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Storage Sectional

I had a horrible time finding an outdoor sectional that fit in my sunroom and didn't cost a fortune, so I adapted the Storage Sofa plan to work for my needs!

It took a couple of weekends, but I didn't work straight through both days - I would do one task at a time; cut all pieces, assemble boxes, stain, put together cushions, install in sunroom.

I used my kreg jig for as much as I could, and adapted from the original plan to leave the backrest open to give it a more outdoor look.  

Blog Link
Project Jumanji: Sunroom Sectional
Built from Plan(s)
Storage Sofa
Estimated Cost
$300-375
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Sandbox with seats

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 02/13/2017 - 22:09

This was my first project ever. I had a lot of fun and it didn't quite turn out right but next time it will be perfect.

Built from Plan(s)
Sand Box with Built-In Seats
Estimated Cost
$65
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Thompson water seal in cedar
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Modern Platform Bed with 4x4 legs

Needed a sturdy bed for our Autistic adult son. Added an extra bracket at the head and base to support the corners. Then used 4x4 for the legs. Painted it a fun color and he loves his new bed! Need to find some ideas for a headboard but this is such a sturdy bed. We love it! Thank you so much for these great plans.

Built from Plan(s)
Modern Platform Bed Frame [All Sizes]
Estimated Cost
65
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Krilon Chalk paint. Blue gray off the self color. (Primed first)
Minwax stain for legs.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

entry bench using barnwood for shelf/coat rack

thanks for the plans! Took me about three hours to build, sand and stain!

Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
gun stock stain and a mat finish
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Fancy X farmhouse with extension

This was the first piece of furniture  my husband  built. He also built a matching sideboard/buffet table.

Built from Plan(s)
Fancy X Farmhouse Table
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used a wood conditioner then used a dark walnut.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Modified Wide Cabin Dresser

Submitted by rhettar on Fri, 01/18/2013 - 20:59

I live in a small mobile home, so I didn't make the dresser as wide. I also used a little combo of the 2x4 look from the Rustic X Console (which I already made a modified version of) I liked the 2x4 look and I wanted the dresser a little sturdier because I was making it a little taller without a bottom shelf. It's 44" wide and 40" tall. I wanted a space where my dog could have her bed out of the way (you can already see her in her spot :) ) Because I didn't make it as wide I also thought 3 drawers to the top would be too busy, so I put two to the top and one large bottom drawer. It is already given me more room for clothes.

I have to estimate on skill level and time, because I do it here and there, but I probably finsihed this with in a week. I haven't been real good at keeping track of costs because I have bought wood here and there, but this may have been around a $100 more or less?

This was also my first project with drawers. The first was a toughie...but the other two went right in (???).

But I am proud of it and love it! Without Ana and her website I wouldn't have been able to do it....

I also have 4 other dogs who started out as fosters....so more space saving projects on my list....tons to do! So, please don't look at any mess, still lots of work in progress :)

Built from Plan(s)
Wide Dresser with Open Bottom Shelf - Cabin Collection
Rustic X Console Table
Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used 2 coats Behr paint and primer "Corner Stone" and Rust O Leum Dark Walnut stain (I've used Minwax before, but thought I would give it a shot). I paint and stain my pieces before I put everything together. This is just my preference I find it not as frustrating as trying to paint a big piece and getting into odd spots. The finish is what seems to be the most time consuming, waiting for the drying between coats. Before staining, I sanded around edges of pieces some enough to expose some wood. I also use a small brush for my stain mostly making a streak where the exposed wood was, use it sparingly and wipe immediately, letting the rag do the rest of the work in some places. I found this gives me the finished effect I like vs. other techniques I have seen or tried.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Ann M. (not verified)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 04:51

Lovely build and excellent space saver too. Also, so kind to keep your furry buddies comfort in mind as well.!

ACM (not verified)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 04:53

Lovely build! Love the adaptations to fit your space AND make a wonderful place for your furry buddies!

rhettar

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 05:20

Thank you for the comment Ann. Quite a few of my projects will have my babies in mind :)

Dana P (not verified)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 09:19

I love the way you painted it. Looks great!

