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
kristen
Wed, 09/05/2012 - 17:51
Love the nesting box!
I would love to get chickens, but I'm really afraid the hawks, fox, raccoons, and coyotes would cause big problems around here. We may try it and see how it goes...great nesting box plan if we do decide to hatch some yellow fluffballs!
Lisa B. (not verified)
Wed, 09/05/2012 - 20:06
I don't do chickens- wish we
I don't do chickens- wish we could have then in our neighborhood! Maybe back to back instead of side by side? That would provide at least some visual privacy! Silencing a chicken in action might not be as easy!
MoeWest (not verified)
Thu, 09/06/2012 - 07:41
chickens
What will you do with the chickens in the winter? Won't it be getting too cold for them pretty soon?
Project Finder (not verified)
Thu, 09/06/2012 - 08:08
Nesting Boxes- Perfect Timing
I was just talking with my daughter yesterday about nesting boxes!
I have a desire to have a few chickens for eggs and we were discussing the need for coop and nesting boxes..I found this in my feeds today! Perfect timing
THANKS!
sdaguinsin
Thu, 09/06/2012 - 08:22
uploading brags
I cannot seem to find any way to upload a brag although I see that thousands of you are able to do it.
ANY ADVICE? I thought I would be able to do it after signing in, but there is no link or tab that alows me to do it.
In reply to uploading brags by sdaguinsin
spiceylg
Fri, 09/07/2012 - 10:53
Brag posts
There are three blue boxes in the left margin. Click on the one that says "give back". The small print underneath says "contribute brag posts and plans".
In reply to Brag posts by spiceylg
sdaguinsin
Fri, 09/07/2012 - 14:42
THANK you! I was looking in
THANK you! I was looking in the wrong places.
Luvliljo (not verified)
Thu, 09/06/2012 - 10:50
Chicken Coop
Love the nesting box but how are you planning on keeping your chickens warm this winter? Are coop plans in the works?
little stuf
Fri, 09/07/2012 - 06:54
Love it!
I love that you were able to pull this off so quickly for the chickens. Ana, your added dialog had me laughing out loud! I had to read it to my four year old and show him the pictures. He also thought it was funny! Thank you for sharing!
Chair
Sat, 09/08/2012 - 20:44
Heating Hens
As long as hens are in an insulated, non-drafty, well-proportioned coop through the winter, they keep themselves warm. I'm not quite as far north as Anna (I'm in central Alberta, Canada) but I know several small-scale hen-keepers in my area who have had no problems with their hens keeping warm in the winter -without ANY source of heat. In fact, it's important to ensure there is ventilation in a coop or the girls can make the coop too warm and too damp from their breath.
*note* if a person wants eggs through the winter, the girls are going to need some kind of light, if I remember correctly, they need 15 hours of day light in order to lay.
I'm working on my own coop right now!
Jillian (not verified)
Sun, 09/09/2012 - 08:47
Chickens
As someone who is completely freaked out by chickens I must tell you that "stripey" is a Bared rock I believe and they happen to be the nicest softest chickens in the world. If she will let you pet her and talk to her you will see how silky her feathers are compared to any other chicken. They are the only ones I have ever liked.
Dan Chasse (not verified)
Mon, 09/10/2012 - 03:25
Nesting Box Roof
I love your nesting box and your site. Your ideas are wonderful and I am always amazed at your creativity and ability to design complex items in a way that most people understand.
As I was looking at the photos of the nest box I noticed that the roof was a little odd. If you add a strip of shingle underneath the lower-most shingle, it will kick-out your first course to match the rest of the roof. I use this technique on the historic buildings I restore and it stops the lower most course from having a "flat" look to it.
Keep up the great work and congratulations on your new book.
Dan
AngelaJ (not verified)
Thu, 09/20/2012 - 23:51
Chicken coop
Fantastic - I work in a hardware store and we have heaps of off cuts from different timbers that are just thrown in the bin! - Will be saving everything I can find now for when we can finally get some chooks....any plans for a coop? - We want to get about 8-10 girls...thanks so much for such a wonderful site!!!!
Anonymous Coward (not verified)
Tue, 11/13/2012 - 04:09
Looking at the hens, and the
Looking at the hens, and the divided nest box ... the two nest areas were too small for those chickens. They need room to turn around while standing in the middle of the nest area, and they would be bumping the walls with their butts and tripping on the divider.
Measure your hens from breast to butt (that's "one hen length)", and make the nest box between 3/4 to 1.25 hen lengths squared. If you have a mixed flock with some bantam hens, make them a couple of smaller boxes sized to their needs.