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(Mini) Modern Park Bench

Submitted by philuk on Mon, 07/15/2019 - 15:16

I needed a replacement outdoor bench to fit a small space between two door openings. Reduced the length of the Modern Park Bench to about 44". Also reduced the depth by removing one of the seat planks to retain a sense of proportion.

Had some issues with some of my 2x4s being a bit twisted which impacted the overall build quality but I'm happy with the end result considering the price/time invested.

Tip: spend some time in the lumber yard picking out your own wood - I wish I had.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Park Bench
Estimated Cost
£35 in timber.
Less than £5 for the finish.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Two coats Cuprinol Garden Shades in 'Urban Slate'
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Easy Build DIY Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 04/18/2023 - 07:46

I was looking for planter boxes for my front door and these were easy and super sturdy. I absolutely love them and how they enhanced this area! Thank you Ana for this simple yet impactful plan!

Built from Plan(s)
Easy Build DIY Planter Box with Cedar Fence Pickets

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Laptop Table Customization

Submitted by hapsap on Sun, 12/25/2011 - 06:08

Thanks for the laptop table idea. I added a shelf, used furniture sliders for the feet (on carpet), and did a plastic inlay on top to put pictures. I used primed white MDF and painted it black, then brown, and gave it a weathered look by sanding it. This was a Christmas present for my mom and she loves it.

Built from Plan(s)
Rolling C End Table or Sofa Table
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Interior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Leslie in RI (not verified)

Sun, 12/25/2011 - 09:57

I built this shelf for my two pugs to hang their stockings for Christmas. As you can tell, they've been a little naughty lately. Actually, Lesterann, my three month old, has been the naughty one. Calvin, my 13 year old, is a prince. :)

I love this shelf and can't wait to use it in the kitchen as a reminder board.

Merry Christmas Everyone, and thank you Ana for all you do.

Apothecary style coffee table

Submitted by bhammond on Tue, 11/12/2013 - 12:12

Apothecary-style coffee table. I love it. And my family room is clean!

Built from Plan(s)
Apothecary Coffee Table with Toybox Trundle
Estimated Cost
100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Old white paint I had stashed away, stained with coffee. I simply painted coffee over the white parts of my project, waited 20 minutes, then wiped it off.

Minwax english chestnut wood finish on table top. I also used a q-tip to apply this finish to sanded edges of false-drawers and corners.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Farmhouse bedside table inspired nightstand

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 01/30/2016 - 19:54

This nightstand was insprired by the Farmhouse Bedside Table.  I was looking for ideas for a simple nightstand with a drawer and the Farmhouse Bedside Table was almost exactly the style I was looking for. I used solid walnut which accounts for a majority of the cost. Typically I would use motise and tennon joints for something like this but decided to try pocket hole joinery in an effort to save some time.  Overall, it worked well with the exception of the top rails. When I attempted to screw the top rail to the leg, the screw split the leg likey because of the screw going in so close to the edge. Instead, I just glued and clamped the top rails.

One unique feature is a power strip mounted in the back.  The drawer depth is reduced to make room for a 3 outlet power strip with 2 USB charging ports so that phone/tablets can be charged.

Built from Plan(s)
Farmhouse Bedside Table
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Clear satin polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Minnie Mouse Kids Chair

Submitted by Sketch1999 on Sat, 07/20/2019 - 18:56

I took a shot at the Minnie Mouse Adirondack chair for a birthday present.  

Built from Plan(s)
Kid's Adirondack Chair
Estimated Cost
$40
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rustoleum enamel paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Poolside Dinner Table using the Beginner Farm Table plans

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 04/23/2023 - 17:05

I modified the original plans to make the table narrower and lighter weight for my narrower patio. To do this, I used 1x8 (qty 4) pine boards on the top. The legs were cut at 29.25" to achieve the 30" height. The cross pieces were cut at 25.5". This gave me a 29" wide table. I went with a wood prep application, stainable wood filler, stain (Minwax Special Walnut), and 3 coats of spar urethane (for UV protection). The wood filler reacted with the wood prep and turned orange. I had to sand it out and redo it. Lessons we learn along the way! The brown table with the black chairs coordinates with all of my patio furniture. I am ready to host a dinner party around the pool! Thank you Ana White!