Dana P (not verified)

Sat, 01/19/2013 - 09:20

I love the way you painted it. Looks great!

Laundry Cart

Submitted by ashlie on Thu, 11/13/2014 - 10:10

Super easy. Under $50 .. wanted an industrial look to match new shelves, and could storage laundry baskets. Wanted a certain width / color. Added extra pieces to bottom shelves to create a cubble shelve.

Love the outcome!

Built from Plan(s)
Easiest Industrial Cart
Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Varathane - Weathered Gray Poly Wood Stain (home depot stain + poly $14)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 02/18/2017 - 20:16

Here is my try at your table. I skipped the x's on the sides. 

Estimated Cost
$50
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax stain in Dark Roast
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Dollhouse Bookshelves

Submitted by GBolton on Mon, 01/21/2013 - 19:17

We used Ana’s plans in the Grade 12 Custom Woodworking class this semester at St. Theresa of Lisieux CHS in Richmond Hill, Ontario, Canada. Surprisingly the all boys class really enjoyed the project and there effort shows in the final products. We built them to order and sold them at cost to the other teachers to replenish the ever shrinking lumber budget.

For the first few bookcases we used wood screws,dowel plugs, and biscuit joints, but quickly smartened up and purchased a Kreg Master System. If you were on the fence about getting this system, then take our advice and go out and buy one. We now have a second system on order.

We added customizations with mitered trim pieces, custom colours, wallpapering (see pink shelf), and choice of a backer board or choosing to leave it open with trim all around. The project is such a hit, we now have 6 more shelves on-order for next semester.

Thanks for a great website.

Built from Plan(s)
Dollhouse Bookcase
Estimated Cost
$120 CAD
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Lowes Valspar Signature Paint (primer + paint)
(White, Pink, Lime Green, Wild Grape)
Because we used Pine with knots we used spackling compound to seal the knots and all parts were sanded with 80, 120 and finally 220 grit sand paper. Prior to painting in all corners we ran a bead of paint-able white caulking to give a nice finished look.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Thank You!

Greetings from Brazil. Thank you very much for the dollhouse bookcase plans. I did it to my goddaughter and she love it!

Built from Plan(s)
Dollhouse Bookcase
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
acrylic paint and fabric
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Large square Balustrade Coffee Table

Submitted by Dea Roc on Mon, 02/20/2017 - 13:53

About This Project

Loved loved the table and thought it would be perfect for our living room. I wanted an oversized square table so I adjusted the plans for a 55" square.  I also added center support frame due to size

I found round feet at Home Depot and counter sunk a nut onto bottom to screw in. 

I ordered the legs from Osborne. We assembled the table in sections since it was too large for our work table. I stained each section prior to assembling top to bottom. 

I used Minwax Pre stain. 2 coats Minwax Special Walnut. One coat Minwax classic grey which I wiped on and off immediately. Top coat Minwax poly 

My first ever wood project!

Thanks Ana and Jen's House of Wood for the idea and plan. 

Built from Plan(s)
Balustrade Coffee Table
Estimated Cost
275. Including legs.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Pre stain. 2 coats Minwax Special Walnut. One coat Minwax classic grey which I wiped on and off immediately. Top coat Minwax poly
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Tryde Side Table

Made a couple of Tryde side tables for our living room along with a Tryde coffee table and kids country bench.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut Danish Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

4x4 Truss Table and Bench

Submitted by smiljke on Wed, 11/19/2014 - 07:18

Great Project! a ton of fun!

Built from Plan(s)
4x4 Truss Beam Table
4x4 Truss Benches
Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

Round Farmhouse Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Mon, 12/07/2020 - 17:22

Here is Ana White’s round farmhouse table miniaturized into a coffee table measuring 18” in height and 36” in diameter using hardwood Ash.

The table top construction was slightly simplified by screwing six (1.5” x 6” x 36”) panels together. The circular saw jig setup worked out well.

A Kreg jig and a variety of clamps were instrumental in securing clean, tight joints for the base.

Thanks for the inspiration and useful tips on your site!

