Community Brag Posts

2x4 sofa and chairs

Submitted by papadog on Mon, 07/22/2019 - 08:01

Combined the 2x4 sofa and 2x6 chair plans. Added the extra 2x6 under the arm rest, to keep future pillows from falling through the gap. Great plans! Thanks!

Estimated Cost
$700, including cushions (on clearance at Lowe’s) and fire table (on sale at Amazon).
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Exterior paint
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

papadog

Wed, 08/14/2019 - 23:38

Thank you! Actually added another couch, two side tables, and a ottoman to match! Looks like it came out of a magazine! Planning on doing one of your bedframes next. Love your site!

 

MartyMcFly

Mon, 12/21/2020 - 12:04

@papadog - I love your build and the way you iterated on the plans to make it work best for your specific needs. I'm in the process of building off these plans myself, and the one thing I cannot figure out is how the base of the back is intended to be secured to the sides. In the plans (step 7) it just says "secure to the sides using 2 1/2" screws". Am I supposed to drill from the outside of the sides into the back base? I'd like to avoid that, and based on the pictures, it looks like you have. If you can share how you secured the back base to the sides for your build, I would be very grateful.

Rustic X

Submitted by khump1990 on Tue, 04/25/2023 - 10:57

This was a big undertaking for indoor furniture and I learned so much! I slightly adjusted the size to what I had available with some scrap wood from my old stairs so saved a little on costs with lumber!

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

one more farmhouse doll bed

Submitted by justqltin on Wed, 12/28/2011 - 19:27

A cooperative project. Hubby made the bed and I did the bedding.

Estimated Cost
$10
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
going to paint it white
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Modified washer/dryer pedestal

Submitted by KaraBoo on Wed, 02/03/2016 - 09:32

I loved the idea of building a washer and dryer pedestal for extra laundry basket storage underneath! Sashua's is beautiful so I took her idea and modified it a bit to work for me. My washer is very, very heavy and I was worried that if there was no support under the weight in the middle, it would start to bow and sag. The original plan also put the washer too high for me to have been able to use without a step stool. So in my modification I screwed cleats into the 2X4 frame of the laundry room wall, placed the 3/4" plywood on top of it and screwed it in. In the front, I used 4X4's as the two corner leg supports and then added two 1X6 supports in the front center, creating three laundry basket bays. I placed it directly onto the floor as opposed to building the bottom base. This saved me money since I was able to buy half the lumber and also allowed me to lower the height of the platform while leaving enough space for my baskets. The top of my platform is approximately 14 1/2" high, which is just low enough so that I can see into the soap filling compartment at the top of the washer. Being that I'm only 5'2" I would have needed to use a step stool to use my washer at the original 19 1/2" plan height. I framed the top edge of the platform with 2X2's, to ensure that my washer or dryer never walked off the edge. Finally, I added some trim along the front edge and around the legs and that's it!

Estimated Cost
$60
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Codding58

Mon, 02/15/2016 - 12:25

I REALLY like this modified version, I think it looks GREAT!    when you say you screwed cleats to the back wall, are you talking a 2x4 across the back fastened to the studs, or what did you use?    I think my wife would love this version, and I may just have to get started on one myself.   yes

Fancy Outside Dining table!

Submitted by cfrascone on Mon, 07/29/2019 - 08:55

After looking for an outside table with no luck, not to mention the unbelievable price tag, I asked my husband to make me this table..He worked on it for the day with my son and ILOVE the way it came out!!! The plans were simple and easy to follow. Thank you Ana!!!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Stain
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Entryway Closet Drawers - Done

Submitted by cdswhite on Sun, 01/01/2012 - 20:28

We're still working on these but I wanted to show an in progress picture. Getting organized is fun! I've got lots more details on my blog if you're interested.

