Community Brag Posts

Modified Beginner Farm Table and Bench

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 06/28/2022 - 12:09

Altered the Beginner Farm Table plans to use 2x8s for the top and 4x4s for the legs. I used pocket holes for the table. I followed the bench plans almost exactly, adjusting slightly for the 2x8 tops. I am a beginner and I did it myself! The table and bench are beautiful and sturdy! Thanks Ana!

Comments

Fancy Farm House Bed

Submitted by jlouki01 on Sat, 08/24/2013 - 18:27

My son has been wanting a bed for a while now, We threw out his falsa-wood bed and I decided I liked this plan. I think I got the entire bed built in a few hours. There were a few details that would snag a rookie wood worker but just be creative in finding solutions. This bed is designed to be rustic.

I uploaded a very cheap assembly system that I used. I think total cost was less than 5.00 for two bolts and a couple washers.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
150
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Rust Oleum Black with burnished edges. Treated edges with Walnut stain.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Finally Built a Platform Bed!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 07/25/2022 - 10:39

I've been wanting to build this bed for awhile and finally got around to it. I made a few small changes to the plans:

-I used 2x8's instead of 2x6s, so it wouldn't be so low to the ground.
-I ripped 3/8" off of the 2x8 supports in the middle so the mattress would nest inside the frame and not slide around
-I didn't add the headboard because it seemed a bit chunky/rustic for my taste. I will come back and do something else for the headboard. Maybe a cool paneled wall with built in sconces? We'll see!

Love these plans though, appreciate it!

Comments

Fancy Farmhouse Bed to attach to existing frame

Submitted by Kboshers on Wed, 11/07/2018 - 10:00

This was a fun and quick build!  Because I had an existing bed frame (and didn't want to headboard to stick out past the mattresses) I narrowed this by eliminating (1) tongue and groove board and changing the "legs" to 2 x 6 boards instead of the 2 x 4's in the plan -- overall width ended up at 76-1/2".  Before framing out the tongue and groove, I cut the exposed tongue off of the last board so the frame would attach better. After getting it all together, I wished I had used a 1 x 4 (or perhaps even a 2x4) as the very top piece so it hung over the moulding more.  I painted it with Old-Fashioned Milk Paint in Tavern Green and sealed that with Howard's Citrus Shield.  The wax turned it a little too John Deere green so I'm thinking I'll go back with a Burnt Umber Wax to darken the color a little.  Overall this was a great project that got me back in Dad's wood shop and refueled my love of building things.  I'm searching out my next project now.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Boards were just about $40 but mouldings almost doubled that price to just around $75 total (I had all the needed fasteners). There were much cheaper moulding available in narrower widths, but I wanted them to be more substantial.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Milk paint and wax
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modern Adirondack Chair

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/13/2022 - 20:12

I made this with 1x6 since Home Depot didn’t have any 1x10 treated wood. All the wood I used is treated. I also used the exterior screws and put on a gray poly mixed stain for a little extra protection. I of course messed up the angles twice on the feet, but they just look like I gave them extra decoration now lol. Everybody loves this chair!

Comments

X based pedestal table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/10/2022 - 19:30

The entire table was made from 200mm x 50mm x 2400mm pine landscaping sleepers. Finished with Cabots benchtop clear

Comments

"Cull" Lumber from a big box store= cheap 2x4's for convertable picnic table

Submitted by MrQuinn on Mon, 08/15/2011 - 14:10

I found out what the rack in the drive up area of my local Lowes was!
I often see piles of wood and sheets or plywood and such sitting there, but I never paid it much mind-turns out its a clearance rack of sorts they call it the "cull" rack, because they are culling the items from inventory that may be cut, chipped marked etc.
So I was at the store buying something for my Bocce Court and saw this pile of 16ft 2x4's and saw they were only $20 and there was 8 of them- so I picked em up for a "future project".
Needless to say they weren't the truest boards but they worked well enough for something like this. I had to buy a 2x6 to attach the top to because 2x4's aren't wide enough to give proper clearance as the plans showed(and I really didn't want to reinvent the wheel on this) so i bit the bullet and bought a $3 2"x6"x8'
Now if you notice I used all 2x4's for this instead of 2x6 so I adjusted the top to 14 1/8 to accommodate 4 2x4 pieces separated by spacers I use when installing wood floors. I made no change to the seat dimensions, but there is 4- 2x4's vice 3- 2x6's.
Great plan- perfect for more seating on my weekly bocce nights and they hold in excess of 600 lbs easily for those concerned about load limits.
(Note for those curious, that is my Bocce court in the background, it is 10'x60' and built with pressure treated 4x6's and 2x4's and a whole bunch of DG and crushed oyster shells.)

Estimated Cost
$36
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
none-I very rarely finish my wood projects-I will probably spray with a sealant to slow the elements since they will stay outside.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

sgilly

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 11:14

I plan to build several of these for my daughter's family. They stand around a fire most nights in the spring. Those nights often end up with roasted hot dog dinners with the friends who have dropped by. The dual purpose of these would be perfect!

Custom made easy. Thank you!

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 10/17/2022 - 12:59

Wanted something that could accommodate two foot stools so I made a couple of changes to the bottom construction and added casters. My version is a bit rough and ready (first time building a piece of furniture) but your plan was easy to follow and it's perfect for our space. Thank you for making these plans available and your comprehensive videos! My husband wants to know when I'm starting my next project.

Comments

Closet shelving for sloped ceiling.

Submitted by kellystern on Mon, 01/09/2023 - 16:22

I used Ana’s Shelf Help Configurator to build these shelves for a deeply sloped ceiling. None of those well known Closet Organizer Companies could come up with a decent plan for this closet and they charge a small fortune.

