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
emmarosemc
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 07:10
genius!!!!
genius!!!!
Kathy Webster-Link (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 07:44
Magazine Storage
These are beautiful! Thank you for the plans and instructions. I forsee some beautiful craft room organizing in my future.
oldpaintdesign
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 07:48
So Smart!
Wow - thanks, Ana! Gone are the days when I buy the ugly, flimsy ones from Ikea! And, I love that you used scrapbooking book plates for hardware - that is such a great money saver!
Catherine Hans… (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 07:59
Love it!
I really don't like the cardboard ones but could never justify many of the wooden ones. Fantastic that I can make them myself now!!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 09:49
Love the Project and the Curtains too!
I love this project as a mom of a young-not-so-rolling-in-the-money family I love that this project is affordable to make and personalize and cheaper than buying! Plus I love (underlined, maybe twice) the curtains that are in the corner of the final pic. If you don't mind sharing I would love to know where you got those!
Cherie Heltne (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 09:51
So Happy!
Your office is looking beautiful! You just made my day! I have a ton of 1/4 plywood in the garage just begging to be made into these fabulous organizational tools! Can't wait to build some this afternoon!
Ana White
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 09:56
Thank you everyone, truly an
Thank you everyone, truly an easy project!
The curtains are DIY - I actually haven't quite finished them yet, but will let you know the fabric is available at Joanns and is the Modern Essentials print. Will post more details on that too!
Lori Ferris (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 10:17
Will be perfect for our Community Garden
We keep some gardening magazines in our community garden shed for reference and enjoyment. The cheap ones just don't hold up to 40 families, but these will be perfect!
Thanks Ana!
Leah
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 10:19
magazine holder shelf
i'd drill a hole in the other side for charging cords. but look at these mounted on the wall!
http://pinterest.com/pin/183075503/
can i link pins like that? hope so!~
kam (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 10:22
Just Brilliant! I love it.
Just Brilliant! I love it.
Stacie (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 10:29
Amazing!
Way to go Ana. These are just what I needed today! Pinning this one right now and liked it on Facebook. I love sharing the Ana White love! :) Thanks so much.
Rhoni T (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 11:08
Super Excited about this Build!!!
awe-sum!! In the big messy middle of moving my office to the single car garage from the small spare bedroom. I love it, I can make these the size I need for 12x12 scrap paper YEAH!!!! and I love that 1- the don't cost anything 2- I can paint and make them to match me decor Woo Hoo, supper excited about this build.
Stacie (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 11:34
Good idea
Great idea to make them to fit 12 X 12! Thanks for suggesting!
Rhoni T (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 11:34
NEXT prodject,
right after I finish the shelves to put them on. NO rain all summer and too hot to work outside, so now that it has cooled off we get the rain. I can not complain, about the rain, it is way to much needed!!!
Cindy from Indiana (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 12:14
These are going on the to-do list!
Yay - I love these and I need them for the new office area (which is also on the to-do list LOL)!
At this rate, there won't be a room in my home that isn't 'furnished by Ana'.
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 14:14
yAna you're my best friend!!!
yAna you're my best friend!!! These are AWESOME!! THANK YOU!!
Camerons_Mom
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 14:29
Great Idea!
These are amazing! Love it!
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 15:52
This is great, love the
This is great, love the papers you chose.
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 18:45
Love them! Where did you get
Love them! Where did you get your curtains?! Thats exactly what I'v been looking for!
In reply to Love them! Where did you get by Guest (not verified)
emmarosemc
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 12:50
scroll up, someone already
scroll up, someone already asked the question and ana answered!
In reply to Love them! Where did you get by Guest (not verified)
emmarosemc
Fri, 09/23/2011 - 12:50
double post
double post
Debbie Christianson (not verified)
Thu, 09/22/2011 - 19:24
Are you kidding?!?
I just ordered a dozen cardboard ones from Amazon!!! Didn't even think to build them! I hope they have an easy return policy. :)
Spring
Sun, 09/25/2011 - 11:51
Saw these last night
I just saw these last night and fell in love with them. I sent hubby to the hardware store so I can make these after I get done working. I'm so excited to get my beloved Southern Living magazines out of shoe boxes under my bed!
Liz Williams (not verified)
Sat, 12/10/2011 - 05:49
I just picked up some
I just picked up some discontinued wallpaper sample books from a local paint store for FREE! I'm giving them to my daughter for Christmas for decorating her dollhouse. They would be perfect for this project. And, the glue is included on the back of the paper. This makes these cute magazine organizers even cheaper!
how to get rid… (not verified)
Wed, 12/21/2011 - 22:39
It's my first time visiting
It's my first time visiting here. I discovered countless intriguing stuff within your weblog especially the on-going conversation. From the tons of comments on your articles, I guess I'm not the only person relishing reading your website. Carry on the good work.
isocort (not verified)
Fri, 01/06/2012 - 23:35
Nice creation of Wood
Nice creation of Wood Magazine File.I like your work and thanks for sharing the information about how to make it.I learn a new thing from your post.
Ms. Carpenter (not verified)
Sat, 01/14/2012 - 00:03
Just a nitpick
But you can't call something made of plywood "solid wood", especially if you ever sell them. Solid wood implies that there's no filler, and plywood can be more than half glue which coincidentally, is what makes it superior to solid wood for small stuff like this. Less warping and suchlike.
In reply to Just a nitpick by Ms. Carpenter (not verified)
Ana White
Sat, 01/14/2012 - 00:50
You are so right, sorry for
You are so right, sorry for the error on my part. If you wanted to make from solid wood, you can purchase 1/4" thick hobby stock, but you are right, mine are made of 1/4" thick plywood. Will update post. Thanks for taking your time to make our site better. Ana
AngelaJ (not verified)
Tue, 02/28/2012 - 14:32
Hi Ana - thanks so much for
Hi Ana - thanks so much for your inspirational website and all the time you must put into it. I have just bought myself a Ryobi mitre saw & stand and can't wait to get started on the list of projects I love from your site! These look simple enough to start with (first ever project) - can't wait for the weekend!!!
the speckled kat (not verified)
Sun, 07/15/2012 - 10:42
Thank you!!
Thanks so much for sharing this!! I have been searching all over the net for magazine holders to put my scrapbook paper in, which I can easily modify to fit. I can't wait to make a trip to the hardware store and get started! The first step to my dream craft area! yay!!!
rikki07
Fri, 05/03/2013 - 18:36
The most common dimension is
The most common dimension is 1.2m × 2.4m or the slightly larger imperial dimension of 4 feet × 8 feet. Plies vary in thickness from 1.4 mm to 4.3 mm. diese The amount of plies depends on the thickness and grade of the sheet but at least 3.
HippyG
Mon, 08/03/2020 - 09:21
LOVE IT!
I literally looked at my shelf of cardboard magazine files this morning and thought I could make them from wood. Scrolling through the project lists here I came across this post. LOVE IT! I'll be making some soon.