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
Yz2001@boom
Wed, 04/08/2020 - 09:56
Loft bed
If I add 6in to the legs do I need additional lumber? Or is there enough? Does that make sense?
Cabana Bob
Thu, 04/09/2020 - 17:41
My wife and I built this bed for my five year old grand daughter
My wife and I built this bed for my five year old grand daughter
I just finished making this loft bed for my five year old grand daughter. Boy she is thrilled to have this cool new bed!
This was a pretty straight forward project. Only basic wood working tools are necessary: Chop Saw/Circular Saw, orbital sander (Lots of Sanding), drill/driver (You will use a ton of screws), Krieg pocket jig, sandpaper, glue and a lots of pocket hole and construction screws.
The material list is accurate and contained everything you will need in the way of wood and supplies. I have to say that using construction grade 2x4 and 2x6 is an inexpensive way to go, but be prepared for a lot of sanding! The boards do have some warps to them and I had to use some bar clamps to get everything lined up when I assembled the various components. It is worth the time to carefully pick through the lumber pile when you choose your lumber.
Besides sanding (did I mention there is a LOT of sanding) we primed and painted each board before we started the build. It just makes the final painting that much easier than waiting until it is fully assembled. That is really what takes the time. The actual build is pretty easy if you are careful, measure accurately and take your time. I used pocket screws and Tite Bond HD glue where ever I could. The only way this thing is coming out of the bedroom is with a saws all. The entire project took about a week -- mainly because of the sanding and painting.
Give this project a try. It's very cost effective, is a cool feature in a little kids room and is really a blast to make. Trust the plans, or modify to meet your needs. You can't go wrong. Wood is a renewable resource and you can always go down and get another piece if needed.
Barnzey
Mon, 06/01/2020 - 07:59
Simple and Fun
Just made this for my 5yr old since her room is 8’x10’ and it turned out amazing. Really is an easy project that just can be done in a few days.
aknebler
Mon, 06/08/2020 - 23:05
2x4 instead of 2x6?
Is it possible to use 2x4s in place of the 2x6 lumber? We live Hawai’i and the only lumber that I have found that is a 2x6 is either pressure treated wood or more expensive wood that is around $30 for one 2x6x8.
bmfletcher15
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 08:44
Screw type
Would you recommend the 2 1/2 inch HD pocket hole screws or just the regular 2 1/2 in pocket hole screws. Thanks!
Ashley542
Mon, 07/27/2020 - 14:44
Adding 6 inch
Can someone please help me! I’m making this bed his week for my son, but he wants it with the added 6in height, I don’t know how to add the extra stair. Please help me!
wxhop
Mon, 07/27/2020 - 17:52
Plan for Full Size bed?
Love these plans but my son would need something that fits a full size mattress. Do you have plans and a cut list that would accommodate this?
tcorstange
Sat, 09/05/2020 - 19:43
Finding draft brag post
I did a brag post about this but saved it to draft. How can I find it?
Birddog
Tue, 09/29/2020 - 13:16
Type of Kreg Jig
Can anyone tell me what kind of Kreg Jig to use for this project? It seems like the HD is right since we're using 2x material but I'd like to be sure.
dragonfly2000
Sat, 10/17/2020 - 07:56
Modifications
Hi,
Love the plans and looking at doing for my kids but our mattresses are King Single/Twin which measure 106 cm x 203 cm or 3'6" x 6'8" (42" x 80").
I’m trying to work out they changes in wood cuts for length and width but am totally lost 😱 Any suggestions? Also accomodating for thicker mattress. Also I saw someone added a shelf on one of the brag posts but now can’t find it - is there a plan for that?
donk
Tue, 11/24/2020 - 15:03
I built this bed and it's perfect!
I used this plan to make my daughter her bed. Thank you so much for this!
jhobe
Wed, 11/25/2020 - 10:06
Hi, I'm new at wood building…
Hi, I'm new at wood building and hoping someone who built this recently can clear this question I have about the PHs. Directions say to drill 1.5" PHs but use 2.5" PH screws. On the Kreg Jig do you set the board thickness to 1.5" and did you set the screw length to 1.5" or 2.5"?
jhobe
Fri, 11/27/2020 - 07:58
Ok, never mind. I figured it…
Ok, never mind. I figured it out for steps 1 and 2. If anyone can clarify Step 3, do you use the same method drill 1.5" Pocket Holes and use 2.5" Pocket Hole screws to attach the longer 75" 2x4 and 2x6 side rails to the legs? Or do you do a butt joint?
Lisalesa29
Sun, 12/13/2020 - 18:10
Queen bed
Do you have plans for this same bed but as a queen?!?!?
LenahC78
Tue, 12/15/2020 - 00:01
Ordering Custom Plans
Ana, is it possible to purchase this same design in a custom size and height for a 10x10 room for an adult? I've taken in my brother and nephew after he lost his job and home due to Covid. I would love to build this to fit a Full/Double sized mattress on top, and I'll add a twin mattress perpendicular underneath for my nephew, and a small desk.
The room is exactly 10x10 feet with 9 foot ceilings. I'd like 5 foot of head clearance underneath if possible.
Please let me know what it would cost to purchase plans. 😁
beccabuilder
Wed, 02/03/2021 - 09:20
Did you get a response about…
Did you get a response about the plans? Because my room spacing is about the same as yours.
bschlottag
Fri, 01/08/2021 - 13:44
Advice/tips please!
Any tips on making quiet wood furniture? I made a bedframe and it is gorgeous but so creaky
jdharshfield
Wed, 01/13/2021 - 21:21
Added rock climbing wall
Built this bed for my 6 year old daughter and added a rock climbing wall at the head of the bed. She loves it!
beccabuilder
Wed, 02/03/2021 - 09:18
Full size plans, too?
Do you happen to have the plans for this bed style, but a full size bed , instead of twin?
mrs_gordon
Sat, 05/01/2021 - 10:52
Just the steps help please
I am hoping to just make stair platform part of this pattern. I have never made anything from a pattern before and wondering if someone could help me figure out which cuts on the cut list I need for just the stair portion? Thank you and I appreciate any assistance.
meg.liddell
Wed, 10/13/2021 - 09:44
I live in South America and…
I live in South America and no one cuts 2x6s here. What can I use in place of them? Thanks!
albert058
Thu, 03/03/2022 - 05:55
DIY projects
I love Ana White's DIY projects. The plans are so easy to follow and she has all the necessary measurements for you. Keep up the good work!