Free Tiny House Plans - Quartz Model with Bathroom
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
ninarodriguez
Wed, 08/17/2016 - 16:30
Tiny House with bathroom
Thank you for sharing this with us. I am so inspired by what you do. I want to build one a bit longer "2*' and still have a door out the back and two sleeping lofts. Do you have any suggestions for doing this with your model ?
ninarodriguez
Wed, 08/17/2016 - 16:44
Tiny House with Bathroom
Sorry forgot to ask would you share the plans to build the exterior deck :-) from the original tiny house.
Ana White
Thu, 08/18/2016 - 09:39
Hi the easiest way to keep
Hi the easiest way to keep the door but add the bathroom is to take the fridge out and put the door where the fridge is. The fridge could go in the corner. If the tiny house is two feet longer, this would mean two more feet of counterspace, so you'd get it all.
You could easily add a loft above the kitchen and bath, but the ceiling height would be low without the added dormer like on the other half of the tiny house. I'd maybe just do taller walls and the lower pitch all the way down the tiny house.
We can share the deck plans - need to get more photos.
Thanks again! Ana
HockeySkates
Fri, 11/04/2016 - 15:16
Love, love, love what you've
Love, love, love what you've done! And thanks for sharing the plans, only wish I could do that myself (using SketchUp and the like).
Love the fact that there is only one loft, the kitchen is NOT under a loft (one of the areas where most of the standing is done would then become "cramped" under a loft) AND that you don't have to climb a loft to go to bed every night. And love that table -- how genious!
Gotta say I lean towards the model with the bathroom (kind of a deal breaker for us, in a more permanent use), but, as ninarodriguez said, I would be curious to see it in a larger size -- my idea would be a 28 ft plan (to get that second entrance, and the light coming from it, like in the Quartz model; that so opens up that end of the house). Similar to your reply to her, you could add a (more traditional) closet next to the shower, or maybe that's where the hot water heater/on-demand heater goes to keep the plumbing to a minimum?
Finally, I also think I like the 3 windows better than the one big one, but I do miss the openness of the shelves that were above the kitchen area, as opposed to the cabinets. The outside lights on the Quartz are a really nice touch though.
Thanks again for all of what you've done and shared. I'm going to have to learn how to use SketchUp.
All the best!
Daverrr
Wed, 09/28/2016 - 12:54
Tiny Home Build.
Hello,
Thank you for making this video series on the tiny home build. I think you will be helping a ton of people live a better life with this.
You could have easily added (smart home automation, solar, propane, generator) to this to make it off grid.
Any thoughts on doing a container home build?
I love your web site and have subscribed to your youtube channel.
I wish you and your family all the success, health and joy you can handle.
Sincerly DR. Paquette
whall
Wed, 11/02/2016 - 11:56
Weight
Have you ever weighed the tiny house? Have you towed the house?
gthomp
Mon, 11/28/2016 - 06:09
Weight
Same question. What is the weight of this project I have a trailer. I am going to start this build but am curious if the weight for towing purposes.
ksalyers
Mon, 11/07/2016 - 16:22
Cost for this build?
I was wondering how much this build cost you. I am very intersted in building something like this and not sure how much money I'll need.
matthew1344
Sat, 12/31/2016 - 05:09
Cost?
How much is the total cost for this?
jgioulis
Sat, 12/31/2016 - 06:05
I got all the wood free, so I
I got all the wood free, so I can't say. If you look at the plans I built from, that might give you a better idea
jgioulis
Sat, 12/31/2016 - 06:08
sorry this went on the wrong
sorry this went on the wrong thread
In reply to I got all the wood free, so I by jgioulis
Victoria.NotVicki
Sun, 01/01/2017 - 20:52
How to get wood for free
Hello,
I'm looking for discounted building material options. How did you get the wood for free? Do you have any ideas for getting lumber cheaply if not free?
Thaank you!
Thyri
Sun, 01/01/2017 - 19:00
Desks and table
You could have one desk where you suggested and a fold down desk attached to the outside of the bathroom wall by the sofa/trundle. As far as a dining room table, a folding table would work. Not as cool, but functional, and you have the option of taking it outside to eat on nice days. Might be able to store such a thing under the trundle; I can't remember if there's wheel(s) in the center.
Drag0nfly
Mon, 01/30/2017 - 03:10
Tiny House Build materials list
Love the Tiny house plans. Can you tell me where I can find the materials list for this tiny house build?
Thank you
Walker3030
Wed, 03/01/2017 - 05:23
New project
Could you guys do a "bar shed"? Would be cool to see how one turns out and what kind of cost is involved
In reply to New project by Walker3030
Ana White
Wed, 03/01/2017 - 13:30
Those look pretty sweet, we
Those look pretty sweet, we can't commit to anything at this time. Thanks
for your understanding! We will keep it in mind for the future!