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
Kat1976 (not verified)
Fri, 01/06/2012 - 10:39
Beautiful!
Just one question - where could I find acrylic glass, and will they cut it to size for me? Thanks!
handymommy
Fri, 01/06/2012 - 10:55
Plexiglass
I got the acrylic glass at Lowes and yes, they did cut it for me!
cherie82
Fri, 01/06/2012 - 11:07
Great!
That looks like such a good space saver! Can't wait to add it to my craft room!
Keri Beth (not verified)
Fri, 01/06/2012 - 14:28
Did you put a plywood back on
Did you put a plywood back on the cabinet? Also, what's the best practice for attaching something like this to a stud? Is it enough to just screw through a plywood back that's only attached to the cabinet with nails and glue?
Guest (not verified)
Fri, 01/06/2012 - 15:55
Step #2 is either a 1/4"
Step #2 is either a 1/4" plywood back or a double face frame.
handymommy
Fri, 01/06/2012 - 17:05
I put a 1/4" plywood back.
I put a 1/4" plywood back. And because of my baseboards (which I did not want to remove)I had to actually attach a scrap piece of wood to the studs in my wall and then attach the cabinet to that. I went through the plywood. It at least helps with the sturdiness when pulling the door open. And my kids don't really go into that room that often, so I wasn't overly concerned. I wonder if anyone has a better idea though...
laurakc181
Sat, 01/07/2012 - 06:49
I want to use this template
I want to use this template to construct the shelves, but for the door want to use one big piece of wood with false drawers on the front to mimick an apothecary cabinet so I can add it to either side of the apothecary cabinet console I am making for my media center. What are the wood pieces I can eliminate from the purchase list that construct the door? That way I don't purchase wood I won't need for this project ;)
You guys are awesome!
handymommy
Sat, 01/07/2012 - 07:44
Door pieces
First of all - that is going to look awesome! Can't wait to see pictures of that one!
The door pieces are all 1x4s. There are 2 91" pieces and 6 13.5" pieces. So you could eliminate buying 2 of the 8' 1x4s. But you will still need the 17.5" 1x4 piece for the footer of the cabinet itself. So you could get away with using a scrap for that or buying a 4' 1x4.
In reply to Door pieces by handymommy
laurakc181
Sat, 01/07/2012 - 09:38
Thanks I appreciate it! This
Thanks I appreciate it! This is something I have been wanting to make for a long time :) I can't wait to get the money to purchase the wood and saw now. I have been saving up for a bit so I can do all this at once and not in stages. Also, sort of waiting until we get a house so I make sure the dimensions will fit properly in the media center area of the house we move to. We are looking at the difference of building or buying pre-existing. I hope we build so I can just make a bunch of stuff in the house :) Would be truly fun!
Amy @ this DIY life
Sat, 01/07/2012 - 12:28
Great plan
I think this will be great in my craft room! I want something that will go all the way to the ceiling to maximize my space. I just have one question. From what I can tell, the shopping list would be for if you were using a double face frame on the back instead of the plywood. Am I reading that right, or am I enjoying my weekend so much that I'm too relaxed and not thinking right? Thanks
handymommy
Sat, 01/07/2012 - 13:11
Sorry!
Actually, the shopping list is just omitting the plywood for the back. The cut list shows it, but it didn't get listed in the shop list. If you wanted to face frame the back, that is not included in the list at all. Just double up on the the front 1x2 facing pieces.
Also, I noticed another error. You will actually need 2 8' 1x4s and 1 TEN foot 1x4. The cutting for 1x4s goes slightly over 3 8 footers.
Hopefully everyone else reads these comments before they build!! Rookie plan checking mistakes by me, I apologize!!
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 01/11/2012 - 21:14
I wish I could enter for the
I wish I could enter for the giveaway . No Facebook .
mamalecia11
Mon, 01/16/2012 - 19:09
Just what I want to build next
My daughter is moving out and she is leaving a space at the top of the stairs where her bookcase was and I have been wanting to put a linen closet up there and was just getting on to see what would work from Ana's plans and eureka, you had your craft closet on and I love it, just gonna make it a little wider and with wood panels instead of acrylic!! Thanks so so much!!!
handymommy
Tue, 01/17/2012 - 03:56
Great!
I think it would look really nice with beadboard too!
mamalecia11
Tue, 01/17/2012 - 18:20
Yes, I agree!
Yes, I agree and I actually have some left over from another project. I will get a pic on as soon as I finish it. Unfortunately it is too cold to paint where we are so I will have to finish it when it warms up.
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 02/13/2012 - 21:33
I keep getting this error
I keep getting this error when I click on the PDF file: TCPDF ERROR: [Image] Unable to get image: file:///home/anawhite/public_html/dev/acquia-drupal-1.2.33/sites/default/files/3154803794_1325856702.jpg?1325870525
ErinVE (not verified)
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 12:15
Perfect!
This is just what I was looking for to get my wheels turning! I too need a glass font cabinet to store my fabrics. I think I'm actually going to make it wider and put two doors on the front, vary the shelf height (I have some on the bolt, so need at least 26" of space between two of shelves) and maybe do two glass panels on each door instead of 5. So excited!!
handymommy
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 13:31
Great Idea!
Mine is now chock-full of fabrics. It is actually quite roomy. And so perfect with the glass fronts. It makes it so much easier to remember what fabrics I have. But I like the idea of being able to fit bolts in there somewhere too!
handypat
Mon, 07/22/2013 - 09:20
Building this
By adding a few extra shelves, this would work well to store some of my wife's craft supplies (fabric, scrapbook paper, etc.) Thanks!
dyemond47
Tue, 02/09/2016 - 13:29
Studless???
Ok so this is my question, I have plaster walls, no studs to speak of. Is there a way to make this tower so it is stand alone? Love the tower just nothing to attach it to.
Kristina Neville
Thu, 04/23/2020 - 08:12
Quick question could this…
Quick question could this be turned on its side and hung on a wall almost like a barrister cabinet