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
onlymehere (not verified)
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 03:34
No matter how hard I try I
No matter how hard I try I can't print out your plans. I really want to make this island but use it as a cutting table for sewing. I'm not a novice craftsman either but I don't have a computer in my workshop that I can keep running to to make this and need to print the plans :) Any information you can give me would be appreciated! Also when I click on your plans button nothing shows. Cindy
jennie (not verified)
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 04:30
for onlymehere - i just copy
for onlymehere - i just copy and paste the blog entry into a word document, delete anything i don't need, and print them that way. you can add your own page breaks, which i do to separate out each step so i don't have to flip back and forth between pages constantly.
CRAZYMOM (not verified)
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 04:51
What c cool blog! Glad I
What c cool blog! Glad I found you! :)
Annalea (not verified)
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 06:14
Yet another simple and
Yet another simple and well-built plan. Thanks so much!
I've been wondering why you use face-framed drawers, instead of European-style drawers which allow for more storage overall. Does the front drawer trim add something structurally? Is there a way to modify the instructions to allow for an open drawer bay?
It's so frustrating to put something in a drawer that is just barely too tall, when you know that it's only the trim that's getting in the way, and there's plenty of height behind the trim.
All My Yesterdays (not verified)
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 06:51
Haven't commented much, but
Haven't commented much, but always come to see what you've created. You are so talented and I love that you share it all with everyone. Thanks!
Gen M. (not verified)
Tue, 02/09/2010 - 06:58
Hi Ana! I love love love
Hi Ana! I love love love your blog! I am a novice and I have not build anything yet but I look everyday and I think my first project will be the storage bench thing.
Have you ever though about rating your projects like a 1, 2 or 3 for super easy to slightly more complex? Since I have never build anything it would be great to click on "super easy" and see all the projects I could start with. Just a suggestion.
Keep up the good work!!!!!! Gen
Anonymous (not verified)
Wed, 02/24/2010 - 11:17
This is next on my list to
This is next on my list to tackle! I am turning it into a project/scrap table for my kitchen dining area so I can work on stuff while the kids are playing and in between chores! THanks so much for all of your hard work!
Erin K
[email protected]
Karen (not verified)
Thu, 03/11/2010 - 05:40
I was wondering if you think
I was wondering if you think I could make the william sonoma kitchen island type piece bigger...using same ideas different dimensions of course..maybe 72 inches lon and still be sturdy to support the upper shelving...thank you for all you do you are really a pistol...I mean that is a very good way ..Karen
Rose (not verified)
Wed, 10/06/2010 - 15:12
I'm so inspired! I know you
I'm so inspired! I know you hear that every day, but wow! How do you do it all? I'm staying at home with a 3yr old and have another in 3rd grade, and it's all I can do to keep the dishes and laundry done and the floor swept! I'm feeling guilty for just spending time looking through all these plans while the toys lay on the floor...yikes! Do you just have a super amount of energy, or a super helper, or both? Either way, great work. Thanks for all this fantastic diy fodder. It really keeps hope alive for me!
Angela (not verified)
Thu, 12/30/2010 - 12:08
I am so excited about trying
I am so excited about trying this plans out. I just got some tools for Christmas. I come from a family of wood crafters, so I hope I can follow in their footsteps. This will be step 1 in my New Year's Resolution! Thanks so much for sharing your fabulous ideas!
ps- I spent the last hour adding to my "to-do list".
cate (not verified)
Fri, 01/28/2011 - 16:58
Why is this not catalogued
Why is this not catalogued under kitchens???? I'm desperate to rejig my island and this has given me some ideas!
isabelle (not verified)
Fri, 02/03/2012 - 08:28
C'est une super idée , ma
C'est une super idée , ma soeur devrait essayer , elle a une grande cuisine. Bisous de france