Community Brag Posts

Modified 2x4 Outdoor Sofa, Sectional, and Coffee Table

Submitted by SofiaTaz on Mon, 08/30/2021 - 12:40

My daughter and I built this out of the old framing that was pulled out of the house (fir) and some leftover wood from a friend's house build a few years back. If the cushions are lifted up you will see the old electrical wire holes! I shortened the set by one seat so it would fit the patio space. The cushions are from Ikea and fit perfectly. I also modified the coffee table so it was the similar proportion to the full sized set. Thanks for the very approachable plans Ana! Excuse the water all over the area in the pics. We have water dogs and they seem to like the sectional too!

Comments

Sandbox with Benches

Submitted by cscottrun on Mon, 04/13/2015 - 10:33

We altered the original plan by enlarging the sandbox (approx 5' x 6') which made for wider benches that can comfortably seat an adult.  The benches and back rests are three boards deep instead of two.  We added 2x12 supports under the benches for additional support, as well as another 2x4 support in the middle of the backrest.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Seasonal And Holiday

Outdoor escape

Submitted by Bread0186 on Tue, 04/18/2023 - 11:39

First build ever. Took about 2 days and the most expensive part was the cushions, but Lowe's had a good deal. I did not sanding, painting, or staining. I'm sure I'll do that eventually, or make another sectional later, but I'm in North Texas and loving this set right now.

Comments

Coop and run for Six

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 09/24/2016 - 08:10

We wanted our chickens to have plenty of room for when we ere not home and could not let them free range in the yard.  One of the six was a rooster-- and long story-- but we don't have him any more-- so 5 chickens now enjoy this coop/run.  It cost about $300 in supplies.  It is 16 feet long.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
$300
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
unfinished
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Great Plan for Garage Shelf!

Submitted by edapina on Wed, 11/26/2014 - 07:35

This was an easy project to complete in an afternoon that does not require any advance woodworking skills

Estimated Cost
About a $120 bucks considering that I had to buy all the wood and a box of 2 1/2 In screws!
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish used.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

edapina

Wed, 12/10/2014 - 09:41

This is my second completed project with plans and ideas from your website. Thanks for your good work!

Kitchen Island

The plans were easy to follow. I modified my island to fit my space and cut it down to 44 inches in length.

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
The entire project cost $47.00.
Estimated Time Investment
Day Project (6-9 Hours)
Finish Used
I stained the top and shelves with Watco Danish Oil in dark walnut and then used a satin finish varathane for only the top to protect it from spills, etc. The sides and legs were painted with an interior latex paint called "Sandbar" from Home Hardware.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Emily Jo (not verified)

Mon, 10/31/2011 - 15:33

Your island is gorgeous, and I love the modification you made to the original plans on the shelving support! I would like to know what size the boards are that you used so that I can duplicate. Thank you!

Lisa Tamaye (not verified)

Sun, 02/05/2012 - 18:10

This is great! ANyone know how I could extend one side in order to put stools for an eating area?
Would love to do that!

Alice (not verified)

Tue, 02/07/2012 - 19:43

I would think it would be basically the same build, just add brackets to support the extra wood.

Guest (not verified)

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 15:20

I want to make this Kitchen Island but if can't find the Supply List. Would you mind posting it or emailing me please! This will work perfect in my Kitchen

Katia57

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:46

Wow! Just a wonderfully simple project! I can figure it out by looking at it. I have a piece of Rock Maple Counter Top 24"x6'that needs legs. I'll probably use 4x4' for legs, six of them. But the shelves will be just like this. Thank you!

Katia57

Mon, 03/05/2012 - 17:50

Wow! Just a wonderfully simple project! I can figure it out by looking at it. I have a piece of Rock Maple Counter Top, 24in.x6ft., that needs legs. I'll probably use 4x4s for legs, six of them. But the shelves will be just like this. Thank you!

Guest (not verified)

Wed, 04/04/2012 - 11:58

Just click on the link for the instructions. It's under the heading 'About This Project' titled as 'From Plan: Easy Kitchen Island Plans'.

Click where it says 'Easy Kitchen Island Plans'. When you hover your cursor over the words, you will see that is a hyperlink.

Lindsey Adams (not verified)

Sun, 05/20/2012 - 06:48

I love your island and I also have a small kitchen...would you happen to know the sizes of the boards you used? Thanks

??? (not verified)

Wed, 07/25/2012 - 14:31

Yours looks so different and so much better then the one that show how to make it, how did you do it? I really would love to build it but have no idea how...
Thanks so much!

