Double Desk
This was our first project! We built it exactly like the plans. We finished it with a clear satin poly and we are thrilled with the results. Next we plan to paint the room.
This was our first project! We built it exactly like the plans. We finished it with a clear satin poly and we are thrilled with the results. Next we plan to paint the room.
I cannot be happier with the final look of my new bed. I decided to take on this task with intentions to make small changes in the plans based on my needs and preferences. The process was easy and original plans were definitely easy to follow. I had the head or foot boards completed in about 3 hours (without the herringbone pattern). I saw where someone else decided to add a herringbone design and I liked it so I did the same. It was a little tedious but overall not hard at all. Building the frame was easy as well and didn't take long at all. I started running into problems when transporting the footboard. I dropped it from about 2 ft and the leg post snapped off. I thought the pocket holes were not that strong from the beginning. This was not a problem though because I just followed the special note in the instructions and added a 2x2 to the back of each side and attached them with 3 inch wood screws. I did this for the head and foot board and it made me feel more comfortable with the stability overall. I was going for longevity for the bed so I wanted to make it easier to disassemble and move around (screwing the frame in would wear out with a few moves). I went to a woodworking shop and picked up some 5/8 inch insert nuts and bolts to match. I added one to each corner and tightened accordingly. This was by far the biggest headache for me. If I could do it over again there are a few things I would change.
1. I would have sanded my cedar post before attaching them
2. I would have attached my cedar post with the 2x2 and not used pocket holes (I l like pocket holes but not for such a heavy load)
3. I would have drilled and placed my insert nuts on the post before attaching anything to them (this would have helped to ensure a level hole).
My wife and I love the natural look of the wood but it doesn't really go well with the modern contemporary look in our home so we are having a hard time deciding on paint or stain. We are leaning toward stain because we love the grains throughout the bed.
Mon, 05/19/2014 - 11:08
I used the pine 1x3's from my local home improvement store. They were $1.39 each for a 1x3x8. I used about 15 total. I decide not to go with the select wood for the herringbone and glad I didn't. I feel the less perfect, rounded edges add character.
Wed, 05/21/2014 - 10:30
omg, I love that you made one cause you liked mine! I feel so.... special..lol
Yours looks awesome!! Great job:)
Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:35
I like it so much, I am planning to add a box spring to mine. I really like how high yours sits. I also like the color of yours. We are experimenting with stains now and I will post new pics once it has been done. Don't be surprised if it looks very close to yours :). I used cedar for my post so I think it will be hard to match the colors.
Thu, 05/22/2014 - 10:35
I like it so much, I am planning to add a box spring to mine. I really like how high yours sits. I also like the color of yours. We are experimenting with stains now and I will post new pics once it has been done. Don't be surprised if it looks very close to yours :). I used cedar for my post so I think it will be hard to match the colors.
Thu, 05/22/2014 - 19:00
I love that you like it so much. Between this and getting picked for Anas brag post of the day on Facebook yesterday, I was walking in the clouds...lol
I used Minwax 1 coat of espresso and 1 coat of jacobean for all the larger pieces. I used Cedar as well for the posts. And it does come out a little redder. Just mess with it till u get something you like. It may not match the rest of your pieces exact, but it will look great once its all together.
I also messed around with the herringbone pieces. I used the same colors of stain but did some with one coat some with 2, some for 30 secs some for as long as 15. It kept the colors along the same line, but gave some variation.
I finished with paste was
As for the mattress. I love how mine sits. Feels very regal being up so high..lol. Its such an awesome bed plan. I cant wait to see yours finished.
Thanks for making my day. That was my very first project. So very cool!
This was based on FatBob2Ks great design. I took iut the Xs used 4x4 legs and 2x6s fir the bottom shelf. I also put a furring strip around the edges to hide the end grain and add some surface area. I sanded starting with 89 grit, then 120 and finishing with 150. For stain I used a rag to rub on General Finishes Java Gel Stain for 2 coats. it's really forgiving on bare wood and you don't need conditioner. I sealed everything with Minwax satin poly wipe-on and did three coats.
My first crack at building outdoor furniture. I built two of the Modern Outdoor Chairs built with 2 x 4 and 2 x 6. The first one was a little rough, but the second one was much better. In order to accommodate the higher cushions and make the chairs more comfortable, I added piece 2 x 6 secured to a 2 x 2 to make a partial backrest.
Still needs a finish but I couldnt wait to share.
Danny
This was my first project off of Ana's site. I followed her simple sawhorse table plans verbatim. The only thing different I did was use a self-made chalkboard paint for the top (instructions under the finish section) and added screws to the left side to mount my power strip with (easy on and off for everything on the bench). I made the top a chalkboard top so that I could write notes on the table and mark measurements for various projects. Costs were $30 for wood (some leftover), $8 for paint, $2 for screws, and $5 for surge protected power strip. If you have any other questions please let me know.
