Frequently Asked Questions
Wood Questions
What kind of wood should I use?
Most of our plans use standard construction lumber like pine or fir. It's affordable, easy to work with, and easy to find. It's also rapidly renewing and biodegradable, so a great eco friendly choice!
Can I use hardwoods instead?
Yes—just keep in mind they're heavier, cost more, and can be tougher on tools and harder to join together and finish. I recommend not tackling a hardwood project until after you have built several softwood projects.
What if my boards are warped?
Choose the straightest boards at the store. You can often work around slight warps by cutting them into shorter pieces.
What wood should I use for outdoor furniture?
Use red-toned or pressure-treated 2x lumber for framing, and cedar or cedar fence pickets for the decking. Outdoor furniture should be built like a deck—your local home center can help recommend the right wood for your climate.
Will my wood move or warp after I build?
Potentially, especially in humid climates. Let your wood acclimate indoors before building. Once acclimated and kept in a stable environment, movement should be minimal. Remember, most houses are built using framing lumber - it's all about keeping moisture down indoors.
Cutting Questions
Do I need a miter saw?
A miter saw is great, creating fast, safe, and precise cuts, even for beginners. But most plans can be built with a circular saw and a straight edge. If using a circular saw to cut, take time to practice, and get good at making cuts, before cutting your project boards.
How do I get clean cuts with a circular saw?
Clamp your board, measure twice, cut slow, and use a sharp blade. This takes practice, so spend some time making cuts. I go through becoming proficient at freehand cutting in my course, it is worth taking if you want to master this skill.
Will the store cut my wood?
Yes—most stores will do rough cuts to help you transport your materials home. But from store to store, the quality of cuts could greatly vary.
Joinery Questions
What screws should I use?
We recommend star-head self tapping screws for framing, most common sizes are 2-1/2", 1-3/4". Pre-drill if close to the edge or you find your wood is splitting.
Do I have to use pocket holes?
Pocket holes are the cheapest, easiest and fastest way to do some joints - like edge to edge or a hidden fastener joint. There are other methods, but these can be time consuming and expensive. We recommend using pocket holes as indicated in plans for best results.
How do I keep things square?
Use a speed square and measure diagonals after each step. Always clamp joints before screwing to keep them tight and flush.
Finishing Questions
Stain or paint before or after building?
A quick sand before and a full finish after gives the best results. Pre-finish if you're doing two-tone or detailed finishes.
What type of finish?
Use oil-based or water-based stain. For paint, cabinet-grade latex or enamel works great. High use surfaces on indoor projects should get a coat of polyurethane, I recommend a Helsman or Spar or other flexible poly that won't crack or peel with wood movement. For exterior projects, use a finish suitable for exterior fences.
How to get a smooth finish?
Start with a well sanded project. Sand between coats (220 grit), wipe clean, and apply light coats with a foam brush or roller.
Plan Questions
Can I change the size?
Many people do, and that's the great thing about building your own furniture! But do keep in mind going bigger might mean more supports are required, and often plans are optimized for minimal material waste.
Are these beginner-friendly?
Yes—plans are written with simple tools and clear steps in mind, with every effort to make plans as simple as possible.
Can I sell what I build?
Absolutely! Just don’t resell or repost the plans themselves.
General Questions
What tools do I really need?
A drill, circular saw, tape measure, square, and a few clamps will get you through most projects.
Do I need a workshop?
Nope! A driveway or small patio is plenty to get started, just make sure you have a level place to work. If you find you are building several projects a year, creating a small workbench is a great way to store tools and have a dedicated workspace.
What if I mess up?
Wood filler, sanding, or flipping boards goes a long way. Mistakes are part of the process!
What can I do to make my projects look more professional?
Start with straight boards, make accurate cuts, clamp all joints, and line up everything neatly. Sand thoroughly, use a neutral finish, and apply it in light coats for a clean look.
I've never built anything before. Where should I start?
Start with a few smaller softwood projects to get hands-on experience. Or if you're tackling a big project, buy a little extra lumber and practice your cuts and joints first. If possible, work with someone who has a bit of experience.
Care & Maintenance
How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, your DIY furniture can last for decades. I have pieces in my own home that are over 20 years old and still going strong! One of the best parts about DIY furniture is that it’s easy to repaint, refinish, or repair—so your projects can grow and adapt with you.
How should I care for outdoor furniture?
Lightly pressure wash or hose it down once or twice a year. Tighten screws and reapply finish as needed to protect it—just like a deck or fence. A little upkeep goes a long way in extending the life of your furniture.
How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it starts to look worn, a light sanding and touch-up paint or stain can refresh it in no time. DIY pieces are meant to be durable and fixable—so don’t be afraid to give them some love now and then.
Want to Build with Confidence?
Check out my ebook: 12 Skills to Build Your Own Furniture
It walks you through the core skills every builder needs—measuring, cutting, joinery, and finishing—so you can build beautiful furniture that lasts.
Still Have Questions?
Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!
Comments
svandagriff
Sat, 03/09/2019 - 14:28
PDF LINK NOT WORKING
Here is the error message.
TCPDF ERROR: [Image] Unable to get image: http://ana-white.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/09/Mod-modular-craft-table…
kaprince
Sun, 09/15/2019 - 17:29
Craft Table
Craft Table! Much needed.
