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
Silky (not verified)
Thu, 03/25/2010 - 23:05
First off all I want to thank
First off all I want to thank you for all your wonderful Plans!
I found your blog just recently and it's the only one I read every single day.
Living in Europe I never heard of Williams-Sonoma or pottery barn before. In fact the style is a little too American for my taste but your plans are amazing and easy to adapt.
We do own a lot of IKEA furniture. And while I love most of it they change their styles so quickly that it is almost impossible to add to your already existing furniture.
My parents own some Billy bookcases that are 30 years or older. Back then they were made of veneered plywood. When my husband and I moved in our first apartment the ones you could buy were veneered particle board. By now they are not even veneered anymore. They are particle board with a colored foil or some kind of foil that resembles wood.
So, thank you, thank you, thank you for posting these plans!
But while their cheaper furniture experienced a quality loss lately IKEA added some rather nice solid wood furniture to their product range. Check out MARKÖR or EDLAND for inspiration.
Your blog really added a lot of projects to my to do list. I just have to figure out how to manage withot a workshop.
I use my dad's workshop every once in a while but he lives to far away to do this on a regular basis.
Nalamienea (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 00:23
this one may end up being my
this one may end up being my first piece of furniture! We've been wanting a new bookcase forever but they are all SO expensive! Thank you!
Mary (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 01:17
I love the names!
I love the names!
Dawn (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 01:32
Hahaha, thats so awesome. I
Hahaha, thats so awesome. I had such a hard time concentrating on the plans because I couldn't quit chuckling over the names. Love it. Making a list to buy the stuff for a 3 bedroom 2 bath next weekend, LMAO. Thanks so much, you of course are a daily inspiration to us all!
Jen (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 02:50
The High Rise one would make
The High Rise one would make for a great display cabinet if we just added a simple door to it. Thanks for some more great designs!
JessA (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 02:54
ANA! I had the Favorite
ANA! I had the Favorite Bookshelf plans all printed for my first project and I was ready to go buy the wood today! But THIS plan is more what I really want- just some basic bookshelves and these look like a good first project for me. WOW your timing couldn't have been better! thank you!
Rolenthegreat (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 04:00
I really like the new table
I really like the new table you've made for your cut list, very easy to read and printable. Reminds me of the charts on the back of a sewing pattern.
Added bonus this sort of project might not save much $$, but since some of us live 4+ hours from an Ikea, it's a real time saver :)
Also there is a website I really love here http://ikeahacker.blogspot.com/ That shows all sort of people doing creative things with Ikea products. If you do a search for 'Billy' you end up with some amazing examples of how versatile these things can be :)
Isabel (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 04:45
I think 50% savings sounds
I think 50% savings sounds fanstastic to me!! Plus Im building a product that will last for a 100 years and wont fall apart next time I move!! Thank you so much!!
Jeannine (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 06:23
I love the new plan format!
I love the new plan format! I loved you old plans, but this new format is so professional looking!!! I love you blog too, can't wait to vote on the logo's you get submitted and see which one wins!
Thanks for all you do, I am so glad that such good things are coming your way. I always tell my kids "you get what you give", and you have given so much to so many people, it is right that you should get so much in return.
FYI... I am glad you are going to keep your plans on the webstie free, but I will also be one of the first in line to buy your book when it comes out - would love to have them all in one place that I can look at and refer to, and happy to help support what you are doing - empowering people! I have always like taking old pieces and giving them new life, but never thought I could make my own from scratch! Thanks!
Just one suggestion on the book, I would love to see some of the bragging board pictures of pieces that others have built and what they have done with them in there! That is what really has made me realize I can do this is see what other "regular" people have been able to do in their spare time, with basic tools, and limited woodworking/carpentry backgrounds.
Jennifer (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 08:05
Oooh, I love what Jeannine
Oooh, I love what Jeannine just said. Featuring REAL fan photos in your book! That's a great idea. :)
bequi (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 08:17
I also like Jeannine's idea.
