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
Guest (not verified)
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 11:14
Bed
Bed Frame
Dave C (not verified)
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 12:09
King size too
Do you have the dimensions/cut list for the king size version of this great bed?
Ana White
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 12:22
Hi Dave, I don't yet. What
Hi Dave, I don't yet. What type of king do you have? You can just increase width as most kings are the same length of queen size. I would consider two supports instead of just the one, with a center leg on each to support center of bed.
stefani (not verified)
Sun, 06/17/2012 - 21:13
i have a king and am wanting
i have a king and am wanting to build this badly. i see you had the 2x8's 3 inches longer than what a queen mattress is. should i increase the width by 3" more than what my king mattress is? is that just so the mattress fits inside the fram?
In reply to i have a king and am wanting by stefani (not verified)
claydowling
Mon, 06/18/2012 - 05:12
Good Adjustments
That's what I would recommend. You can also check these things as you go, before you cut everything.
Dave C (not verified)
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 12:42
Thanks
I can't remember the make/model, but I will just measure the width and adjust accordingly ALSO adding another support beam in the middle w/ a leg in the center of each one.
Ana, I wanted to thank you for this wonderful site. I eagerly check my RSS feeds hoping for a new design on your blog. You designs are great and your instructions are clear enough so that even I can use them. Keep up the fantastic work.
- Dave
redhead_61
Thu, 03/22/2012 - 17:15
Love this
I am totally contemplating one more big build before baby comes and I was totally thinking of something just for me for once. This has totally tipped me in that direction. This is the perfect combination of modern platform for my husband, and girly enough for me!
Guest (not verified)
Sun, 03/25/2012 - 00:21
Bed Frame
Can you just make it for me actually and I'll just pay you? I love the frame.
Rachelle (not verified)
Sun, 03/25/2012 - 09:43
Turning this bed into a storage bed (Cal King)
Hi Ana,
I love your website and I have been so inspired by you! I am in between houses right now, but when I get into my next home, I plan to set up a workshop and make my own furniture! My question is creating this bed for a Cal King Mattress but also adding this feature with hydraulics and a board in the bottom:http://www.overstock.com/Home-Garden/Lucca-Chocolate-California-King-si…
I love the idea of all of that dust free storage as I like a very clean room but I like to keep changing out my bedlinens (and storing off season clothing). Any suggestions? Thank you so much!
Rachelle
Lacey (not verified)
Sun, 03/25/2012 - 19:03
I really like the look of
I really like the look of this bed, but am wanting to make it for my daughter's room and she will not be needing a queen size. For the Fillman platform bed, could I use those measurements for length and height for this and then adjust the others accordingly so that I could make this in a twin size? We are closing on our new home very soon and I am rushing like crazy to get my son and daughters bedroom sets made so that they have all the pieces they need in their new rooms when we move in. Any feedback would be greatly appreciated.
Texicali_girl
Tue, 04/03/2012 - 07:52
Hydraulic Lifts
Hi Ana,
I love this! Been looking for a platform for my son's room. I'll have to cut it down for a full-sized bed, and I'm going to add the hydraulics that Rachelle mentioned. I'll make a frame with the slats attached to fit on the rails. I'll add a 1"x10" to the head of the frame and attach the frame to it with a piano hinge. then add hydraulic trunk openers to the sides about a third of the way down from the hinge. They lift about 50 lbs, which should be plenty for the mattress itself. It will make it a little more expensive, but the added storage will be worth it!!
Guest (not verified)
Tue, 04/03/2012 - 16:36
Love the Bed!!!
What kind of wood did you use for is bed? I really like the color.
Kaptain Kirk (not verified)
Wed, 04/04/2012 - 18:53
Great project
Please tell us.
What kind of wood did you use for this bed?
I would to start ASAP
Thanks
cmm314 (not verified)
Fri, 05/11/2012 - 06:21
Also interested in the type
Also interested in the type of wood used...looks great!
Kmeenan (not verified)
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 16:20
ease to build
I am a beginner and while I am used to power drills, I have never actually built something myself. I am just starting to stretch and do new things (just redid the tile in my bathroom). How difficult would this be for someone who has never built anything from scratch.
Thanks for posting such great plans. I have seen lots of things I would love to tackle. While this is large it seems the most simple of all the things I would like to do.
In reply to ease to build by Kmeenan (not verified)
claydowling
Sun, 04/08/2012 - 18:35
Fairly easy
This is probably a pretty good project to start with. It's fairly simple, and even if you make mistakes (everyone makes mistakes, so don't feel bad), I think the project is simple enough that you can easily correct and come up with a good finished product.
Guest (not verified)
Fri, 04/13/2012 - 14:37
What would the demensions be
What would the demensions be for a king bed? I love it but I really want it in king.
Deb@themisadve… (not verified)
Sat, 04/14/2012 - 13:40
assembly/ two halves for moving?
I have a question - my house is narrow and my stairs can barely squeeze a full size box spring up, so I know this would never work. Is there a way to either make this in two pieces? Or what would be the best option in my situation?
Deb@themisadve… (not verified)
Sat, 04/14/2012 - 13:43
My stairs are too
My stairs are too narrow/small for this bed to fit through. What would be the best solution to make it work. Is there a way to build this in two pieces and then attach the two pieces together?
anandmistry
Tue, 04/17/2012 - 22:36
I have some confusion with Cut List!
