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
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 01:00
Fab!
I absolutely love this! Down the road when we do some reno, I'm keeping this in mind. I already have a pop of color on the walls, because I don't do white walls. Looks great and the color is indeed cheerful! Again, I ask, do you even sleep? Honestly, how do you find the time for this with the Momplex built and all. You are an amazing inspiration!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 01:29
Love it
Ana its georgous! And yellow is my favourite colour :)
What tool do you use to cut the small squares out of the big squares? (I know you use a jigsaw to cut the scrolly edge bits but do you use it to cut the straight cuts as well?)
babysteps
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 05:09
Beautiful
I love it without the drawers, the drawers would have just filled up with little bits of sand and grass and gravel. The yellow is great. My mudroom walls are painted a bright yellow.
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 09:04
Edges?
Hey Anna!!
Love it!! I have to add this one to my growing list of projects!!! Just one question - what do you do to the edge of the plywood when you paint? Do you edge trim then paint or fill with wood putty then sand and paint - or some other technique?? Thanks Ana for all the inspiration to build yourself, and design yourself!!
In reply to Edges? by Guest (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:25
Hi, the only edges that are
Hi, the only edges that are exposed are the scalloped edges - everything else is face framed. We found the edges of the PureBond plywood to be very easy to simply patch up with wood filler where it is needed, then sanded and primed and painted. You could also do edge banding for a stained finish.
Helen Williams (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 10:11
Hi Anna, I adore the color of
Hi Anna, I adore the color of the built in mudroom. Could you please share with me what color it is? Thanks, Helen Williams
In reply to Hi Anna, I adore the color of by Helen Williams (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:23
Hi Helen, the color is
Hi Helen, the color is Willow's Gold by Dutch boy in semigloss. Goes with everything too!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 10:22
I love this project. Too bad
I love this project. Too bad my entry way is too small for it. Thanks for the safe plywood tip. I found a supply near me and I can't wait to check it out. I'm trying to build only with safe materials why not that's one of the benefits of DIY.
Sheela (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 10:42
Love the color!
I agree with Helen - I love the yellow color. What color and brand is it? Thanks, and the mud room looks great!
In reply to Love the color! by Sheela (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:55
Yellow Paint Color
Hi Sheela, the paint color is called "Willow's Gold" by Dutch Boy. Thank you so much!
Virginia (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:53
Under bench
Try big aluminum baking sheet pans as boot trays. You can slide them in and out and they contain all of the mud. Easily hosed off, too!
In reply to Under bench by Virginia (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:58
What a great idea! Thanks
What a great idea! Thanks for sharing - those would fit perfect!
In reply to What a great idea! Thanks by Ana White
fethiye
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 13:42
with pebbles :)
Actually, I was going to suggest the same thing with one more twist; with pebbles on the tray so that lets your boots dry out, not to mention the extra cuteness it will bring. Saw this idea somewhere that I do not remember.
Shea (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 11:56
That yellow does make me
That yellow does make me smile. And I have to say your project out did the original inspiration.
lyndyjo@iowate… (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 13:00
turning the corner
Ana -- I love that this is built in with no back so you don't have to spend as much on wood. We have 8 people in our family and a perfect place to build something like this, but it will need to turn a corner and be an L shape. How would you suggest we handle the corner? Put shelves in it cut in an odd shape to fit? Just box it in and have empty space?
I also was thinking, how cool would it be to stencil something with your yellow paint on the white walls inside the lockers?
Amazing work, as usual. You inspire me!
Lynn
5 tater tots (not verified)
Mon, 01/30/2012 - 11:08
Corner
This mudroom makes me smile! We have 7 people in our family and also need to make this In an L-shape. I'm wondering what would look the best, diagonal corner locker or boxed in dead space? Ana and her readers have the best ideas, I would love to hear some.
Beautiful mudroom, can't wait until I have one in my home!
justjayma (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 14:26
This is so fabulous! I love
This is so fabulous! I love the cutouts, they really "fancy up" the cuts! Also, they make it appear so much more open! I love it.
Pam in Colorado (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 16:06
Made me smile!
I've never been a lover of yellow until the past couple of years. It is such a cheerful color for sure. Nice job. Glad you stepped out of your comfort zone!!
mrsmillikin
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 17:53
And this one was just right...
Perfect! In the process of an entire house renovation from roofline to foundation on a 40k budget...we are doing everything ourselves...everything. Just designing the mudroom and this one is perfect. THANK YOU.
Question for you Anna,
Does the seat feel deep enough and comfortable? The Braden is 24 inches and I like this depth because of space.
