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
Heather - Doll… (not verified)
Mon, 08/09/2010 - 20:10
My son just turned 4, and he
My son just turned 4, and he didn't go to preschool last year... still up in the air this year. That to say, hey, you still have a year or 2 if you want it. :)
Thanks for always providing such great plans and personal posts. :)
Heather
Heather (not verified)
Mon, 08/09/2010 - 21:08
We're planning to homeschool,
We're planning to homeschool, so we're not worried about sending kids to preschool. My girlie turned 3 in May, and, frankly, she's already got most of the preschool stuff down--and she taught herself to read already. Just google for a kindergarten readiness checklist & make sure Grace knows all the stuff on it by the time she needs to--not difficult.
Kristin (not verified)
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 00:59
My daughter just turned six
My daughter just turned six and will start first grade in a few weeks. First grade means homework; even though it won't be a lot I would love for her to have her own space. Your timing is perfect and the desk is beautiful.
Thanks Ana!
(Oh, and my son is 3 and he LOVES pre-school.) :)
Cheri (not verified)
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 03:18
Thanks, Ana! Our little girl
Thanks, Ana! Our little girl starts first grade in a few weeks, and we've been thinking she'll need a desk soon. This may be the one!
Alycia (not verified)
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 03:56
Beautiful desk. I'm going to
Beautiful desk. I'm going to change the top just a little and make it a scrap booking desk, which I need desperately. My little one is 3 and is about to start school because she's special needs. I'm SO not ready :( She's still my little baby.
D (not verified)
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 08:45
My Son turned 4 in feb so we
My Son turned 4 in feb so we are going to send him to preschool just 2 days a week. He didn't go last year. The two days a week should be just enough to get him used to the idea of school and the crowd of kids but not so much that I am losing my baby already!
Carissa Rasmussen (not verified)
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 12:19
i think sending kids to
i think sending kids to school at 3 is just a glorified excuse of daycare...what can they really learn in preschool that you can't teach them yourself? don't send your kids away until you have to because once they start school, you'll never have those days back when they were at home with you.
if you want social exposure...get a play group together...if you want a couple hours to yourself...do a babysitting swap with a friend. that way you can accomplish the real goal (having some solo time) for free:)
Momma Button (not verified)
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 13:58
Ana, I'd say keep her home
Ana, I'd say keep her home another year. She'll be in school soon enough. We're at the other end of the spectrum this year, our baby is a senior. If I had it to do over....he would have missed a year of preschool.
And the desk is beautiful.
Karen (not verified)
Tue, 08/10/2010 - 15:34
They grow up fast! My baby
They grow up fast! My baby is 20. :-) Do you have any tips on installing the drawer slides? I've never installed them before but they look a bit scarey. Also, I'm toying with a drawer unit to hold 12x12 scrapbooking paper. Do you know where I'd find the metal pieces that go in the top of the drawer for hanging folders to slide on? Thanks for sharing all your hard work.
Dena (not verified)
Fri, 08/13/2010 - 05:22
I hope you don't send her to
I hope you don't send her to preschool. Studies have shown there is no benefit in the long run for sending kids to preschool at 3 as compared to kids who just go to kindergarten. Like someone else said, it's like a glorified daycare at that age. They absolutely do not need it.
You could get a playgroup together and it would do just what it needed for your daughter-social skills with Mom right with her.
Angie (not verified)
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 09:52
Any easy way to build in a
Any easy way to build in a keyboard tray in place of the drawers? Possibly with faux drawer fronts when closed? I'd love to make this for my computer desk, but keyboard tray is a necessity.
Ana White (not verified)
Thu, 09/02/2010 - 11:26
Hi Angie, check out my desk
Hi Angie, check out my desk here - that's what I use for a keyboard tray. The front just flips down and I pull my keyboard out. works amazing!
Preschool Comp… (not verified)
Mon, 10/18/2010 - 11:53
[...] Build A Beautiful Cross
[...] Build A Beautiful Cross Brace Desk — Ana White [...]
Omar (not verified)
Thu, 08/09/2012 - 01:25
Question about measurements
Hey! I'm very interested in building this desk, but there's something that's confusing me about the measurements that I see on the plan. For example, in the first step, it looks as if you attach two of the 1x4's flush to the 1x3, which would make the total width 5" (1" from each side, plus the 3" from the cleat). However, it looks as if the 1x4 front apron is supposed to fit perfectly on the sides of the box. I'm seeing this similar thing in several other places throughout the plan. Is there something I'm missing?
jmarchjr
Mon, 09/16/2013 - 08:16
L Shaped
I'm trying to tweak the plans to make this an L shaped desk with a drawer off to the side. Any suggestions?
Peter Stewart
Tue, 08/18/2020 - 20:49
looks so nice!
looks so nice!
rkwaialeale
Mon, 09/14/2020 - 10:16
Built this but adjusted the…
Built this but adjusted the dimensions to fit my space. Great plan!