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
Tsu Dho Nimh
Wed, 11/27/2013 - 16:58
Shelf?
When does the shelf get installed?
JoanneS
Thu, 11/28/2013 - 07:02
Beautiful Cabinets!
I love getting all your details on how to do cabinets the right way! Having that full shelf for the top is a great use of limited cabinet space. I wonder why most ready made cabinets just have that shallow little back shelf for the top? It's really hard to get to, and you can't put much on it.. I like these so much better! Having the door sizes for the full overlay is great too. It's brilliant that you designed these so the drawer face can be done with a 1x6. It saves work not having to rip down boards, and saves tons of $$ when you DIY a drawer front! Thank you for sharing these wonderful plans! I'm saving all of them, because now I want to build new custom cabinets in our house. Happy Thanksgiving to you and your family!
Rosa R
Mon, 07/28/2014 - 13:52
Shelves
I found your site yesterday and my son already is pulling his hair because I want to build so many things from your site. LOL! I want to know if you're going to plan on making pull-out shelves for the kitchen cabinets? They look easy but having plans would help to know what to buy and how to put it together easier. Another project to put on our list. One of our first project is the miter table for the saw!
cameron1551
Wed, 05/18/2016 - 11:00
side panel
how do you hide the holes in the side if it will be seen
cameron1551
Wed, 05/18/2016 - 11:01
side panel
how do you hide the holes in the side if it will be seen
KenBrown
Mon, 01/15/2018 - 06:02
Hiding the holes
To hide the holes, say you wanted to leave this cabinet on the end. Use glue and your nail gun, then putty your holes and sand off the excess and paint the cabinet. Trying to putty the Kreg holes or putting inserts in there will cost you more money and be a pain. Just wood glue and some 2" finish nails.
BobwhiteMama
Thu, 10/06/2016 - 06:49
Metabox size
What size Metabox did you use?
wilsjay
Wed, 10/19/2016 - 06:27
Glue
Do you use wood glue on the joints of the prefinished plywood that gets pocket hole screwed together like the bottom of the cabinet?
hitch
Fri, 10/21/2016 - 09:03
Yes, use wood glue on all
Yes, use wood glue on all joints even with the pocket holes.
hatowek
Thu, 01/04/2018 - 16:47
Pocket hole vs strait screw
Hi,
Thanks for all these clear description, it's suprinsigly rare to find clear kitchen cabinet plan on the internet.
If there's another cabinets on both side;
for the back and front supports (step 2 and 3)
could we use strait screw from the outside (since they will be hidden anyway by the other cabinet) or it's better to use pocket holes?
Thanks