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
spiceylg
Tue, 08/16/2011 - 08:48
Love
This is adorable. I don't have any children, but still, so cute! I have to ask Ana, you have been posting a lot lately. How do you have the time for this when you and the RAM have undertaken such a huge project, the Momplex? You continue to amaze.
onehandymom
Tue, 08/16/2011 - 10:30
Idea gone Bad...
Hahaha Before I even saw your comment on the wheel pic I said, "Oh no! No! No! No!" LOL I can only imagine what my three year old would attempt on a stool with wheels. He's a bit of a daredevil, and I've already got enough grey hairs (and I'm only 24). Nice idea though - *I* wouldn't mind a stool with wheels ;)
Tsu Dho Nimh
Tue, 08/16/2011 - 20:18
Kid stools with wheels?
Cowabunga! Floor surfing! Chair races! Wheeeeeee! Thud, scream, bleed!
Great plan - you could probably make half dozen for the cost of the PB stools.
bcubed
Wed, 08/17/2011 - 08:51
HOW CUTE!!!
This stool is absolutely adorable! I really need a couple of them just a tad taller (for adults, maybe 16 - 18" height). Would be great for a stool to keep at the barn for quick place to sit. Hang it up on a hook on the wall. Ana, if you have time, could you let us know what would be the cut angle if one wanted to make this stool for bar height? Id think at the 10 deg angle, the base of the stool at the increased height would be too wide. (I also happen to like the little wheels on the stool.. lol)... Thanks tons Ana, for all your hard work...
Ana White
Wed, 08/17/2011 - 11:30
Here you go
Here you go :)
http://ana-white.com/2011/01/simplest-stool.html
bcubed
Thu, 08/18/2011 - 13:06
oh... DUH....
I feel SOOO stupid. I've seen that plan before. When you first posted it. I cant believe I forgot it was there. Thanks Ana, for reminding me. Like you dont have better things to do.. LOL!! Your a peach!! ;)
paula butler (not verified)
Mon, 08/29/2011 - 20:32
Love this!!
This is amazing stuff!!
gvandy
Tue, 03/17/2015 - 05:59
even cuts
Do you have any helpful tips on getting even cuts? i made one and had trouble getting all the legs on the ground at once i realize this is user error, but I'm not sure how to improve!!
morris1
Wed, 12/29/2021 - 17:55
Great plan, but needs a few more details.
Overall great plan, relatively straightforward and attractive stool. I upped my game and made from solid maple, for even more appeal than framing lumber.
Two things that probably should be addressed in the plan:
1. How to keep the workpieces clamped correctly while driving pocket screws into the stretchers. Ten-degree angles in two dimensions is not easy to hold by hand. Ordinarily with pocket holes, they come in pairs, so you can use a Kreg pocket hole clamp to position the pieces for the joint. With just one pocket hole on each side of each stretcher, one has to get creative or take a chance on less-than-perfect results. I had to cut 10-degree shims to place under the stretchers and also on the outside of either leg to clamp the two legs and stretcher together to stabilize while driving screws. I used a long bar clamp around the two legs. This works very well. Would be great to add some technique like this (or an alternative) to the plan.
2. When driving the last two pocket screws in the 5" top stretchers, there may not be enough space to position a drill or driver, so a right angle attachment to the drill might be needed.
With some added clarity on these points, others may find it a lot easier to build from this plan.