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
Maria Stahl (not verified)
Thu, 10/29/2009 - 08:20
Thank you so much, Ana! I
Thank you so much, Ana! I can't wait till he gets home from school and sees this. :o)
Lindsey (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 08:43
I cannot access the link at
I cannot access the link at your old blog to get the actual plans for this bed. It keeps redirecting me to the new site. Can you repost the farmhouse bed directions, please?
Ana White (not verified)
Wed, 01/20/2010 - 08:59
I updated the link to the
I updated the link to the Knock-Off Wood site. The address for the farmhouse queen sized bed is here:
http://knockoffwood.blogspot.com/2009/10/farmhouse-bed-save-158100_7467…
Also take a look at the Farmhouse with arch and other beds to figure out how you need to build your frame.
Sandie (not verified)
Wed, 03/24/2010 - 07:02
i absolutely can't wait for
i absolutely can't wait for this summer. my father is going to build just the headboard part of this bed for my parent's queen sized bed. if all goes well, we are then going to attempt the entire bed for me :) mine will be a bit more complicated because i have a "commercial" mattress set, which is the width of a full/double, but the length of a queen. will post pictures whenever we get them finished. then on to a twin for my 3 1/2 year old daughter
Craig T. (not verified)
Mon, 01/24/2011 - 03:23
Thanks for the plans. I
Thanks for the plans. I built this bed and painted it over the last couple weekends. It ended up great. However, I could only find pressure treated 4x4 posts without spending a fortune, so I went ahead and used those. I will have to come back in a couple months and paint the posts after they have dried out. I am very happy with the bed, and my daughter loves it.
http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/5610/bed1.jpg
http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/3839/bed2l.jpg
The Roundtable… (not verified)
Thu, 01/27/2011 - 04:17
[...] I found a great site
[...] I found a great site with plans for a bed both Mrs. Thomas and I really liked. After debating buying a table saw for this project, I decided [...]
mandylynn523
Wed, 06/08/2011 - 15:15
Crown Molding Headboard
how do we do the crown molding top like in this picture above? I would love that for my daughters farmhouse bed we are building :)
Tabitha's attempt
Wed, 11/04/2020 - 08:55
How did you do the crown molding??
Mandylynn523, I can't see any responses but did you figure out how to adjust this plan to accommodate the crown molding as pictured?? I really want to duplicate the picture with the molding and I am sooo out of my element..
Michele Richins (not verified)
Wed, 11/14/2012 - 19:41
Ana. I am looking for your 4
Ana. I am looking for your 4 posted farmhouse bed in full and can't seem to find it on you site. Can you help me?
alex_torres
Thu, 11/06/2014 - 16:32
I'm trying this!
I'm new to your site and your instructions are super helpful! I'm going to give this a shot this weekend. Wish me luck :)
timex10
Thu, 04/16/2015 - 19:15
king
i would love to build this for my room but i need a king size. do you have plans for one
In reply to king by timex10
Ana White
Fri, 04/17/2015 - 11:30
Here is our king planhttp:/
Here is our king plan
http://ana-white.com/2010/01/plans-how-to-modify-farmhouse-bed-to_09.ht…
gina10151
Tue, 05/19/2015 - 01:30
plans
I can't seem to find the plans to this bed. Could you send me the link to the full plans??? Also I am trying to build the loft farmhouse bed that dirt squirt built were there ever complete plans for this put up?
angellauna
Tue, 06/23/2015 - 11:53
NEED HELP ASAP
My father and I are trying to build this TODAY, and would love for some measurement modifications for adding a trundle underneath! Please help :) Also, where is the plan for the trundle that fits under here, and do you put it up on wheels?
Cowgirl77
Sun, 06/05/2016 - 13:24
Full Size Farmhouse Bed
I would love to be able to access dimensions for this bed. Is there a link for them?
Briwood
Sat, 02/25/2017 - 17:09
Type of wood for posts
What type of wood should I use for the posts? I dont think 4x4 posts are available in pine, could I just use spruce/hemlock?
lynn71_20
Mon, 04/20/2020 - 08:47
Trundle?
Do you have this plan in full but modified to use a twin size trundle? I would love to make it for my son’s room but we really need a trundle bed. Or, do you offer another full size bed to build that has a trundle?
rroberson63@ya…
Tue, 10/06/2020 - 11:50
Pocket holes
Love your plans, they are so easy to follow and put together. I would like to make a suggestion, regarding pocket holes. The first twin bed I built using your plans, was my first introduction to pocket holes. I purchased a small Kreg jig and was instantly in love. The bed is so sturdy and no puttying, plus it looks professional!! I think it would be nice to offer plans with and without pocket holes.
mlmrsh1
Sat, 10/24/2020 - 15:01
What type of wood do you use…
What type of wood do you use for this bed? I noticed none of the instructions list types of wood.
Tabitha's attempt
Wed, 11/04/2020 - 08:19
HOW DOES THE CROWN MOLDING AS PICTURED WORK??
I am wanting to make this bed THIS WEEKEND! Looking for advice/tips/measurements or anykind of help to duplicate the picture with the crown molding.
Any help is appreciated!!