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
Angie (not verified)
Thu, 04/08/2010 - 06:26
I'm in the middle of painting
I'm in the middle of painting 10 peices of furniture for my first sale ever as well as redecorating my home but this is one project I plan on trying to tackle. You are an inspiration! Thank you for showing the rest of us that Yes You Can!! ;)
Lici (not verified)
Thu, 04/08/2010 - 06:47
thank you. i just started on
thank you. i just started on the small picnic table and i love that the size is so manageable. i'll be trying this bench next. it's great to have low cost projects to build confidence on.
Flipperdelph (not verified)
Thu, 04/08/2010 - 06:56
Hi,I've never done anything
Hi,
I've never done anything but I'd loved trying this one out...!
Just a newbie question: will the screws remain visible, or should we hide them with wood filler ?
Thanks !
Tuli (not verified)
Thu, 04/08/2010 - 07:06
@Flipperdelph: You'll want to
@Flipperdelph: You'll want to countersink the screws, which lets the head of the screw sit below the plane of the board and allows you to fill the holes with wood filler.
Viola (not verified)
Thu, 04/08/2010 - 07:10
Ana great project. Thank you.
Ana great project. Thank you. Do you think it would allow a little 14 month old toddler to get on it?
gkey (not verified)
Thu, 04/08/2010 - 11:54
Dear
Dear Clever-Country-Carpenter,
I have yet to start my first project....I continue to read every single word here on your site though. (Thank you. Please don't disappear before I get to start) Holding out hope for a building center to be created and some tools and supplies in place for my birthday and mothers day in just a few weeks!
love,
thinking of many wonderful creations I CAN do myself
in
NE
Amanda (not verified)
Fri, 04/09/2010 - 03:15
Nice, with some hook and loop
Nice, with some hook and loop with nice fabric, you can even hide the shelves. These may be my dining room benches.
Jenny (not verified)
Tue, 10/12/2010 - 10:42
I just finished this, my
I just finished this, my first project. My only power tools were a jigsaw (bought for this project) and a drill. It was so easy!

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_w7zZr8G96p0/TLTD-qxONqI/AAAAAAAACso/G4Ja1SJWt…Stephanie Lujan (not verified)
Sat, 01/05/2013 - 22:55
Can this bear weight?
Hi, I am in the middle of making this bench. It's super cute and we want to use it as an entry-way bench to sit on while removing your shoes, etc... But, it suddenly occurred to me that this may not be weight-bearing. Any responses would be helpful.
Thanks!
In reply to Can this bear weight? by Stephanie Lujan (not verified)
Jake
Sun, 01/06/2013 - 06:17
It looks Sturdy to Me
Stephanie this bench should be very sturdy. You can improve its sturdiness by using a combination of PH screws and good wood glue (I use Titebond III) and maybe add the right angle braces you can get at Big Orange or Big Blue. If you are not into PHs then use good glue as you screw the project together. In the end, however, if it does start to sway the user should have time to get off before total failure.
In reply to Can this bear weight? by Stephanie Lujan (not verified)
Jake
Sun, 01/06/2013 - 06:22
Pocket Holes
Ana has a video on making your first PH on the site under Videos.