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
Erin in Fairbanks (not verified)
Thu, 08/04/2011 - 12:32
Love the little table
I didn't win the Kreg jig...can I do this project without it?
In reply to Love the little table by Erin in Fairbanks (not verified)
Ana White
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 09:44
Hi Erin, darn, I wish I could
Hi Erin, darn, I wish I could give everyone a Kreg Jig!
What I would do is swap the aprons and bottom supports for 2x thick boards, that way when you go to screw (use 2 1/2" screws and countersink from outsides) you'll have more "meat" to screw into. Certainly, you can!
Erin in Fairbanks (not verified)
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 09:59
Kreg Jig
Thanks Ana,
I'll either try it that way, or maybe I need to buy myself a Kreg Jig for my anniversary. :)
Erin
Sarah Wade (not verified)
Thu, 08/04/2011 - 13:54
Love it!! makes me want to
Love it!! makes me want to buy wood!! Thanks for ALL that you do!
Daisies and Crazies
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 10:17
Love this
This is such a cute table. I was just telling my husband this week that Ana White is the all-around perfect woman. Not perfect as in "doesn't make mistakes" but more because you are kind, gorgeous, multi-talented, generous, hardworking, etc.
I really admire and appreciate you. xo
Daisies and Crazies
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 10:18
P.S.
You'd better get your hiney to Kansas City on your book tour. www.RainyDayBooks.com brings lots of very famous authors here. I'll be first in line to get my book and ticket! xo
bhoppy
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 11:50
wood filler in all pocket holes?
For an outdoor table such is this one, is it necessary to fill in all the pocket holes on the aprons with wood filler? I just wondered because you say to place the pocket holes to the inside... but if you have to fill them all in with wood filler and sand them even with the board it seems like it would be easier if the holes were on the outside. I'm probably overthinking it but when I made the outdoor harriet table I spent twice as much time sanding the 50+ pocket holes that I filled in with wood filler than I did putting it together.... Was that overkill? LOL Thanks
Pam the Goatherd
Fri, 08/05/2011 - 12:48
This is perfect! My son needs
This is perfect! My son needs a little table to go next to his computer desk to hold "stuff". I think I'll make this a little taller and put a shelf at the bottom instead of the stretcher and make the top out of a solid piece of plywood. Should be just what he needs.
Suzanne64
Sun, 09/18/2011 - 16:10
*****test*****
*****test*****
Suzanne64
Sun, 09/18/2011 - 16:06
Kreg Jig System versus mini Kreg Jig
Hi Ana, I'm a little confused about the Kreg Jig. Is it necessary to purchase the whole system and the mini is just a part of that or can you just purchase the mini and use that by itself?
I am very new to woodworking and absolutely love it! Working on my first Adirondack chair as we speak.
jenni (not verified)
Sat, 01/12/2013 - 11:38
Adirondack chair plan?
Is there plans for the Adirondack chair to go with this table? I tried to search for it but had no luck finding anything. Please help. Thanks
suthernfancy
Tue, 04/09/2013 - 20:44
ADIRONDACK STOOL
Hi Ana, I really like the Adirondack stool. I was wondering if you will have the matching chair plans in your book? I like this style of Adirondack better because it looks lighter than your original style. I would love to see a set of plans for the new style of chair. Wonderful web site and keep up the great work.
ctmkgw03
Wed, 04/17/2013 - 19:41
Love it
So need to build some of these for the deck'
Debbie742
Sat, 07/06/2013 - 06:39
print out questin
Is it possible to print out the plans for just the table and not the entire article? When I hit the PDF, it wants to do all 22 pages
In reply to print out questin by Debbie742
JoanneS
Sat, 07/06/2013 - 07:25
Printout question reply
Hi Debbie 742,
To print out a selected range of pages on a .pdf file:
click 'print' icon (or select file>print)
a "print" dialog pox appears. About 1/3 of the way down under "print range" at the left side of the box, you can key in the page numbers you want to print. (When I tested this it was pages 14-22.)
The 'Preview: composite' section at the right of that box will show you what your printout will look like.
Then you can click "ok" and it will print out just the pages you want.
e3moore1212
Sun, 07/21/2013 - 06:30
Adirondack chair
Is there plans for the Adirondack chair in the picture with this table?
In reply to Adirondack chair by e3moore1212
JoanneS
Sun, 07/21/2013 - 07:30
Adirondack chair plan
Hi e3moore1212,
The plan for the chair in the photo is in Ana's book "The Handbuilt Home" on page 174. It's a great book with some wonderful plans and super useful info for building.
She also has several other great adirondack chair plans on this site:
Home depot chair plan:
http://ana-white.com/2013/06/plans/home-depot-dih-workshop-adirondack-c…
Ana's Adirondack chair:
http://ana-white.com/2010/05/furniture-plans-adirondack-chair-ana.html
Modish Adirondack chair:
http://ana-white.com/2010/05/modish-adirondack-chair
e3moore1212
Sun, 07/21/2013 - 15:21
thanks
Awesome thank you!
jriker
Tue, 05/31/2016 - 08:26
Chair plans too?
I'd love to make the chairs pictured with this table too but I'm having trouble finding the plan for these exact chairs. Help please?
jriker
Tue, 05/31/2016 - 08:30
Just saw previous comment and
Just saw previous comment and ordered the book. Thanks!
kat_icu
Thu, 05/09/2019 - 15:56
Did I miss the instructions…
Did I miss the instructions to put the top on?
thatryan
Mon, 07/22/2019 - 16:17
I do not see them either…
I do not see them either...hey @Ana any help? :)
MattyCakes
Wed, 05/20/2020 - 15:43
I didn't see it either…
I didn't see it either... and I'm working on this project right now! Lol.
My guess is to use the 2 inch finishing nails for the top pieces, since those are on the equipment list but haven't been used in steps 1-4... I'm going to give it a try and we'll see how it goes! Fingers crossed.
lahfrench
Mon, 09/14/2020 - 16:18
How did you all attach the…
How did you all attach the top? I noticed that a brad nailer is listed in the Equipment needed section. Is that what you used???
thatryan
Tue, 07/16/2019 - 13:24
Bottom shelf for table?
Hi there! I am new to woodworking and love this little table. Would it be hard to add a shelf at the bottom somehow, over the support? Any tips?
Thank you!
John_W
Sun, 07/19/2020 - 10:11
Not sure how to attach the top to the base.
I'm not sure how the top is attached unless I'm missing the directions somewhere. I'll figure something out but for me I'm not sure how they get attached to the base.
Love this starter project to get me back into woodworking. Thanks, Ana!
Cadet1978
Sun, 03/07/2021 - 21:14
Question
In step 5, what did you use to attach the top boards of the tabletop? Screws? Nails? No description is given.
Calla7235
Sun, 04/18/2021 - 14:44
I made this table with some…
I made this table with some modifications so it sits right below the windowsill it’s wider and not quite as deep. Perfect quick and simple table for a beginner