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)
Sat, 12/19/2009 - 22:10
My list is very long of all
My list is very long of all the projects that have been requested. Although this project was just requested today, it is not because I have not prioritized plans. I actually am building two of these tables and just happened to already have the plans! Happy Holidays, Ana
Jennifer Guire (not verified)
Sun, 12/20/2009 - 01:31
Thanks for all your plans! I
Thanks for all your plans! I plan to build a table when I get back home after Christmas. I will share then! Love your site!!
Ana White (not verified)
Sun, 12/27/2009 - 21:03
My husband built this table
My husband built this table for our nephew (I will be posting photos soon) and it is AWESOME! The drawers are huge.
HOWEVER - I will be modifying these plans so that you can build it from 1 piece of plywood and some 1x2s and 2x2s (saves you the 1x12s which can be spendy!) So check back! I will post these modifications with the photos.
Kylee (not verified)
Sat, 12/10/2011 - 08:03
Have you posted the
Have you posted the modifications you stated above?
Its So Very Cheri (not verified)
Tue, 01/19/2010 - 04:18
I am doing my post about you
I am doing my post about you and adding in a lot of pictures and links to your blog. I saw this and I am building my own crates this week. Already have the wood cut and ready to go. They are going to go under the tables I did on Kari's today.
Cheri
Catherine Hans… (not verified)
Thu, 01/21/2010 - 16:41
I have just spent way too
I have just spent way too much time going through your blog. I LOVE building furniture and I love all your plans. I just had to comment here because this table was one of the first things I was inspired by myself. My kids have loved this table so much and when they are too old to use it anymore I plan to put a piece of glass on the top and turn it into an awesome coffee table! I will have to find a photo to send you.. All the very best. You do great work and I sincerely hope you get your own TV show! You deserve it!
Stephanie Saunders (not verified)
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 15:07
I already have the Land of
I already have the Land of Nod table (man, if I would have known I could BUILD it, I would have saved tons!!), and the corners aren't so harsh. Can you sand down MDF corners to make them a little less dangerous to uncoordinated toddlers? I want to build the carts. I've never worked with MDF, so I thought I'd check with you first.
Jennifer (not verified)
Tue, 04/06/2010 - 13:46
Hi Stephanie!Having worked
Hi Stephanie!
Having worked with MDF on two projects so far, you CAN sand down the pointed corners just like any other wood. 120 grit sandpaper works perfectly.
undermentals (not verified)
Wed, 08/11/2010 - 14:14
Ana,Thanks for these plans.
Ana,
Thanks for these plans. I've seen the table in the catalog and thought it would be perfect for my son who loves to build models.
I'm in the middle of the build but I'm having problems. The narrow part of the 1X2s that abut each leg are just too slight to support a screw or nail. The 1X2s have splintered and cracked in each corner. It helped to add a 2X4 triangle as bracing to each corner,giving a wider nailing/screwing surface, but it became a difficult project as a result, and requires a partner to hold it while you attach it. And when I attempted to attach the MDF top to the frame it couldn't handle the stress - the frame buckled and I had to essentially start from scratch.
In reply to Ana,Thanks for these plans. by undermentals (not verified)
Lisatannerrd
Thu, 12/19/2013 - 22:34
legs are not supported enough
I know my kids are going to be climbing all over this thing. I need it to be strong and not wobble a bit if all my hard work is going to last. So, my solution was to attach some upcycled 2x6 about an inch from the bottom between the legs on the short ends w/pocket hole screws. I also replaced the long 1x2 aprons with 1x4's and cut the legs longer to accommodate those cute storage boxes.
Kati (not verified)
Wed, 09/01/2010 - 15:39
undermentals have you tried
undermentals have you tried predrilling first?
TripletDad (not verified)
Sat, 11/20/2010 - 16:04
I made this table for our 2
I made this table for our 2 yr old triplets who are obsessed with Thomas the Train. Overall, I thought the plans were good and the table looks great. I found that the legs don't support the weight of the table all that well. The table was a bit shaky and I knew our kids would be leaning on the table and even trying to climb on it. So I was worried it would collapse. To stiffen it up, I added some plywood panels to the rear and sides, which made it very solid. I left the front side open to leave room for the storage bins to be stored. I also raise the height of the table to about 20 inches. I thought the plans left the table a bit too low for our trips. But good plans and thanks for providing this. I think part of the process is taking plans and tweaking them to adjust your individual needs. Thanks again!
Stacy (not verified)
Tue, 12/21/2010 - 10:45
Just perfect for our new play
Just perfect for our new play room!!
grandpa Roger (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 09:14
I just finished building the
I just finished building the table - but haven't painted it yet. I used finish grade plywood so the total cost was substantial - about $150 in total. Here are a couple of suggestions. The left over plywood could be used in lieu of the 1 x 12's for the drawers. Save about $26 and is straighter so it makes better fits for the drawers. Also, I found that the legs were wobbly and needed reinforcement, there just isn't enough adjoining wood to create a good joint. I took a scrap piece of 2x4 and created corner braces - worked well and is very stable now. Finally, rather than use the 1x2's to trim off the table, I used 1x4's, and I mitered the corners, which covered all the frame parts and give it a nicer final appearance.
river4250
Sat, 05/07/2011 - 17:18
Working on the playtable
I am currently in the middle of building the playtable, and I've had some trouble with the frame as well. It's very difficult to get everything square and straight and screwed in without splitting a board, and I can't seem to keep the legs straight. Right now I've resorted to adding a bottom frame around three of the sides to help stabilize it, which is helping a lot. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong or if I just don't have the skill level to build this the way it's meant to be yet. (I've only completed a few projects so far, although I'm having some trouble posting brag blogs for them.) Anyway, I think it will still turn out beautiful and will hopefully have better luck with the brag blogs in the future so I can post a pic. I've completed a twin fancy farmhouse bed with a few modifications, a bench, a small wall mounted bookcase, and just finished the taller standing flat bookcase. They all turned out absolutely perfect!
Thank you Ana, for giving women like me, who've never picked up a saw before, the inspiration and courage to make such beautiful things for our homes, and for giving us a little boost in the self esteem department. I feel so much pride looking at the things I've built, and it's because of you. Thank you so much!
Tsu Dho Nimh
Sun, 05/08/2011 - 06:42
1 - make sure your cuts are
1 - make sure your cuts are absolutely square and straight, and that the boards are also straight.
2 - pre-drill the holes for the screws to prevent splitting,
3 - use clamps to hold legs in position for drilling and screwing.
Kelli S. (not verified)
Sat, 08/06/2011 - 17:41
How much did it cost to make
How much did it cost to make this, vs. the set from P.Barn?
Jamie B (not verified)
Fri, 11/16/2012 - 06:51
pottery barn activity table PDF
I love this table and plan on making it this weekend for my son's Christmas present! However, I cannot seem to get the PDF version downloaded and the printed version from online does not show the measurements on the pictures. I have a MAC so not sure if this is why.