I also like Jeannine's idea. I will also be buying a book ASAP! I'm excited to give copies as gifts!!
And I laughed out loud at the bookcase names!
Yolanda (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 10:00
Oh Ana you just keep getting
Oh Ana you just keep getting better and better. I love the (B)illy book cases and the price point is hard to beat, but I have read that they can’t be wall-mounted and don’t survive a move very well. That’s a short-term gain, long-term loss. I’d rather repaint a bookcase when my taste or needs change, not have to repurchase.
Your Willies, on the other hand, are very versatile and I could see them popping everywhere from the nursery to the garage to the study to the bathroom.
gkey (not verified)
Fri, 03/26/2010 - 17:34
To the one who inspires me to
To the one who inspires me to build,
I can not believe you keep posting the VERY things I NEED!
Thank you again and again and again.
love,
Inspired in Nebraska
Kevin (not verified)
Fri, 04/02/2010 - 21:16
Love the bookcase plans and
Love the bookcase plans and really want to give them a go. Drilling shelving support holes thinking of making a simple jig to get holes to line up both sides. Guess you could use wooden dowels for supports. Great site keep up the good work.
Jackie (not verified)
Sun, 04/11/2010 - 10:15
If the width of the two wider
If the width of the two wider ones are 31 1/2" then why is the back piece only supposed to be 30"?
Jackie (not verified)
Sun, 04/11/2010 - 10:17
Just noticed the Error
Just noticed the Error message. I really hope I didn't just read over that and that it just got posted. Haha
Laura (not verified)
Sun, 04/11/2010 - 15:00
Yay! I built my first
Yay! I built my first bookcase or really any piece of furniture! Thank you for your inspiration!
Amy @ Thoughts… (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 13:00
Thanks! You make it so
Thanks! You make it so simple (& do all of the measurements for me)!
We'll be doing this soon!
Do Not Lose Heart (not verified)
Wed, 06/02/2010 - 04:53
I finished making the
I finished making the smallest of these fout shelves. I had a good time figuring out how to do it. Its not professional, but if I did it again, I'd do better. It is very sturdy and useful. Thanks for the plans and list of materials!
brooklyns_mama
Wed, 03/09/2011 - 14:11
I want those bins!
Anyone know where those bins were purchased?
gamomma
Wed, 03/09/2011 - 16:03
They look like the Liberty of
They look like the Liberty of London stuff Target was carrying for a while.
Guest (not verified)
Sat, 08/27/2011 - 16:27
What kind of paint?
I love all the projects!! My question is, what is the best type of paint to use for painting furniture, and what do you use as the last step to protect it? Polyurethane? Something else? Should the protective finish be painted on with a brush or a spray can? Thanks for any responses. I painted an old beside table once and liked it, but it got scuffed up very quickly.
Hal (not verified)
Thu, 07/19/2012 - 00:39
Thanks for posting! Simple
Thanks for posting! Simple enough, but nice to know that simple will work...I'm a beginner when it comes to this type of stuff, and found myself overthinking the joints when trying to design something similar.
I think I noticed an error in the shopping list for 3bd/2ba. Unless I'm mistaken, you should be able to get by with just one 8' and one 10' 1x12, rather than an 8' and a 12'. The x8 cuts into 3 shelves with 6" of scrap, and the x10 cuts to the sides and top with 6 inches of scrap again.
michelle remmey (not verified)
Mon, 11/12/2012 - 06:43
bookcases
My husband and I (virgin builders!) are planning to build some varying size bookshelves for our daughter's bedroom. How do you recommend attaching these to the walls?
Smserrano
Sun, 06/28/2015 - 06:19
Shelf Size
I wanted to see what your thoughts were about shelf size. I am about to make some "build-in" shelves along my living room wall using these simple plans (thank you) and was debating having them come off the wall either 10'' or 12''. Does 12 '' stick out too much? Or have you found that there are some books that will not sit on the shelves because it is too small if only 10''? Usually bigger books end up being no more than 9'' wide. Thoughts? I don't want to make a mistake!!!