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
Corky King (not verified)
Wed, 08/29/2012 - 11:01
Storage trundle day bed
Hi Ana,
Love this day bed plan! Question: could this be modified so that the drawer unit pulls out all together, and a solid top was above them? I.k.e.a. has a storage trundle bed that allows the drawers to remain fixed but the "trundle" portion pulls out. It's called Hemnes Day Bed.
An extra mattress flips down to create a larger bed. This would be perfect for a guest room I'm planning. I need more than a twin, but don't have space to allow for a queen / king unless it's actually bedtime!
Thanks for all you do to inspire us, Ana!
Corky
ethidda
Tue, 09/11/2012 - 09:12
The HEMNES day bed is not easy.
I actually bought a (used) HEMNES day bed and built it, and it's not easy to make, which I suspect is why there is no plan for it yet, even though for every day bed post I see here, Ana gets at least one request for that plan.
In order for the HEMNES bed to work as it should, there is a metal piece, quite flimsy, which is about two inches wide. It holds the slats together from the top and attaches to the head and foot boards. It's thin enough that if you put a mattress on it, you don't feel it on top of the slats. This allows the other slats underneath to slide through them. (i.e. the end of the slats are not capped.)
I have no idea where you would get such a thin metal piece, made to this exact length, and bent in the right shape.
Even if that were cheap to obtain, the rest of the bed still requires a lot of precision. Which I'm not saying is impossible, but definitely harder than most of the plans, where if you mess it up, it just doesn't look good. If you mess up the HEMNES, it doesn't work at all.
In reply to The HEMNES day bed is not easy. by ethidda
PurelyNicole
Thu, 07/02/2015 - 11:02
Seconded.
I can confirm what ethidda says about the HEMNES daybed. I recently bought the BRIMNES daybed, which is basically HEMNES in a different aesthetic, and it was a PAIN to assemble. I don't doubt you could possibly find the hardware at a specialty store, but as ethidda says it takes a lot of precision. Mine is off a bit in the front and you certainly tell.
sylvialh
Fri, 01/08/2021 - 08:44
hmmm I was definetly…
hmmm I was definetly planning to attempt this hemnes / brimnes build and or to buy a used one but now I'm giving it a second thought thanks! (but would still love to see if one day ana can achieve this as I know there are several DIYs online that achieved it although nothing that as polished as what ana does
MeghanP (not verified)
Wed, 08/29/2012 - 11:37
Help! PDF not working!
Love this . . . this is exactly what we've been needing for our daughter's room! But . . . the PDF link isn't working. Help me, please :)
BTW, love your stuff. You do great work!
spiceylg
Thu, 08/30/2012 - 06:24
Nice!
Love it. This is not a criticism, just curious. This is very similar in looks to the storage bed in which you could also use drawers, yet of course they are built differently. Is there a reason you didn't go that route? Is one easier than the other?
how2home (not verified)
Thu, 08/30/2012 - 11:13
LOVE THIS! ive been thinking
LOVE THIS! ive been thinking about making something like this for a while and now that i see what it could look like, im totally sold! Thanks for sharing these fantastic instructions with us Anna!
Chowie (not verified)
Sat, 09/15/2012 - 18:22
Hi Ana, We are working on
Hi Ana,
We are working on this and everything seems to be going well. But we just wanted more detail on the caster wheels. What size did you use and where are they attached under the drawers? And how many casters on each drawer?.. Two?
Ginger (not verified)
Wed, 09/19/2012 - 18:15
Chowie, Would you mind
Chowie,
Would you mind sharing what size casters you used? I have the same question.
THANKS!!!
Justin Mouser
Sun, 09/16/2012 - 16:14
Almost done
I just happen to stumble across this and it was perfect for what we need. Almost done, just can't decided to paint or stain! Plans were fairly easy. I made a few modifications here and there. When I brag it I'll be more specific. Thanks!
Ginger (not verified)
Wed, 09/19/2012 - 18:14
I had the same question as
I had the same question as Chowie about the caster size.
LOVE your plans!!!
In reply to I had the same question as by Ginger (not verified)
chowie
Thu, 09/20/2012 - 05:58
Casters
We used 4 casters per drawer and they were 2inch casters. Worked great.
melcurt8179 (not verified)
Sun, 09/23/2012 - 14:08
Mattress
I would like to use this bed frame with the corner hutch storage twin beds. I like the idea of the drawers instead of the cubbies. Do you think that would work? Also, will a twin size mattress work on this? Thanks. They are probably silly questions, but his is all new to me! I'm still trying to convince my husband that we can do this!
smelvin20
Sun, 10/18/2015 - 14:28
Can it be used with corner hutch?
