Working with wood: DIY furniture basics

Making your own DIY furniture might be simpler than you think. While DIY furniture ideas range from simple to elaborate, there is guaranteed to be an option for every skill level and timeframe. Whether you want to build a coffee table, potting bench or just add some farmhouse style to your existing decor, building with wood is the best place to start.

With some basic tools, you can create unique furniture pieces for any room of your home.

Does it cost less to build your own furniture?

Building solid wood DIY furniture is usually much cheaper than purchasing, as the majority of inexpensive furniture available is made of engineered wood. This type of plywood and particleboard is not as durable as hardwood.

However, it’s important to comparison shop for lumber before getting started. Wood costs can vary greatly depending on region and retailer, and you may find that certain varieties of hardwood are more affordable to buy locally.

What is the easiest piece of furniture to build?

While everybody’s skill level is different, generally the simplest wood furniture items to build are those based on simple rectangular shapes. Some examples include bed frames, bookcases, shelves or storage chests.

Upholstered headboards are a popular DIY furniture piece, especially since you can use reclaimed scrap wood from wooden pallets. Building a furnishing such as a coffee table, dining table or potting bench will require more steps and materials, but is completely doable for beginners.

How do I start making my own furniture?

Before you start on any DIY furniture projects, there are some important things to consider and prepare:

• You can find a variety of free plans online containing step-by-step instructions for DIY projects. These plans will list the necessary materials and tools you’ll need to complete the project.
• “Measure twice, cut once” is one of the most important concepts to internalize while working with wood in DIY projects. Use measuring tools such as rulers, compasses and levels to guarantee all the details are up to spec.
• Always follow safety guidelines when doing any type of construction project. Choose a place to build DIY furniture where you have plenty of room to maneuver, and wear protective equipment such as goggles and gloves to avoid injury.

Are you ready to make your DIY furniture ideas reality? You can build furniture from scratch using scrap wood or lumber, or repurpose old furniture found in thrift stores. The possibilities are endless.

No matter what sort of DIY furniture projects you choose to tackle, keeping these basic tips in mind will help you build your very best home furnishings.