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
Colleen Lalonde (not verified)
Mon, 11/22/2010 - 19:59
This would be perfect for my
This would be perfect for my daughters room! There's a heat vent right in the perfect spot for a toy box and this would solve that perfectly!
Michelle (not verified)
Mon, 11/22/2010 - 20:07
This is the perfect idea! I
This is the perfect idea! I have 2 boys: 5 and 3 and their closet is ALWAYS a distaster, no matter what I do. This may be it! Thanks!
Holly (not verified)
Mon, 11/22/2010 - 21:00
Here's what I love, I just
Here's what I love, I just saw one of these at pbkids.com for the first time and came to your site to beg for a plan...and here it is...didn't even have to ask! :)
Ana White (not verified)
Mon, 11/22/2010 - 21:04
Holly, you MUST make this!
Holly, you MUST make this! It's so cute and easy and functional. I've had it built for a while now, and just haven't got to painting it . . . and now, oh my, the red is marvelous! Must build!
Shawn (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 00:27
Love it Ana, I think it would
Love it Ana, I think it would make a nice planter box too!
Bethany (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 02:46
I'm thinking that would make
I'm thinking that would make a pretty cool sand/rice table for my boys!
Whitney Smith (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 03:26
Okay, thats it! I am going to
Okay, thats it! I am going to eBay and finding me a Kreg Jig, stat!
Cari (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 04:41
This is just great! I, too,
This is just great! I, too, was thinking what a great planter it would be! I think if we modified the plans a little, this will work great this year - and keep my Min Pins out of the produce! The hubs and I are currently working on the Parsons Chair (slightly modified to be pub height, no cushion, but with a decorative backing by using an old overhead projector) and the Rustic Farm Table (also slightly modified to be square and pub height of 4' and to seat 8). I can't wait for them to be done to upload pics! I LOVE the smell of fresh cut wood! hehe (I know, not your typical female) I just love your plans! Thank you so much for sharing them!
Amy (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 05:06
I was thinking the same
I was thinking the same thing!
Kasey (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 05:25
This is so cute. I like the
This is so cute. I like the simplicity of it and that I could probably get my child to put her toys away because all she has to do is launch them in there.
Melissa Jones (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 06:04
Ana, Thanks for the great
Ana,
Thanks for the great toy box plan and all the other toy and kid plans you have. I plan on doing the farmhouse toddler bed for my grandson, and 18" size doll bed for my daughter.
Have you seen the Plan shopping cart? So cool, would love to see plans for one of those.
Robin (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 06:54
I love the idea of this as a
I love the idea of this as a rice box - my kids love the sandbox but sand it way too messy for me to be in the house - now vacumning up some loose rice kernals I can handle!
Jami (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 07:14
Awesome plan! I think we'll
Awesome plan! I think we'll do this one for Christmas. But wait. . .pocket hole screws? I don't remember that phrase before. Do we HAVE to have them to use a pocket hole jig? Where's the best place to get them?
Celestra (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 07:44
Toy troft! Super cute. My
Toy troft! Super cute. My little piggies could use one of these.
Vicky (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 07:47
Love it love it love it! So
Love it love it love it! So many uses all over the house!
Ana White (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 08:58
For those of you without a
For those of you without a pocket hole jig . . . or wanting a bottom shelf - here's how to do that.




Bmom (not verified)
Tue, 11/23/2010 - 15:23
very cute - I love it with
very cute - I love it with the shelf underneath too - but pull out storage / seating options for kids would be wonderful if I could find some little ottomans that I like!
two other quick thoughts:
...I'd add 1x2's to the top edge to make a flat, finished plane, which would conceal the top edge of the plywood and connect the legs (maybe even sand/router a slightly rounded edge on that?)
...could also be a great outdoor planter / porch toybox using decking material leftovers!
HammerTime (not verified)
Wed, 11/24/2010 - 05:49
Wow, Ana, you've done it
Wow, Ana, you've done it again! This would be perfect for my little "nephew" (my BFF's little guy). I love the idea of chalkboard paint. And I wonder if it could be put on casters so it can be moved around easily?
myra (not verified)
Wed, 11/24/2010 - 10:37
where can one get a pocket
where can one get a pocket jig for less than $50?
Ana White (not verified)
Wed, 11/24/2010 - 10:59
Myra, try Lowes or online at
Myra, try Lowes or online at Amazon.