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
Laurie V (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 01:14
No way.... I just put up the
No way.... I just put up the Ikea version of this last night. I knew I should have just waited for you!
Loren (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 03:33
I'm sure it wouldn't be TO
I'm sure it wouldn't be TO hard to scale this up to match the CB2 Array bookcase.
http://www.cb2.com/family.aspx?c=118&f=702
Which I love.
Tsu Dho Nimh (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 04:24
Great for narrow spaces! I
Great for narrow spaces! I know exactly where to put this.
Jim Reeves (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 05:12
Hi Ana, as always looks
Hi Ana, as always looks awesome, l think l will make one of these, and then make 2 slightly shorter ones to hang on each side of the large middle shelf very cool.
Jim, Ontario, Canada
Danielle (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 05:31
Oh my gosh. I am creating a
Oh my gosh. I am creating a new sewing room and this would be perfect, I mean perfect, to hold all my quilting books. Oh I am so gonna make those and will send pics when they are done. Will be a while, the room is being built. heehee
Danielle (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 05:32
Ohh, I like that idea. I
Ohh, I like that idea. I might have to steal that idea from you. :-)
Michelle (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 07:01
Love, love, love the CB2 shot
Love, love, love the CB2 shot with the towels! This shelf has a million and 1 uses and I am going to have to make more than one! Thanks again Ana.
squiremouse (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 07:08
Ohhh perfect for displaying
Ohhh perfect for displaying all the Lego creations my kids are getting for X-mas. And they will still be able to reach them to take them down and play with them!
Lisa (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 08:07
Another idea for this would
Another idea for this would be to extend it to make a modern looking shelving unit that can be attach to the wall studs. Make two of the back braces and lengthen the shelves. Then notch the shelves where they go into the braces so they are flush with the wall. Just a spin on floating shelves using this amazing design. :)
Christy (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 13:48
Cute! I can see this being on
Cute! I can see this being on a narrow bathroom wall with bathroom accessories on it.
Tina Garza (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 14:15
Ana you read my mind. This
Ana you read my mind. This is exactly what I wanted to build for my bathroom to hold rolled up towels. Make it spa like. Thank you!
Allison (not verified)
Thu, 12/23/2010 - 20:45
Ana, I have been missing the
Ana, I have been missing the bragging board, too! This is perfect. It's so helpful to be able to look at other people's projects, ask questions, and see how they tweaked their specific project (cuz we all do, right?!). You rock.
Also, I hope you have a totally amazing holiday! We appreciate what you do on this site SO much. You made my Christmas one of the best ones of my life because I made myself a Farmhouse Bed for Christmas. May you reap all the goodness you have sown in to so many other people's lives. Thank you!
Sunny (not verified)
Sun, 12/26/2010 - 13:47
Just finished this one from
Just finished this one from scraps! Can't wait to paint & post in the bragging board.
Atticus Finch (not verified)
Sun, 01/02/2011 - 08:06
Superb Ana! I like the idea
Superb Ana! I like the idea from Lisa of extending the shelving... I might have to give this one a go as my son's room is partly decorated.
Melissa (not verified)
Tue, 01/18/2011 - 04:13
Great idea!! Do you think
Great idea!! Do you think that these shelves would hold a DVD player and a gaming system?
Inspire Me Heather (not verified)
Tue, 02/01/2011 - 03:04
Hi Ana - I've seen a few
Hi Ana - I've seen a few people now making these and posting them on their blogs, they look fantastic! I linked this up to my "bookshelves" project post too, come on over and check it out!
PMSandaGun (not verified)
Sat, 02/12/2011 - 13:57
So I just made one for my
So I just made one for my bathroom...and then I realized it would be great in one corner of the dining room where my son's books are...which then made me realize it would be PERFECT in this little 20" span of wall in my son's room, lol. Oh, where to put it now?!
Guest (not verified)
Wed, 04/13/2011 - 15:55
I made one, thanks for the plans
This is exactly what I needed for my very small main bathroom.
tedson22
Sun, 01/29/2012 - 19:21
Hide my Flat Panel TV wires
I am going to build this shelve to go under my wall mounted TV. I am going to add 1x2 on each edge down the back to create a channel to hide my wires. Thanks for the great plan!
Evil Empryss
Thu, 07/18/2013 - 12:19
Modified for Glass Shelves?
I have two dozen glass shelves I got from a department store -- the thick, heavy duty glass used for their display shelves. Does anyone think this plan might be workable for supporting them if I upped the thickness of the 1x4 to 2x4? I was thinking that I could screw them to the wall studs and have two of these shelf supports to support each end of the glass. I'd like to have a wall-mounted entertainment center, but individual brackets are too expensive. I don't have anything heavy to put on it, so I know the glass will hold... it's the brackets I'm most concerned with. Any advice would be great!
Tomstar
Mon, 07/29/2013 - 22:14
Decorate Glass shelves
If you are an artist, you can custom design your glass shelves Manchester before installing them, because your home decoration should speak about your personality.