Gray Barn Door Console
Built by Renee Boone
Built from Plan(s)
Community Brag Posts
Mudroom Bench and Hutch
Mudroom locker hutch… fit to my hallway entry.
Matt McClements
Clara Table & Chairs
Fun, easy build. This is the first project from this site and the kids loved helping make their own chairs. They got to pick their own color paint - I think I spent more on paint than I did on the wood!
Built from Plan(s)
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Dresser/Changing table
Similar to a previous poster, I was inspired to build this project to use as a combo dresser/changing table for our first child's nursery. It took quite a few days worth of work (spread out over a couple of months altogether) but I finally finished the bulk of the work a few days before entering the third trimester of pregnancy, phew! I think we'll enjoy this piece for years to come, thanks Shane and Ana for the plans! (Please excuse the poor lighting and ugly garage, we haven't set up the nursery yet so the dresser may be living in the garage until we do!)
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300ish
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Annie Sloan Chalk Paint in Pure White. Love this paint but it has a very matte finish on its own and will need to be waxed for protection that I'm waiting until the pregnancy is over to finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
4x4 Farmhouse Table (unfinished for now)
Found these plans and fell in love! Opted to use 7 2x6's for the top with 2x8's for the breadboard! Knocked it out between Saturday and Sunday. Planning on doing the steel wool and vinegar agingtechnique after distressing the table with various tools. Ended up being 7ft 1/2 in by 3ft 2 1/2in. Definitely looking forward to searching through the plans and trying other projects! Was my first time building a furniture piece from scratch!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Roughly $120 in materials
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Nothing yet...
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Outdoor tables
I built these for outdoor. Made them narrower than actual plan. Love them! Thank you for the plan!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$150
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Black gel stain and Sherwin Williams Alpaca paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Easy Bed Frame and Headboard
This was a fun project to complete. I highly recommend adding a 1x3 or 1x4 in the middle of the back side to keep the 60" 1x boards straight. I used 1-1/4" screws and drilled pilot holes first. This kept all the long boards in line.
Wendy Sherlock
Built from Plan(s)
Cottage bench for my cape-cod
I really wanted a place to sit down and take my shoes off when I got home. I don't have a large entryway, so the space was tight. I looked online for a bench that would fit the measurements, and found a few that looked good-- except for the price! Luckily I already knew about Ana White, so I came here in search of some plans and lo and behold she already had plans posted for the exact same bench I liked most from the catalogs!
I've used power tools before, but never actually *built* anything from scratch. I thought my boyfriend would help me with this (he's got woodworking experience), but I got tired of waiting for him to get around to it, so I just did it all by myself!
I first attempted to make this without a Kregg Jig, cause I didn't want to spend the money on it if I didn't need it. But it didn't take long to figure out that I needed it. So back to the store I went (found out the hard way that Lowes sells Kreggs but Home Depot does not, at least the ones near me). And holy cow it was SO WORTH IT!
I also got to buy a new sander for the project, cause the hand-me-down from my dad had a missing bit of the clamp that holds the sandpaper to the sander (kind of essential)
So all in all I spent more than the catalog price of the bench, but I will get to use the tools to build all sorts of fun stuff!!!
Thank you Anna! You empowered me to build exactly what I wanted and I LOVE IT!!!!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$50 wood + Kregg Jig (and screws and wood plugs) + palm sander
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Red paint, to match my front door. Still need to protect the finish with some sort of sealant.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Craftsman Frame
Had an old concert poster that I had been looking to frame. Glad I found these plans.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Provencial stain with two coats glossy polyurethane
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Bench from my old barn wood
I used old barn wood I had out back its not a perfect fit all across the top but I made it that way on purpose I like the things that don't look perfect! Great project did it all in about 2 hours!
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Coffee Table with Drawers
I distressed my wood with a sawzall, then stained with gray and whitewashed! Love how it turned out!
