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
cyclonedad
Fri, 02/16/2018 - 08:05
Question About Nailing
Love this table! When attaching the top plywood to the 4x4's is it glue only or nails/screws? If nails/screws how many per post?
Beth knigge-Johns
Wed, 02/21/2018 - 06:24
Question about hight
Hi Ana, I am new to this but you have inspired me. I have built a few stools that are 30 inches high. Could I use these plans but make the legs 39.5 and put the bottom stretcher across the front.I am wanting to make it about 24" wide. I am wanting to make kinda a desk type bar for 2. I need the stools to push completely under (they don't have backs) THANKS YOUR A ROCK STAR!
In reply to Question about hight by Beth knigge-Johns
Sue Hill
Sat, 03/24/2018 - 08:13
39" Height & 24" Width Question
I don't see any reason why the 39 inch height would be a problem. I'm in the process of making one that's 26 x 48 (36" height) and it seems very strong, so the 24" width would work fine. I put the bottom stretcher in the middle but it could easily have gone just on one side. I wanted to be able to put stools on both sides if I pulled it out. I'm going to post my "brag build" when I'm finished, I'm sanding & painting the base this morning.
firejake1033
Thu, 09/06/2018 - 06:09
Table height
If I wanted to make it a normal height table, what would the cut length of the 4x4's?
In reply to Table height by firejake1033
Brian Famous
Fri, 09/07/2018 - 04:50
Making it dining table heigh
a standard dining table height is about 30”. This table is 35.5”, which means you need your legs to be 5.5” shorter than what is shown in theses plans. These plans have 34.5” legs, minus 5.5” means you need to cut your legs to 29” if you want to reduce the height to standard dining table height.
hillaryb
Mon, 09/09/2019 - 06:30
Adding cabinets?
Would you be able to easily explain how to close in one side and add cabinets or shelving? This looks perfect for my space, but definitely also needing additional storage.
In reply to Adding cabinets? by hillaryb
Dragonfly3085
Sun, 11/24/2019 - 16:57
I was coming to ask the…
I was coming to ask the exact same thing! I need the open bottom due to baseboard heating but would love a shelf or cabinet underneath!
karenlouder
Wed, 09/18/2019 - 18:07
Different Top?
Would I. Be able to use a different top and if so what would I use as I would like it to look more like a farmhouse table
brytbraap
Mon, 03/09/2020 - 09:33
I'm having a hard time…
I'm having a hard time reconciling the plan size to the tables in your YouTube video. The skate shack tables look smaller than 32x48. Am I crazy? :P
ptb9896
Tue, 09/29/2020 - 02:40
Attaching the top
Was the table top nailed through the top or bottom to attach?