Built from Plan(s)
Beginner Farm Table (2 Tools + $50 Lumber)

Comments

Dress up carts

My sister and sister-in-law asked for dress up carts for their girls for Christmas, I did 2 different kinds and they turned out great and the girls love them.

Could not get the link to work, so here it is: http://ana-white.com/2010/11/craftiness-not-optional’s-dress-storage

Blog Link
Dress Up Carts
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Rustic Tall Secretary

I needed some good storage for my laundry/mud room, and loved Ana's tall secretary plan. I was on a pretty tight budget, so I decided to modify things a bit so I could use some old 2x12 boards from my Dad's barn. I subbed out the 1x12's and 1x2 trim by simply using the thicker boards. I decided to leave off doors on the bottom for now, and added a curtain with a suspension rod to hide our cat's litterbox. I also added a shelf for extra storage. Now she loves hiding in there and jumping out at me when I do the laundry! I made the flip down door with some old fence pickets and simply planked them together with a cleat on the back. I didn't have any euro or hidden hinges, so I used small basic hinges and attached them to the 3/4" inside edge of the door and the base of the cabinet so the door can flip down fully for easy access to my laundry soap. I really like the rustic look of the secretary, and it's perfect for sorting all the mail and keeping it off my counters!

Blog Link
Knocked Off: Tall Rustic Secretary
Built from Plan(s)
Tall Secretary Cabinet with Mail Slots
Estimated Cost
free
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
None, I may clean it up and wax it to prevent any soap stains
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Farmhouse table

This was my first "big" project. I built it for Thanksgiving. I recently bought a home, and everyone wanted to have Thanksgiving at my new home I had no table, so I built one. Can't wait to start my next project. Love the site!

Built from Plan(s)
Narrow Farmhouse Table
Estimated Cost
$50-$75
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax polyshades in Bombay Mahogany, I just sanded the entire table, and applied with a stain brush. Nothing fancy, just applied two coats.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Rustic Table with Beam Legs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 04/28/2023 - 14:52

Just a super heavy rustic table I built for my neighbor. Thank you Ana for help in giving me the confidence to start my wood working journey.

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday
Easter

Kitchen Set

Submitted by lunabin on Sat, 12/31/2011 - 07:08

My husband made these over the course of the last year. We started with just the sink, and are still looking for a good faucet. For Christmas this year he added the oven and microwave stand using the sink design just scaled a little narrower. I made the curtains and the are attached with wooden dowels screwed into the sides. The sink basin is a dog bowl from Big Lots, and the clock was made from a set at Michaels. We bought a lot of the kitchenware from a flea market in town along with The Dollar Tree. My daughter is turning 3 this month, and loves to cook along with Mommy!

Built from Plan(s)
Simple Play Kitchen Sink and Stove
Build The Cutest Play Stove EVER!
Estimated Cost
$150 for all 3 pieces
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Superhero Loft Bed

This was my first Ana White project and we had a blast putting it together. The plans were clearly explained and the end result is a sturdy loft bed for my son.

There were only a few modifications to this build from the suggested plans. First, I traded out the 2X6's for the bed supports and replaced them with 2X8's. I also replaced the cleats with 2X3's and used the same for the bed slats. Between the slats and the mattress is 1/2" OSB. We also did not use the steps as it took too much floor space for our needs. We added some 2X4's for a ladder step up to the landing.

The theme is Superhero so I designed a custom hero logo in Adobe Illustrator, printed it out and carved it into 3/4" birch plywood with a rotary tool and router.

We're pretty much done with the bed. We now just have to arrange the room and add some lights underneath and maybe some extra storage under the landing.

My boy loves his new bed and I loved building it with him and my dad. It was a blast and will be one of the most memorable weekends of our lives! There's nothing like building with family.

Built from Plan(s)
Camp Loft Bed with Stair, Junior Height
Estimated Cost
$200 (including new mattress)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
The finish is two coats of Clark-Kensignton paint + primer availabled at Ace Hardware. The red accents are from the "oops" pile of paints I rummaged through while they mixed my gray paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

DIY Lift Top Coffee Table - Rustic X Style

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 02/04/2016 - 18:55

Just wanted to do something a little more original.