Update: We're all done with the drawers and they are the perfect way to organize and create storage in the entryway. It was a lot work getting them to fit into the closet but well worth it.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$110
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
We'll be painting these white when they're all done.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

sdevost (not verified)

Tue, 09/04/2012 - 11:21

Do you have a detailed how-to for these closet drawers.
I love the cut out portion at the top - and I have been trying to find an affordable alternative to the Ikea Stolmen drawers ($120 for 2 drawers)
If you could perhaps send me some details on materials, sizes, how you did the cut out at the top - that would be great.
Thank you
Stephanie

Farmhouse Storage Bed = Amazing

Submitted by hechoenwi on Tue, 11/19/2013 - 15:18

We bought our first home this year and I wanted a new bed frame for my new home. This plan was perfect for our narrow bedroom in our small 100+ year old home. It fits right in with the character of the home and provides a lot of needed extra storage. I did try to make the drawers but as the instructions state drawers are tricky for beginners! So for now I will leave the drawers off. This bed is very sturdy. No one can believe I made it all by myself!

Estimated Cost
$200
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Behr Ultra Swiss Coffee with antiqued edges
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

King Farmhouse Storage Bed

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sun, 08/18/2019 - 15:41

After a successful attempt at Ana’s farmhouse desk I decided to make a bed for my wife... needless to say I think she likes it! Thanks to Ana and Pretty Handy Girl’s plans! (This is my 3rd woodworking project)

Estimated Cost
700
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Valspar Cabinet Enamel
Minwax Dark Walnut stain
minwax Polycrylic satin polyurethane

I used acetone to transfer the graphic I designed for my inlay. I carved out the inlay with a router. I stained the wood and then painted the surface black.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Numbered Cubbie Modified

Submitted by jlandr on Wed, 01/04/2012 - 09:36

This is my first woodworking project ever. I didn't like the numbers in Ana's plan so I changed it up a little for my taste. I also made this to sit on my desk and added felt to the bottom so that it wouldn't scratch the surface when my kids moved it around. It probably should have only taken me an hour but I was having issues with the brad nailer and not nailing straight.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$5 for the furring strips, I had the nails.
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
1 coat white spray paint, 1 coat blue spray paint, I used acrylic paint for the letters and then sanded the edges and over the letters when they were dry.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Jordan's Sandbox

Submitted by TeeCeeTx on Thu, 11/21/2013 - 12:48

This is the first project of any kind I have built from the Ana White website. It is for my grand daughter (her 1 year birthday present)I built this project from the large covered sandbox plan. I followed it pretty close to the original plan. Cut the wood at my home and then packed it in my SUV to be assembled at the grand daughter's home 30 miles away. It turned out great. Mom and Dad just need to get the sand out there now and we are set to go...

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$100-$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
A walnut stain from Home Depot.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Window seat with drawers using the mudroom bench with easy drawers plan

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 05/12/2023 - 17:57

Our home had a window seat that was only 14 inches deep and too small to sit on lengthwise. The before photo shows it just before I started the demolition phase. I had found the mudroom bench with easy drawers plan and decided it would work for our space. This was my first DIY woodworking project. I bought a Dewalt 12-inch compound bevel, sliding miter saw, a Kreg Pocket hole jig, and a Kreg straight-edge guide, and I plan to use them for future projects. I really enjoyed following the plans and building this project.

I got all of my wood at my local Lowe's by sorting through a lot of boards to find the best ones available. I found a nice-looking sheet of hardwood plywood for the top and sides. It was expensive ($84), but I wanted to try staining the project rather than painting it so that it would complement our flooring and other furniture in the room. I decided that if it didn't work out with the stain, I would paint over it.

A local Benjamin Moore paint store did a great job at finding a stain that would match and could be painted over if necessary. It only required one coat of stain to achieve the desired color, and I applied three coats of polyurethane over it.

We ordered a custom cushion with a cover to match the size of our new window seat with drawers. We, and our doggies, are very pleased with how the project turned out! Thank you, Ana White, for the excellent plans and video!
Gene St Germain, Poulsbo, WA

Built from Plan(s)

Comments

Tryde Media Hutch

Submitted by Anstar on Fri, 01/06/2012 - 13:28

My husband and I worked together to build this project. We built the bottom in November 2010, then built the top hutch in January 2012. The project itself was easy to understand, but holding everything together and getting it square took a bit of work. We do not have a Kreg Jig or clamps, either of which would have been very helpful. However, we were able to complete it using our own best efforts, and we are very pleased with the results.