CBsMama (not verified)

Wed, 08/15/2012 - 13:08

This island is perfect. I love the shelves and the size. Any chance you could send me the dimensions of this island and details on how you did the shelves? Great job!

lizzy1299

Mon, 02/04/2013 - 15:03

I'm SO glad I stumbled acrossed your website! I LOVE that island and getting ready to get all the stuff to make it. Did you use the Kreg Jig thing the original person used...? If not, how did you cover the screw heads?

Thanks!

ameliam

Wed, 12/31/2014 - 07:37

Hi, this is my first time building anything. I really like the modification made to the original plans. I like the legs facing the other way. I can't figure out how to modify the cuts on the sides and front and back supports for the top to adjust for turning the legs the other way. Are there modified plans. LOL I need instructions, I’m not quite there yet on doing it myself. Thank you

djbeenie

Wed, 02/04/2015 - 15:03

How did you mount the 1 x2s since its on the side of the 1 x 4s. Did you tac them in. I really like the way that looks. Thanks!

MBuckson

Mon, 03/16/2015 - 08:00

Amazing island! I am in the middle of building this and looking ahead to the finishing aspect of it and I have a question: What tool did you use to apply the oil on the counter top? A cloth or a certain type of brush?

wiri0302

Sat, 06/06/2015 - 18:33

Hello, i love this island but maybe i missed it. What kind of wood is everyone using? Frosting said $47 but that could only be for pine right? Are people using pine to build this? I would like it to look just like the picture. Any help would be appreciated! thanks!

Drop Zone/mudroom

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Tue, 03/09/2021 - 07:10

I used ShelfHelpNow which I LOVED! Got it delivered at the start of a snowstorm! Would never have made it then if I had to go get the wood myself!
Got so many compliments and requests
To build this.
Thank you for your easy plans and wonderful ideas!
In hindsight I would have either connected the two units or separated them more. I’m more a wing it/see how it goes type of builder for myself rather than a planner. 🤣
Diane

Estimated Cost
600 for carcass
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Putting it together took a couple hours. Painting and waiting for things to dry took a lot longer!
Hopefully this will free up some room in my house for more utilitarian closet/pantry.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Traditional Bird House Brag Post

Submitted by MMTruncale on Sat, 04/06/2013 - 19:15

My very first project using the Compound Miter Saw. Easy Cuts. Easy assembly. Cost was about $1.50. I think I am going to make kits (as suggested in the sister plan) for a couple of birthdays coming up!

Estimated Cost
$1.50
Estimated Time Investment
An Hour or Two (0-2 Hours)
Finish Used
No finish. Used spray paint to put Little One's hands on the roof.
Recommended Skill Level
Starter Project

Foldable Farmhouse Rustic Dining Table

My wife wanted a portable farmhouse style rustic dining table that she could take to photoshoots and other events. I started with a top made with 2x6s and make the legs with 4x4s and the rest with 2x4s. Stain is dark walnut with a clear coat on top.

The legs are attached with door hinges and can fold into the top for more portable use. There is also a board that can be inserted in the bottom slots so that when in use the legs can not fold in.

So far the rustic dining table is working out great, although this table is VERY HEAVY and needs 2-3 strong people to carry it around. I have also made a lighter version using 1x6 tops and all 2x4 frame and legs.

Photos courtesy of Jennifer Blair Photography Designed by Amber Veatch Designs

Estimated Cost
150.00
Estimated Time Investment
Weekend Project (10-20 Hours)
Finish Used
Miniwax Dark Walnut
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

Juanita_r

Wed, 06/12/2013 - 04:15

Oh I really hope that you are able to put these modified plans up!!! A foldable farmhouse table.... what will they think of next!

Unicorn1960

Sat, 10/22/2016 - 17:21

I cannot find the plans for the tiny house drawers any where.  Can someone please point me in the right direction.  Thank you! 

Outdoor hangout using 2x4 and fence boards

Submitted by sylvialh on Sun, 06/16/2019 - 18:13

Bought enough lumber for one sofa but ended up using old fence boards for the  decking so had enough lumber to make the sectional and a shortened coffee table. 

Great way to save some cash even if u have to buy the fence posts. 

