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
laracohran (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 02:27
Love it! Is there a plan for
Love it! Is there a plan for that vanity? I am in need of building a total of 3 and love the one here in the pics. Thanks :)
Debbie@http://… (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 04:10
It looks great! and I love
It looks great! and I love the tile!!
Tiffany (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 04:17
Mirror for bathroom! Pshaw!
Mirror for bathroom! Pshaw! You've proved that we don't need one right? JK- really this is a great step for me to get a mirror in my living room/voice studio! Thanks for the plan!!!!
Lea (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 04:24
Stop it, stop it, stop it!
Stop it, stop it, stop it! Ana, you're killing me! I already have more of your projects on my to-do list than I could build in a month of Sundays with eight arms! And then you have to go and give me the plans for the perfectly proportioned and incredibly affordable mirrors I desperately need to hang above the bedside tables that are impatiently waiting to come to life. Do you have any idea how wonderful you are? You inspire me to beautify my spaces, and you put that inspiration within the reach of both my limited budget and my even more limited talents. I adore you!
Rhonda (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 04:41
Love the mirror and I would
Love the mirror and I would love the whole design (including hutch) for our bath. Do you have the building plans for it as well?
Rhonda (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 04:42
I totally agree with Lea!
I totally agree with Lea! I'm new to this building thing and my husband is going to freak when he realizes I'm actually going to take over his work space. :-)
IAMSNWFLAKE (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 05:04
Ana: I hear you, I spend
Ana: I hear you, I spend almost 4 years without a bathroom mirror because in my mind I knew exactly what it looked like but could not find it anywhere. I wish I was as talented as you are (or that I'd found your blog sooner). Yours looks awesome! so perfect with the rest of the furniture. Thanks for sharing!
bhoppy (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 05:15
Ditto:-)
Ditto:-)
Lang (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 05:40
Ana~You inspire me! I love
Ana~You inspire me! I love ALL of your projects! I have gutted my entire bathroom, with exception of my turquoise porcelain tub, which I am in the process of sanding and scuffing, so that I can repaint it. (Hope that goes good!) I couldn't help but notice your beautiful sink. I LOVE it! Do you happen to remember where you got it? I've seen some square ones in my area, but nothing that beautiful. Thanks!
orangesugar (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 05:47
Is that base cap that you
Is that base cap that you used for the molding?
StephT (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 06:24
AWESOME!! just what I needed.
AWESOME!! just what I needed. I am redoing our main bathroom and I asked DH to put a frame around a smaller mirror we have. This is just what I need. I am so building everything.
Jennifer (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 06:29
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm
Yay!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I'm dying to make one of these with a little shelf and key hooks! I have the perfect spot right by my back door to the garage! SO EXCITED to see this plan!!!!! You are awesome!
Stevi (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 07:48
Just tore out our nasty
Just tore out our nasty master bath! I am going to use this ...thank-you so much for adding this to your awesome site!
Annalea (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 08:14
Lovely! Isn't it great how
Lovely! Isn't it great how things can happen so fast when it's finally the right time?
Have you thought about painting it a fun color? Another blue, or gray (which is really hot right now), or . . . (you get my drift). :o) With molding as pretty as that, it's a shame to let it fade into the surrounding hutch so much.
Great job!
Laurie Lozano (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 09:03
Love this! I also love the
Love this! I also love the hutch! Do you have plans available for the hutch as well? I've been dieing to do something like this in my bathroom instead of the huge ugly mirror they have attached to the wall.
Thanks so much for all your easy to follow directions!
Jody (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 11:22
I'm glad Im not the only one
I'm glad Im not the only one that gets side tracked while cleaning!;) The mirror is beautiful, just like all of your plans are!
Theresa (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 13:00
Very nice. I will pass this
Very nice. I will pass this on to someone that could use it. Love your colors.
Ana White (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 13:04
Laurie, thank you (and thank
Laurie, thank you (and thank you everyone else too for your beautiful comments!)
I plan to add the hutch plans soon - want to finish the crown moulding and stage it a little better. It just adds so much storage!
Love a Bargin! (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 13:28
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, add
PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE, add hutch plans. This would work perfectly in my master bath. I was a little dissapointed when I realized it was just for the mirror after I clicked on it. = ( The side cubbies/shelves I can figure out, its the top part with the recessed lighting that im hung up on. Any idea on when you will post these? I love it the minute I seen it. Thanks for all the great ideas.
Tracie (not verified)
Wed, 02/16/2011 - 16:47
Super Cute!!! Would love that
Super Cute!!! Would love that for the kids bathroom!
http://cleverlyinspired.blogspot.com/2011/02/2-candleholder-meets-tiffa…
laura lehman (not verified)
Thu, 02/17/2011 - 03:12
Lea has summed up my thoughts
Lea has summed up my thoughts exactly......
Dave Le Marchand (not verified)
Fri, 02/18/2011 - 02:38
Great work... another one for
Great work... another one for my 'To Do' list. I need to get off this site and do some real work :)
Robin (not verified)
Sat, 02/19/2011 - 03:33
Ok, so I know you love the
Ok, so I know you love the mirror, but I am lovin the hutch you built above the sink! I hate how bathrooms typically don't have the storage space for all of the stuff we keep in there. I've got this one bookmarked! Thanks Ana!!!
Holly (not verified)
Sat, 02/19/2011 - 04:27
Hi Ana! Did you build the
Hi Ana!
Did you build the vanity too? I love the mirror but I think I need the whole thing! I love it!
LenaLoo (not verified)
Mon, 02/28/2011 - 22:56
Nice! I have had a mirror
Nice! I have had a mirror sitting around frame-less for, I dunno, 5 years or so... I never would have thought it was so simple!
Malinda (not verified)
Sun, 10/23/2011 - 22:53
A friend of mine told me
A friend of mine told me about your site and I absolutely love it! I have a bathroom in desperate need of the custom vanity and hutch shown in your pic. Did you post these plans on your site or will they be available soon? Thanks!
Miabee
Fri, 01/13/2012 - 18:20
Hutch
Any word on when we might see the hutch plans? I would love them for our bathroom!
Ali_R (not verified)
Fri, 01/27/2012 - 18:25
Treat the mirror edges
I used to work in a stained glass shop as a teen, whenever we worked with mirror we always applied a coat of clear nail polish to the edges to prevent future corrosion/peeling. Something to keep in mind, particularly in a humid bathroom... but I think that's an oxymoron... humidity + Fairbanks.