Estimated Cost
$125
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Minwax Pre-Stain Wood Conditioner
Minwax Polyshades in Antique Walnut
3 coats with old brushes, lightly sanded with steel wool between applications. Next time, I'll use foam brushes. The conditioner was a great choice, I think it really improved coverage.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Anstar

Sun, 01/08/2012 - 10:27

I regularly sit on the front of it when our living room gets too crowded. I'm sure I wouldn't do that with a store bought flat pack tv stand!

Simple Faux Fireplace

Submitted by ksmith311 on Sun, 11/24/2013 - 11:43

I was drooling over Ana's Faux Fireplace plan and it was perfect! Low profile, beautiful, and I knew I had to have it. We had a bunch of leftover 3/4" MDF and didn't want to spend any money on this project so we constructed the Faux Fireplace out of ripped MDF, a leftover 1x6, 1x2 and some quarter round! We made the faux beam top out of 1x4s as a slip cover that mounts to the wall.

We painted it with the off the shelf antique white paint by valspar that I had leftover and some "American Walnut" stain for the top. I painted the wall behind it in black chalkboard paint. This is the first piece of furniture we've made that pretty much serves NO function but I love it sooo much.

I put a basket in the opening with some christmas lights, burlap and chunks of 2x2s (I want some birch logs in there!) and they look pretty lovely when plugged in.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
American walnut for top, Antique white and black chalkboard paint.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Craft/Sewing Table

Submitted by mawright86 on Wed, 02/10/2016 - 09:45

This is a craft table following the Modern Craft Table Plans.  There were some adjustments to increase the size of the table to fit the entire width of the window.  The final dimensions of the top turned out at 72" x 36" and fits my wifes cutting sheet perfectly on top with no overhang.  The project did turn out a little taller than anticipated (built it as if it was a standing workbench or elevated) so that posed an issue with the foot pedal but overall, the wife approves.  Future additions may be to add a drawer and attach a couple of adjustable lights, but on to other projects to improve her craft room.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
Used MDF and saved some on the cost, overall, about $150. 2 Sheets of MDF a few 1x2's and 2x2's, plus primer and paint.
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Sherwin Williams Paint, Kilz Primer, Minwax Poly on top
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

queen bed frame

Submitted by CoreyS on Sun, 01/08/2012 - 20:39

This was my first build! I do enjoy this bed unfortunatly i found ana's blog just after i had built it. next time i build a bed i am totally building the farmhouse bed to match the farmhouse nightstand i also just built and will post. hopefully ana in her busy life will find time to post a plan for a farmhouse tallboy dresser to match!

Estimated Cost
$100
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
two coats of minwax mission oak polyshades followed by a coat of minwax semi gloss poly
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Toy storage bins

Submitted by DIYMomof4 on Fri, 02/12/2016 - 16:26

I made this for my 2 year old daughter. She absolutely loves it! I'm glad I only made two levels, because she uses the top to play with her toys. The open bins make it easy for her to find what she wants to play with and she even likes to put things away. I had extra shiplap boards, so I used them for the back.   The back is a bit higher than the top, which helps keep toys from falling behind the bins.  I secured it to the wall with furniture straps screwed into wall studs.  The only tricky part of building this was figuring out the angle cuts. I built this about 6 months ago and it has held up very well. It is a very sturdy design!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I think I used English Chestnut by Minwax for the stain. I also did several layers of Minwax high-build polyurethane clear semi-gloss. I lightly sanded with fine grit in between coats. I also wiped it with mineral spirits in between coats. It came out very smooth and has withstood several water and chocolate milk spills!
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

2x4 Outdoor Sectional and Coffee Table

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 10/01/2019 - 17:56

I followed the instructions on the Ana White website, and followed a few of the commenters ideas to reduce the size slightly to minimize the wood costs. I used pocket holes wherever I could to try and reduce the amount of visible screw heads. The cushions were purchased at Big Lots and the cedar was purchased at the big home improvement store. My 5 year old and I worked on this and are so proud of how it turned out.

