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
whitney_smith
Tue, 04/24/2012 - 13:36
Wow!
I was just thinking we needed some pretty new table plans to drool over! Good job ladies.
Darin Molnar (not verified)
Tue, 04/24/2012 - 15:51
PDFs
Why even bother with PDF plans if they never work? Good lord!
broncofan23 (not verified)
Wed, 04/25/2012 - 05:06
PDFS
Darin,
There's no need to make such snide comment. If you don't like this site then don't use it. And if you're too much of a moron to figure out how to make your own PDF's then you deserve all the trouble you have.
Cherica (not verified)
Wed, 04/25/2012 - 12:33
You're upset that the PDF link doesn't work. Seriously??!!
With all that Ana does at no cost to any of us and you want complain about the PDF link not working? It's not like there aren't multiple options for obtaining the plans. If you must complain, find something more critical to complain about!
In reply to PDFs by Darin Molnar (not verified)
tracysmith
Wed, 04/25/2012 - 14:33
I can understand your
I can understand your frustration as many of the PDF links do not work and it's not fair to say that you are a moron because you don't know how to convert it to a PDF, not everyone knows how to do that. However, because it IS a free site and Ana IS amazing for giving us this knowledge base and teaches us new skill sets for nothing, maybe you could overlook the PDF links not working as I have and just enjoy what IS there? Just sayin'
To everyone else, lets be a little more tolerant. Not everyone knows how to do things like convert to PDF's. I don't, but I bet if I gave it a try I could figure it out. Let's not be critical if you want others to be the same way. Again, Just sayin' :-)
In reply to PDFs by Darin Molnar (not verified)
claydowling
Wed, 04/25/2012 - 17:39
Solution
Right click. Choose "Save Link As" Click OK or Save, whatever your browser presents. Problem solved.
Please be nice. Ana is being nice, and it's best to repay kindness with kindness.
In reply to PDFs by Darin Molnar (not verified)
jvcuenca
Sun, 07/03/2016 - 21:54
to convert to pdf
You can use your mouse to convert the web page to pdf. RIght click and then select convert to adobe pdf. Then save it your desktop.
donna
Tue, 04/24/2012 - 17:48
Benches
This table is beautiful I would love plans for the benches :-)
Little miss builder
Wed, 04/25/2012 - 04:44
Benches
Love this table!
Heather Palmer (not verified)
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 11:50
Love this!!!! I might like
Love this!!!! I might like the quilt just a tad more though!!!
tannisg
Sat, 04/28/2012 - 12:40
I'm with you!
Its gorgeous - my favorite color combos... One of these days I will learn to quilt...
Dona (not verified)
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 12:04
I want to build this for a friend.....
I think it's very elegant. Love the white finish.
scorridori
Thu, 04/26/2012 - 19:21
So gorgeous!
Has anybody tried making something like this out of composite decking material? As much as I love working with wood, because we are south facing & in such a dry climate, everything that we've made of wood cracks & splinters within a few years no matter how well we seal it! My only concern would be the food safety of the material. Any thoughts? Love, love, love this site!
Darin Molnar (not verified)
Fri, 04/27/2012 - 11:02
TCPDF ERROR: [Image] Unable
TCPDF ERROR: [Image] Unable to get image: file:///home/anawhite/public_html/dev/acquia-drupal-1.2.33/sites/default/files/3154809046_1335297445.jpg?1335296087
tannisg
Sat, 04/28/2012 - 12:42
Would it work to angle the legs in more?
I'm thinking this might be a great table for my kitchen!
We're going to put in a banquette (thank you Ana for not only giving me the name so I could find pics online, but proving they don't look like tacky restaurant booths!) and I don't think our current table will allow for sliding into it (legs at the corners)
this one looks like it would leave ample room at the ends but I wonder if I could move the support legs in a little for even more leg room?
Joe Haynes (not verified)
Sat, 05/05/2012 - 16:17
Bench Plans
Can you please post a link or photos of the bench plans?
tannisg
Mon, 05/07/2012 - 09:18
bench plans are on here
here you go:
http://ana-white.com/2012/04/plans/providence-bench
Karen Silver (not verified)
Mon, 05/14/2012 - 09:41
LOVE!
This is such a good looking and simple table - I am so excited to build this for our outdoor space! LOVE IT!
Russell Dominique (not verified)
Fri, 06/08/2012 - 13:16
Table top construction and how to PDF
I was searching for picnic table plans and didn't like anything I was seeing until I found this. It is just what I was looking for, only better than I could have ever envisioned. I hope to build this soon.
In step 5 it is recommended to put the table top together first with pocket hole fastening but it is also recommended to leave a gap between the boards for outdoor use. Is there a way to do that with the pocket hole fastening method or should I use another method to put the table top together? I thought of screwing wood strips across the boards to hold them together (with spacers between the boards) just outside of where the legs fasten similar to the ones added in step 6. Any suggestions?
Also for those who want to write a PDF file I have a method I have used for years. Search for, download and install the free program called CutePDF. Then whenever you want to save to PDF just select the print friendly version of the project if available and select print. When you get the printer dialog select CutePDF as your printer and you will be asked where to save and then you can save the page or pages as a PDF.
PA PA B
Mon, 06/11/2012 - 18:48
Plans versus picture
Has anyone noticed the table braces are reversed in the picture versus the plan? This drove me nuts for a few minutes. This is my second prividence table and I love it. Also, I think the price is more like $150.00 not the $100.00 . This could be the location
VH2012 (not verified)
Sat, 12/29/2012 - 17:38
Question on Table top
Hi, Ana you are amazing and I love your site and thank you so much for offering so much to us. I have a silly question for this project. How is the table top 2x6s @ 92 inches attached to eachother to form the top. Thanks for any help on this.
BigSarg
Mon, 02/17/2014 - 13:11
Wood
maybe I missed it but what type of wood do you use on this? I am new to this but trying a few of these out. Want to make sure I use the right wood.
rizingstar187
Mon, 06/30/2014 - 21:58
need to make it smaller
Did anyone have to shrink down their plans? I would like my table to be about 6 ft. Does anyone have measurements for that size?
xmarcheeba
Thu, 07/31/2014 - 11:31
Chairs
Are there plans for chairs that match this table/bench combo? I only want to make the one bench and have four chairs in the other places. I'm planning on making a modified version of this table. 6' long instead and 2x6's for the table top. This is a beautiful table and I can't wait to get started on it. I'll be using Annie Sloan's chalk paint for the base and the dark wax over the whole thing, leaving the wood grain on top. :)
James Groover
Tue, 08/12/2014 - 22:39
Love the design!
Kind of wish I had the Sketchup version of it, so I got really bored today and yesterday and got busy and made my own version for my files, Helps me build stuff when I can tear something apart in 3D and put it together again, makes the work that much easier.
Thanks for the great article and the ideas you present.
leahsheltonpri…
Tue, 02/23/2016 - 07:29
Modify plaN
Can this table be modified to longer and more narrow?
wiley5007
Mon, 02/19/2018 - 05:24
Size
I realize this post is from a few years ago but figured I'd try. I'm wanting to make this table 60" instead of 92", how would that change the dimensions of the center supports? Thank you!