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
hoffer5353
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 04:10
amazing
You do such amazing work, when do you find all that time? It seems as though you have a new project to share almost every day.
Do you have a place on your web page where we can have a photo tour of your house? I bet it is fabulous
How much of the furniture in your house is made by you or purchased?
Thanks for all the great ideas and plans!
In reply to amazing by hoffer5353
Ana White
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 09:01
Hi there, we do plan to
Hi there, we do plan to photograph the entire house at some point - being that the house itself is DIY :) but haven't had the time just yet. Thank you for reading!
MegShannon (not verified)
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 05:25
TOUR!
What a great idea. I vote photo or even better VIDEO TOUR!
Come on Ana, you are only building a duplex, creating furniture from scratch, taking care of a family, raising a kid and running your own online business/website-- I think you have plenty of time to do a tour!:)
In reply to TOUR! by MegShannon (not verified)
Ana White
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 09:05
LOL! This week my sister came
LOL! This week my sister came and stayed with us, and really helped TONS so I could get more done. Maybe she'll just move in, so then we can get the video tour done! Thanks Meg!
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 05:39
I WANT :D
I think this might be my next project before building wall to wall shelving system in my kids playroom. My son needs something in his room for clothes and toys in a little cubby hole that nothing fits into. And this would be PERFECT! Need to make my dimensions a bit different but still.
ACraftyCauldron
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 05:53
How in the World???
Ana, how in the world do you always know the exact pieces I am needing in my house!?!? This is PERFECT for a little troublesome spot where I was needing some more storage. THANK YOU SO MUCH!!!
In reply to How in the World??? by ACraftyCauldron
Ana White
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 09:02
Thank YOU for reading and
Thank YOU for reading and liking this piece - man it holds a ton of stuff! We've got all of Grace's clothes in it - she's been wanting a "play area" in her closet. We'll see :)
Crystal Fisher
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 09:26
Excited!
This is exactly what I was trying to design in google sketchup...and a garbage/compost holder for our driveway...I never thought of tin! That is an excellent idea! and if you put a piece of glass in or clear coat it you can make it a white board, or maybe chalkboard paint!!!!!! Ohhhh the ideas. Thank you so much Ana, you make my day every time I come on here. It's like a breath of sunshiny hope :)
darlasowders
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 09:31
Flashing
This looks perfect for a spot or two (or three or four) in my home too!
Might be a good idea to cover the (sharp) edge of that flashing with something though. Even just covering it with duct tape before tacking it on should do it, but if you cut it closer to the measurement of the inside of the opening, it could be covered with some narrow trim.
In reply to Flashing by darlasowders
Ana White
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 11:17
Totally agree on the edges -
Totally agree on the edges - we simply covered all the edges with clear packing tape, on both sides before stapling on. Another thought - you may be able to get away with 14" wide roll of flashing instead of 20" - then you are only making one cut, and can place the cut at the bottom.
claydowling
Tue, 08/23/2011 - 13:09
Filing the edges
You can get rid of the sharp edge by passing a mill or bastard file over it at an angle to relieve the sharp corner. Even under tape, that's a good idea.
kindlekat
Wed, 08/24/2011 - 14:36
Just what I wanted
Looking forward to one day building this, I see great plans for it in my dining room as a wine bar/alcohol storage. I'll just add some of those wine-glass holder thingys to under one of those shelves, and perfection! Thanks Ana! This great piece could go in anyone's house for so many things!
Craftycraftswoman
Mon, 08/29/2011 - 07:02
Beautiful!
This is exactly the inspiration that I was looking for to flank a window seat I want to build in our dining room (for us piano room)! Any ideas on how to add a faux glass panel instead of metal and still have the doors close somehow?
In reply to Beautiful! by Craftycraftswoman
Linda B
Wed, 08/31/2011 - 12:17
0
0
Linda B
Wed, 08/31/2011 - 12:10
Glass door modification
Modifying for glass inserts is an easy fix. Just build another door frame using a 2 1/4" width stile and rail. The length of stiles should be 19 3/4", and the rails 17 1/8". (I hope my math is correct!) Center the frame on the inside of the outer door frame 1/2" from the outside edge, and glue and screw together. This leaves you with a 1/4" "rabbit" on the inside of the frame for you to drop in your glass insert, and 1/2" for the door to close. Use glass "clips" to attach the glass to the door frame. An example of such is found at
http://woodworker.com/fullpres.asp?PARTNUM=158-567&LARGEVIEW=ON
I hope this works out for you. Happy building! :-)
Craftycraftswoman
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 06:56
THanks
Thanks Linda B for the help!
Guest keri (not verified)
Thu, 10/13/2011 - 17:57
American girl armoire
Is there a way to make any of these armoires smaller for my princess' doll clothes ?