Comments

Mother's Day Herb Garden

I followed the instructions for Ana's Herb Garden box. For the handles I used leather strips from Michael's. I think it turned out really nice! I almost wanted to keep it, but I still have scraps to build my own. I am LOVING the Minwax Special Walnut color. It's definitely my favorite!

Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Special Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Slightly Modified Hailey Storage Bed

Submitted by Lady Goats on Tue, 10/15/2013 - 14:55

My youngest was outgrowing her crib-turned-toddler bed, so I let her pick a bed for me to build, and this was her choice. Fortunately, it's a bed I've already built, so it sure made life easier. The plans for this bed are inaccurate, which I learned the last time I built it, so I was prepared for the modifications I would have to make. While I was at it, I made the headboard 4" shorter and the footboard an inch and a half taller (to hide the end of the mattress). I also trimmed out the dividers. All personal preference.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Valspar Low VOC paint, Ultra White in semi-gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Pam the Goatherd

Wed, 10/16/2013 - 19:12

What is that wall color and where did you get the rug???? Your build is, as always, beautiful, but I absolutely LOVE that paint color on the walls. Would love to use that somewhere in my home.

Full Size Simple Bed with Arch

Submitted by jalfieri on Mon, 12/05/2011 - 17:14

I'm building new beds for my daughters for Christmas. My oldest wants a bigger bed, so she's getting the full size simple bed. My baby bear needs a little more space in her room, so she gets the loft bed. The loft bed is finished but no pic's yet, as I can't assemble it till Christmas. For the full bed, I combined the Simple Full Bed with the Simple Bed with Arch. It's not quite finished yet, but here is a picture of the headboard. I'll add more pics when I'm done. I want to thank Ana for the hard work she puts into this website. To go out and buy similar beds to the ones I'm building would have probably cost me a couple thousand dollars, and would have been made of flake board. Because of Ana's plans, both my children will sleep on good quality, solid wood furniture for under five hundred dollars. Thanx Ana!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Premium Plus Ultra
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Kamado table

Submitted by lmarco191 on Sun, 05/16/2021 - 14:47

The table assembly was Inspired by farm table and workbench plans. It was built from construction grade untreated 4x4 and 2x6 and assembled using Kreg pocket screws and glue. Finish is semi-transparent wood stain. Rather heavy, the table have locking wheels to help move it. The lower shelf is used to store accessories.

The small kamado is just the right size for two people. I added a large ceramic tile under the firebox plus a small inlay next to the grill. That was the top of a small patio table. A few hooks were added as a final touch.

We built it last year; it gets a lot of use as a grill, smoker, bread and pizza oven.

We are very satisfied with the outcome. Many thanks for the plans and inspiration.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Semi transparent wood stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Jacob1234

Mon, 08/02/2021 - 23:34

Your grill is very beautiful, but I prefer cooking in the kitchen, I will explain why, I recently read a lot of Kitchenotic.com here, what connects me and the kitchen most of all is the answers to my any questions, no matter how stupid they are and the answers were always correct

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!!

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!

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

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.

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

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

In reply to by Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

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?

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

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.

In reply to by Guest (not verified)

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...

In reply to by JessiW (not verified)

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!!

In reply to by Kelly Kelley (not verified)

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! :)

In reply to by Amanda D. (not verified)

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!

In reply to by Kirstie (not verified)

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!!

Raised Planter Box

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 05/16/2023 - 11:59

I helped my 3 grands make this for their mom for Mother's Day. They loved it and she was over the moon!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Holiday Colored Tapered Crates

Submitted by PL8IM on Sun, 06/04/2023 - 15:49

We like to fly the flag in our family so 4th of July is a big deal for us. I built three sets of crates to share, each with a little difference but all three with red white and blue stain from HD.
Easy to build and the instructions/plans were perfect. Nine crates required four cedar picketts.

Comments

my daughters big girl bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/22/2016 - 10:10

I was looking for a bed for my daughters room. She does not have much storage or room so this plan worked perfect. Took about two days so a great weekend project. Built with love unlike from a store.

Estimated Cost
Around $250 for all the material
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Poly clear gloss
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Adirondack inspired chair

Submitted by sidman on Tue, 02/14/2012 - 02:31

I was inspired to build this adirondack chair after I built a couple from Ana's child adirondack chairs. I love everyone of her projects and have a LONG "honey do" list to complete.

Estimated Cost
25.00
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Red Oak stain with a two coats poly coating.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Cindy from Indiana (not verified)

Tue, 02/14/2012 - 12:52

This chair turned out great! For only $25? Can't beat that with a stick!

sidman

Wed, 02/15/2012 - 19:06

Thanks everyone for the nice comments. My plan is to build a double (side by side)Adirondack chair in the next few weeks. Right now i gotta finish my dining room table. Always something to do!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 02/22/2012 - 08:41

Looks so comfortable and it would look great on my front porch. Thanks for posting.

Zenrunn (not verified)

Tue, 06/19/2012 - 16:52

Gorgeous chair! But when I try to click the link to the plan, it says "page not found."ncan anyone direct me to where I can find the plan for this chair?

King-Size Pottery Barn Stratton Bed

Submitted by Alisha on Wed, 02/22/2012 - 20:16

King-Size Pottery Barn Stratton Bed Knock-Off with fabric upholstered headboard. See my blog post for more information and headboard tutorial: http://www.snugasabugbaby.com/pottery-barn-knock-off-king-size-stratton…

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Old Master's Clear Wiping Stain (1 coat), Dark Mahogany Gel Stain (2 coats), Paste Wax. See my blog post for more information: http://www.snugasabugbaby.com/pottery-barn-knock-off-king-size-stratton-bed/
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

spiceylg

Thu, 02/23/2012 - 15:22

You did a great job. Been debating on whether to tackle this one myself.