
How we built an automated elevator bed for a tiny house for about $500 - tutorial by Ana-White.com
How we built an automated elevator bed for a tiny house for about $500 - tutorial by Ana-White.com
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Email us anytime at [email protected] and we’ll be happy to help!
Comments
kathyclarkej
Thu, 03/30/2017 - 10:52
tiny house
two questions:
1. What size truck is needed to move this?
2. Are there plans for the whole tiny house from start to finish or are there only plans for pieces?
Thanks, Kathy
shadowstock1
Thu, 12/21/2017 - 03:16
House Plans Please!
Would love to have the plans for this house! Spectacular job!
Gcatalon
Mon, 12/25/2017 - 13:59
Elevator bed diy
Hello there, I love the elevator bed diy. Few questions:
1. Garage lift system says it’s 4x4, I can’t really tell in the pictures or video, but the width of a queen is 60” and the length is over the 4x4 window of the lift system. So are the lifting pulleys inline with the lift system or mounted slightly outside of the 4x4 footprint?
2. How are the safety pins engaged when bed is fully raised. I can understand the bottom pins as a stopping point, but don’t see how to do the top ones for safety from bed falling.
Thanks. I really want to do this diy
tweetyscute
Wed, 03/20/2019 - 21:52
Would this work for a 10 ft
Would this work for a 10 ft distance?
phunkyjulian
Fri, 12/27/2019 - 09:56
Sliding Hardware
Hi Ana,
Do you know where I can buy the 'Heavy Duty Sliding Door--barn hardware'?
Toni Knickerbocker
Tue, 04/28/2020 - 08:22
You inspire me! Thank you!!
You and your family inspire me a great deal!
Newbie here Ana and Family! I'm very excited to have come across your site and look forward to trying to build some of your ideas myself.
Thank you!
Toni K
kimeow
Mon, 08/03/2020 - 04:41
The switch system of the elevator bed
Hi Ana,
Thank you for sharing this wonderful idea !
May I ask how can we connect the mechanic with the On off switch ? It will be great if you can share the model of the switch + motor . And where I can get it from?
Also, is there any safety lock to prevent the bed from falling in accident ?
Thank you and hope to get your reply soon, cheers!
mattsammis19
Sun, 08/09/2020 - 23:07
elevator bed railing hardware?
Hello Ana. I'd love to borrow your idea of the elevator bed.
Do you have any more info regarding the steel rails and roller hardware that you used as the track system?
Also, could the whinch system be set up for manual raising and lowering, perhaps a crank shaft or hand crank?
CP Wms Sr
Mon, 10/11/2021 - 18:46
Same idea for cabinets....
Really like this and I look at it and wonder if you could apply the same kind of idea with cabinets? Sliding cabinets up and down a wall could give you access to space difficult to reach and it could give you double up if the top of the.cabinets were used as table or desktop etc.....you inspire crazy ideas when I think about your ideas...thank you!