 

Built from Plan(s)
Rustic X Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
$230
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

kitteny

Tue, 02/07/2017 - 06:33

Could you please provide the plans for this table? Looks perfect for what I need. Thanks!

Table and chairs

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/08/2019 - 09:57

When we took the wall out from between the living room and kitchen in our small farmhouse, we found that our tiny table just didn’t work and we definitely needed more space at the table with the kids growing. So this is what I built. I wanted it counter height so I can have extra working space in the kitchen during canning and baking. I love how versatile it is in our space as well. We did cut down the backs of the chairs because it was too tall and overpowering in the small space. I also didn’t account for the seat length and wanted the whole chair to pushed up right to the table, so we adjusted the side measurements and made three of the chair seats one board smaller. They are perfect for the kids. Now on to the cabinets and painting the walls!

Built from Plan(s)
Counter Height Bar Stool

Palette Mud Kitchen

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/05/2023 - 03:16

Here's the Mud Kitchen I made for my son's kindergarten. All made from palettes. Unfortunately your plans came out just too late

Built from Plan(s)
Mud Kitchen

Comments

Playhouse Loft Bed with Stairs

Submitted by Karajoy on Tue, 01/03/2012 - 18:12

When I showed my husband the plans for this playhouse loft bed on Ana's site, he decided that we needed to build it for our daughter for Christmas. We combined the two plans for the Playhouse & the stairs and modified it slightly to fit our space. We had left-over carpet which we used on the stairs. She absolutely LOVES it!! And secretly, I think her 3 older brothers do, too. Thanks SO much, Ana!!

Built from Plan(s)
Storage Stairs for the Playhouse Loft Bed
Playhouse Loft Bed
Estimated Cost
350
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint is BHG Pink Carnation.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Phillip (not verified)

Wed, 01/04/2012 - 14:17

How can I get a copy of the plans?

Anonymous Coward (not verified)

Thu, 01/05/2012 - 07:16

Philip and Guest -
The plans are free, and click on the links in the post

From Plan: (plans are linked here)

Shameka (not verified)

Tue, 11/13/2012 - 18:29

Hey,
How do I get a copy of the plans for this bed? I would love to do this for my daughter for a birthday gift. I have gone to the section where it says plans but there is no link to click on. Thanks in advance.

Guest (not verified)

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 09:20

I would like to know how to get a copy of the plans for this bed. This is exactly what I want to do in my little girls room but I have not beed able to find plans. Thanks!

Karajoy

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 21:44

If you look in the section above, you'll see "From Plan:" There are two links (they're black and don't look like links. You'll need to hover over them). One for the basic bed and one for the stairs.

kelly.abbott (not verified)

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 18:38

I do not see the plans for the playhouse loft bed. Where is it located? Can you email it to me or post the link?

Guest (not verified)

Sun, 01/22/2012 - 11:57

Hi, I was wondering what age group this is best suited for? I can't tell from the size of the pictures, and my daughter is only 2.

Karajoy

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 21:38

I would say your 2 year old daughter is a little young for a bed this high. I think general guidelines would suggest waiting until age 6 for lofted and bunked beds, but I think that's being very cautious. Our daughter is just about to turn 4 and she does fine in it.

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Wed, 01/25/2012 - 11:29

You did a great job! That looks fantastic!

I'm going to be making this bed within the next month or two for my daughter. She's 4 (will be 5 in April). I know the overall design isn't *that* high off the floor, but my daugter has a tendency to roll out of bed...often. LOL

Do you find the guardrail/slats are high enough to prevent roll offs, or should I add some height to them when I build?

Yours turned out awesome! I can see why your daughter (and sons) love the bed!

