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
Hedster (not verified)
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 21:40
Very cute - though you
Very cute - though you *could* hang it five ways - on an angle to sorta resemple a check-mark and use for cd's... then you can see the labels without turning your head sidways!
Loni (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 02:40
I Love it! Perfect for my
I Love it! Perfect for my kitchen! Thanks!
Tracie (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 02:50
I agree!! Perfect for a
I agree!! Perfect for a kitchen----I see cookbooks on it!

http://cleverlyinspired.blogspot.com/2010/12/wine-bottleschristmas-disp…Sarah (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 02:53
I imagine you could, but
I imagine you could, but asking just in case. Could you make both of the sides equal, so that it had a look of symmetry? Thanks for the plans! My kids are both getting beds for Christmas that my husband and I built. I will post pics when they are complete!
Jehan (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 03:59
Sweet! I'm thinking display
Sweet! I'm thinking display space in the living room. Kind of like the wall of shelves in the West Elm catalog. Ana, totally off topic, but are you Filipina? Just curious :)
Rebecca (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 04:06
My husband built something
My husband built something similar to this for my son to put his Transformers on.
aSprinkling (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 04:21
Actually, you COULD hang it
Actually, you COULD hang it diagonally - particularly with the largest protrusion as the "bottom". Then, you would have 5 ways to hang it. :)
Ana White (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 06:11
Absolutely! Can't wait to
Absolutely! Can't wait to see your beds, and I hope you make these shelves. So fun and easy!
Jim Reeves (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 06:39
Ana, very nice as always, but
Ana, very nice as always, but am a bit confused on the upright cut 2 1/2 inches deep and the shelf 3 inches deep will they line up?
jim
Loni (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 06:59
Yes they should, The plans
Yes they should, The plans call for 1x6's which (usually) only measure 5.5 inches. Of course measure your boards first to make sure and make adjustments as necessary :)
Loni (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 07:01
I don't have a pantry, I've
I don't have a pantry, I've been using one of my cabinets, I was thinking open pantry? :)
Dorothy (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 07:48
Yes, yes, yes!!! I about
Yes, yes, yes!!! I about jumped up and down when I saw this shelf! I need several shelves in our daughter's bedroom for her books and had an idea very similar to this one, but was waiting on my husband to make them. (He is the one with all the measurement skills and brains to figure things out.) Now I can do it myself -- all because of you!! Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU!!! :-)
Tsu Dho Nimh (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 12:49
Jim - The sum of the two
Jim - The sum of the two slots should equal the width a single board of the pair (if they are equal)
For the strongest joint, make them approximately equal depths.
Ryan Bruzan (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 14:43
I have so many scraps and
I have so many scraps and have been reviewing ways of using them as opposed to not. Cool idea Ana!
Theresa (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 16:03
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G so simple but
A-M-A-Z-I-N-G so simple but sooo classy This is my kind of project.
I may have to build a bigger house any plans for that Ana?
Janelle (not verified)
Wed, 12/15/2010 - 20:24
How many command strips did
How many command strips did you use to hold it up? I love this, it will perfect above the changing table in my babies' room!
Jon (not verified)
Sat, 01/08/2011 - 03:37
This looks like a great idea
This looks like a great idea for both of my kids rooms, but I am curious about the visibility of the metal bracket. Any suggestions for hiding it? Great plan!
jennifer c (not verified)
Sat, 01/08/2011 - 12:05
I feel silly asking this but
I feel silly asking this but I am an newbie at building... so how do you hide the metal brackets if you don't used command strips?
Ana White (not verified)
Sat, 01/08/2011 - 13:20
Jennifer, what I would do is
Jennifer, what I would do is look for the teeny tiny ones and then use them on top side in plain sight where you know a frame or some other object will cover them :)