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
mbwsolucoes
Mon, 07/03/2017 - 18:30
Lindo
Lindo projeto
ozaret
Wed, 07/12/2017 - 11:27
Cushions
I love this plan. Do you have a recommendation for where to find the cushion?
kthomas498
Tue, 02/20/2018 - 10:34
CUSHIONS
You can find them at home Depot or right now you can get them on the Ikea website.. They are white.
Kimberly
kthomas498
Tue, 02/20/2018 - 11:00
CUSHIONS
You can find them at home Depot or right now you can get them on the Ikea website.. They are white.
Kimberly
bobbiderkson
Sun, 07/21/2019 - 19:24
Ikea
Ikea
bobbiderkson
Sun, 07/21/2019 - 19:24
Ikea
Ikea
kalihlz
Thu, 08/05/2021 - 17:22
I found a good set at…
I found a good set at Overstock.com.
upbubba
Thu, 07/13/2017 - 20:04
Cushions
Please tell us where you found the cushions. Everyone I see are the folded type that won't work at all.
rcm296
Mon, 07/17/2017 - 21:18
I managed to find some at the
I managed to find some at the blue big box store for half off actually
iamjulz622
Fri, 05/29/2020 - 18:02
I found oversized cushions…
I found oversized cushions at Big Lots.
rcm296
Mon, 07/17/2017 - 21:16
Stain color
Hi Ana, Love you projects. What color is that stain on the outdoor modern chair?
pokem23
Sat, 08/26/2017 - 09:47
Thanks
Thanks
off2wdw
Wed, 09/13/2017 - 06:31
Thanks! Loved how these turned out!
Crazzed_1
Sat, 09/16/2017 - 07:23
Modification
I find that screws don't hold well when out into the end grain. I drilled and installed 1" dowel into those areas and then sanded flush once screwed. Gives the screw a much better bite as it is grabbing a cross grain. Great plans!!
juge
Mon, 01/08/2018 - 16:28
Excuse me, I'm from another
In reply to Excuse me, I'm from another by juge
Ana White
Sat, 01/13/2018 - 17:30
Yes, all measurements are in
Yes, all measurements are in inches, please see the getting started section
for actual dimensions http://www.ana-white.com/2012/12/get-started
Poyaoan
Sun, 01/28/2018 - 10:07
Question
Hi Ana,
Is the shopping list is for two chairs? Another question is can I just use a regular lumber or should I use treated lumber as we have snow every winter?
Thank you and have a great day.
camelburrito
Mon, 05/24/2021 - 14:36
No its for one chair - i…
No its for one chair - i realized it after i started doing my cuts :(
Justjess1125
Fri, 02/23/2018 - 21:18
Table plans
Do you have the plans for the small table in between the chairs?
Curtis.Waug
Wed, 01/15/2020 - 18:10
If you go under the outdoor…
If you go under the outdoor seating section, the plan is called Adirondack side table
frankb03
Sat, 07/07/2018 - 14:47
$20
Where can one find four 2x6 and four 2X4 for $20? I can't even get four 2x6 for $20
kbyrom
Wed, 05/01/2019 - 10:00
Great plan. Have been…
Great plan. Have been looking for a set of chairs to build to sit on the screened in porch.
H_Rhea
Sat, 05/04/2019 - 09:49
Plan Details
I am planning on making these for my patio and wanted to ask you something.
1. Based on my measurements the shopping list is only for one chair. It doesn't state about how many screws are needed per chair. I have only had luck finding a huge box of the 1/4 in. x 2-3/4 in. Steel Self-Tapping Timber Screws in a 600 count pail. Clearly, I do not need that many, so about how many do you think will be used PER chair?
2. Do you recommend just using an exterior wood glue or specifically what type do you feel is best?
3. Did you use cedar, pine, or redwood treated lumber?
4. I am also interested in the plan for the small table in the photo.
Thanks for your help! Love projects and saving money!
In reply to Plan Details by H_Rhea
Warrenchic
Mon, 05/20/2019 - 07:07
In regards to screws, it's …
In regards to screws, it's about 2 screws per cut piece give or take. For 2 chairs it would be about 100 screws.
l8n13
Thu, 06/11/2020 - 08:07
Did you find an answer about…
Did you find an answer about exterior wood glue and which type of wood to use? Thanks
In reply to Did you find an answer about… by l8n13
mvgreen3
Thu, 07/16/2020 - 19:45
Exterior Glue....