Thank you
In reply to And this one was just right... by mrsmillikin
Ana White
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 18:07
Sounds like you've got quite
Sounds like you've got quite a project on your hands!
I think the seat is fine, but I'm pretty short. It would be no trouble to just make the bench 24" or the entire project for the matter - it would only cost one extra sheet of plywood. More storage too!
Best of luck!
In reply to Sounds like you've got quite by Ana White
mrsmillikin
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 19:42
Thanks for getting back to me so quickly
Yes we do! We couldn't have done it without your site. I've made all the vanities, cabinets and cubbies from your plans. We are sincerely grateful to you Anna.
Amy Eavou (not verified)
Mon, 09/12/2011 - 18:32
This is EXACTLY what I was looking for :)
This is exactly what I was dreaming up for my mudroom in my new house. I have to have tall spots for boots also as we have mud season 6 months a year here, and snow the other 5 :o). Great job, love it!
ferbit
Tue, 09/13/2011 - 08:05
That looks sooo awesome!!!
Oh Ana, I wish I had a mudroom! I would build this immediately! *sigh* I have a long, narrow utility room and that's it. Ugh! Yours turned out adorable! Love the yellow!
Rboyd (not verified)
Tue, 11/22/2011 - 08:35
Awesome!
This is absolutely wonderful!! I'm a big DIY-er and have yet to get into building things...I stick to sewing and crafting lol...but when we have our own house I will be visiting your site again!!! Love the yellow too- so cheery :D Thanks for sharing this awesome project!
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 01/04/2012 - 12:54
Don't have a mudroom, but...
our "mudroom" is the laundry room. It's where we come in from the garage, and the boys come in from playing in the grove. I'm thinking that I can close off the front of the benches and make them into laundry bins with a hinged top. That way we can still have a place to put dirty clothes and place to sit and take off our shoes and jackets. Thanks Ana!
mrsmc
Wed, 01/18/2012 - 15:04
Question
Hi! I cannot wait to get started on this project! I have the perfect place for it in our entry way and its exactly what needs to go there. I am readying over the instructions tho and I have a question I'm hoping you can shed some light on. On the dividing panels, the plans call for 3/4 " pocket holes for assembly on the top and bottom. How are these used? I do not see anywhere in the instruction where it mentions applying these anywhere. I'm a visual person but I don't see what you're suppose to do with these holes! Thanks for the help!
Kali
Jordan Crompton (not verified)
Mon, 04/23/2012 - 07:52
Amazing Creation!
Wow, this is truly amazing! This mudroom organizer looks like a custom piece that you would pay thousands for, especially in that gorgeous yellow!
Great instructions. I am going to attempt this myself in a very small entry area!
Thanks!
Jordan
www.picklee.com
Heather T (not verified)
Fri, 07/27/2012 - 09:06
So excited to do this!
I found that same built in picture (blue shelves) on pinterest and have been trying to figure out how to build it into our small mudroom. After a few failed "google" attempts I've stumbled across this posting. Perfectly clear and easy to follow. I'll have to send photos once I've convinced my husband to let me do this myself. :)
NAVVAN (not verified)
Wed, 12/19/2012 - 19:39
Pictures Gone
Hi Ana,
I REALLY want to do this in my mud room- but all your pictures are gone!! I'm a visual learner- can you please fix the pictures? I want to start this project after Christmas!!
TammyHunsinger
Sun, 02/17/2013 - 10:19
L-Shape
I would love to build this for the hallway coming from our garage door but would need to create an L-shape. Has anyone figured out how to convert this plan into an L-shape or does anyone have any idea how I could do this?
LisasCreativeDesigns
Sun, 03/24/2013 - 08:04
Love this!
I just found this website and love all of the projects lisetd on here. I am an avid DIYer and am no stranger to power tools. I see a couple of projects on here I am going to give a try. Love this one!
kally
Fri, 05/17/2013 - 13:16
Look at that, it's so bright
Look at that, it's so bright and beautiful. You wouldn't say it's a mudroom, nice color choice. When you live in the country you definitely need a mud room, it would spare you of a lot of cleaning trouble. I am thinking about having one myself.
Kim Wester
Sat, 05/10/2014 - 08:30
PDF version
Hi Ana -- The PDF version ends before the materials and cutlist section. The print version works fine, so that's what I used, but thought you might want to check on the PDF version. Thank you! I will share pictures if/when we get this done.
MmeKerr
Fri, 10/21/2016 - 17:33
Scrolly Bit
Is there a way to print off the divider pattern so I can just trace it onto my wood? It's giving me crazy-brain.