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
birdsandsoap
Tue, 04/03/2012 - 12:20
I love this bed! I'm trying
I love this bed! I'm trying to convince my cousin we could make it in a king-size for her! The nice thing is, we can keep her metal frame and just build around it.
cherry wood (not verified)
Thu, 04/05/2012 - 06:02
i love this bed and i am also
i love this bed and i am also convincing my parents to buy this for me
Guest (not verified)
Sun, 04/15/2012 - 13:37
Can we get the dimensions for
Can we get the dimensions for a king size?? :)
Becky Piening (not verified)
Wed, 05/02/2012 - 09:37
King Size dimensions?
I made this headboard and the platform bed and my friends have fallen in love with it! They want me to help them build one for their room but they have a king size bed. Can you give me the dimensions I should use? I think I can figure it out but if you already have them...well, why reinvent the wheel, right? Thanks!
Wendy Jo (not verified)
Sun, 05/20/2012 - 02:08
Full Size Please
I would love the dimensions for a full size bed. Also how to adapt it to use it with my metal bed frame. I love the wooden frame but I don't think I can talk my brother into helping my make that. The headboard I know he'll help me with.
Thanks
Emily W. (not verified)
Mon, 06/18/2012 - 18:46
Just the headboard?
This is so cool! I want to make this, but I was wondering how I could just make the headboard and attach it to a metal bed frame.
Thanks!
Emily
Emily W. (not verified)
Mon, 06/18/2012 - 18:46
Just the headboard?
This is so cool! I want to make this, but I was wondering how I could just make the headboard and attach it to a metal bed frame.
Thanks!
Emily
Melanie Hoehn (not verified)
Tue, 12/11/2012 - 21:56
King size & using the bed frame?
I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE this bed but need dimensions for a king size bed. Do you have any or can you tell me how I would go about adjusting these plans? Also, I would like to use my bed frame and build the bed around it, is that possible? Thank you in advance. I love all your plans and have recently gotten back into wood working after being away from it for more than 20 years.
trinavera
Wed, 01/02/2013 - 23:22
King Sized bed using current metal frame
I would love to do this bed this weekend but need the measurements for a King bed using my existing frame. thanks
Abarrett801
Wed, 06/26/2013 - 23:25
Sizing & Attaching
First thank you for sharing your wonderful design! :) I am looking to build this for my little guy's big boy room. It will be a twin bed so I am wondering if you can post the project dimensions adjusting for the twin. Also I am looking to attach it to a metal bed frame. Would you also be willing to post how to attach the head board to a metal frame? :) Thanks!
-Alyssa
Abarrett801
Wed, 06/26/2013 - 23:25
Sizing & Attaching
First thank you for sharing your wonderful design! :) I am looking to build this for my little guy's big boy room. It will be a twin bed so I am wondering if you can post the project dimensions adjusting for the twin. Also I am looking to attach it to a metal bed frame. Would you also be willing to post how to attach the head board to a metal frame? :) Thanks!
-Alyssa
Arhall1010
Sun, 01/31/2016 - 14:10
King Size Dimensions
I have been looking through the comments and most seemed to be about dimensions for a king size bed. Would you have those dimensions for this headboard as well as the platform bed that it is attached to? I am IN. LOVE. with it!!! It will definitely be a fun spring time project for myself and my hubby to try and accomplish.
bhupesh
Sun, 12/31/2017 - 09:25
very good idea for headrest
I loved the headrest, it is so easy for a beginner like me to build. The only thing that I am not able to figure out is how do I use the Shelf support bracket to attach the headboard to the bed so that the shelf bracket remains inside and not visible outside?
abwright
Sun, 10/28/2018 - 13:00
California King Dimensions?
I like this bed a lot but my existing mattress is California King and in good shape. If nobody has the dimensions, can you tell me how I can measure my mattress for the California King? Thanks!