I cannot see the reply to the original comment.... Can it be built with the corner hutch?
smelvin20
Sun, 10/18/2015 - 14:28
Can it be used with corner hutch?
I cannot see the reply to the original comment.... Can it be built with the corner hutch?
Tori (not verified)
Fri, 10/05/2012 - 13:03
Plans for sectional with two daybeds and storage?
Do you or anyone else on your site have any plans that I could use to make two daybeds and put them together for a sectional. I would like storage too if possible. Any ideas? Help would be appreciated. love your site.
Saved By Grace (not verified)
Sun, 11/04/2012 - 10:16
Plywood drawer bottom
Hello! I am building this bed for my son for his 13th birthday. It is my first project, and so far is going very well. I was wondering, what is the best way to attach the plywood to the bottom of the drawers. Glue and finish nails?
Jen Crisp (not verified)
Fri, 11/09/2012 - 18:42
Cushion
Love this design! What did you use for a cushion?
JEY (not verified)
Sat, 01/19/2013 - 15:50
Daybed with drawers
I love this idea only I'd love to use this for a double bed instead of a twin which is 48 inches wide instead of 42. Do you have modification plans for that already? I think this will work great in our old small 1920's bungalow house's guest bedroom!
Matt_Nels
Wed, 03/06/2013 - 12:19
Stain
I am building this bed now, my first project, and i am starting on the drawers and was thinking ahead to finishing it and was wondering how much stain do you think this would take? A couple of quarts? I have never stained anything and have no clue how much a can really can cover.
Any ideas?
ctmkgw03
Fri, 03/15/2013 - 04:43
Want this
WOW this is AMAZING! I have a hard choice to choose from with all the plans on your site.
best grandma
Mon, 07/15/2013 - 17:36
XL Twin
I would like to make this to fit an XL twin mattress. I think I can make the adjustments to the materials but thought I would ask if anyone might already know them to save time. Thanks in advance,
taimeaka16
Fri, 03/27/2015 - 08:21
Full Size?
I am in love with this design but need plans for a Full size bed. I know I will have to change the width for the frame, but what about the drawers? Any help will be greatly appreciated!
Imadeit
Wed, 07/20/2016 - 13:37
Adapting this to be base for king bed
I want to make a storage platform for my king mattress. Looking at this plan's finished size, I think that by making it 5" longer and 1" less wide, I could put two of these together and have the right dimensions. I imagine that I would bolt the two units together where they meet in the middle for extra stability. Anyone out there see a reason this would not work?
amyturnbull
Mon, 01/09/2017 - 10:12
day bed
for Claire and Laney's room
amyturnbull
Sun, 01/29/2017 - 13:38
Notes
So, a few things I learned along the way..
1. use 2 inch fixed castors
2. when attaching the faces to the drawers turn the faces over and measure from the bottom of the face (the part with the trim on the bottom) 3/4 in from the side and about 15/16 from the bottom and draw marks to line your drawers up and then shoot them with a one inch brad nailer. This should provide the correct clearance for the drawers to open and close smoothly. I did 7/8 and it is tight but it looks nice.
3. When attaching the bottoms to the drawers, pay attention to wear you put your fasteners so you can attach your casters without a bottom fastener being in the way.
I think that's it...but I am sure I did other things wrong along the way...lol. But they look good. Just need to paint and add the hardware.
derek.parish@g…
Sat, 01/15/2022 - 08:35
Would it not be advised to…
Would it not be advised to make the slats be recessed into the frame so that the bed would sit down “inside” the frame rather than on top of it? I know the length and width would have to be increased a bit to fit it but just wondering.
derek.parish@g…
Sat, 01/15/2022 - 08:35
Would it not be advised to…
Would it not be advised to make the slats be recessed into the frame so that the bed would sit down “inside” the frame rather than on top of it? I know the length and width would have to be increased a bit to fit it but just wondering.
derek.parish@g…
Sat, 01/15/2022 - 08:36
And when I say sit down…
And when I say sit down inside like only an inch so that it gives a clean look and doesn’t allow the bed the slide off.