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
Tracie (not verified)
Wed, 11/03/2010 - 07:19
I love this desk! I want to
I love this desk! I want to make everything you show!!!

http://cleverlyinspired.blogspot.com/2010/11/garage-sale-lamp-meets-ann…Amy (not verified)
Wed, 11/03/2010 - 07:58
Hi Ana! Thanks for another
Hi Ana! Thanks for another FABULOUS plan. I was just wondering how to tell the skill level on this plan. Is this a good one for a beginner?
Thanks!
Libby (not verified)
Wed, 11/03/2010 - 08:34
I made a pallet picnic table
I made a pallet picnic table w/ a 1 mo old strapped to me. I want to do this and two twin farm beds. I'm excited but to nervous to jump in.
Kaely (not verified)
Wed, 11/03/2010 - 14:46
Thank you! Thank you! Thank
Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
Now I just need to find the time (sans toddler) to build it.
Jackie Solomon (not verified)
Fri, 11/05/2010 - 12:56
Hey Ana, I LOVE LOVE LOVE
Hey Ana, I LOVE LOVE LOVE your site. Thanks for the easy to follow plans! You've got me completely addicted. I've made quite a few projects so far, but all with dimensional lumer. Do you know if I can use the Kreg jig with MDF or will it split? Has anyone tried?
Jaime Costiglio (not verified)
Sat, 01/29/2011 - 12:34
Thanks again for the great
Thanks again for the great plans. I modified the size, added a lower shelf and open top shelf hutch. Love you Ana!
http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com/2011/01/d-is-for-desk-2.html
Hatchet (not verified)
Thu, 03/03/2011 - 20:19
Thanks so much for the plans,
Thanks so much for the plans, Ana! My kid sister told me about your site and I've been racing through all of the plans and making my list. I've dragged my husband into creating a few things for me while I do the finishing work. Our 1st project was actually the $10 ledges, but this wall system is what we're working on now.
We just finished the desk and hutch and installed it in our daughter's room. She loves it! I'll link the picture below. Thanks again for all of your work and inspiration!
https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-08F6JhU-LA8/TXAxRAkhDuI/AAAAAAAAGTw/…
https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RVGmFpuERE0/TXAxRvRVaeI/AAAAAAAAGT4/…
Ana White (not verified)
Fri, 03/04/2011 - 08:19
My real life reaction? "my
My real life reaction?
"my goodness, that is good!"
In reply to My real life reaction? "my by Ana White (not verified)
CreativeChaos
Fri, 05/24/2013 - 20:38
Help on this plan!
I need some help here. I followed this plan very closely, and the instructions and cut list say that the back board of the desk and inner cleats are 1x4's. However, when I assembled this, the back legs stick out 3/4" beyond the back board. The pictures make it seem like that piece should actually be a 2x4. Could that be? Also, the step that says to nail the inner cleats to the desk top with 2" screws results in the screws being 1/2" too long if those cleats and desk top are 3/4" each. (1x4 inner cleat and 3/4"desktop. So, should the back and inner cleats actually be 2x4's? I haven't gotten to the drawer step yet, but now I'm worried that the guides won't be low enough to mount the drawer if I used the 1x4 for the inner cleats.
SteveW
Sat, 12/05/2015 - 08:08
You are correct. DIMENSION UPDATES
In order to make this plan work like the images, You'll need to use 2x4s for the cleats, back and sides. Then the 2x2 legs will fit snugly within the space created for them in the corners.
In addition, I built the plan to exact (while using 2x4s) specs and the drawer actually has a gap of 1 1/2 inches in front of it NOT 3/4 as the plan says. This is because the cleat size says 18 3/4 not taking into account that once you add the 1x4 trim in front of the cleat you'll have a 1 1/2 inch gap for the drawer face to fit, not 3/4.
The drawer at 18"x18" should be 18"x18 3/4 to allow for a piece of 1x4 face trim for the drawer. I just built 2 of these side by side at the same time and both verify that...
I reinforced the legs with 2x2 cross members on the sides and back attached with Ana's favorite junior Kreg jig. Will post pics later...
Hatchet (not verified)
Sat, 03/05/2011 - 12:24
Thanks so much, Ana! I really
Thanks so much, Ana! I really do appreciate all of your work. I told my husband when I first started scouring your site that I'd chosen a hobby FOR him. Something that would get him off the computer. Fortunately for me he was game and the positive feedback he's been getting from friends and family has helped encourage him!
Here's a link to my daughter's bedroom, where the shelves are living. I linked to your site and I've gotten a few of my friends and cousins all wound up about building their own furniture, too!
http://1.bp.blogspot.com/-KKxIgVyaET0/TWRWnGPql0I/AAAAAAAAGTk/JF_OtDY-6…
monkeygirl
Thu, 08/15/2013 - 09:32
plans PDF
HI Ana, I am a new member here and very excited to start building! Unfortunately I am not able to download these plans. Could you upload them again and see if that solves the problem?
Thanks!
ulwrj
Sat, 10/04/2014 - 04:02
Thanks for providing recent
Thanks for providing recent updates regarding the concern, I look forward to read more.