Built from Plan(s)
Round Farmhouse Table
Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Top: Varathane Premium Wood Stain - Kona / Rust-oleum Polyurethane Satin Interior

Base/Legs: Behr Ultra Pure White (7750) Interior Satin Enamel
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Raised Planter Box

Submitted by ang312 on Fri, 01/25/2013 - 12:24

Living in Tempe, Arizona, I am always in need of creative planter boxes so that I can garden with more ease. I loved this tutorial and recommend it to anyone, even beginners! A full tutorial can be seen here: http://www.barerootgirl.com/homemade/2012/11/5/homemade-diy-raised-gard…

 

Blog Link
Bare Root
Built from Plan(s)
Cedar Fence Picket Raised Planter with Shelf
Raised Planter Box with Bottom Shelf
Estimated Cost
$30
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Stain in Provincial
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Seasonal And Holiday
Spring
Summer

Book Box

Submitted by JoanneS on Fri, 11/21/2014 - 17:00

This is the prototype build for the Book Box plan.  It was a lot of fun coming up with the decoration ideas, and the build was quick and super-easy.  I plan on making more of these!    I used scrap wood and left over finishes for this build.  

Estimated Cost
This build was from scrap wood, and the paint was already on hand. The only things I had to purchase for this build were the hinges (about $3) and the craft paint ($2.49) and optional sticky-back velcro dots (they come in a package of 15 for $2.99)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Box: 3 coats Clark & Kensington semi-gloss in Crushed Peanut; spine: 3 coats Clark & Kensington gloss black; Pages/stripe: 2 coats Americana gloss enamel metallic in Glorious Gold;

Tip for clean paint lines: tape off the area to paint, and apply clear poly to tape edges and allow to dry before painting on the color.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Comments

JoanneS

Tue, 11/25/2014 - 14:11

Thanks Ana!  I had a lot of fun with this project.  Your Handmade Holidays collection inspired me!  Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!  :)  Joanne

Final Kitchen Rebuild Reveal!

Submitted by brittanyj on Sat, 12/12/2020 - 12:23

5 years. Y'all. FIVE YEARS.

5 years after starting this complete kitchen renovation, I have finished!
Very cool write-up and video featured on Family Handyman recently about my one woman build here:

https://www.familyhandyman.com/article/kitchen-remodel-five-years/?jwso…

This project included designing and building all new cabinets and doors from scratch, creating unique pullouts for our specific kitchen needs, and tiling the backsplash.

I couldn't be happier with my kitchen and every time I walk in there, it feels like I'm stepping into a magazine!

It may have taken me 5 years, but the wealth of woodworking skills and knowledge I gained from this project are priceless. As is a brand new kitchen for less than 5k.

I used many of Ana's plans, and honestly, I never would've taken on this huge challenge if I hadn't found this site. I specifically remember the day I saw her posting about the momplex kitchens and a spark hitting that I could ACTUALLY do this. Thank you Ana! I love my kitchen and it's even cooler that I built every last bit of it.

Through the years of learning and building both the kitchen and many other projects (don't ask me what's next because the list is a mile long) I feel very confident in the shop and count building time as "me-time". I've even started teaching a beginners woodworking class on skillshare, and have over 2,000 students so far. I love that people are getting empowered to build, just like I was. https://skl.sh/34FSP5A

Long live DIY!

Blog Link
Family Handyman Article Featuring My Build!
Built from Plan(s)
21" Wall Kitchen Cabinets - Momplex Vanilla Kitchen
36" x 15" x 24" Above Fridge Wall Kitchen Cabinet - Momplex Vanilla Kitchen
30" Sink Base - Momplex Vanilla Kitchen
Estimated Cost
>$5,000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Alkyd Enamel in Dorian Gray
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Bench Seat for our kids' toyroom

Submitted by Lewfam on Sat, 01/26/2013 - 21:26

We used Ana's plans from her dining room banquette bench and made a bench for our boys' toyroom. We didn't put a back on because the bench sits in the middle of the room. We love the way it turned out! Thanks, Ana!

Estimated Cost
Bench seat
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Lewfam

Sat, 01/26/2013 - 21:27

Woodworking part was for beginners but the sewing part was a bit challenging. I had never done box cushion corners before but I got the hang of it after the first corner.