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
External Blind… (not verified)
Tue, 07/10/2012 - 00:52
This rustic table looks unique
This rustic table looks unique. The top finish is complements the white rustic touch for the legs. Will adopt this style :)
PB (not verified)
Wed, 09/19/2012 - 14:52
Screws in top?
The photo of the finished table does not seem to include Step 3 which calls for the table top to be screwed into the apron. Putting screws in the top would be fine if it's painted, but not if you plan to stain and finish the wood. In that case is the top screwed into the apron from underneath? Thanks, pb
ellen i (not verified)
Fri, 10/12/2012 - 03:29
Confused
I dont understand why the leggs have to be in two different sizes, 1x4 and 2x4?
Shari Hurley
Sun, 03/17/2013 - 14:20
4x4 legs?
Can someone give me tips on the best way to attach 4x4 legs to this table from the inside so they can be removed? If I go straight through there isn't much of the screw in the apron which seems a bit unstable for that size leg. L brackets? Thanks
Shari Hurley
Sun, 03/17/2013 - 14:21
4x4 legs?
Can someone give me tips on the best way to attach 4x4 legs to this table from the inside so they can be removed? If I go straight through there isn't much of the screw in the apron which seems a bit unstable for that size leg. L brackets? Thanks
swissgal908
Mon, 04/15/2013 - 03:49
Metric Measurements
I have found your page recently and I cant express how amazing and wonderful all your plans are.
I was wondering if it is possible or if any one knows the metric measurements for this table. I have tried converting this although the numbers seem a bit off.
I am currently living in switzerland and one can request wood to be cut in centimeters. The Height, Length and Width would be great if any one could notify me. Or knows a practical way of converting the measurements.
shavit
Fri, 06/07/2013 - 13:06
Re: Shari
Hi. People often use a special bracket called a "Surface Mount corner bracket" to make the legs easily detachable. Instead of screws going directly from the apron to the leg, the bracket is what holds the apron corner together.
They can be difficult to attach correctly. Don't be afraid to file down the corner to get a good flat surface before attempting to sink the bolts in the legs. Let me know if you have a question.
mrc76
Tue, 10/29/2013 - 21:50
Smaller Table
I would like to make this table but we don't have the space for a table this size. What would the cuts be if we wanted the table no bigger than 60 inches long?
SusieK
Mon, 12/02/2013 - 07:49
Love it!
I made this table (well mostly,my 14-year-old made it) and love it! We purchased clear pine at HD which made the process go much smoother for us. He also used the Kreg for the boards - magic! He tapered the legs as suggested by other fans. (He's not your typical 14-year-old, by the way - so talented, lucky me.) The total cost for this beautiful 8 foot table was $140 which included the nicer wood, wood conditioner (don't skip this!), stain, and poly. Right now I'm waiting to put the third coat of stain on the top. I painted the apron and the legs a creamy white. So excited. Thanks Ana!
marchand
Mon, 03/31/2014 - 14:40
Rustic Table Bench
Hello, I wanted to make the rustic table but I don't see plans for the bench. Are there any?
Thanks! Michele
LOVE the site. Just finished the raised garden bed!
Christal Bailey
Thu, 03/26/2015 - 22:40
Leg sizes?
can someone please explain to me the reasoning behind the two different leg sizes? I want to make this table but the alternating leg size really bothers me. is it important?
In reply to Leg sizes? by Christal Bailey
Ana White
Fri, 03/27/2015 - 12:30
Take a look at the "brags" of
Take a look at the "brags" of what others have done. The different sizes
are not important. I would go with a thicker stock instead of all 4 legs 1
x's however. Hope this helps!
devon1182
Thu, 07/23/2015 - 12:26
Tabletop screw holes
Hi Ana! We are getting ready to make this table tomorrow. YAY!! But we have a question, the diection say to screw the tabletop onto the apron from the top of the table. Is this correct or can it be screwed onto apron from the bottom? Thank you!
2078jes
Sat, 09/26/2015 - 14:20
Rustic Table
I would like to build this table but use legs from a previous dining room set. Has anyone done that...and would have made notes as to the best way to approach this?? I'm a newbie but plan on laying some Shabby Chic on this design! Thanks!