Millie76
Tue, 08/18/2020 - 16:40
Love this Craft Table!!
I have wanted a large crafting table for awhile to make laying and cutting out sewing patterns and fabric easier than having to do it on the floor. I just finished this and it is so amazing. I had a great time creating it. I did substitute locking casters instead of the floating base so I can easily move it within my craft room for when I need some extra space. Thank you for sharing your plans. I will be making others as the plans are easy to follow.
Freighter_Tack
Mon, 08/24/2020 - 17:35
Dimensions
I dont understand the shopping list section, I don't know if It's because I use metric, but i cant tell what's quantities and what's dimensions. Sorry to be a bother.
irony07
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 15:00
Cuts don’t match plan
Why is the cuts not matching up to the amount of 1x12x8 foot with 3 of them. What am I missing?
irony07
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 15:00
Cuts don’t match plan
Why is the cuts not matching up to the amount of 1x12x8 foot with 3 of them. What am I missing?
irony07
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 15:00
Cuts don’t match plan
Why is the cuts not matching up to the amount of 1x12x8 foot with 3 of them. What am I missing?
irony07
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 15:00
Cuts don’t match plan
Why is the cuts not matching up to the amount of 1x12x8 foot with 3 of them. What am I missing?
irony07
Tue, 12/08/2020 - 15:00
Cuts don’t match plan
Why is the cuts not matching up to the amount of 1x12x8 foot with 3 of them. What am I missing?
Katie123456
Fri, 02/19/2021 - 11:47
Do your own measurements and cutlist!!
I know this is an old post, but I just want to say BE CAREFUL with the measurements provided in this tutorial - not all of them are correct. For example, the 1x10 boards on the sides of the bookcases would not sit flush with one side or the other as written. She lists 8.75" for the small bookshelves, which works mathematically if you look at the other measurements such as the top and bottom boards. However, f you look at step 2, it says to use a 1x10 to cover the 8.75" space plus the side of the 1x12 divider board (3/4"). The measurement in the post doesn't make sense either way, but the ACTUAL size of a 1x10 is 0.75x9.25, and the ACTUAL size of a 1x12 is 0.75x11.25. So, as written, the 9.25" (1x10) board ends up 1/4 inch short since is has to cover 8.75"+0.75". It will either not sit flush with the outer edge of the small bookshelf or the divider - either way, not good. I double checked all the math on this and later saw that another reviewer had also mentioned this specific issue years ago. To resolve this issue, I am making the top and bottom boards as well as the small shelves 1/4 inch shorter each. I will adjust any other pieces as needed; I will need to work through each step slowly and not cut all my wood at once as I had originally planned.
The opposite is true for the short trim pieces in Step 6 - they are listed as 13". If they are to sit flush, they should measure 12.75". They cover 2 of the skinny sides of 1x10s (0.75" each) and the flat side of a 1x12 (11.25"). 0.75+0.75+11.25=12.75. Luckily this would be a much easier issue to fix than the first one I caught.
You can use a cutlist tool online and/or make your own - I did not attempt to use the original list since I plan to modify these plans somewhat, but several people said they are wrong and at a glance, they look wrong. You will likely end up short on wood if you simply follow directions.
This looks like a beautiful craft table and I can't wait to build it. But, be very careful, do your own measurements, and don't waste valuable lumber. It's at a premium right now!!
zannej
Wed, 06/09/2021 - 00:39
suggestion of modification for sewing machine lift
I have what some may consider a crazy idea for a modification to this table. It would require either eliminating the shelves on the left or only having them more toward the back of the table so you can scoot over more to the left and have leg room). It would also require a thicker top.
The modification would allow people to have a customized sewing machine lift. I haven't sketched out the entire idea yet and figured everything out, but I saw the prices of the lifts and they were insane. But, for $20 you can get yourself an automotive scissor jack. You can get some cheap smooth metal rods to use as guides and make sure the platform (that extends to the sides under the table) has holes that the rods can go through to act as stabilizing guides. An alternative would be to make wooden boxes forming adjustable legs underneath with something to lock them in place. What I'm going for uses a cnc machine rail (metal rod welded to a flat piece with screw holes) and ball bearing glides. The jack can raise things about 14" (well, depending on the jack). You can put the glides on side or back (or both) to make the platform glide up and down smoothly. You can then attach some sort of hand crank to the jack to jack it up. In my case, I'm using an old wooden paper towel holder that broke. It was basically a wooden circle base with a hole in the middle for a 3/4" dowel. The dowel fell out of mine and I realized if I can use the center as the turning point and drill another hole off to the side, I can attach the dowel (after cutting it shorter) to the circle to make it work as a hand wheel crank. I also had a cheap silicone serving spoon with a hollow metal handle. Spoon part fell out and I found that the metal handle fits over the dowel like a sleeve and is loose enough to rotate.
Trying to figure out the best way to attach everything.
As for the sewing machine slot, I would have different insets that could go around the machine. If the machine is the same size at sewing level and at base then there would only need to be one for that. If it's smaller or larger would need a separate one if you wanted machine on top or slightly recessed so the surface lines up with the table. A solid piece could be put over when the machine is lowered all the way down-- leaving room to lay fabric out to cut and fold.
I hope this all made sense.