Cindy

Karajoy

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 21:34

Hi Cindy.
Thanks for your kind words.
We had the same concerns about our daughter rolling or falling out. She is almost 4, but still had rails on her previous bed. We put the slats that the mattress sits on in the very lowest possible position and actually traded twin mattresses with her brother who had a thinner mattress. Her's had a pillow-top and even the extra 2 inches made quite a difference.
There are nearly 9 inches between the top of her mattress and the top of the rails which is plenty to prevent accidental roll-outs, but it certainly wouldn't hurt to add extra if it would make you more comfortable.
Now if we could just keep her from standing up there, I'd feel a whole lot better. lol
Good luck with yours.
Kara

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Sat, 01/28/2012 - 07:27

Hey Kara,

Thank you so much for replying! That does make me feel more comfortable that there will be around 9" between the mattress top and the rail top. Not sure yet if I'll add a bit more or not, but it's good to hear how it worked out for you guys. Now I'll be hoping to keep my little dare devil from trying to 'fly' off the top of it and we'll be good to go. LOL

Thanks, again! That was really helpful.

Cindy

Guest (not verified)

Thu, 01/26/2012 - 12:59

Hi! LOVE THIS!!! Am planing on making for my daughter. Any chance there are plans for this in a Full Size bed?

Karajoy

Fri, 01/27/2012 - 21:48

I've seen some posts on Ana's Brag Boards of these lofts with full sized mattresses on top. Ana's original plan is a twin bed, but others have modified it to suit their needs. You may just want to search and see if anyone has included their plans for a full. Sorry I can't be more help. Good luck!

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 01/30/2012 - 08:09

I will be making this for my boys. For the guard rail, I will be making it go all the way to the ceiling, since they like to jump off of things. They will get a kick out of it because it will be a "wild animal cage", lol.

Karajoy

Sat, 02/04/2012 - 16:14

Love it! It takes the safety issue out of the equation totally. Great idea. I know they'll LOVE it, too.

JessiW (not verified)

Tue, 01/31/2012 - 18:32

That is very nice if you dont mind me asking how long did you make that one... I am wanting to make one for my daughter but I dont have 103 inches that called for in the one plan...

Karajoy

Sat, 02/04/2012 - 16:10

We made our bed to the exact specifications that Ana gave (103"), however, if you need to save space, you could leave the stairs off and opt for the ladder.

Kelly Kelley (not verified)

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 15:42

I tried to get the plans for this bed and I cant seem to locate. Could you help please? Thank you!! What a beautiful bed!!

Karajoy

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 18:34

Hi Kelly,
There are links to the 2 plans in the "ABOUT THIS PROJECT" section above. Just hover your cursor over the "From Plans:" and the links will change color. They appear black and therefore, don't look like they're linked to anything. They're both there. Good luck!!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 02/10/2012 - 14:23

I cannot find the plans to this bed. Could you email them to me ? Abby

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 02/24/2012 - 17:03

We were looking for plans to build a loft bed to save space in our 3.5 year old daughters room. My husband found this and we are sold on this idea. She is going to flip when she sees her new bed! Love it!

Amanda D. (not verified)

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 20:01

Hi there, I was wondering if you could tell me where you got the fabulous little washer and dryer combo that I see in the photo. I know the sweet owl painting is from target, but I love the little play space you seem to have created! :)

Karajoy

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 19:42

The little set inside is from Playskool's Rose Petal Cottage collection. It's a little miniature set and worked perfectly in this space.

Kirstie (not verified)

Sat, 03/17/2012 - 22:52

I LOVE this so much! I love the color scheme as well, we decided to copy the scheme in my daughter's room. I was wondering where you got the curtain from? Did you buy it or make it yourself? It's almost exactly the color of the green paint we bought so I would love to know. Also, I love the washer and dryer too, also curious about that. Thanks!

Karajoy

Mon, 03/19/2012 - 19:40

Hi Kristie.
I made the little curtain and the little washer/stove/sink set are from the Playskool Rose Petal Cottage collection. Good luck building your playhouse. It's a little girl's dream!!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 03/21/2012 - 20:27

Hi Kara,
I'm really interested in building two of these for my girls... they caught my attention because they've been asking for a bunk bed and I don't want to do a bunk bed because I hate the idea of struggling to change the bedsheets. Just wondering if it's a hassle with a bed this height.

Yours looks amazing, btw!

Thanks,
Sarah

gabey2329 (not verified)

Tue, 04/10/2012 - 11:18

oh my god i love this it would be awesome for my daughter also. were you able to stay in your budget???? do you think is a safe style for a 3 year old? she would go absolutely nuts!