I recommend Titebond II or III. It's rated for indoor or outdoor and I've personally them on a number of outdoor projects.
b.gonzales
Tue, 05/14/2019 - 09:43
Matching table
Are there plans somewhere for the small table between the chairs?
danetteb17
Sun, 06/02/2019 - 11:59
Please add the 2 x 2 boards…
Please add the 2 x 2 boards to the shopping list! We printed the shopping list and then when we got home we didn't have the 2 x 2 boards for the cleats.
wjmathewsx
Sat, 06/27/2020 - 14:52
Yes! I too, was like…
Yes! I too, was like.... crap, I gotta go back to Lowe’s...
mross932
Sun, 07/07/2019 - 09:36
I made these this week, just…
I made these this week, just came back from buying the cushions and the back of the chair is way way too low to support the back of the cushions. I thouggt the pictures looked that way too but i hadnt seen anyone comment on it being an issue... is anyone else dealing with this? Just spent so much time and money on these and they might be a waste :(
feldkatc
Wed, 08/21/2019 - 11:15
High back
Has anyone ever modified these plans to have higher backs?
In reply to High back by feldkatc
jill giese
Sun, 08/25/2019 - 09:09
<p>I'm in the process of…
<p>I'm in the process of making it now, but can't find the information for the angle of cut or how long to cut the 2x4s for side support.</p>
<p> </p>
<p> </p>
elainebiss
Sat, 08/31/2019 - 12:32
Hello Ana, the chair list…
Hello Ana, the chair list for wood does not mention buying 2x2 but your cut list does. Can I use left over 2x4 instead?
bnakka
Mon, 09/23/2019 - 09:33
I finally finished these… I…
I finally finished these…
I finally finished these chairs as is. However, I have to admit the chairs are super sturdy but extremely heavy. I still love them. I have yet to finish staining them. Will they get light over time :)?
Bryan G Price
Tue, 02/25/2020 - 05:33
Wonderful Site and Great Plan!
Hello Ana,
First I want to say that I am so glad to have stumbled onto your site. You've done an amazing job.
Also, I really like the detail of your plans. This project in particular is amazing. I think I'll be building a number of these for the backyard firepit this summer.
Just lovely!
Sincerely,
Bryan
amayer15
Sun, 03/29/2020 - 08:00
Best wood to use?
I made a couple of these chairs, but think I may have made a mistake of using pressure treated lumber (I bought PT bc of someone's suggestion since these will be outdoors) based on some reading I did after the fact. For future outdoor furniture projects, what's the best type of wood to buy? Thanks!
P.S. The chairs did turn out great and we love them! Very sturdy and comfortable.
Ruthiep
Thu, 04/02/2020 - 12:03
kreg hole plan
Hi Ana,
Is there a way or a plan to use Kreg pocket holes so the exterior screws don't show?
Ruthie
In reply to kreg hole plan by Ruthiep
mvgreen3
Thu, 07/16/2020 - 19:50
I used pocket holes for the…
I used pocket holes for the all the boards except the top side boards. Those I just used a counter-bore setup and a dowel to fill the holes.
mj.marrinan
Thu, 04/23/2020 - 16:28
Structural Timber?
Hi! Is the timber structural timber?
ckfranz84
Thu, 04/30/2020 - 13:49
Can you use pocket holes for…
Can you use pocket holes for this?
msuvdawg
Tue, 05/05/2020 - 10:38
approximate weight?
Anyone know about how much these weigh? I was going to use them in the yard by a firepit, but didn't want anything too heavy as they have to be mowed under periodically.
Renevation
Thu, 05/14/2020 - 16:19
1x6 vs 2x6
Do you think that 1x6 could be used instead of the 2x6?
martha.handmade
Sat, 05/16/2020 - 09:54
Hi Ana, Would I be able to…
Hi Ana,
Would I be able to use a miter saw to cut the wood instead of a circular saw?
Thanks!
Sam_A
Thu, 05/28/2020 - 00:19
As long as you’re measuring…
As long as you’re measuring correctly and have your angles set correctly, you’ll be totally fine cutting with your mitre saw. If anything, it will probably be more accurate.
In reply to Hi Ana, Would I be able to… by martha.handmade
mvgreen3
Thu, 07/16/2020 - 19:52
Yes. I did and it made…
Yes. I did and it made quick work of the repeat cuts.
Irshmsss
Wed, 05/20/2020 - 13:46
Clarity please?
Does buying 4 2x4 and 4 2x6 make one chair or two?
Sam_A
Wed, 05/27/2020 - 06:47
I asked the same question…
I asked the same question. Sorry didn’t see someone else had asked!
wjmathewsx
Sun, 06/28/2020 - 18:26
The shopping list is for 1…
The shopping list is for 1 chair. Not sure how she claims $40 buys enough wood for two chairs.
conniebreck65
Sun, 05/24/2020 - 10:29
Pressure Treated Wood?
Did you use pressure treated wood?
Sam_A
Wed, 05/27/2020 - 06:44
A few questions from the UK!
I’m so sorry if this is a stupid question! I’m in the UK so inches are like a foreign language to me (I love your plans Ana & have created a few pieces - just takes me longer as I always need to convert to cm & mm lol) Could I please check whether the shopping list is for 1 chair or for both?
Also, have any of you ever used a semi-transparent White stain that is suitable for sealing/protecting wood for outdoor use? I’d love an almost white washed look!