Emily Boyas
Built from Plan(s)
Media Center
Easy, fun great project that my husband and I did together. This project cost about $202, and I will take that price over the price that you would have to pay in the furniture store any day. We found some great wood at Lowe's that worked perfectly and gave it the "rustic" look that we like. Thanks Ana for the plans and sharing them with us.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$202.54
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
We used Minwax wood conditioner and then a coat of Minwax Dark Walnut stain. We then used a coat of poly followed by wet-dry sandpaper for the smooth finish.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Wed, 05/16/2012 - 19:01
Damn that's nice!
That's a fine quality piece of furniture!
Why can't I get dark walnut stain to look like that?
Wed, 05/16/2012 - 19:45
Getting the right stain look
Debi_G, I've had lots of trouble getting stains to look the way I want too. What I've taken to doing is either mixing my own (see http://claydowling.com), as well as trying out various commercial stains until I find one that satisfies my desires. Good use for your scrap.
So far the best commercial stains I've found are from General Finishes. They're designed to sit partially on top of the wood, which prevents some of the splotchy and washed out look that make some stains unpleasant to work with.
Simple outdoor sofa for the pool!
An easy build! Thanks for the plans, Ana. This was a housewarming gift for some friends and it now sits nicely by their pool. I got the cushions from Ikea (Arholma range) and sized the sofa around them. I used 2x3s for the frame and added a couple of 2x3 support legs under the back cleat for extra support. I also attached a couple of 2x3 pieces between the back cleat and the back apron for the back support to rest on. Now for the table... :)
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$250 including timber, cushions and paint
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Dulux Weathershield paint, 2 coats. Cushion covers were dyed navy blue with Rit.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner
Outside table with built in cooler
I made this table for a friend of mine. I'm a Realtor and he used me to help purchase his home. Instead of a boring house warming gift, I made him this table instead!
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$75
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Colonial maple stain.
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
Sectional Couch
We had an ugly yellow/orange flowered couch and rocker in the living room when we bought this place. I usually build stuff, but he is much faster at it than I am, so he did it this time. Finally got rid of it and my husband built the 2x4 outdoor sofa set. I love them. If we need to, we can also take this outside for our annual family/friends reunion we have.
Susan Jeanblanc
Built from Plan(s)
Playhouse loft princess bed
My daughter was turning 4 and we were expecting our 2nd child in a few months and needed her crib/toddler bed back to start setting up the nursery. After googling fun big girl beds for a few weeks i came across the plans for the cottage bed and decided to sit down with my husband and decide if we could build her this bed. by building instead of buying the bed of her little girl dreams we were creating many fond memories with her and a real attatchment to it so she would actually sleep in it. We went through alot of the other brag posts first and picked out a few things we liked from each and made a few modifcations. I felt the spindles around the bed needed to be taller to keep her from falling out of the bed. We also made a door way under the slide that is now a little secret fort for her to go in and read her books and have quiet time. Under the steps my husband made a closet for her dress up clothes utilizing as much of the space under the bed as possible as it takes up most of her bed room We painted the back wall under the bed with chalk board paint to give her a art space under there as well. In the end it took us about a month to build the bed working on it on the weekends. We spent around 500 dollars including the purchase of a few tools we diddnt have and needed like the kreg jig and all the paint and princess decals. She loves the bed and my very amazing handy husband has been approached by many friends and family members to make one for their children as well.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
500$
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar paint
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Comments
Flat book rack
Built this for my son's nursery. Cutting and assembly was a snap. Took under four hours. Painting however took forever. I'm a slow and careful painter. Each coat took two hours, then sanding in between. I'm happy with the result. I bought the kreg r3 pocket hole jig and I love it.
Estimated Cost
45.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Paint and then water based semigloss clear coat to protect the finish from sticking to the books
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project
Recyclable Pull-Outs
We are trying to tidy up our laundry/mud room and needed a place for the recyclables. I ran across Ana's plans for these pull out cabinets and raised panel doors, adjusted the measurements to fit our space, and had at it! It's kind of a tight fit in that room but these seem to help with the clutter. I also added that little table on top for folding laundry.
Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
I used Minwax Red Oak stain and applied with a rag, wiping excess off with a clean rag. I then sealed everything with a semi-gloss polyurethane, which I applied with a bristled brush. I believe I put on three coats, lightly sanding and removing dust before each application.
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