Guest (not verified)

Fri, 04/13/2012 - 20:17

so beautiful! if i wanted to do this with a full mattress how would i tweak the measurements? i want to do this with a full with the stairs... just so she can be in the bed for a longer period and also the space underneath to be a bit bigger... also if i wanted to make the stairs have a drawer? i really would appreciate alll the feedback if possible because im so far from handy... :-/ and 1 more thing how did u get a light down there?

Veahava

Fri, 05/11/2012 - 18:27

I was wondering if once put together is it easy to take apart? My dad builds houses for a living and was going to make it for my daughter at his house then bring it to mine to set it up

Sharlean (not verified)

Sun, 06/10/2012 - 14:40

My husband and I just finished making this bed with stairs for our 3 year old and he loves it.

Rebeccaguest (not verified)

Tue, 06/12/2012 - 06:41

what age would you reccommend this for?? my son is 3 n a half and i woant to attempt to make this bed, but dont want to spend time and money if i will have to buy him a new bed in a couple of years. i would like it to last a good while. also, like veahava, i was wondering if this was easy to dismantle once put together as i am planning a move in the future, thankyou

winter_baby26

Thu, 06/28/2012 - 07:43

This looks amazing! I'm sure your daughter was thrilled. I can't believe it only cost $350 to build - I have no doubt you would pay significantly more than that if you bought something similar at a store.

Claire_UK (not verified)

Tue, 10/02/2012 - 02:14

This is absolutely divine - you are so talented! I have just found this website and can't imagine I'd ever be able to make something so beautiful. Putting up a shelf is beyond me. Your daughter must be so proud of her little nighttime palace!

Christine N (not verified)

Sun, 10/21/2012 - 20:01

I am trying to get the plans for this bed with the stairs but when I click on the link it doesn't give me the plans. Help, my granddaughter would love love love this. Thank you so much.

Nikki_DivaMomm… (not verified)

Thu, 12/06/2012 - 20:30

I LOVE this bed ! It's exactly what my husband & I are looking for !! With your measurements, is this suited for a toddler mattress or a twin??

Tara Payon (not verified)

Mon, 12/17/2012 - 20:42

Love love love this bed, what size mattress does it use?

cevans81

Wed, 09/11/2013 - 05:11

We made this bed for our daughter and now my son and daughter play with her kitchen and table underneath in the playhouse. Your instructions were so easy to follow and everything matched up perfectly. We did do the ladder due to space but the bed is beautiful. We get so may compliments when people come over and I always tell them about your website. You truly have awesome ideas! I can not wait for the next project and I am sure it will be off your site :-)

kullmann

Mon, 10/07/2013 - 17:26

I love your playhouse with loft bed! How tall is the underneath part? Would you be able to fit a desk underneath? Also, could the plans be adjusted to accommodate a double bed?

THANK YOU!!

Children's Ladder Bookshelf

Loved doing this project! We had been have a book-tastrophy for over a year. Too many books and not enough shelf space, and the shelf space we had wasn't being used efficiently. I love the different sizes for different books. We made some adjustments to the plans including using baseboard and wider shelves.

We did a blog post going into more detail here:

http://thisinsanehouse.blogspot.com/2013/11/brag-post-diy-small-footpri…

Thanks for viewing!

Blog Link
Children's Small Footprint Ladder Bookshelf
Built from Plan(s)
Book or Magazine Ladder Shelf
Estimated Cost
$20
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Painted it white first, then attached blue painter's tape and painted blue over that. Once that was almost completely dry, we peeled it away for clean lined chevrons. The chevrons weren't made to be perfect since they'll be covered 99% of the time.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Jake's Beach Cabin Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 02/07/2016 - 08:18

I built this for my son's beach room.  We stained the roof to match his dresser and built him a ladder as well.  

Built from Plan(s)
Cabin Bed by Jen Woodhouse
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
High Gloss white and Colonial Maple stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Locker cabinets

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 08/29/2019 - 00:24

Modified the plans to make a fourth cubby, they turned out great!

Built from Plan(s)
Locker Bookshelf - Full Size
Estimated Cost
$190
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Early American
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate