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
ainhoa vega (not verified)
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 02:05
Love it!! I kept seeing the
Love it!! I kept seeing the facebook picture and thinking, I hope Ana's posting plans for that sometime soon.
Marti (not verified)
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 04:32
This looks great! I thought
This looks great! I thought it was going to have screen cloth around the ends and thought that would be a great idea too.
Jennifer Doherty (not verified)
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 04:36
Oooooh, pretty! I'm so
Oooooh, pretty! I'm so excited about this! Thank you Ana!
Natalie (not verified)
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 07:25
Thank you!!!
Thank you!!!
the mama monster (not verified)
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 12:21
ohhh thank you, thank you
ohhh thank you, thank you thank you! i have been wanting a day bed but even the target and walmart ones are $400-700. thank you sooooo much!
LouAnn (not verified)
Mon, 05/31/2010 - 15:32
I love this. I think I would
I love this. I think I would use it as a daybed in our guest room - it's my fave of all the ones you've posted so far!
Kilobelle (not verified)
Tue, 06/01/2010 - 07:10
Yes, I've been waiting on
Yes, I've been waiting on this one. Building as I type can't wait to post pictures of this and my finished saw horse table. Thank you ANA :)
erin (not verified)
Tue, 06/01/2010 - 09:05
This is so beautiful! I wish
This is so beautiful! I wish my back yard were a little more private.
Meredith (not verified)
Wed, 06/02/2010 - 10:48
am i correct in assuming that
am i correct in assuming that if i just shorten the sides and bottom slats this could be a bench?
Ana White (not verified)
Wed, 06/02/2010 - 11:31
Meredith, that's actually a
Meredith, that's actually a fabulous idea. I would make the bench seat not so deep (it's 39" deep for the twin mattress) but it would work perfect for a bench with an arbor over it! Can't wait to see what you come up with!
Kilobelle (not verified)
Sat, 06/05/2010 - 15:15
Hey ana, a I right in that
Hey ana, a I right in that the 2 x 4 for the cleats is missing from the shopping list, but it's on the cut list.
Kilobelle (not verified)
Sat, 06/05/2010 - 15:20
Also, I have some 1x6 lying
Also, I have some 1x6 lying around, can I use that instead or or does it have to be 2x4 ?
Tree (not verified)
Mon, 08/02/2010 - 12:02
I am new to your site and...I
I am new to your site and...I am in love! What you are doing is so fabulous! I love this daybed! How would I alter this for a full matress? My daughter is in need of an upgrade and her bed is just on a metal frame. I would love to surprise her with this! Thanks for sharing your gift!
Carrie and 3Chicks (not verified)
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 07:24
I'm going to add this to
I'm going to add this to Lizzie's 6 drawer platform bed (ana's plans) when I build it. Her bed now that I built 8 years ago has a canopy and she loves it, so we can keep the concept!
Carrie and 3Chicks (not verified)
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 07:29
Kilobelle, I've used 1x6 for
Kilobelle, I've used 1x6 for cleats before. I think you'll be fine. Remember though that the slats sit on this. You'll then want an outside board that will be even wider to hide the slats. Think too, that you'll be altering how high the actual box spring & mattess.
I'd just run out and grab a couple $1.98 2x4's instead of doing all that changing of the plan layout to make it work.
kbailey22 (not verified)
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 17:27
I love this bed! I just
I love this bed! I just finished making it for our little girl and posted the pictures on here. I actually modified it to be full-sized to go with the mattress set we already had. And we already had it on a metal frame, so I was kind of lazy and actually built the bed around the frame instead of adding slats and putting the mattress on top! Tree, I just changed the length of everything that was 39" to be 54" (which is the width of my bed... I think I actually did 54 1/2 to allow for space around the metal bed frame). Then it just went together the same way! I added an extra support piece on the side panels to hold the slats up since they were wider. It all went together so easily. If you want to make this, don't hesitate! You can totally do it!
Ana White (not verified)
Mon, 09/06/2010 - 19:12
Kate, your bed is so amazing!
Kate, your bed is so amazing! Here is the link to the photo - WOW! It's a room maker! And the clip art rails are so cute!
Rachael (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 14:50
So, if I wanted to turn this
So, if I wanted to turn this into a full-size day-bed, what specifications would I need?
nate (not verified)
Tue, 02/22/2011 - 09:42
I'm thinking pretty hard
I'm thinking pretty hard about putting one of these on my rooftop deck, however it gets a bit windy, so I'm considering 4x4's instead of 2x2's for the posts. Would that substantially effect the plan?
traciecook
Thu, 03/24/2011 - 08:49
Used as everyday bed?
If this was going to be used as an everyday bed, would any additional support be needed for the bottom (slats)?
Thanks!
Milca (not verified)
Fri, 04/15/2011 - 20:59
Fantastic!
I just looove the look of this bed! Its either going in my daughter`s bedroom or our sewing room/playroom :D
NatalieQP
Sat, 06/25/2011 - 00:58
Soooo excited!!
Just bought all the wood and had the guy at HD cut it all for me,too! All I have to do is put it together tomorrow! I am making some modifications because it is part of a "castle bed" I am building for my youngest. I am too excited to sleep, but I must so I can get up and BUILD!! I was telling everybody at the store to go to your website!! They all thought I was a little crazy with all my wood...lol!! P.S. My husband thinks I will give up in the middle of building it...hmmm...don't think so...I have too many mentors on this site to inspire me!!
Robyn (not verified)
Fri, 07/08/2011 - 13:09
Price
I really want to build a day bed for my outdoor patio... how much did this cost you all to do??!
I'm inspired!
shawneycarson
Sat, 04/06/2013 - 11:13
Detachable Canopy?
Ana,
I stumbled across your site sometime last year and have LOVED reading about projects and builds. I am FINALLY ready to begin my first build; attempting this beautiful outdoor canopy daybed. I LOVE the canopy but my question is, could I somehow make it detachable to store for winter? I would love to utilize this on my patio and I am excited to get started.
P.S. I'm also from Alaska (I grew up in Anchorage, but moved to the lower 48 as an adult.)
Kindest Regards,
MestUpGoonie
Wed, 11/05/2014 - 13:30
What is the best wood?
What would you all reccomend for making this project?
Sb1212
Sat, 07/06/2019 - 04:45
Original plans
Hi Ana, The link for the original plans doesn't work. Is there another way to access the original plans?
Thank you
grisellegarcia03
Mon, 10/19/2020 - 18:22
I completed this project…
I completed this project this week and it is AMAZING!