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
Chantcaps
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 13:47
Hi there! would there be a…
Hi there! would there be a cut list availible for a king size bed? Thank you!
In reply to Hi there! would there be a… by Chantcaps
Ana White
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 16:40
Yes of course I’d love to do…
Yes of course I’d love to do a king version for you
Standard or California?
thegirlwiththebook
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 18:26
May I request California…
May I request California King please? Where I live no one carries bed frames in this awesome size : )
In reply to May I request California… by thegirlwiththebook
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:36
No problem! I updated the…
No problem! I updated the plans for a California King modification above
Nor
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 03:44
Please make a standard king…
Please make a standard king too
In reply to Please make a standard king… by Nor
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:55
Here's the standard king…
Here's the standard king modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
Chantcaps
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 04:18
Just a standard for me would…
Just a standard for me would be great! Thanks so much
In reply to Just a standard for me would… by Chantcaps
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:55
No problem! here's the…
No problem! here's the standard king modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
jwright88
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 17:02
Full size
Love this so much! Looks so easy. I’d love a plan for a full size bed.
In reply to Full size by jwright88
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:09
No problem - here's the full…
No problem - here's the full size cut list and shopping list https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/full%20simple%20panel%20b…
Wonderfullymad…
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 18:14
King plsns
Ooooh! I would love KING plans!
In reply to King plsns by Wonderfullymad…
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:55
Thanks for asking - here's…
Thanks for asking - here's the king modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
mbelli
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 20:58
I would love this in a twin…
I would love this in a twin size bed! Is this possible?
In reply to I would love this in a twin… by mbelli
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:09
No problem, here's the twin…
No problem, here's the twin mods https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/twin%20simple%20panel%20b…
mbelli
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 22:02
Thank you!!!
Thank you!!!
[email protected]
Tue, 02/15/2022 - 18:57
Gap between mattress and headboard
I’ve almost completed this plan but I’m wondering if I should cut the legs off the headboard by about 6”, I won’t be using a box spring and I don’t want a gap between the headboard and mattress, does that sound reasonable?
I don’t want my toddler to fall through the gap or think crawling through there is a good idea lol
freakinhilarious
Sun, 05/26/2019 - 21:00
I would loooove plans for aa…
I would loooove plans for aa Ca King!
In reply to I would loooove plans for aa… by freakinhilarious
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:10
Here's the California King…
Here's the California King Mods https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/california%20king%20simpl…
lkepich
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 05:51
King
I would love King size as well!
In reply to King by lkepich
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:07
Here you go! Here's the…
Here you go!
Here's the standard king size modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
Premorgan
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 06:51
I would love plans for a…
I would love plans for a twin size!
In reply to I would love plans for a… by Premorgan
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:10
Of course, here's the twin…
Of course, here's the twin mods https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/twin%20simple%20panel%20b…
Premorgan
Wed, 05/29/2019 - 12:40
Thank you so much!
Thank you so much!
mombuilds1123
Mon, 01/27/2020 - 07:36
Could you tell me what type…
Could you tell me what type of wood you used for this bed and the stain? I love it!
shellcrab75
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 07:11
Can I get the plans for a…
Can I get the plans for a standard king size please?
In reply to Can I get the plans for a… by shellcrab75
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:07
Here's the standard king…
Here's the standard king size modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
rcamacho7
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 10:29
What color are the walls…
What color are the walls painted ?
In reply to What color are the walls… by rcamacho7
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 13:56
The wall color is "grey…
The wall color is "grey screen" by Sherwin Williams
MaddyND
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 12:31
We too would love to see plans in TWIN size!
Great bed! We too would love to see plans in TWIN size!
In reply to We too would love to see plans in TWIN size! by MaddyND
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:11
Thank you! Here's the twin…
Thank you! Here's the twin mods https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/twin%20simple%20panel%20b…
cstephens
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 18:19
Can I get plans for a twin…
Can I get plans for a twin please?!
In reply to Can I get plans for a twin… by cstephens
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:11
Yes, here you go https://www…
Yes, here you go https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/twin%20simple%20panel%20b…
asl
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 19:25
Can I get the King size…
Can I get the King size plans as well? Thanks so much!
In reply to Can I get the King size… by asl
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:07
Yep! Here's the standard…
Yep! Here's the standard king size modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
Smalltownbigdreams
Mon, 05/27/2019 - 20:48
Yes a Standard King size…
Yes a Standard King size plan please :)
In reply to Yes a Standard King size… by Smalltownbigdreams
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:07
Here's the standard king…
Here's the standard king size modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
Sonoma47
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 08:51
king size bed
May I get the plans for a standard King size bed please.
Thanks so much!
In reply to king size bed by Sonoma47
Ana White
Tue, 05/28/2019 - 14:06
Here's the standard king…
Here's the standard king size modification https://www.ana-white.com/sites/default/files/Untitled%20document%20%28…
cabushey
Wed, 05/29/2019 - 20:08
Beautiful room and so…
Beautiful room and so functional! What color stain did you use on the bed? Thank you!
acnettles
Thu, 05/30/2019 - 14:24
Tall bed
Hi Ana - would it be possible to raise the bed? I want to make myself a bed, but I want to make it so I can get rid of the risers I need to store my sewing/quilting stuff under my bed. I would need about 9.25" clearance from the base of the bed to the floor. I'm thinking if I add a piece of wood as a brace would make that possible, but I'm not sure.
Jennifer823
Fri, 05/31/2019 - 05:00
How long will this build take
What is an approximate time frame for this project?
Jennifer823
Fri, 05/31/2019 - 05:04
ALSO could you use a…
ALSO could you use a boxspring with it?
nz231
Mon, 06/03/2019 - 10:45
I am wondering the same…
I am wondering the same thing. My bed has to have a box spring. Could you include the modifications to make a queen bed like this but with a box spring mattress? Thank you so much!! :)
Ralphyoder
Tue, 06/04/2019 - 03:43
Farmhouse bed color
Hi! Love the stain color. Would you mind sharing what brand and color was used for this bed? I am working on building one for our Air BNB. Thanks!
RubyJ15
Thu, 10/17/2019 - 13:34
Thanks so much for these…
Thanks so much for these plans! I'm excited to build this the bed. I have one question, are the 3 inch screws that attach the footboard to the bed frame center go through the footboard so that that are seen from the outside?
Thanks!
itrytodoitupnice
Thu, 01/02/2020 - 12:00
Cedar instead?
Our local hardware store has cedar on sale, the only cut they don't have is the 1x3. They do have a 1x4, do you think it would make an ok substitute? Would cedar even be a good idea?
marcalejo
Sat, 01/18/2020 - 11:51
Type of wood
Hi Ana. I would like to know what kind of wood do I use? Douglas fir? I want to build this for my son.
WoodworkingRachel
Mon, 01/20/2020 - 13:50
Type of wood
This is a beautiful bed! What type of wood are you using? Whatever it is I would like to use the same type of wood!
cwilks13
Thu, 03/05/2020 - 19:36
What colour stain did you…
What colour stain did you use on this bed?
i love it!
SEB11
Fri, 05/29/2020 - 05:22
Matching nightstands
Awesome bed!
Do you have the plan for the "Modern Simple Nightstand Plans" as well?
Thanks :)