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
Crazy Easton Family (not verified)
Thu, 05/27/2010 - 14:47
I would suggest hinges
I would suggest hinges http://www.rockler.com/product.cfm?page=410&Max=999 like these so you don't get bitty fingers (or big ones!) slammed in the door :)
Natalie (not verified)
Thu, 05/27/2010 - 15:30
Please don't say that this is
Please don't say that this is all to the collection. Please make a canopy daybed, too!!! Like this one, but not wicker and in the style of the rest of your collection: http://www.potterybarn.com/products/palmetto-all-weather-wicker-daybed/.
Bethany (not verified)
Thu, 05/27/2010 - 16:43
Midwest cedar lumber
Midwest cedar lumber prices(cedar, for outdoor usage):
1x4 $6
1x3 $5
1x2 $4
Everyone always asks about the price so I thought this would help to give an idea. The wood is about $130. Not bad compred to the W.E. price of $330!
StressTheSeams (not verified)
Fri, 05/28/2010 - 02:43
Wow. I can just hear my hubby
Wow. I can just hear my hubby already planning how to add all of this to his to do list! :) We LOVE your stuff. Please keep it coming!
By the way, you won an award! Drop by http://stresstheseams.blogspot.com/2010/05/10-things-i-need-to-share-be… to check it out!
Janae (not verified)
Sat, 05/29/2010 - 22:12
I just made the storage
I just made the storage bench. I'll post picture on facebook after I finish painting it and add the hinges.
I just want to say that a few of the measurements on the cut list were wrong. Luckily, I like to go by the pictures (which were right) and measure as I go.
Also, it only cost me about $30-$40. I found a local recycling store. It's basically a cross between goodwill and lowes. It was an amazing discovery. They didn't have all the sizes, but what I got was cheap.
Ana White (not verified)
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 13:12
Janae, thanks for stopping
Janae, thanks for stopping back by to comment on the cut list errors. All fixed! And super smart to cut as you go, following the diagrams, I am definitely human! Ana
Mr. B (not verified)
Wed, 06/09/2010 - 08:01
Any thoughts on how to make
Any thoughts on how to make this bench water tight?
GREAT site (in my best Tony the Tiger voice...).
Mary (not verified)
Sun, 06/20/2010 - 11:52
I agree with Mr. B. Any ways
I agree with Mr. B. Any ways to make this water tight? We get A LOT of rain and it is always a downer to have to sit on a wet cushion.
JJennings (not verified)
Sat, 09/04/2010 - 14:42
When I was pregnant with our
When I was pregnant with our first son, I got my husband to build something very similar to this for babyproofing the cat's litterbox. He built it with a solid plywood bottom, and he made a opening for a door in the back panel. We positioned it about 5-6 inches away from the wall and put the litterbox, extra litter, scooper, etc inside. The cat walks around to the back and enters to take care of business. Our oldest is now 7, and we are still using the box because it hides everything so well.
jphiggins2
Mon, 05/02/2011 - 21:40
what a great idea to use this
what a great idea to use this for the litter boxes! I have been trying to come up with something to keep my dogs out of the 'all you can eat buffet' as my husband calls it.
MrsM (not verified)
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 06:29
This is just what I was
This is just what I was looking for to build for storing wood next to the fireplace.
Christy B (not verified)
Wed, 10/20/2010 - 12:05
My husband is building this
My husband is building this to replace our $160 toy box that fell apart after 1 year! :-/ Can't wait to send pictures of the finished project.
Rae (not verified)
Thu, 10/28/2010 - 05:10
I'm also interested in how to
I'm also interested in how to make this watertight. I actually just posted a bench on the facebook site that I was hoping to make but looks like these plans are already done but the gaps between the boards would make it a problem... any ideas?
How to Build a… (not verified)
Fri, 11/12/2010 - 23:32
[...] Full reference
[...] Full reference (Copyright acknowledge) This entry was posted in Wood Furniture Plans. Bookmark the permalink. ← Do It Yourself Woodwork – Woodworking Tips For Beginners [...]
Marie (not verified)
Fri, 02/18/2011 - 12:26
To make it watertight - or
To make it watertight - or close to it:
When building the panels, don't make the frame flush with the top. Drop it down a half inch or so. Put weather stripping in that space.
For the sides, top and bottom, instead of using individual boards, just have the lumber yard cut you a piece of redwood plywood. It looks like paneling.
Just stain or paint!
jphiggins2
Mon, 05/02/2011 - 21:43
trunk
I think this would be great to make it look like the trunk coffee table that is so popular now. Maybe adding some kind of buckles, I don't know, but I can see it possibly being made to look like a trunk.
pmsandagun
Wed, 05/11/2011 - 13:57
Water Tight Deck Box
While tooling around on the Kreg Jig forum, I found plans and videos for this similar box/bench : http://kregjig.ning.com/forum/topics/lowes-shop-class-deck-box
Looks fairly easy, and if you're worried about water, I think this would do the trick, though I'm still planning on making Ana's. I think tongue and groove is probably out of my price range.
asustachek
Fri, 05/20/2011 - 10:16
Bug Free Box
Someday when we move back home to San Diego, CA (currently active duty Coast Guard in Sitka, AK) I plan on building this box for our backyard patio with screen material attached to the inside to keep the bugs and spiders out. Just an idea for those of you with the same problem.
Teresa H. (not verified)
Thu, 11/22/2012 - 13:06
I need this box!
I have a small dog that chews everything in the back yard into tiny little pieces, especially flip-flops! We need something like this to store all that stuff in! (Don't worry about the dog, he doesn't actually eat any of the stuff, he just likes to make a mess for us to clean up!)
Home Design
Sun, 08/03/2014 - 21:04
Furniture Design
In designing patio furniture, don’t forget to think about the function of your patio design. Do you like it so serve as dining are on warm summer nights? Do you want to use it to host your birthday party or your outdoor dinner party? Or, do you want to use it as outdoor family room to serve a place to enjoy reading and gathering with your family? source this in Precioushomedesign.com
AndyG
Mon, 08/18/2014 - 13:31
Any suggestions on the best
Any suggestions on the best hinges to use for outdoors? Any specifics appreciated!
AndyG
Mon, 08/18/2014 - 13:32
Where do you use the Kreg
Where do you use the Kreg Jig? I don't see it in the directions.
Runfar
Tue, 05/26/2015 - 07:25
Side panel top and bottom frame pieces
Fun project! Building one from pallets. One design change suggestion is to have the top and bottom frames on the end panel go all the way across similar to the side panel.
Barbarab
Tue, 07/26/2016 - 07:07
Got some beautiful cushions
Got some beautiful cushions for a dining table on the new deck we built last yr. Covered and stored as best we could over the winter. Was very close to tossing leftover pieces of composite and now we have a plan. This project will be a perfect use for them, will match AND will cost nowhere near the storage offered in the marketplace. Very excited, thanx
haileyjane1233
Sun, 06/28/2020 - 11:11
Step 5 instructions
I don’t see the instructions for Step 5, for attaching the top with hinges. I only see the picture. Are there instructions for this step?