Coffee Table
I have done quite a bit of woodworking never being great at any of them . But I truly love furniture building.
I have built several furniture pieces in my home several coming from you.
Built from Plan(s)
Hailey Platform bed
We needed a guest bed in a hurry and this fit the bill.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
100 total
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax provincial 211 and satin poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Comments
Thu, 12/20/2012 - 06:32
Platform bed
Thank you so much for posting this platform bed. I am building my first home. I am doing the finish work myself. Needing a box springs for a mattress I decided to build my own out of the scrap 2x4's and 1x4's. This bed style will fit perfectly in my new home!