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
JoanneS
Sat, 08/31/2013 - 10:02
Beautiful Island!
This island is so beautiful! Love the finish and the hooks, and the drawers that slide on wood cleats. (ps - the kitchen in the background is stunning!)
cassiet717
Sun, 09/01/2013 - 10:24
Finish!
I'm in love with the rustic finish. You see a lot of the "Pottery Barn" distressed paint these days (which I also love), and this is such a nice, fresh take!!
paul_spiller
Tue, 09/02/2014 - 04:37
caster wheels
Hi,
Love the project. Put it together in a weekend and then took 3 weeks to stain and finish ( clearly I don't enjoy that bit as much as the construction).
I am almost complete for the project and am really pleased how it has turned out. The last step is to fix some casters. I went down to Lowes looking and i didn't see any plate casters that would fit on the end of a 2x4 piece of wood. Does anyone have any advice / ideas which ones are best? A link would be lovely ;-)
dbizzle
Tue, 09/02/2014 - 09:29
Casters
I know the place doesn't have the best reputation, but I buy almost all of my casters at harbor freight.
For 2x4 legs, you might be better off drilling up into the leg, adding a t-nut, and using screw-in casters.
paul_spiller
Wed, 09/03/2014 - 15:25
adding a T-Nut
dbizzle,
That is an awesome idea. I thought of that but didn't know what it was called. T-Nut!!!!
Lowes has screw in casters for sure so that would be perfect if i can one with an internal thread of the same size.
Thanks
Paul
steinfal
Sat, 10/04/2014 - 07:36
Two modifications
Hey, I love this plan. I did however make two modifications to the drawer. One keeps it from closing too far and the other keeps it from falling down when you pull it out. Check out the mods here, hope you enjoy...
http://www.prolificoaktree.com/2-uncategorised/10-improvements-to-rustic-x-small-rolling-kitchen-island
rwshoaf
Sat, 06/29/2019 - 15:30
plans
Trying to pring
rwshoaf
Sat, 06/29/2019 - 15:30
Still cannot print.
Still cannot print.
zannej
Sat, 11/19/2022 - 06:46
Ideas for modifications
I love this idea. My friend has a small kitchen and doesn't have room for a stationary island or a large island but this would be great for his kitchen-- especially since he loves the rustic look and the X on the sides. I did want to have some modifications though. First off, I would cut the legs by 1/2" (down to 32"H) and have a sort of butcherblock top comprised of 2x2 furring strips. The long part of the X would then be 27-1/4 long. The short pieces would be 13-5/8" long.
I want to have the drawer use ball bearing full-extension glides so I'm thinking some 10" glides (having a hard time finding 11" ones) would work. The drawer could be wider that way. The glides I looked at were 1/2" thick and ~1-3/4" high. I wanted the panels behind the X to extend all the way instead of only about halfway. I found that the only 1/2" plywood I can find affordably in my area is only 2'x2' and will fit just about right. I wanted a solid bottom shelf instead of one with gaps. I also wanted a shelf on the opposite side behind the drawer. The drawer's outer length would still be 12" but the width would be around 22". I may eliminate the trim piece below the drawer to allow taller things to be placed underneath.
I'd paint the main thing gray (to match the cabinets but the inside panels under the X would be gloss black). In order to get the drawer slides to fit I'm thinking of getting some 2x4s and notching them to go around he panels. I'm still trying to figure out the full lumber list. We are thinking of using some pallet wood if we can find it. Or some old studs from a wall we are taking out.
I'm trying to figure out how to add pictures from Sketchup but its not working.