First of all, This is really great plan for bed. I'm beginner in furniture making and want to learn wooden bed making at my own. You have described price of wood about $150 but, in India that price may high. I don't mind with it. But, I've confusion about cut list..Can you provide some additional images for cut list? If yes, so it may help me more! BTW: This is my first comment on your website and eager to read more in future!
mdubs
Wed, 06/06/2012 - 06:07
Full size?
What would the dimensions/ cuts be for a full size bed??? Headboard too?
sognoinunastella
Sat, 06/30/2012 - 11:43
What kind of wood did you use?
Hi,
I'm trying to build this bed, although mine is a little bit different. But I was wondering what kinda of wood you used and/or recommend?
Also would you happen to have dimensions for creating a "full" size instead of queen size bed?
Thank you for the help!
sognoinunastella
Sun, 07/01/2012 - 10:07
Full Dimensions?
So I did some math and turned this into a full.
I was thinking the original box would be 57"x75"
So my cut list:
2 – 2x8” @ 75” Side Rails
2 – 2x8” @ 57” foot/head rail
Then for the mattress supports
2 – 2x2” @ 75” Side Supports
1 – 2x6” @ 75” Central support
Then for the trim:
4 – 1x3” @ 75” Side-trim
2 – 1x3” @ 59” foot trim
2 – 1x2” @ 59” head trim
The moulding:
2 – 3/4" x 3/4" moulding @ 59”
4 – 3/4" x 3/4" moulding @ 79”
Do you think these dimensions are accurate.. i went with the design for the Hailey platform bed to figure these...
Thank you for the design, this bed is beautiful!!!
Susan S. (not verified)
Mon, 10/22/2012 - 12:29
Narrow stairs
I would love to make this platform bed, or one with storage underneath, but my bedroom is upstairs in a 95 y/o farmhouse. We had difficulty getting a queen size box spring up the stairs (there's a landing and turn in them). My question is, is there a way to adjust these plans so that we can put it together in the bedroom, and take it apart without demolishing it if/when we have to move it? Or is there another plan for a platform bed I should try? Thanks!
Susan
2th Doc
Thu, 02/07/2013 - 08:01
Make bed to dismantle
I have the same problem as a few of you, and that is not being able to get the bed frame upstairs. So, I made a few simple changes to the bed. It changes the aesthetics a bit, but it works, and it's simple. I'm sure there are other ways, but this is what I did. Instead of joining the 2x8's with pocket hole screws and glue, I just drilled two holes on the each side of the headboard and foot board and used 4" lag screws into the ends of the side boards. Use a paddle bit to make the screws recessed, and then you can paint some plastic caps to put into the hole and cover the lags. For the top and bottom 1x3 frame/moulding, have the 2x8 frame assembled and then fit the 1x3 but only attach them to each individual 2x8, and not to each other, so when you take apart the 2x8's, the 1x3 & moulding is attached to each side still. Hope this helps; I can clarify if needed.
2th Doc
Thu, 02/07/2013 - 08:02
Make bed to dismantle
.
IgotThis
Sat, 03/09/2013 - 14:30
I would like to build this to
I would like to build this to go with:
http://ana-white.com/2012/07/plans/mantel-moulding-headboard
Im just worried that the dimensions are different and I wont be able to match the headboard with the chatwick frame. The dimensions of headboard are 63" ..chadwick is 60" in length..am I looking at this correctly?do I need to make the frame bigger? Would my queen mattress be too small for the frame if I make it bigger?
Any thoughts would be greatly appreciated!
acer439
Sun, 04/07/2013 - 04:48
Going to attempt this bed
Hi I am going to attempt to build this queen bed in the next couple of weeks my wife and i were looking to buy a queen size bed but they are so expensive and are all made out of compressed wood and i don't think they will hold up my wife says i don't have the patience to build this but am going to attempt it i love the look and style of the bed you have made wish me luck will post pictures after i get it finished. I have one question can this bed be made without the legs on it so the frame sits right on the floor?
logansam54
Tue, 09/03/2013 - 15:17
Chestwick Platform Bed....height
Is there a way to adjust this so the bed isn't quite so high when you have a box spring? My mattress is already pretty high up from the floor!
Thanks!
Elise
Melissa Dussault
Mon, 10/28/2013 - 10:24
Height
I am not going to be using a bedspring, so if I want to make the bed higher, is it just as simple as using taller legs? And how tall would be 'too tall'? This will be my first project, and I am super excited!
Areye26
Thu, 01/23/2014 - 21:35
King size
I have been looking for something like this for awhile for my king size bed 80" x 76" finally found something I love! This plan is to small for my bed can you send me or tell me what the dimension/cut sizes be?
Thanks!
Trisha1981
Sun, 06/05/2016 - 07:51
Height/stability
Love this bed! I have 3 questions:
1) I love a tall bed, if I use the box spring, about how tall can I expect the bed to be?
2) For attaching the headboard, how likely is it that I'd have to attach to the wall too? I really don't want to do that.
3) How hard is it to disassemble/reassemble to get it moved in to place? Will skipping the wood glue cause issues?
Thanks so much!!
abwright
Sun, 10/28/2018 - 13:06
Dimensions to make a California King bed?
I like this bed a lot but my existing mattress is California King and in good shape. If nobody has the dimensions, can you tell me how I can measure my mattress for the California King? Thanks!