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
markw
Wed, 06/06/2012 - 12:33
Stop Block Notches
What are the measurements/locations of the stop block notches in the base frame? The first step says to add them in a later step, but I'm not seeing that step - or did I miss something :)
In reply to Stop Block Notches by markw
Ana White
Thu, 06/07/2012 - 11:43
Hi Mark - I asked Brook to
Hi Mark - I asked Brook to place the notches where she felt they would be most comfortable to you.
SingleMomThriving
Thu, 06/07/2012 - 08:08
Can I see a picture of the Pivot Bolt?
It's helps when I am shopping to know what to look for. Is it one long bolt or two at each end.
Liquid6 (not verified)
Fri, 06/08/2012 - 06:37
RE to SingleMomThriving
You will need 2 - 1/4" bolts that are 4 inches long. You will need 2 nuts to match the threading on 2 bolts. You will also need 6 washers with 1/4" holes.
Start on the outside. Thread one bolt through a washer, slide the bolt through the whole on the outside rail, add one more washer, add the back of the chair, add another washer and then the nut on the end. This should allow the back to move independently.
May I recommend you use stainless steel hardware.
FlyingMatilda
Thu, 06/14/2012 - 11:59
Slide-out desk...?
Great plans! I'd love to see a modification for a little slide-out desk like the one from World Market! But if I had a great big stump, I'd use it for a side-table instead, too...totally cute. Great plans, wish I had time to do this this season...maybe next!
Theo Rioles (not verified)
Wed, 06/20/2012 - 04:19
screws
hi--bought the 2.5" Kreg screws to affix the slats: went straight up through! set jig at 1.5"...
Theo Rioles (not verified)
Wed, 06/20/2012 - 05:23
screws
hi--bought the 2.5" Kreg screws to affix the slats: went straight up through! set jig at 1.5"...
EleyAnn (not verified)
Mon, 06/25/2012 - 12:23
What Kind of Wood?
From someone whose big accomplishment this year was learning how to use a dremmel to build a pinewood derby car (cute but not fast), I have a few layman questions . . .
1. The plans provide specifications, but do not indicate the type of wood . . . does that matter?
2. Does the type of wood contribute to the life of the chaise lounger? Or do other things matter like stain/paint?
3. My husband is a big guy 220-240 lbs . . . provided I can actually build it correctly, will it hold his weight?
Thank youI love this site and if I can pull this off, I think I will double major in mommying and wood shop and build lots more stuff!
Tami220 (not verified)
Mon, 08/27/2012 - 10:15
Great Questions
These are great questions...was a reply ever sent? I wouold like to know the answers as well :)
Thanks
Tami
In reply to What Kind of Wood? by EleyAnn (not verified)
jigganancy
Mon, 08/27/2012 - 11:13
1. The plans provide
1. The plans provide specifications, but do not indicate the type of wood . . . does that matter?
... usually, no.
2. Does the type of wood contribute to the life of the chaise lounger? Or do other things matter like stain/paint?
... if it's outdoor, yes. It's good to use cedar or pressure treated outside. Waterproofing staining is supposed to last longer than paint.
3. My husband is a big guy 220-240 lbs . . . provided I can actually build it correctly, will it hold his weight?
... when building your own furniture, sometimes its trial and error. My finance is about 200 lbs and sits on the chaise just fine. If you're really concerned, you might want to tweek the legs or the support with beefier wood like 2x4.
Tami220 (not verified)
Mon, 08/27/2012 - 10:16
EleyAnn's Questions
These are great questions...were they aver answered? I would love to know myself...thanks :)
Tami
EleyAnn (not verified)
Mon, 08/27/2012 - 11:17
Questions not answered (yet)
I am probably going to make this my winter project with my husband so that we have a lovely set come Spring/Summer out here in California.
If I get to it first, I will let you know Tami!
Eley :)
In reply to Questions not answered (yet) by EleyAnn (not verified)
jigganancy
Mon, 08/27/2012 - 11:20
Hi, Eley - I just tried to
Hi, Eley - I just tried to answer your questions above
Elliott Strom
Tue, 06/11/2013 - 15:21
Cutting Diagram
Hi Ana,
I just began working on this project for this week. And one thing I came up with that might be very helpful to anyone tackling this project is a detailed cutting diagram. Is there a way for me to post an image file or PDF file? This diagram helps to make sure all the pieces can be cut from the amount of lumber in the shopping list.
Thanks!
jennilynne16
Mon, 06/23/2014 - 12:54
Cutting notches?
I'm wondering what tool to cut the notches with? Specifically speaking, I don't have a jig saw, unfortunately. All I have is a circular saw and a sawz-all (sp?). I'm hoping that doesn't put this project on a "can't do" list for me. But I can't imagine how in the world to cut those notches with what I have.
papabear
Mon, 06/30/2014 - 22:07
cutting notches
all you need is a circular saw, a chissle, and a hammer.
Using circular saw cut through the wood in straight lines about a 1/4 to a 1/2 inches wide. next use hammer to knock out the wood t obe removed . finally use hammer and chissle to remove the rest of the wood in the notch and smooth it out with chssle for a good fit. i hope i have been of somehelp.
papabear
vickie458
Mon, 06/23/2014 - 16:12
Stop Block
hello can someone please help me I am stuck. I have the chaise lounge built, I'm having a hard time understanding how the stop block and notches work. Do you attach the block to the legs? The back of the chair? I'm really confused with the step.
dsipe
Sun, 05/17/2020 - 14:56
Stop Block Help
How do you get the stop block to fit when the chair is fully reclined with the new plans?