Estimated Cost
$250
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Teak Oil
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Farmhouse Bed King

Submitted by moldah on Wed, 01/11/2012 - 15:15

This was the plan that started my addiction! We had just gotten new mattresses, and we needed a new bed frame. All of the furniture stores have dark stains, and we wanted something natural and bright. I was searching one night found your site, and that was it. A few changes, increased the height of the headboard and footboard, wanted a slight overhang on the top of each as well. Also added an additional 2x4 between the legs of the headboard for support.

Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Natural
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Kate (not verified)

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 17:15

That looks great! The natural finish looks really great with your bedding. I love the higher headboard - we're planning to do the same with the farmhouse bed I'm planning so that my husband will be able to sit up in bed without hitting the back.

Did you end up using the boxspring, or is the mattress just in slats? I couldn't tell from your picture.

moldah

Wed, 01/11/2012 - 18:23

Hi, thanks for the positive response :) The mattress and box spring both are on here. In fact, I kept the bed itself on the original metal frame below, and added the side rails to hide it. Purchased the hardware for the side rails from Rockler

MichaelAndMelissa

Fri, 01/13/2012 - 08:42

All I can say is wow. Definitely showing this to my wife today. We had plans to do something like this but yours is up up and away! Excellent job!

moldah

Fri, 01/13/2012 - 15:48

I'm glad you like the lights. I go back and forth on them. I hated that I had to drill holes into the wood to run the cord, as it does not give us the option to remove later on. Also, if you go with the lights, you might want to put some double sided tape on the back. Thanks!

RyanJ (not verified)

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 11:15

The bed looks great. The routered edges are a nice touch.

Did you attach the bed to the original metal bed frame at all?

moldah

Tue, 01/17/2012 - 14:20

Yes, the 2x4 I put between the headboard legs for support, I did drill a hole on each side, and attached the top of the bed frame to that with bolts.

Szetoklin (not verified)

Tue, 04/03/2012 - 09:41

My husband just forwarded me a link of your bed.
It is SO SO beautiful!!! Love the reading light. Where did you get that by the way?
The bed is so pretty. Love the natural wood look and the knots.
We too have mostly dark wood stain in the house and love this light color look. Did you stain it or coat it with something?

igapo

Sat, 04/28/2012 - 15:26

Hi Moldah,

Very impressive and great addition with the lights. Can you tell me how tall your final headboard and footboard are? Thanks.

Elizabeth "Lizzie" (not verified)

Sat, 06/16/2012 - 04:46

LOVE IT! I love doing things like this and I am inspired by seeing your pictures!! I am especially impressed with the Star Wars case noted on your endtable LOL Right there I know you have great taste in films, too!!! I am going to do this project! Great job!

Usmc3mama

Fri, 08/09/2013 - 20:35

Since there were no plans we are making one similar. Thanks for sharing

Marybaileycole

Wed, 09/04/2013 - 17:10

Wow, this is so beautiful! Great Job! We are very amateur builders and I had a couple questions. Do you have a blog with more details? How did you achieve the routered edges? And also, do you mind sharing the cost of the project? Thanks!

rangers_31

Sun, 11/03/2013 - 08:44

By how many inches did you increase the height of the headboard and footboard? I am thinking about doing the same when I build this bed and was hoping for some guidance.

Sofa table

Submitted by thomas3557 on Sun, 12/01/2013 - 16:37

This is a sofa table made from 2x6 framing lumber. I did the bottom shelves a bit different than the plan.

Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
Vinegar/Steel wool on top and black milk paint on bottom.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

philipmcraft

Mon, 11/28/2016 - 15:20

Where are the plans for this sofa table?  I see the pics but don't see anything about dimensions.

Toy Box

Submitted by bsbdays on Mon, 02/15/2016 - 20:20

Built this using Ana's plans, thanks Ana!!!!

Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate