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
Ray_B
Mon, 04/27/2020 - 07:42
Alternative plans available?
These plans are awesome, however these will probably be too difficult for my wife and I to get (climb) out of. Can you recommend some other simple chair plans as an alternative?
Thank you!
Elizabeth Morton
Mon, 05/04/2020 - 07:19
We are in the same situation…
We are in the same situation and would need the chairs a little higher off the ground please.
Love the design and the simplicity of the build!
Beautiful work as always!
Thank you
luiessir
Sun, 05/31/2020 - 23:44
Buenos días desde España Ray…
Buenos días desde España Ray-B:
Creo que podrías incrementar las medidas del larguero y de la pata en un porcentaje estimativo, creo que un 10 % no estaría mal, te quedarían las patas con 1 3/8 y el larguero con 3 21/64 (verifícalo, calcular pulgadas es complicado a los que usamos el sistema métrico decimal), las medidas de las demás piezas no varían.
En todo caso, es mejor pasarte con el incremento que quedarte corto, si te excedes, no tienes más que poner un listón delgado sobre el suelo junto a las patas y marcar con él el sobrante de cada una de ellas.
¡Internet es una hermosa herramienta!.
luiessir
Mon, 06/01/2020 - 06:47
Sorry Ray B: Increasing the…
Sorry Ray B:
Increasing the legs by 10% would be 15 1/8 and the crossbar with 36 37/64.
I think what I put in earlier was the increment.
Perdona Ray B:
Incrementando un 10 % las patas quedarían con 15 1/8 y el larguero con 36 37/64.
Creo que lo que puse anteriormente era el incremento.
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:20
Please refer to my happy…
Please refer to my happy accident
OliveGrace
Mon, 08/17/2020 - 14:41
I have the same problem. …
I have the same problem. Does Ana every reply?
Leslie Esparza
Sat, 11/21/2020 - 08:04
Alternate Plan Ideas
Hi Ray!
It looks like another commenter posted some suggestions for alterations. Here's what he posted:
Modification for those who are a bit challenged by height or age:
Reduce the angle on the long bottom board to 10 degrees, lengthen board to 38 inches, shorten front legs to 16 1/2".
I'm going to try this out. I'm building some chairs for my backyard and want to build a couple for my parents, who are both tall and in their 70's. I'll let you know how it goes in case it can help you!
I have already made a chair with the dimensions that Ana posted and it WAS surprising comfortable. I think that the arms make it easier to get in and out of, however, I do think it would help to raise it a little for my parents. We'll see!
In reply to Alternate Plan Ideas by Leslie Esparza
tdk_dpt
Wed, 04/21/2021 - 10:42
Leslie, did you try to make…
Leslie, did you try to make a chair with your new dimensions? I am curious, too. I was thinking of just adding 2 inches to the height of the front legs as well as the longer back legs. I assume it would "raise" everything up 2 inches and keep the seat slope the same?
mfcosi
Thu, 03/04/2021 - 12:39
Try this one: https://ana…
Try this one:
https://ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/modern-outdoor-chair-2x4s-an…
rpower1
Mon, 04/27/2020 - 11:21
Stain
What stain did you use? Love the color.
In reply to Stain by rpower1
Bronwyn
Tue, 04/28/2020 - 16:23
Yes, can you please share…
Yes, can you please share what stain this is? Thanks!
Elizabeth Morton
Mon, 05/04/2020 - 07:22
Is the stain also a wood…
Is the stain also a wood protector?
Since the wood is not for outdoor use, what would you recommend for extending the life of the chairs?
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 14:57
I'd recommend an oil stain,…
I'd recommend an oil stain, hard to come by nowadays but well worth the effort of finding it. An oil stain will do two the three years easy, water based garbage is an every year ordeal. Ummm, did I say garbage, oops, I meant garbage, oh, got it right the first time.
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 14:59
I can't say what Ana used…
I can't say what Ana used but i was able to replicate and possibly enhance by what I typed in my comment.
jollysson1
Fri, 05/01/2020 - 08:35
Child chair plans?
Anna,
Do you have plans in this style for a childs chair? I have cut wood for two adult chairs for my son and daughter-in-law who are expecting our first grandchild...I would also like to make a chair for him!!! (Perhaps it is as easy as making all cuts 5 inches less???) Thanks
ghoffman88
Thu, 05/28/2020 - 16:26
Did you have any success…
Did you have any success making kid chairs?
Wolfeman6
Fri, 05/01/2020 - 17:30
What kinda of stain did you…
What kinda of stain did you use?
dscwmitchell
Sun, 05/03/2020 - 16:42
Just did the first of…
Just did the first of several of these and they are great!! I used pallet wood and leftover framing lumber and for the seat I used PVC trim boards. I think it turned out great and only took me a couple hours start to finish.
I'd attach a couple of pictures if I could figure out how to post them here.
AntonioCruz
Fri, 05/08/2020 - 15:20
Hi, I'm from Portugal…
Hi, I'm from Portugal. Thanks for your work. Can you have this instructions in cms? If you have send to me, please. [email protected]
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:01
Dude it's 1'=2.54cm, I'm…
Dude it's 1'=2.54cm, I'm from Canada and we are metric all the way but it really is a simple conversion.
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:02
1", not foot
1", not foot
carlhendricksen
Sat, 05/09/2020 - 14:05
Chair modificatioins
Awesome plan!
Modification for those who are a bit challenged by eight or age:
Reduce the angle on the long bottom board to 10 degrees, lengthen board to 38 inches, shorten front legs to 16 1/2".
DCecil43
Mon, 05/11/2020 - 12:08
Treated vs. Untreated
I'm wondering if untreated 2x4s with an exterior Cabot paint stain would work for the outdoors. Thoughts?
PJ07
Thu, 05/28/2020 - 14:19
That is my plan this weekend…
That is my plan this weekend so if anyone thinks not a good idea I'd love to hear.
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:06
Any lumber works, untreated…
Any lumber works, untreated just needs to maintained. Water based blows, oil is best. A good soak in oil and you have a couple of years, water based in a sunny environment and get ready to reapply annually
baboosmith23
Fri, 05/15/2020 - 13:12
Stain color
Can you tell me what color stain you used
kcloud
Sat, 05/16/2020 - 18:59
Did you use treated boards…
Did you use treated boards since it will be outdoors?
bh625
Mon, 05/18/2020 - 21:18
First Project!
For my first ever wood-working project, it went pretty well! I’m so thankful for the video and the info broken down into simple, concise portions. The diagrams were helpful, but the video was definitely a must have for me. Thank you for this beautiful modern design!
DanT
Mon, 05/25/2020 - 10:19
Plan change
Ana - Love this plan... however one small correction needs to be made. On the diagram for step 1, the "foot" measurement of 3 1/2 i believe is mistaken. It should be just about 3" if cut 20 deg off square. No biggie, but it threw me off first time through. Thanks!
PJ07
Thu, 05/28/2020 - 14:21
Thank you! The diagram here…
Thank you! The diagram here and in the video have different measurements so I was wondering that myself.
littlecanton
Mon, 05/25/2020 - 10:37
Family Project
My 12 year old son and I made two of these and absolutely love them. Thank you so much for a great plan and family project
James-handyguy
Tue, 05/26/2020 - 17:14
Great chair plan, simple and…
Great chair plan, simple and sturdy.
abbydavviss
Sun, 05/31/2020 - 11:01
This was great! Thanks!
This was great! Thanks!
luiessir
Sun, 05/31/2020 - 22:41
Gracias por el sencillo y…
Gracias por el sencillo y sólido diseño Ana Blanco, ¡Internet es una hermosa herramienta!.
fessehaye2
Thu, 06/04/2020 - 09:36
I'm beginner in the wood…
I'm beginner in the wood working field and have just completed my very first project following one of your post and built two Modern Adirondack Chairs. Wife and kids really love it and are asking me to build more.
Tamaurizio
Mon, 06/08/2020 - 21:11
Adirondack Chairs
Here are the Adirondack Chairs I made following your great plans: https://www.dropbox.com/s/di8ne57lpbve9x9/Adirondack-Chairs.jpg?dl=0
Thanks
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:25
Love the contrasting colours…
Love the contrasting colours bud.
Jeremy68
Thu, 06/11/2020 - 12:42
cant find 1x10's
I am about to build one of these, love thew look of the 1x10" but alas in my area nobody sells 1x10", has anyone given any thought to building this with 1x8" lumber?
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 14:53
Trust yourself first.
I'm replying to my own post, faux pas I know, but my local lumber retailer lied to me, they have 1x10's, they just didn't know that modern lumber doesn't adhere to true length and width, scary yes?
JuliaP
Sat, 06/13/2020 - 04:23
stability of armrests
Hi, I love the design of these chairs and am planning to build a couple. I noticed some people have added posts to reinforce the backrest. Do you think the original design is sturdy enough for kids/adults to sit on the armrests?
thanks!
lalitisbhatia
Mon, 06/15/2020 - 06:55
Thanks for this plan -…
Thanks for this plan - turned out really good and only took a couple of days
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 14:50
Shou-sugi-ban
For all those asking about the stain colour, I was able to replicate ( as far as I can tell from a picture, by a light burn, sand, and then an application of a clear wood sealer. Also, through a happy accident I achieved a few degrees of less incline through putting the back support 2x's @ 90 degrees out from plan, so if you are looking for an easier exit chair, this may help, though it does look bulkier. I stained my first chair a black brown semi translucent, i wiped it on, then wiped it off, which I think looks a bit heavy for the Rustic Modern design, love to show but have no idea how to post pics on here so no go.
Im about to embark on my second chair with a few minor tweaks, 45's on the arm fronts, ditto on the back, 2-4" wider to accommodate us big ol' Alberta Boys, one more section higher. again for us big ol' boys, and the modified Shou-sugi-ban on the seat facings. I'm thinking with the awesome plans that Ana has provided and a few unnecessary but form based tweaks I will be able to, as a total amatuer (with subgrade equipment) be able to build something worthy of any firepit.
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:17
Shou-sugi-ban
Ok, i knowwwwwww this is horrible, never comment on your own posts EVER, but, saying that, here goes.
Just a bit of info if you are going to Shou-sugi-ban your wood, it is a form of wood preservation that come from Japan, it's usually performed on cedar but has the same basic effect on any wood. So, what I'm basically saying here is if you choose this method you are also elongating the life of your wood. I'm going to experiment with burning just the one side of the wood and both and seeing which fairs better, the issue is we'll all be well away from caring once the results are in.
You can use a basic propane torch for this job, it will take a bit but you'll get er' done.
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:30
Plus, who doesn't love…
Plus, who doesn't love saying Shou-sugi-ban?
If you are the one person who doesn't then I don't want to know you.
In reply to Shou-sugi-ban by Jeremy68
Kemberlieg66
Sun, 10/03/2021 - 13:07
I love this method of…
I love this method of preserving wood. I just bought me a brand new torch and it’s a big one. This is one of my favorite methods to use. It gives beautiful results 😊
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:41
Ack, I never like to be this…
Ack, I never like to be this guy but I just noticed there are filters applied to the first pic on here, look to the second pic for a true representation of the stain colour and hue. But trust me on this, evenly run a propane torch over your wood, sand until happy and then clear coat and you'll be happy.
Jeremy68
Tue, 06/16/2020 - 15:51
I'm truly overstepping my…
I'm truly overstepping my bounds here but if you will give me this one last input I'd truly appreciate it. Unless you are running a bump stop mitre saw your 1x10's will all be fractions off perfect. This being said, choose the most interesting wood grain for the top seat facia, taking into account how everything lines up vertically. Our line of sight and our years of indoctrination have taught our brains to see top to bottom, left to right, so put the most interesting board on top, with a caveat of lining up over all. That's all, sorry for intruding.
pgsbigdata
Wed, 06/17/2020 - 09:39
Type of wood
Hi Ana, What kind of wood ? White Pine with sealant ? Or anything else?
Wendy KT
Wed, 07/01/2020 - 12:16
How do you keep the sap from bleeding?
Help! How do I stop the sap from bleeding out of the pine? I made 2 of these chairs and we love them. I used 2 coats of Minwax Classic Gray stain and then I applied 2 coats of wipe-on poly. But as of this morning there are little white sticky sap dots all over the boards. How are the rest of you keeping that from happening?
jelliott1276
Fri, 07/03/2020 - 18:17
Stain
Stain, what color oil based stain is that, love that color!!