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
crystal (not verified)
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 21:50
Ana, I seriously think you
Ana, I seriously think you are a mind reader! I have been hopefully waiting for these plans & you made them happen girly! I love your blog. My hubby and I are really young parents just trying to make our new house a home and of course I have champagne taste on a cheap beer budget! but thanks to you I can actually decorate the way I want to and not have to resort to cheap big box furniture. Thank you, thank you, thank you! ;)
Okay (not verified)
Tue, 04/27/2010 - 22:23
I have finished toddler
I have finished toddler picnic table last weekend.
now it is hard for me to choose paint color.
Cheryl's Creat… (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 02:51
Ana, thanks for your plans, I
Ana, thanks for your plans, I went to the store and purchased all the supplies with my son, then came home and we worked on this table as a family, I am so excited to paint it next, thanks so much your blog site is amazing and so inspiring, as a mom of 4 I am on a tight budget, but love style and new ideas....you make it happen...
1 Funky Woman (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 02:54
Love this! Thanks for the
Love this! Thanks for the plans! I love all the great colors people used!
Jenny (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 02:58
I would have made one when my
I would have made one when my children where little if the mini picnic tables had been around. I never saw them in wood, just classic plastic.
I love all the colors.
Liana (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 03:18
I am so glad I found this
I am so glad I found this site. And this might get old, but you really are an inspiration! My husband (who can't hang a picture) is not convinced yet that this is a worthy endeavor but I aim to prove him wrong.
Just got wood yesterday for the bigger kids picnic table. I bought nails that you would use for a composite deck cause I'm scared of rust. Were these the right choice?
Also, I'm such a beginner, I would love to see more tutorials like how to use a "square" and simple things like that or did I miss this somewhere? I bought the jigsaw/ sander too so I'm hoping I can use those for angle cuts??!!
After seeing so many other people's work, the chant in my head says, "I can do it" but I'm soooo scared. Guess just gotta jump in!!
Valerie (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 03:27
I think I know what we are
I think I know what we are doing this weekend! Ok, well first we need to mow the lawn.. but THEN we are going to build this table. This is just what I have been hoping for. Thanks Ana! You just continue to amaze me. *high five*
Jenelle (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 06:05
Is everyone using oil based
Is everyone using oil based paint to paint these? My husband and I are having a disagreement on how to paint ours :)
Jen (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 06:57
Thanks Ana! With spring here
Thanks Ana! With spring here in Alaska we are all looking forward to picnics. I made the toddler one last weekend and it went so well I was thinking a full size one Then ta dah here it is! Thanks:)
Becca (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 07:17
Sweet!!! I planned on making
Sweet!!! I planned on making the kid size, then you came out with the big kid size, and I thought, OHHH, let's build that one. But now, I am going with the full size that way the whole family can fit for a picnic!!! You are so wonderful!
Michelle (not verified)
Wed, 04/28/2010 - 10:50
Thanks for these plans! I
Thanks for these plans! I was hoping to make a full (adult) size picnic table!
Katie Seamons (not verified)
Fri, 04/30/2010 - 14:18
We found a saw at a garage
We found a saw at a garage sale this morning...is it impossible to make these things without a nail gun. Just to use finishing nails and a hammer? I am really excited to do these projects but can't stomach buying more tools on a students budget...
Carmen (not verified)
Sat, 05/01/2010 - 01:45
I stumbled on this blog a few
I stumbled on this blog a few weeks ago and decided to build this as my first DIY project since my child surely would not criticize something so super cool? She loved it!! It was so easy (after I figured out how to use the saw that is). Anyway, I am raising money for my 2 day walk for breast cancer in late October and have decided to make some of these to sell for my team to raise funds...I mean who would not LOVE a pink picnic table for a cause? Thanks so much for making these available...making a bed next since my 4 year old saw the farmhouse bad and " can not live without it."
Bri (not verified)
Sat, 05/08/2010 - 04:09
Katie...yo woldn't need a
Katie...yo woldn't need a nail gn for this one...jst a drill and drill bits.
I built the bigger kids table and my kids were sitting at it during my garage sale and people liked it and now I have 5 orders for people who want to by one! PAINT BEFORE YOU BUILD!! and we used Killz brand high gloss exterior paint Jenelle
Wendy (not verified)
Sat, 05/08/2010 - 10:40
I'm thrilled to find these
I'm thrilled to find these plans for an adult-size table. Because we don't have a deck and our table will be on the grass, I prefer a traditional picnic table rather than a table and chairs. I was appalled to find that our home-improvement store did not carry plans for such a basic project. Pre-made ones I found were priced in the hundreds for what I estimate is about $50 worth of materials. This will be my first summer building project.
Sara (not verified)
Thu, 05/20/2010 - 17:47
I just finished the full-size
I just finished the full-size picnic table today, and I absolutely love it. It looks so natural in our mountain setting. I blogged about the process here on my blog, The Handy Hausfrau.
