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
Annie (not verified)
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 08:13
OOOOOO! THAT bed in a KING
OOOOOO! THAT bed in a KING SIZE would be a rock star bed!!
Brandy Ellen P… (not verified)
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 08:25
yep! that is EXACTLY the bed
yep! that is EXACTLY the bed (in a KING size) that I want for our new farmhouse!
PRETTY PLEASE, Ana??????
Megan (not verified)
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 08:46
this is it!!! I have been
this is it!!! I have been looking and looking and debating and debating, some more. And it all just came to a stop! THIS IS IT! I love it!!!!!! (in a king size...) THANK YOU!!!!
Mom (not verified)
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 10:09
Just when I think there
Just when I think there couldn't possibly be any more furniture that I "need" to make, this beautiful piece appears. Love it! Thanks so much.
Rachel (not verified)
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 10:34
Ooh!! Cute!! I tried to find
Ooh!! Cute!! I tried to find a suggestion box on your site...but couldn't find one. :P Maybe on the new site? :) I love all your furniture so much! I am really needing to build a couple of pieces that you do not have plans for unfortunately. :P I need a bench for a vanity seat and I would LOVE to build a hope chest for the foot of my bed. Any suggestions?
*MICHELLE CAUDLE* (not verified)
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 14:00
Wow, it's amazing how easy it
Wow, it's amazing how easy it looks to build this bed when you break it down and I'm excited at how cheap it should be to build!!
Stephanie (not verified)
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 14:21
You just made my life so much
You just made my life so much harder ... now I don't know if I want the farmhouse canopy bed (which I had pretty much decided on) or the brookstone storage bed! Could you pretty please make plans for the bed in queen size?
Momma Button (not verified)
Wed, 08/04/2010 - 14:46
I'm agreeing totally with
I'm agreeing totally with Stephanie. I don't know which to make, this one or the farmhouse bed (queen size please.) Decisions decisions.....
Jen (not verified)
Thu, 08/05/2010 - 11:14
Ana, I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Thank
Ana, I LOVE YOUR BLOG! Thank you!! You've got me so inspired. You find time to build *and* be a mom. I'd love to see this plan in a KING size bed! I've lusted after the farmhouse bed, but really want the storage like the Stratton bed. This is perfect. King size please!
The Family Jacob (not verified)
Thu, 08/05/2010 - 18:59
Ana, Do you have plans for
Ana, Do you have plans for the lower section of the bed? Our current bed is not long for this world and is not what I really wanted anyway. I would love it if you have plans for the bed and like so many others would love it in a king size!!!
amyzap (not verified)
Fri, 08/06/2010 - 09:08
LOVE the bed!! Any plans for
LOVE the bed!! Any plans for the full size?
Rachel (not verified)
Wed, 12/08/2010 - 07:43
I absolutely LOVE this bed.
I absolutely LOVE this bed. I would love to try to make it, but the PDF plans aren't loading. anyone else have that problem? Can I find the plans anywhere else?
mark (not verified)
Fri, 12/10/2010 - 11:55
Is there plans for the head
Is there plans for the head board on this bed?
Daryl (not verified)
Sat, 01/22/2011 - 08:51
Do you have the buliding
Do you have the buliding plans for the headboard? I see you have plans for the storage base, but not the headboard.
Thanks,
newbuilder (not verified)
Sun, 02/06/2011 - 15:25
I'm having the same problem.
I'm having the same problem. The plans aren't here! Help Ana!!
Irma Philp (not verified)
Wed, 06/08/2011 - 15:12
The rest of the instructions for this bed!
Ana I really would love to make 2 of these twin size beds for my daughters who will have to start sharing a room soon and love that it has bottom storage as we can use this space for toys. Please let me know how to make it please please!!!!!
rhubbard36
Mon, 07/18/2011 - 19:31
In a KING :)
This is the one I want but in a king!
SonyaKyle
Wed, 03/21/2012 - 09:38
CLICK
hello there
_meganrachelle_
Tue, 08/20/2013 - 05:11
Q is for Queen ;)
This is AWESOME! How do I go about getting the dimensions for the base on a queen size bed?!
jt baker
Sun, 01/24/2016 - 14:02
Love this bed!
I absolutely love this bed! Do you have the plans available for the bed and headboard in King size?
Would love to give this to my husband as a project for him! Ha Ha!