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
Pam the Goatherd
Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:08
Please do an adult sized
Please do an adult sized version of this. I have the perfect spot in my yard (next to a stream that flows across my property) for this. I have been looking for just the right seat to build for that spot and this would be it.
In reply to Please do an adult sized by Pam the Goatherd
Lady Goats
Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:50
I second that!
Oh my gosh, I am so giddy upon finding this! So cute!!
momofour09
Wed, 08/28/2013 - 12:35
This is adorable!
I was torn about my next project, but as long as this stays within budget I'm sure I now know what I'm making. My kids would love one of these and I agree with Pam, we need an adult version! Great plans as usual :)
birvine
Wed, 08/28/2013 - 18:22
Another pallette wood project!
This past weekend I finished cutting up the last of 30+ pallettes. Every time I walk into my workshop garage I wonder what I can make next with all of this nice wood. Thanks for this share, Ana. I will convert the plans to use palette wood. So many plans with palettes look like, well, palettes. Nof mine - this nice little project will be a perfect fit!
B
Joline
Fri, 08/30/2013 - 18:14
Correction
The shopping list says you only need 1 2x2, but you'll need 2 of them.
birvine
Sun, 09/01/2013 - 10:49
2x2
As well as another piece of 2x2 for the back of the seat.
momofour09
Tue, 09/03/2013 - 19:31
Screws!!
I am planning on building this over the weekend and am hoping someone can help me. I don't know what type of screws to buy, there are quite a few different types of galvanized screws. If I can't figure it out will regular wood screws work?
Thanks in advance :)
In reply to Screws!! by momofour09
Juriathe
Fri, 09/20/2013 - 08:45
screws
Hi ! I built this bench using regular wood screws. I know they will rust if left out over time, but if you are going to paint your bench or seal it, that will slow the rust down. My problem was finding screws that were short enough to not go all the way through both layers of wood, like when I attached the slats of the seat backrest to the support board.
I hope your's turned out nice ! Will you post a photo of it?
momofour09
Thu, 09/26/2013 - 12:16
Thank you!
I was planning on keeping it on the lanai so it wouldn't be directly exposed to the elements, it may get wet ocassionally but not much. So I'll just use the wood screws since they're easier to find. I haven't gotten around to making it yet but I will post a picture as soon as I do.
Tinaakers
Wed, 11/06/2013 - 11:06
First project we completed.
First project we completed. Our daughter loves to set in it. Hasn't made its way out of the garage just yet, still contemplating paint color.
spinkowsky
Tue, 05/20/2014 - 20:48
About to tackle this
I'm really wanting to build this. It will be my "second" project. My first was just a quilt ladder.
I'm nervous that it's going to be more difficult to tackle than I think. I have read the instructions a few times already and it seems like some things are missing. maybe because each piece isn't labeled "A", "B", etc. Will the instructions make a little more sense when I have each piece of cut wood in my hand? Thanks!
Ericad
Fri, 11/14/2014 - 02:40
European sizes
Can someone help me with converting the sizes to centimeters? For example; I don't how much 48 3/4, 441/2 or 14 5/8 is.
This is what I already found (am I right?):
33 inch: 83,82 cm
24 inc: 60,96 cm
52 inch: 132,08 cm
Greetings, Erica
U1021me
Mon, 07/20/2015 - 11:02
You times it by 2.54 so 48 3
You times it by 2.54 so 48 3/4 is 48.75x2.54=123.825
44 1/2=113.03
14 5/8=37.1475