A quick tip: measure and draw the 30 degree angles on the legs and the 25 degree angles on the center supports before you cut the boards. If you cut the pieces to 33" and 28.5" respectivly before you mark the angles, you won't have enough board to make two parallel cuts.
Thanks for the plans, Ana, and keep up the great work. I can't wait to build another one of your projects.
jimssolidwoodp… (not verified)
Fri, 09/03/2010 - 05:41
Excellent, l want to make 2
Excellent, l want to make 2 of the adult table for back yard and 1 tiny one as a hint for my kids to give me some grand children lol.
And l want to make onee for my son's wife's nephew made him a 2 x4 ft book sheelf at his tiny height 12 months old then, so if l make him a little table aam sure he will like it, since l have no grandkids to spoil l will build this little guy kiddie furniture lol.
Your great Ana
Jim
Emily (not verified)
Sat, 09/11/2010 - 12:36
Ana, Thanks so much for
Ana,
Thanks so much for these plans! My hubby and I just moved into a new home and the owner of the house had a picnic table and when we asked about it he said he was going to keep it. We didn't let that stop us! I had been "lurking" on your site for a while and had bookmarked many of the plans you have, so I printed out these and my hubby built us a great plum table. Oh, and we used Sara's tip re: measuring the angles before cutting. We've gotten lots of compliments and some even asked if he built this from a kit because it was so sturdy and great!
After finishing ours, he built a toddler one in pink and purple for our friend's daughter. Her table was supposed to go outside, but the little one loved it so much she asked to keep it inside because she didn't want it to get dirty.
Next up, the storage daybed, shelves and, my absolute fave, the farmhouse table from Restoration Hardware! Thanks again for all these great plans!
Emily
sara (not verified)
Mon, 01/24/2011 - 12:18
I want to extend this tables
I want to extend this tables length by about two feet. Has anyone done this? Will I need to add extra support (third leg in the middle)?
Thanks!
zookeeperjay
Sat, 08/13/2011 - 07:43
seating
I CANNOT wait to get started on these! Can somebody tell me how many this plan seats comfortably? Maybe, I'll just make 2. We have a large family, and we are hoping to expand it still. ;o) I am new to the site and so excited about all these fun ideas for our home. Thanks Jay
adventurentogether (not verified)
Mon, 11/26/2012 - 15:40
How much overhang is okay?
I am making this table for our dining area. It will be a 10 ft table, so I plan to basically double the table, only using 10' long boards on the top and seats. For the middle supports, I plan to join the two supports together. I am also going to use all 2x6s instead of 2x4 for the support. I may use 2x12 for the top and seats, depending on the price. If I extend the overhang to be a foot from the end supports so there is plenty of leg room for sitting at the ends, will the table still be stable?
jere7782
Fri, 05/03/2013 - 14:21
how many adults will this
how many adults will this picnic table sit comfortably? Thank you
Spider9000
Sun, 03/01/2020 - 12:17
4. I made it 8 ft long…
4. I made it 8 ft long because why waste the 8 ft boards. Also, I recommend moving seats out about another 5.5 inches. It felt too close to the table top and was difficult for even a thin person to get in and out
Al Lulu
Wed, 10/30/2013 - 11:07
12 inches down?
I'm so confused. I started this project and, like all my work, I have to shim something because I measure like a fool.
I totally get the 11.5" on either side of the seat supports, but if I am also trying to measure them down 12" that math doesn't work out. Which is more important? Help!
BuildMeAnArk
Fri, 07/18/2014 - 12:39
Umbrella?
I'd like to include an umbrella hole in the middle of this picnic table. Any thoughts on how to best do this? If I include 4 board supports and thus separate the center supports by 2-3 inches, what angle will I have to cut the leg cross braces? Thoughts?
memphistr
Mon, 12/07/2015 - 14:34
A little longer
Great Plans but 1 sugggestion. I helped my son build three of these tables for an Eagle Scout project. We followed the plans (using stud length 2x6s) and noticed that we could have had 12 inches of overhang on the seat and the top. We did this on the other 2 tables and it worked perfectly. Just a suggestion if you want a little more room on the outside.
Spider9000
Sun, 03/01/2020 - 12:08
Adjusted seating
Love this plan. Took one day and the materials are cheap. I did redo part of it though. After following the plan the seats felt too close to the table top. I’m not a huge guy - 5’11, 160 - but even I had to sit first then swing my legs over. I recommend moving the seats out about another 6 inches.You will have to adjust the miter angles on the diagonal supports though.
Spider9000
Sun, 03/01/2020 - 12:13
Also, it made more sense to…
Also, it made more sense to me to make the table 8 feet instead of having a bunch of waste. I just added one more set of legs and support in the middle.