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
Jaime (not verified)
Mon, 12/20/2010 - 01:37
Thank you, thank you, thank
Thank you, thank you, thank you Ana. I have been asking for this plan (very discreetly in my posts of all the other doll furniture) so I was so excited to see it posted! I will have to bundle up, the garage is very cold now so it makes building not so fun, but I'm off to make it and will share when I'm done. Thank you again, you are priceless!
Kristi (not verified)
Mon, 12/20/2010 - 06:37
Yippee, Ana!!!!! LOVE it!!
Yippee, Ana!!!!! LOVE it!! Thanks for doing this.....it was one of my "hopeful projects". I have linked my readers over to you for the tutorial! :) Kristi in California
24-7mom (not verified)
Mon, 12/20/2010 - 07:22
I love your furniture, but
I love your furniture, but more importantly I love your philosophy about motherhood. Thanks.
Suzanne (not verified)
Mon, 12/20/2010 - 08:29
oh wow!! Such a great job on
oh wow!! Such a great job on that birthday! She will remember it forever!
Jody (not verified)
Mon, 12/20/2010 - 08:54
Guess what Emmy is getting
Guess what Emmy is getting for Valentine's Day...if she doesn't get one from someone else for Christmas. The baby doll bed is done. Just need to make the doll quilt. I'm going to do it with leftover material from her 1st birthday quilt I made this summer, my first ever quilt. And I just need to put a quick coat of poly on the front of the toddler easel and we are ready to assemble it. It has been so much fun making presents this year. People think it is amazing when they find out. I'm going to start thinking about what to make for next year as soon as Christmas was over. Building day was 53 degrees in the workshop with 3 kerosone heaters going for four hours before we started. Sanding the filler I did without the heaters and I thought my hands were going to fall off. December isn't usually that cold here, but I think next year all building projects need to be done by Thanksgiving. I need to keep my fingers :) Thanks, Ana & Merry Christmas!
Christy (not verified)
Mon, 12/20/2010 - 13:22
This is great! When I saw the
This is great! When I saw the restaurant style high chair I actually said "I wish I could find plans for a doll high chair!" I am so happy and more importantly I bought some wood just in case I needed it:) Do you have the plans for that table and benches? I would love those too. What an amazing birthday party! I love the pretty dresses! That is a great idea for the empty wall space above my little girls dress up area. Thanks Ana!
Stacy (not verified)
Tue, 12/21/2010 - 10:36
YAY! I am so excited. My poor
YAY! I am so excited. My poor husband...I'm going to recruit him to help me make a whole set of doll furniture for our little girl's birthday in June :). He said no to the Christmas idea...what? It's only December 21 ;).
Candice (not verified)
Tue, 12/21/2010 - 17:33
Thank you for the plans. Just
Thank you for the plans. Just made this for my niece for Christmas. I also made the lap desk and my dad is so impressed at what I have made so far which is a huge compliment. My husband is still skeptical but I am having fun.
Thank you!
Melissa (not verified)
Wed, 12/22/2010 - 15:49
Awesome! Thank you!!!
Awesome! Thank you!!!
jcostigl (not verified)
Thu, 12/30/2010 - 03:22
Here it is - I finally
Here it is - I finally finished the high chair.
http://thatsmyletter.blogspot.com/2010/12/h-is-for-high-chair.html
On to the next project. Thank you Ana.
Becca (not verified)
Sat, 01/01/2011 - 20:50
You know, it would be super
You know, it would be super easy to add a hinge so the tray opened sideways, rather than up and over (or into) the dolls head. thats how our old (real) highchair worked...
Liz (not verified)
Mon, 01/10/2011 - 12:50
Thank you! Finally a simple
Thank you! Finally a simple affordable plan. Can"t wait to build it and play with Ella.
amy (not verified)
Sun, 02/06/2011 - 14:06
What are cork feet?
What are cork feet?
Noel Kelley (not verified)
Sun, 02/13/2011 - 05:48
Wow- this site is AMAZING!!
Wow- this site is AMAZING!! You are so talented!!! I cannot wait to try some of these plans!!!
mohammad (not verified)
Fri, 06/03/2011 - 22:14
great
it was perfect
i am iranian
متشکرم
Shomerito
Sun, 04/20/2014 - 08:23
Question
Can I use this high chair for my baby or it need to be a different measure. My baby is 6 months old. Thank you.