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
oldpaintdesign
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 12:34
So Cute!
Thanks for the great plans, Ana! Even those of us without kids have nieces and nephews that need holiday gifts! This is great!
tonjacoy101
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 12:38
awwww Ana - thanks for
awwww Ana - thanks for sharing this part of you with us. Our baby #2 sounds like your baby - hence no baby#3 :) And our now 2-year old baby #2 is going to love this plan, but I think his dad might love it more! (no more playing in the barbie house! lol)
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 13:00
Thank you Anna for the
Thank you Anna for the validation of all moms hard work. My number 2 was like your number one. There is a five year gap between her and number 3. Number 5 just came in July and she is truly an angel. Every single one is different. Oh yes I am also 42. Tired? yes, but happy, happy, happy. Thanks again for all you do. You are inspiring!
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 13:28
Fireman Pole?
I was thinking it would be neat to add a fireman pole to this house, to give it more firehouse character...would there be any way to put a hole in the second floor and maybe use a thick dowel rod?
In reply to Fireman Pole? by Guest (not verified)
Ana White
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 13:42
Fireman Pole Ideas
I love the idea of a fireman pole too! The easiest way would be to just cut a hole in the middle story, to one of the corners so you are not hitting an interior wall. Then just run a wood dowel from the bottom story to the top.
A tad more difficult would be to cut holes in the middle and top stories, and then run a metal pipe up, with the top end of the metal pipe bent into a candy cane shape to secure back down to the top floor.
michelle_atx (not verified)
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 13:30
So cute!
Love it! We are a big, extended family of little boys, so this will be fun to try. I think I may try to figure out how to include a fireman's pole, too :-)
michelle_atx (not verified)
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 13:30
So cute!
Love it! We are a big, extended family of little boys, so this will be fun to try. I think I may try to figure out how to include a fireman's pole, too :-)
Guest (not verified)
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 14:52
Fireman pole
Get a "hole saw" for your drill and cut a round hole in the floor of the second floor. Sand the edges to get rid of splinters.
For the pole, I would use copper pipe and pipe end brackets, or a thin piece of conduit and brackets.
leigh7911
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 15:09
Thank you.
Just... thanks.
--a mom who can finally be reasonably - but not completely - certain that her kid will not burn down the house if she takes 30 seconds to go potty alone.
meganleiann (not verified)
Mon, 11/07/2011 - 16:11
Thanks
That is by far the best summery of the difference between a stay-at-home/work-outside-the-home mom I have ever found. That is why we can never judge each other. As rough as it is being home, being away must be a strange mix of relief and torture.
Thanks for being so relatable. I love reading everything you type, even if I'm not planning on building for awhile.
bhoppy
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 05:14
How was your trip?
So cute!! How was your trip to CA? How did Grace do without you guys for 5 days? I'm guessing better than her mom and dad;-) That's been my experience at least... I used to have to go out of town for work and my munchkin was fine.. it was her mom that was a mess:-)
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 05:25
You are so creative. So many plans not enough time.
I love the idea of the pole made from copper pipe. Just use a pipe flange. to secure it at the top and bottom. THANK YOU ANA.
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 05:25
You are so creative. So many plans not enough time.
I love the idea of the pole made from copper pipe. Just use a pipe flange. to secure it at the top and bottom. THANK YOU ANA.
Courtney F. (not verified)
Tue, 11/08/2011 - 18:10
Thank you, Ana.
I'm a first time mom going through exactly what you described, Ana. Thank you for sharing how difficult it was for you at first, being a stay-at-home mom. All my friends who have children describe their lives in such glowing tones, I was beginning to wonder if I was the odd woman out. It feels so much better to know that there are others who've felt the same as I do...and that things do get better, and babies grow up into amazing kids like Grace. :) Thanks.
dananryan
Wed, 11/09/2011 - 22:35
You are not alone!
Hang in there! I went through the same when I was a first time mom and, like many military spouses, I was very alone and far away from any family. There were many nights of exhaustion and many more tears shed by myself and my baby. Demanding babies are tough but they grow up to be amazing. My former colicky baby is now 15 years old and 6'2" tall and makes up tenfold for every sleepless night by being a wonderful person.
And I would gladly go back to those nights, when I was my baby's only comfort and we shared that special mother-baby bond. I would rather relive that complete loss of freedom than preparing to send my baby off to college in 3 years.
Being a first time mom is a challenge, but it might help a little to realize that you will never experience a more unconditional love than your baby has for you.
Good luck!
Guest (not verified)
Sat, 01/14/2012 - 09:45
Beautiful- and I don't just mean the plans!
Ana,
I love your work! I'm a newbie to your site, but I'm also a new fan!
Your words (Author's Note) echo my own experience. I think you captured the essence of that mother-struggle we all face. Thank you. I'm very touched.
Emily
Christy Panzarella (not verified)
Sun, 07/22/2012 - 02:12
Ana, I dont know how I missed
Ana, I dont know how I missed this post when you first posted it :/ Anyways, my daughter was like yours when she was born, and it was horrific. I often tell people I have PTSD from my first one, Im not having more. Because it was horrific. Now, almost divorced, and playing a single parent to a 2 year old, while share parenting - Ive learned not to have my daughter at home half the week. You think its rough being a SAHM, or being a working mom? Try working 40 hours in 4 days with no kid, and then being a 100%SAHM 3 days a week with kid. Super hard on the heart, and body.
Gues. Randy Raynort (not verified)
Tue, 12/25/2012 - 07:23
Firehouse
Will be making this for one of my grandsons, as soon as Christmas is over
Daughter will be here in Feb. To pick it up. She lives in Texas.
mmeisner
Fri, 08/30/2013 - 09:13
Great plans!
Hi Ana
Thanks for these super detailed plans. We just featured a link to this post on our site, http://www.totalplaygrounds.com/blog/28-free-diy-playset-plans/ along with some others, but yours are one of the best by far. Thanks again!
btw, loving some of these other projects you have here...really impressive.
Mike