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
Fri, 06/17/2011 - 17:39
Make sure you secure this guy
Make sure you secure this guy to the wall!
annalea
Fri, 06/17/2011 - 21:27
Could all shelves be adjustable?
Could this be made up with EVERY shelf on shelf pins? Talk about adjustability to the max . . . and maybe a little easier to build? (i.e. no Kreg jig required...)
In reply to Could all shelves be adjustable? by annalea
mandylynn523
Fri, 06/17/2011 - 22:41
I like this Idea...
to get the holes all to match up you would just have to put all the 84 1/2 boards together and and drill through except your two outer boards so you don't see the holes. I am not really handy with the Kreg in fact i don't own one yet but it looks intimidating lol but i am willing to give it a shot lol.
Guest (not verified)
Sat, 06/18/2011 - 10:12
Haha! What an awesome name
Haha! What an awesome name given to a shoe shelf. You are right, it could look like a shrine :D
ACraftyCauldron
Sat, 06/18/2011 - 17:02
Over the Moon
I am over the moon for this! Thank you so much, Ana!!! Hope you have a great weekend!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 06/20/2011 - 20:54
Just a note that if you are
Just a note that if you are considering using shelf pins for every shelf I would recommend screwing the top, middle and bottom shelf to the outsides. This would prevent the sides from bowing out under it's own weight.
In reply to Just a note that if you are by Guest (not verified)
annalea
Wed, 06/22/2011 - 11:50
Thanks for the tip...
I can totally see why those stationary shelves would be vital. Thanks!
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 06/21/2011 - 17:12
I need this in my garage!!
I need this in my garage!! The shoes are starting to take over!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 09/19/2011 - 07:48
Dimensions
Are the shelf dividers, listed as 1x12, 1" by 12"? Wouldn't the width of the shelves be 26" with 3 shelves of 8" and 2 dividers of 1"? Or are the dividers 3/4" thick for the 25 1/2" length shown?
I assume there's no worries about using 3/4 pureblond plywood for this similar to the smiling mudroom if they're going to be in the same room. I also assume that this can be done with no plywood backing as long as it's attached to some blocking...
Rgds
Misslizzy
Sun, 10/02/2011 - 19:33
Can't wait to start
I just designed this to fit my closet. I can't wait to start building!
laurakc181
Sun, 12/25/2011 - 15:46
Would be cool if.....
This would be cool if you slapped some doors on it that made it "look like" an apothecary cabinet so that the shoes, purses and boots were hidden in the entry way of the house. I might just do that :)
Sara (not verified)
Thu, 01/05/2012 - 09:29
Sideways alternate?
Ana do you think this plan could be easily adapted to lay sideways instead of standing tall? I've been looking for something like this but would rather have it long and low...and this would be my first build :) Any tips?
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 01/18/2012 - 23:16
Can't wait to build this. My
Can't wait to build this. My shoe collection is taking over my closet so this would be perfect!
Wynne (not verified)
Wed, 01/23/2013 - 06:26
Shoe shrine into craft storage
I might alter this plan to be suitable for craft storage and to hang on the wall; I have tons of little bottles of alcohol ink, metallic powders, small tools, etc for working with polymer clay so I need some storage that I can hang on the wall as well. It'll thus be easily accessible as well as pretty! I think a whitewash finish or natural-stained wood.
I'd make it half as deep for starters, and consider adding in a dowel at the bottom from which to hang s-hooks for tools I use frequently.
jwillo
Sun, 08/02/2015 - 11:48
Question regarding materials
This project looks great, and I saw that some people in the brag posts used cabinet grade plywood. Could you use Purebond plywood here as well?