I had a lot of leftover pieces of wood from other projects and really wanted to use them. I have been wanting to build the Liberty Wall Art for a while so I finally got to it. I already had a 2x2 piece of a 1/4 inch plywood so I made my piece smaller, fitting my plywood. Obviously, since my piece was smaller I cut and played with the pieces until it looked good to me and this is how it turned out. I glued everything to the board first and then nailed it from the back because my husband didn't want to see the nails. Also, he didn't want me to distress it so I went with his wishes. I think it would have looked nice distressed but oh well, still looks nice. With my husband being in the military, I really wanted this piece and now it's featured in our dining room! Thanks for the idea Anna! As always your plans are great. We have already build several items from your plans and I can't wait to post these brags!
This was my first furniture build & it was very easy. I had to have a second pair of hands to help hold the ends up but other than that I did it by myself. Thank you Ana for making this build so simple.
During the 2020 quarantine I started working from home and had to take up an office in my grandsons room. I wanted to leave enough space for him when he comes over so I needed it to be more narrows than most but with plenty of space for multiple monitors as well as workspace. I got ideas from many plans here but ultimately designed my own with a little inspiration from multiple plans. I included a pullout for the keyboard as well as 2 additional pullout shelves for added workspace.
Done the 2x4 chair and table, I think it turned out well. Bought the cushions at Lowes.
Ray and Sandy
Our very first project! We absolutely love how it looks and that there's an easy way for our kids to sort their laundry. Can't wait to start more projects! You can see how we built it here http://addicted2diy.com/2014/01/14/diy-laundry-pedestal/
I followed Ana's plans to build the Bristol Outdoor Lounge Chair. I used White Oak for the chair. The plan was pretty easy to follow and i enjoyed the project. I am excited to build a second chair as well as other items that i will find of interest on her website.
James
Rolling bar cart made entirely from recovered pallet wood.
Based on original Ana White's plan, I've just added a side pocket and rails on the lower shelf to prevent sliding of items placed on it.
Later on I made another one for a friend who attached a hanger plate and a magnetic knife holder.
Built this to replace a cheap picnic table that I had bought. The table is solid and a great first project for me Pops. The grandkids will enjoy this one and Gammy has me already building #2 table. Thank you for the plans and your expertise.
Mark E aka Pops
We built this firewood storage shed to hold wood for our wood-fired hot tub! We built this using reclaimed materials we already had sitting around our property so in the end, the only costs involved were the pier blocks plus some screws.
We decided to publish our plans for anyone that may find them useful! Take a look here if you feel so inclined: http://purelivingforlife.com/diy-firewood-storage-shed/
Not pretty, but not bad for a start while working with an 11,7 and 5 yr old.
The wire shelves that the builder placed were not cutting it for storage. This setup from your plan helped garner so much more space for organizing. The pantry is roughly 54”x 35” and we were able to place five shelves instead of the four. Thank you so much for your assistance!
This was my second project ever, so I know it is far from perfect, but I am so happy with it. It is super useful since I have 3 little kids that are so far the only grandchildren from both sides of the family and I have the impression that toys come to our house to reproduce.
I made a mistake on choosing the stain for the top, and had to adapt to what I wanted, but I kinda like the end result, although it is more formal than what I had wanted at first.
It is a gloss mission oak, from miniwax.
I built this without the Kreg, but I have bought one since, so my next project should be better!
The paint is Antique White from Glidden (DUO), distressed until my shoulders could not handle it anymore.
Building is so empowering, I am so happy I found this site! Thanks Ana for all the great work!
This project is straight forward and lots of fun. Next time I plan to stain opposed to paint due the amount of time painting takes.
Fri, 05/30/2014 - 20:23
I like how the color contrasts with the cushions and the throw pillows add a nice punch of color and fun. I also would like to know the source of the cushions. The cushions seem to always be the budget breaker.
Wed, 08/06/2014 - 14:44
My apologies for replying so late!!! I didn't realize I received a comment or two!! Thank you for you for the lovely comments I truly appreciate it. As far the cushions, I purchased the fabric, batting, etc at Joan's Fabric at 50% off and sewed myself. Before this project I had never sewed before so please have faith in yourself because if I can do it anyone can do it!!!!! Tammy Linskey
Wed, 08/06/2014 - 14:44
My apologies for replying so late!!! I didn't realize I received a comment or two!! Thank you for you for the lovely comments I truly appreciate it. As far the cushions, I purchased the fabric, batting, etc at Joan's Fabric at 50% off and sewed myself. Before this project I had never sewed before so please have faith in yourself because if I can do it anyone can do it!!!!! Tammy Linskey
Had a great time putting this together for my teenage daughter's room. Took me about 4 hours to cut and assemble (I only have a circular saw, would have been SO much faster with a miter saw). Then sanded and painted the next day. Under $50 for the wood. What a deal! Love this plan!