Added a reinforcing piece to the one armed sofa between the legs using a kreg jig to stabilize the legs a bit more. 

Waiting on my foam from Amazon to finish off this project!

Used inspiration from the beer/wine cooler patio table and made the middle of the table removable to add a buck underneath later. 

Note the 5 year old patio set, also an ana white project from back in the day!

Super quick build!

I did find that the measurements for customizing it for your cushion size seemed about 1.5 inches too big for all the depth pieces so I sized down but I haven't received my foam yet so maybe I'm wrong but Smth to think about. I didn't want my cushions to slide around so I took that into consideration when building. 

Estimated Cost
60$ CAD for the high density foam for each sofa (3x24x72) plus throw cushions for the back.

11 2x4x10 - cost varies depending on cedar or PT
Fence boards were reused

Outdoor Fabric to cover the foam
Estimated Time Investment
Afternoon Project (3-6 Hours)
Finish Used
None yet
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Fireplace Mantle with Drawers and Hidden Storage

Modified plans to include game storage drawers, a flip open mantle for DVD player and hidden charging port, and hidden cupboards on both sides for DVD storage. I scoured the Internet for months before drawing this up to fit my space and tackling all on my own! I love it and all of my other Ana White inspired projects!

Casey O.

Seasonal And Holiday

Loft Bed w/desk

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Sat, 08/29/2020 - 09:05

Our daughter has been asking us to build her a bed for months now. When eLearning became a reality for our household, we knew it was time to get to work. We usually do two to three big DIY projects a year, and have built from many of Ana White's plans. We often refer our the time together DIYing as "couples therapy".

We used Ana's plans for the Loft Bed and included the tall bookcase and desk system, with a few of our own modifiations and personal touches, such as:
- elimated the plywood backing on the bottom shelves of the tall bookcase
- only used one (1) bookshelf for desk system
- used toungue and groove paneling for back of small bookshelf, adding it to the sides as well
- made the desktop 19" wide
- added a framed magnet board
- added a sliding keyboard tray

Estimated Cost
$600
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Desktop: Minwax Ebony stain
Everything Else: Zinsser 123 primer & Valspar Cabinet & Furniture Enamel (Snowbound Semigloss)
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Ana White Admin

Mon, 09/07/2020 - 20:33

This is so cool, I'm sure it's a dream come true for your lucky girl!

Building is our couples therapy, sounds like a t-shirt in the making:)

Farmhouse bed

Submitted by jphbgsu on Sun, 09/06/2015 - 19:48

The project went relatively well. Had to readjust in order to fit our king. I used 2x4s and 2x4 joist hangers to support the mattres. 

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
300.00
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
Rustoleum ebony stain and satin polyurethane.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

One arm 2x4 outdoor sofa

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Thu, 05/18/2023 - 08:10

This was so super easy. We are so in love with this. Thank you Ana for making DIY so much fun!

Comments

Playset Addition

Submitted by Derek S on Wed, 06/10/2020 - 08:27

Decided our old play set needed an addition, landed on these plans of Ana's. Sat on them and mulled them over for months. Once the wife said something about adding on to it I made the purchases needed. Connected the two platforms with a bridge. I used 4"x4"x10' for the runners, same boards as the decking for the platform of the bridge(5/4"x6"), 2x4's and 1x4's for the railing. If you look at the 3rd photo, I had to chisel out the 4x4 post to get the 2"x6"x12" support to fit correctly. This should measure 2"x6"x13". Another change I made was to cut the bottom and top trim pieces longer on the front and back sections so that the trim would cover the framing of the gable end walls (see last photo). my son wanted windows so I faked in some windows with scrap 2x2's. I used 2x6's as supports from the 4x4's to the 2x6 framing (see photo 3) I added the monkey bars about a month before deciding to do the platform/deck and playhouse. The ladder is based loosely off of a couple of plans I found online. I was able to do all of this work myself except for the roof. Need my dads help to lift the plywood, he then helped me with the rest of the roof.

Estimated Cost
$1000
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
I used a dark wood stain fore the house, green exterior paint for the trim and white exterior paint for the interior of the house.
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate
Seasonal And Holiday

Used 2X2s to support the wings.

I essentially stuck to the main plan - except to support the wings I used 2X2 boards and standard hinges.

I was worried that there may not be enough space for my Ryobi 10" sliding miter saw because of the slide however, it fits nicely and there is plenty of space.

