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
handmadewithash
Wed, 04/08/2015 - 19:08
Thanks so much for the video.
Thanks so much for the video. You make it look so easy! :)
biz_kid1
Sat, 04/11/2015 - 14:46
Love it!
And I need to make one, too, so I can work on our garden! :) Thanks for sharing!
ilove2create
Sun, 04/12/2015 - 22:36
Love the potters bench
I just built this bench and love it. I also really like those hooks. Where did you get them? Thanks for all the great plans, I've made quite a few pieces.
In reply to Love the potters bench by ilove2create
Ana White
Mon, 04/13/2015 - 11:30
You can get the hooks at just
You can get the hooks at just about any home improvement or home store.
Just ask for "over-the-cabinet" hardware.
kangel546
Sun, 04/05/2020 - 08:24
I can’t find these hooks…
I can’t find these hooks anywhere! :( I love them because they’re movable. Do you happen to have an online link as to where I could find them? TIA!
rmatteo94
Wed, 05/06/2020 - 06:28
They're a bit pricey, but…
They're a bit pricey, but this is the closest hook I could find! Good luck!
https://www.flyingbulldogs.com/liberty-b19376-sn-over-the-cabinet-singl…
Kimber1216
Thu, 06/16/2016 - 01:14
Material/cut list
Hi Ana,
So excited to make this bench! Was wondering, on the video you have a material list:
(8) 1x4x8
(2) 1x4x10
(4) 2x4x8
Could you please tell me what cuts are made to the (2) 1x4x10's? Thank you so much!
In reply to Material/cut list by Kimber1216
Ana White
Thu, 06/16/2016 - 10:00
https://www.ryobitools.com
https://www.ryobitools.com/nation/projects/4031
Rowland A Shepard
Thu, 03/11/2021 - 08:37
cuts optimized with cutlist optimizer
# Panel Cut Result
1 4×120 y=39 4×39 \ -
2 4×81 y=39 4×39 \ -
3 4×42 y=39 4×39 \ surplus
1 4×96 y=24 4×24 \ -
2 4×72 y=24 4×24 \ -
3 4×48 y=42 4×42 \ surplus
1 4×96 y=42 4×42 \ -
2 4×54 y=42 4×42 \ surplus
1 4×96 y=39 4×39 \ -
2 4×57 y=39 4×39 \ surplus
1 4×96 y=42 4×42 \ surplus
Rowland A Shepard
Thu, 03/11/2021 - 08:57
cuts optimized with cutlist optimizer
1 2x ( 120" @ 30, 39, 39 )
2 1x ( 96" @ 24, 24 and 42
3 4x (96" @ 42 and 42
4 2x (96" @ 39 and 39
5 1x (96" @ 42
seansun01
Sun, 06/02/2019 - 15:39
Fun Project!
This was an awesome project. I shopped for the materials in the morning and built it in the afternoon. The shopping list and plans were fabulous. I had to adjust slightly since I used pressure treated wood and the 1x4’s were 3/4 x 1 5/8 instead of 3/4 x 1 1/2. It came out perfect though and seems sturdy and quite functional. I added a piece of aluminum to the top to keep soil from falling through when potting plants. I love it when a project comes out as planned!
KendCo
Sun, 05/31/2020 - 22:45
Some tips
I've only made a hand full of wood workings projects but had no problem building this (in just a day too!)
The only issue I had was which cuts went where when it came to the 1x4s (since there's two different lengths) here's what I went with so I could have a bunch of useable offcuts:
All 8ft 1x4 boards: cut a 39" and a 42" from the same board. This will give you 8 of each of those and 8 15" offcuts
Both 10ft 1x4 boards: cut a 39", a 42" and a 22" in both
You should then have all the boards you need with the most useable offcuts. They're even the same length @15"! I have another project in mind for the leftovers making this a zero waste project :)
I didn't need to predrill the 2x4s but it's pretty much mandatory for the 1x4s
Hope this helps!
jess8336
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 12:11
Wood thpe
Is there a specific type of wood that should be used?
aimes91225
Wed, 07/08/2020 - 09:11
AWESOME POTTING BENCH!!!!!!
Thank you so much for this easy to do AWESOME potting bench. My dad and I built this in about 2 hours as a surprise for my mom. Got it stained and varnished the next day! Such easy to read instructions and pictures! Thank you again!!!
Copper21786
Tue, 03/09/2021 - 18:51
Do you think rolllers could…
Do you think rolllers could be put on this to move in and out of garage/shed? Too heavy?
mrgwt
Sat, 05/08/2021 - 20:50
Totally awesome thank you
Totally awesome thank you