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
Angie Overton
Fri, 05/31/2013 - 14:23
Question about STep 5
I LOVE this table. And I love the cost too. I saw it over on Shanty 2 Chic. Your plans make it look so easy to do. I do have a question about step 5 though. With the shims in place... do you use the pocket hole screws to attach them to each other? Or is it the cross pieces that are holding them together? I know this is simple... I just cant seem to picture it.
And what did you mean by ditching the 2x4 in that step?
LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!!! Thanks!
In reply to Question about STep 5 by Angie Overton
Lady Goats
Fri, 05/31/2013 - 15:19
Step 5
If you space the boards 1/2" apart, you can use one less 2x4 for the top. I'm not sure what you mean about the shims? I didn't head over to shanty2chic's site yet, but I wouldn't use pocket holes with shims (you'd be able to see the screws).
Natascha Ribeiro
Mon, 06/03/2013 - 07:41
Best Regards from Brazil
Hi Ana!! i was searching trough the internet (sorry for my horrible english)...and i found your website...i just paid someone to make me a simple door...and cost me 1.400, the cheapest here cost around $80... everything that's handmade is too expensive...people here buy tables made out of metal and some type of stone on top...but still not cheap at all...i live at a farm and i love hand works...and your website is an inspiration!!! keep doing this amazing work you do...you have an amazing gift!!!
Best regards from Brazil
Natty
Tmilz
Mon, 06/10/2013 - 11:45
Modification
I am planning to build this table very soon, but I am having an issue. I plan to shorten the table to 5' and I am having trouble figuring out the new length and angles needed for the ( 2 ) Cross braces. Any help would be greatly appreciated. I can do the math and determine the angle, but I need the length of the opposite side of the triangle. By my calculations the adjacent side would be 15" long. If I know the length of the opposite side I can determine the length and angle of the hypotenuse side... Sorry I feel like I am asking everyone to go back to algebra class.
logansam54
Sun, 07/07/2013 - 10:58
Can this be made longer?
To make this table seat 8 would any additional supports be needed underneath or can I just use longer boards. At 3 feet per seat I need it 9 feet long.
-Elise
adambc
Thu, 05/15/2014 - 17:49
2x4 edge
hi ana
Love the site and projects are so simple. Question on the edge around this table though, would it work better with a 45 degree cut to square each corner? Or just cut them flush for a square corner?
-a
Marsha036
Sat, 07/19/2014 - 21:59
Sawhorse outdoor table legs
Help just completed my legs but they wobble. How do I fix this. So far have one sawhorse done. Has anyone had this happen and how did they fix it?
liamtoh1
Fri, 03/27/2015 - 16:31
Wood type
Will the dimensional lumber (white wood) available at big box stores (Menards, Lowes, HD) work outdoors in all the elements (snow, rain, sun)? I was under the impression that this type of wood will rot / fungus / etc. very easily, even if you stain with wood protector.
If you use Cedar (which is an excellent choice for outdoor furniture), the cost will triple. Any other options.
stsoso44
Fri, 04/03/2015 - 16:18
wood type
I would like to know if we need pressure treated wood or is white kiln dry wood ok for screened in porch in North Carolina climate
Thank you very much and the ideas are great
Steven