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
Shawn (not verified)
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 00:39
Absolutely Adorable Ana!!
Absolutely Adorable Ana!!
Jon'el (not verified)
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 04:36
I need to stop coming on this
I need to stop coming on this website for the next couple of days! I am building my 6 year old daughter a kitchen playset and I am half way done in building for Christmas. I also built her a doll bed but now I want to do the picnic table and the adirondack chair =)
Kristi (not verified)
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 05:03
Ana - I featured Fiona's plan
Ana - I featured Fiona's plan on my blog today....hoping to get the "word out" about this much anticipated doll plan!! Thank you for posting, Ana, and thanks to Fiona for the specs!
http://piecesforreese.blogspot.com/2010/12/fionas-doll-adirondack-chair…
Kristi
Tracie (not verified)
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 05:15
So stinkin
So stinkin cute!

http://cleverlyinspired.blogspot.com/2010/12/2-cookie-display.htmlVanessa (not verified)
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 08:04
My husband (Santa) spent the
My husband (Santa) spent the day in the shop yesterday building the doll farmhouse bed and the crib. They're so cute! Thanks for the plans. I'll have to build the chair this spring :)
Tasha (not verified)
Mon, 12/13/2010 - 13:52
I love this... and I love
I love this... and I love your site. THANK YOU ANA!!! We are building a playhouse right now, after that project is done, I'll have a TON of yourminiature furniture to build for it. My girls will love you after that's completed. :)
V (not verified)
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 12:28
How big of a space did you
How big of a space did you leave between the seat slats?
V (not verified)
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 12:29
How big of a gap did you
How big of a gap did you leave between the seat slats? (Sorry, my email was mis-typed on the last question!!)
Ana White (not verified)
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 12:38
1/4" sorry overlooked that!
1/4" sorry overlooked that!
V (not verified)
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 13:28
You're quick, thanks!!
You're quick, thanks!!
V (not verified)
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 13:57
Are the arms by chance
Are the arms by chance suppose to be 1x3s instead of 1x2s?
In reply to Are the arms by chance by V (not verified)
spiceylg
Mon, 04/11/2011 - 04:41
Arms
The pic does show 1x3s but the list shows 1x2s. I built with 1x2s and didn't like the look so I swapped them out for 1x3s. Much better.
dad the builder (not verified)
Tue, 12/14/2010 - 21:17
i miss the old "people also
i miss the old "people also built this" with the 5 or so examples of other ideas
spiceylg
Sun, 04/10/2011 - 05:58
Angles?
Morgane-O (not verified)
Tue, 06/26/2012 - 17:56
beautiful chair
I made the chair and it turned out great. My daughter is very happy with it and so are the girls!
thank you so much for the plan.
here is the link if you would like to check it out (i tried the brag section but no luck!)
http://beardollyandmoi.blogspot.com/2012/06/doll-summer.html
akstover
Sat, 04/17/2021 - 15:46
Back Feet
The original photo shows the back feet with an angled cut to flattened the edge, but this is not captured in the plans. Does anyone know the dimensions of that cut?