Frequently Asked Questions
Wood Question
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 polyurethaned, 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.
How long will my furniture last?
With good joinery and regular care, it can last decades. I have DIY pieces over 20 years old! The beauty of DIY is you can always repaint, refinish, or repair it as needed.
Care & Maintenance
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.
How about indoor furniture?
Regularly dust or wipe with a damp cloth. If it looks worn, a light sand and touch-up paint or stain can bring it right back to life.
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
anabenet (not verified)
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 03:52
I've been wanting some steps
I've been wanting some steps like these for the kids for a while! They make for great time out chairs. LOL Thanks for posting these.
Jess (not verified)
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 03:57
Thanks so much! I've been
Thanks so much! I've been wanting one of these forever but they're so expensive for something you're going to put your feet on. You're amazing!
Leah (not verified)
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 04:17
I can't click the 'like'
I can't click the 'like' button, but i do :)
Isn't it funny how you post plans just as we're looking at their retail counterparts? :)
lyndyjo (not verified)
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 08:19
This would be great in the
This would be great in the kids bathroom. Maybe we can use the top for towel storage.
Viola (not verified)
Thu, 09/09/2010 - 09:40
Thank you Ana! I needed one
Thank you Ana! I needed one of these for my grandchildren.
becwilson (not verified)
Fri, 09/10/2010 - 05:51
Ana, so cool! I had plans
Ana, so cool! I had plans drawn up for something similar, but was intimidated...the storage was drawers. This is so much easier! Thank you!!!
momsmess (not verified)
Sat, 09/11/2010 - 05:12
I need to build some of these
I need to build some of these so the dog can get in and out of our bed!
Gwenevere (not verified)
Thu, 10/14/2010 - 06:44
Has anyone made this yet?
Has anyone made this yet? What are the finished dimensions? I need to make sure this is going to fit in my tiny bathroom
In reply to Has anyone made this yet? by Gwenevere (not verified)
BurnettaBennett
Tue, 07/14/2020 - 09:50
Dimensions:
According to the plan, it is 14" wide, 14" deep, and 11 1/2" tall.
Gwenevere (not verified)
Thu, 10/14/2010 - 06:47
nevermind...I had y'all
nevermind...I had y'all worried there for a minute huh? I managed to figure the dimentions from the plans...yeah me!
With A Little … (not verified)
Sat, 10/16/2010 - 03:31
[...] to thank this lady for
[...] to thank this lady for the inspiration and the plans. The plans for the step stool can be grabbed here, and the plans for the super easy ledge can be grabbed here. For free. Yeah, you heard me [...]
Niki (not verified)
Mon, 11/15/2010 - 21:28
OK, I've built this and it
OK, I've built this and it turned out great. I love it, it went together SO nicely. I didn't have any 1x6 scrap, and I didn't want to buy one for 24" So I just made sure I bought a 1x12 a little longer. The measurements are slightly off in the plans. The 1x12 pieces for the storage box aren't actually 12" wide (11 1/4 to 11 1/2 depending on lumber supplier) So if you are using a 1x6 for the toe kick and the bottom of the storage box, you will need to the length to match the width of the 1x12.
I posted a picture on the facebook site.
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 04/06/2011 - 13:51
Confused
On the 1 x8 the shopping list says to buy a board that is 26" but the cut list says to cut 14". Isn't 14 X 2 =28? I wish I would have looked at this better because I need to go back to the store for a longer board. The store I went to cut them in length for me. I like the blue and orange store better because you get to pick out the wood.
melissa2
Fri, 02/03/2012 - 16:14
Great plan--thank you!
After doing a few plans from the site, I finally had the confidence to modify this into something I've been wanting for years after seeing them featured in catalogs--an adult-sized storage step with sloped sides and an inset lower step (here's how to make modifications if anyone else wants to do the same: http://ana-white.com/2012/02/storage-bed-step-modifications-kids-storag… ). Thanks for sharing your talents and helping give women the confidence to build!
Terralee #Rich (not verified)
Thu, 09/13/2012 - 12:22
wowwwww
I have been looking for a small step stool. Bless you. I'm a large woman and have trouble getting into the bed of my camper. This will be much easier for me. Thank you do much!!!!!
Stephanie Lujan (not verified)
Sat, 12/29/2012 - 09:33
step stool
Hi! I love this site and your story Ana! Just one quick thing, I just built a step stool that looks exactly like this one but the cuts all came from one pine board that is 1x12x8feet. I haven't done the math yet, but I wonder if your plan could work out the same way. Here is the plan that I used : http://www.diynetwork.com/decorating/how-to-build-a-storage-step-stool/…
Brian Carlson (not verified)
Mon, 12/31/2012 - 07:23
paint/stain
Should paint or stain be applied before or after attaching the hinges?
Runsomewhere
Wed, 01/09/2013 - 09:09
hinges
I attached the hinges as the very last step. I was afraid painting over them would goop them up. Stain won't stick to metal. Paint will, but it may flake off and peel over time.
kdalton324
Sun, 09/27/2015 - 21:15
measurements
I think that the measurements for the total amount of wood is off. In the shopping list section you list 26 inches of 1x8. but in the cut list you have "2" 14 inch 1x8 boards for your stair tred.