Thank you for the wonderful plan. This was my first project of this size and I am very happy with the results!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
More than I expected. $39 for the plywood (sanded), $16 for the 4 hinges, $17 for the 4 caster wheels. The boards I already had.
Finish Used
None
Recommended Skill Level
Intermediate

Comments

jennibee

Fri, 05/01/2015 - 08:10

This is great. I am currently getting my Dad's help to turn an old kitchen cabinet into a miter saw cabinet with wings like this. (it was a 1940's solid wood kitchen cabinet we took out of the house when we remodeled). I really like your 2x2 support struts. Have you considered putting a shelf in the middle of your box? It would add extra support and also more room to store stuff.

richsessums

Sat, 05/02/2015 - 09:09

Good idea. I did consider adding a shelf however I have now decided to use the lower area to store my small router table. I discovered that it would fit in the spot however it leaves not enough room for a shelf.

Dog kennel

Submitted by Anonymous (not verified) on Fri, 03/03/2023 - 06:54

In January, I came across your plans for the farmhouse, coffee table. I made it, and loved it! I had been wanting a new spin on kennels for our dogs. And thought your coffee table transformed into a dog kennel would be perfect, and they are!!

Comments

A's Full Size Loft Bed

Submitted by Hulsberg on Sun, 08/12/2012 - 14:58

My son needed more room in his bedroom...and to be rid of the very girly furniture he inherited when he moved into his "big boy-ish" bedroom. At 10 yrs old, it was high time he got a bed that wasn't pink-tinged, white washed pine with 4 posters and enough curlicues to choke a forest. He also needed a desk which I couldn't really fit in his room with the armoire and chest of drawers that came with the Queen sized bed.

So off to Ikea we went and I saw a black loft bed for $300, but it was really, really high which meant I would have to cut it down and it was not sturdy at all. I looked at PB and saw the $1800 bed. Um, no - that wasn't happening. So, off to Ana-White I went and I'm so happy I did!

I built the full sized version of these plans and, to keep costs down, used wood I had on hand. This meant I had to work a bit at the cuts, but it all worked out.

Mods:
1) I modified the railings to have the ladder at the end of the bed to keep away from the ceiling fan.

2) Because I put the ladder at the end of the bed, I got very nervous about having a soon-to-be teen climbing on to a ladder secured to a 1x10 that was only connected to the side railings with glue and screws. So I sandwiched extra 1x3s over the bottom rails and attached them to the top railing.

3) I was very nervous about making sure that the bed was adequately supported so I put a 2x4 down the center instead of the 1x2.

4) I went a wee-bit overboard screwing things together to the point where it's a bit embarrassing and now I have to paint over the screw heads.

5) I made the ladder treads with 2x4's, modifying the inside spacer board cut lengths.

Because I had quite a bit of lumber on hand, the bed only ended up costing me about $90.

For the bookcase, I did end up buying the 1x12s and the adjustable shelf railings. I made the book shelf the entire width of of the bed and split the two sections based on width of the 1x24 board I bought for the desk. I only put the backer board up half way so that the daylight could get underneath the bed and make it not so cave-like.

The book case cost me about $70.

The desk was the easiest...but most costly item. A 1x6x24, 4 table legs and the table leg mounts ran me about $80. The plexiglass top that I had cut for the top cost me about $80.

Time wise, this would have taken me a lot less time than the 4 months it took - but I worked on it as I could and when I could, by myself. I got some friends to help me bring it upstairs and put it back together, but it was mostly done when I could fit in some time.

My son LOVES this and it really does give him so much room!!! Thanks Ana - I really appreciate it!

Built from Plan(s)
Estimated Cost
with paint, screws and bookcase hardware, about $450
Estimated Time Investment
Week Long Project (20 Hours or More)
Finish Used
gloss spray paint / primer in one.
Recommended Skill Level
Beginner

Comments

Jennifer P (not verified)

Fri, 01/18/2013 - 07:38

Hi!

To modify this to be full sized, I just added 15" to the width of the bed. Ana said this in the plans:

Cutting Instructions:

Converting to Full Size This bed can easily be converted to full size. You will simply need to add 15″ to all boards that run parallel to the ends. This includes the planks, end top pieces and the slats. Shopping list will need to be adjusted as well.

So I modified the cuts to the head and foot board parts and the full size mattress fits perfectly.

For the shelving underneath, I just looked at some of Ana's other plans for shelves and winged it.

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