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
Ana White (not verified)
Wed, 11/04/2009 - 22:16
Thank you so much for viewing
Thank you so much for viewing this plan - I am so inspired by everyone's visits, and it's really nice to have a reason to organize and write down all my plans (Before they were just somewhere inside my head). I hope you enjoy this blog as much as I do.
As it seems with every plan I create, I am now inspired to go out to the shop and build it!
jschiffmayer
Thu, 03/21/2013 - 06:14
Favorite Bookcase into Bookcase Wall?
Hi Ana- I am going to try this, and haven't built anything before. Could you tell me how you would go about putting 3 of these together? I plan on making them almost to the ceiling to look built in.
Would it work to leave off the bottom, so that kids could kick their shoes underneath? So the "box" would end at the last shelf, but the sides would continue down? Thanks!
Anonymous (not verified)
Thu, 11/05/2009 - 09:38
Thank you! I love it!
Thank you! I love it!
Beth in NY (not verified)
Tue, 02/23/2010 - 18:00
Ok, I've built the box, and
Ok, I've built the box, and cut the shelves-more tomorrow! My question is that you seem to have a back on your shelves. Do I use Luan for this?
Ana White (not verified)
Tue, 02/23/2010 - 18:04
I use beadboard, it should be
I use beadboard, it should be either in the paneling section or the plywood section, about $20 a sheet.
Will be reworking these plans soon!
Beth in NY (not verified)
Wed, 02/24/2010 - 17:15
In your free time, right?
In your free time, right? LOL- Thanks- I'll try the beadboard! Love your site!
lanisanford (not verified)
Wed, 03/03/2010 - 14:17
I JUST finished building
I JUST finished building this! Not painted yet but its FREAKING GORGEOUS! And so easy, I did the whole thing alone, even bought the wood. Usually my hubs helps out when I get stuck on a project, but I finished this in just a couple hours no problem. Now I want to build 40 more! :D
Emily (not verified)
Fri, 03/11/2011 - 10:37
so encouraging!
Thank you for posting this comment...I've been dreaming about building this for a few weeks and I just read your comment and thought "ok, if she can do it, so can I!" Off to buy the wood... :)
Molly (not verified)
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 11:11
thanks for these plans. i am
thanks for these plans. i am making 2 for our recently converted bedroom to our homeschool room. these are exactly what I pictured in my mind.
Hollingsworth Family (not verified)
Wed, 03/10/2010 - 19:30
Thank you so much for the
Thank you so much for the plans. We just finished the bookshelf including painting it. We modiefied a tad so that it sits directly on the floor (didn't want to sweep under it! =)
Blogged about the process at http://haphazardhollingsworth.blogspot.com/2010/02/furniture-building.h….
It cost us a little under $100. I was wondering if you could use MDF for the shelves, sides, top instead of the pine? I do plan on making a least one more.
I love your plans and all the work you have put into your blog. You are an amazingly talented person! Thanks for sharing that talent!
Jolen
Anonymous (not verified)
Fri, 03/19/2010 - 13:52
Do you have instructions on
Do you have instructions on setting in the shelves for non-adjustable?
Sparks Family (not verified)
Thu, 05/13/2010 - 15:52
I don't know if I just missed
I don't know if I just missed them somewhere, but I wanted to know what the dimensions are.
Christa (not verified)
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 10:41
I can't find the overall
I can't find the overall dimensions either. I am assuming it is 72" tall but just wanted to check.
Mardi (not verified)
Fri, 07/30/2010 - 09:54
You are amazing. I've always
You are amazing. I've always want to build things, but my husband has always said it's impossible. Not anymore! :) With plans AND instructions, there is no reason not to. Going to get wood tonight!
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 07/12/2011 - 11:57
Best place to get wood?
Hi! I really want to start building but it seems to be more expensive than I'm expecting. I was pricing out the wood for this project and for pine at Lowes it is going to cost me over $150! Where do you get your wood to make this in less than $50?
Thanks!
Guest (not verified)
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 20:37
question on bookcase
what kind of wood would u use in a bathroom ...... I want this to be a little deeper and wider to hold towels ..... we have a new house with NO linen closet in the master ..... weird HUH ? Plz suggest the best plan for me :) Love ALL of your stuff .
CMA (not verified)
Mon, 01/02/2012 - 03:56
Wobbly bookshelf
Ana,
I love the look and dimensions of the bookshelf, but now that I finished it I have found that it is wobbling like crazy! It's on carpet, and I know that can make it wobble more, but even on a hard floor it wobbles. It seems like it's something in the frame of the bookshelf itself. Is there anything I can do to fix it? I put shims underneath so it's manageable, but it certainly is not solid. Any suggestions?
claydowling
Mon, 01/02/2012 - 05:34
rigid back
A secure rigid back or front frame can stiffen it. If you secure the front frame, make sure that frame is rigid before it goes on the case.
Mary - Scentsy… (not verified)
Mon, 03/26/2012 - 11:59
The plan is different than pictured
I noticed that the plan gives a different result than the first picture at the top of the post. I really like the finished look of the top picture better. Did you miter the edges and have the "seams" on the outside of the bookshelf in that one? I also like that the trim doesn't overlap the inside edge of the shelf on that one. The shelves just sit back in the frame on that one.
Thanks.
Leyla Nisaa (not verified)
Thu, 10/04/2012 - 10:59
Need help?
I'm new to this, how do you add shelves?
Emmy Soren
Wed, 01/11/2017 - 13:13
This vs. Kentwood design???
Hey there - This one says "Favorite" bookshelf. Looks similar to the Kentwood when it's finished, but I see the build is different. I'm looking to build my first ever bookshelf and I want it to be very sturdy. Which one is preferred - the "favorite" or the "kentwood" design???
In reply to This vs. Kentwood design??? by Emmy Soren
Ana White
Fri, 01/13/2017 - 20:30
Do you have a kreg jig? If so
Do you have a kreg jig? If so, I'd recommend the kentwood design:)
Anie8032
Wed, 10/09/2019 - 10:51
Are there more detailed…
Are there more detailed plans that I’m somehow missing? I’m a beginner and need a little more guidance on how to assemble after the cuts. Thank you!