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
CGCouture
Thu, 05/23/2013 - 17:00
Perfect!
These are exactly what I want for nightstands! I feel like I don't say this enough, but thank you SO MUCH for all your awesome hard work!
IHEARTmygluegun
Mon, 06/03/2013 - 17:12
I LOVE these!
Hey friend! I built these, I LOVE how they came out!
http://www.iheartmygluegun.com/2013/06/diy-nightstands.html
www.iheartmygluegun.com
tlhorinek
Tue, 01/14/2014 - 19:34
Helpful info...
In order maximize your wood, Each 2x2 board must be cut like this:
26.25(leg), 26.25(leg), 11.25(side stretcher), 10.75(trim), 10.75(trim), 10.75(trim).
This totals the 96in for the 8' board.
Do the same for the next piece.
AND, you need 4 - 1x2 @ 11.25(side trim) ... not 2.
papabear
Wed, 02/04/2015 - 20:06
you forgot something
You need to make an adjustment for the1/8 inch lost on each cut
JuliaG
Mon, 04/28/2014 - 13:19
Slides on step 7
Hi, I'm brand new to this site and absolutely LOVE LOVE everything on here!! You're truly amazing! I am looking at this bedside table that I love but am having issues with step 7 where you talk about the slides. I didn't see them in the shopping list items and am wondering if you can tell me more about them. Are they just two pieces of wood that the shelf sits on or are they actual metal drawer slides? How big are they? Thanks!!
NoëlD
Wed, 10/22/2014 - 22:31
Slides
Julia,
The slides are just two lengths of wood. They should be the same length as the width of the 1 x 12 that you use. I have built two of these myself - just need to sand and stain them.
Noel
DuoofDeath1
Wed, 10/22/2014 - 10:47
a few questions
I am also confused about the whole slider comment and was looking as the tool list and was wondering what exactly i needed the compound miter saw for in this project. I have only basic tools and that is not one of them but would like to tackle this project without having to either buy that tool or attempt to do it without the proper equipment.
Thanks
NoëlD
Wed, 10/22/2014 - 22:34
Compund Miter Saw
You don't really need a compound miter saw for this build. I have built two of these and used a power miter saw - it made it easier to saw the boards so they would match lengths where necessary.
nengel21
Sun, 11/02/2014 - 05:52
Pocket hole jig
I too only have the basic tools...how important is the pocket hole jig? I am sure I can buy one or find one but don't want to get started until I know whether I absolutly need one. Thoughts?
In reply to Pocket hole jig by nengel21
CSaintD
Sun, 11/02/2014 - 09:34
Kreg Jig
I love my Kreg Jig and highly recommend it. Though it's not strictly necessary (you can do it with nails, or a power nailer and glue), I have a hard time building things without it. I talked my Mom into buying me one for my birthday last year and it's the best gift I ever got. They are about $100 at Lowes and HD and well worth the cost if you are going to make a lot of items.
In reply to Pocket hole jig by nengel21
Doug560
Sat, 04/11/2015 - 09:57
Pocket hole jig is a must have
If you're planning on building furniture items and you want the end result to look somewhat better than something created in a 7th grade shop class, a pocket hole jig is essential equipment. You don't have to get real fancy. Just the basic clamp on jig is all you need. You can get the Kreg Mini Jig Kit on Amazon for $20 bucks. It's one of the most used tools in my shop. Yes, dowel rods and glue also create strong invisible joints, but those require a jig as well and make disassembly nearly impossible. Using pocket holes allows you to create strong invisible joints that can be easily disassembled. Get the basic $20 jig kit. The only other things you'll need to use it is a clamp and a 3/8" drill -- and of course some pocket screws.
lisamgo
Mon, 08/29/2016 - 10:29
Cut list
I chose this as my first project and am having fun with it! I think the cut list should call for 4 pieces of side trim (1×2 @ 11 1/4″), not 2.
tealwindmill
Mon, 12/18/2017 - 12:13
Are the drawer slides in the cut list?
I'm not seeing the drawer slides in the cut list. Where do they come from? I mistakenly thought the bottom trim pieces were the drawer slides. The slides look like 1x2 pieces, but the 6 foot 1x2 piece isn't long enough for them.
BenchDogWoodShop
Tue, 06/18/2019 - 16:43
Enjoyed building this table.
I built this side table recently. Decided to use oak from a tree that fell on our property.
Pics attached below.
https://imgur.com/a/uKu8QSj
Buildinghobby
Sat, 08/24/2019 - 22:26
Can you clear up step 9 for…
Can you clear up step 9 for me? Is the bottom shelf sitting on the 2x2?
And if so how do you attach the 1x2 to the bottom shelf? Wouldn’t the back of the 2x2 then not be flush?
Buildinghobby
Sat, 08/24/2019 - 22:31
Is the diagram missing a 2x2…
Is the diagram missing a 2x2 in the front? On the bottom shelf? Which is where the 1x2 would be added? Otherwise it won’t match all the way around right?
Buildinghobby
Sat, 08/24/2019 - 22:23
Question on step 9
Can someone clear up step 9 for me? I’m confused on the 1x2 on the bottom shelf. And the 1x12. Do they sit on top of the 2x2? If so how are you firing the back 1x2 ??
ThatGuyThatBuilds
Tue, 12/17/2019 - 10:18
Cuts
tlhorinek has the right idea but you would also have to take out the thickness of the blade you are cutting with. (usally1/8") and that would be for each cut you make.
26 1'4" + 26 1/4" ( 1 cut minus 1/8")
11 1/4" (- 1/8")
10 3/4" ( -1/8")
10 3/4" (-1/8")
10 3/4" (- 1/8")
26 1/4" + 26 1/4" + 11 1/4" + 10 3/4" + 10 3/4"+ 10 3/4" = 96" + (1/8 x 5 cuts) = 96 5/8"
In reply to Cuts by ThatGuyThatBuilds
ThatGuyThatBuilds
Wed, 12/18/2019 - 09:58
Cuts
If you drop the Legs to 26" and cut...
2 (legs) @ 26" 3 (Front/Back Trim) @ 10 3/4" and 1 (Side Stretcher) @ 11 1/4" You get 95 1/2" With 1/2 of material of waste for cuts.
grh219
Fri, 04/17/2020 - 08:22
Question
This cut list is to only make one table correct or no? Trying to make sure before I start cutting everything.
Myron3
Sun, 05/17/2020 - 15:40
Drawer Stop
Is their a way to add a stop to the drawer?
grafb
Thu, 06/18/2020 - 19:33
Take a small piece of wood…
Take a small piece of wood and nail it to the back of the drawer.
grafb
Thu, 06/18/2020 - 19:32
I know you set the Kreg at 1…
I know you set the Kreg at 1 1/2” for the pocket holes. Curious what you set the big at?