Buying furniture is very costly today. Despite paying a large amount of money, you still might not get the right quality and design that you expect. This might lead you to the decision to build your own. What are some tips to help you get started?
To start furniture building, all you need is a neat workplace, working knowledge of different materials, and a basic understanding of using them together. You should be able to choose the right type of wood, size it up, cut it with precision, and attach it with the right type of clamps.
Here are nine practical tips on how to start building your own furniture.
Arrange Your Workspace Neatly
The fact that you’re a beginner to woodworking doesn’t mean you should work in a disorganized place.
It doesn’t matter if you want to work in your garage, room, or backyard. What really matters is that you have a dedicated place for the job, so you won’t have to move the equipment and construction material every time.
Besides, make sure you have enough space to fit a table saw workbench and other workshop items. If you don’t have enough space, a portable or bending workbench can do the trick.
Have Your Tools Ready
The next big step to building DIY furniture is to recognize and select the right sort of tools.
Depending on your project, wood types, and budget, you can buy different types of gear. Here’s a list of the most common tools in carpentry:
- A miter saw for more precise crosscuts
- A cordless drill to help to assemble the pieces
- Pocket-hole screws to make a tight joint
- A Kreg Jig to drill the pocket holes and insert the screws
- Woodworking clamps to attach the wood pieces or to a fixture
- A circular power saw to cut the tile, metal, and wood
- A router to create even cuts and flawless edges
- Some tape measure for more accuracy
- Carpentry gloves or safety glasses for your protection
However, make sure you pick the best quality tools because it’s a one-time investment that may last for a long period.
Know Your Wood Types
You can’t start altering a material unless you know its properties and how they react to different conditions.
How will you choose the right adhesive, paint, or varnish if you don’t know whether or not the wood will absorb them? How do you know the wood won’t crack when you bump the nailer on it?
Similarly, how can you pick lumber that fits your specific climate? For example, some wood types tarnish when exposed to light, while others are more prone to fractures in moisture-heavy or hot climates.
Hardwoods such as walnut, oak, and mahogany are very stiff, dense, and long-lasting. So, they’re superior for making chairs, sofas, and other weight-holding furniture. On the other hand, softwoods such as conifers are lighter and have a weaker tensile strength.
In addition to the types of wood, you should also know about the differences in wood products such as OSB, MDF, plywood, etc.
Knowing about different types of wood lets you deal with these challenges and ensures you won’t have to redo the process.
Make Accurate Measurements
If you fail to measure the lumbers accurately, you won’t be able to attach them, and the result will be nothing but wasted time and money. So, the first key to having a smooth process is to improve your precision.
Use a ruler or a tape measure to gauge the dimensions, pick a sharp-tipped pencil to draw a layout of joining spots, and cut lines. Remember that a carpenter’s pencil isn’t suitable for measuring marks. They tend to leave a very thick line and compromise accuracy.
Be Careful When Cutting the Lumber
Now, use any saw to cut the woods. The important point here is to cut off from the outside of the marks rather than cutting on or in the lines.
That’s because the diameter of your saw blade may trim more layers than what you expect. Also, if you create a bigger piece, there’s always a chance to cut it thinner. But you can never reverse the process to get a bulkier part.
Another point is to move the saw exactly along the line to have a consistent result. This is a skill that can be improved by practice.
It would be best if you also had a fair understanding of different types of saws and cuts. This lets you continue as per the guidelines and know what kind of saw you should use.
Attach the Parts With Precision
When it comes to assembling the pieces, woodworking clamps are your best choice.
Since they come in various models, you should make sure you have various them at your disposal before starting the process. Framing clamps, C‑clamps, bar clamps, miter clamps, and pipe clamps are all handy tools for your little workshop.
You need to have a good sense of the proper position and the correct number of clamps for each project.
You can also use other types of adhesives or fasteners to get the job done. Sometimes you need to secure the joints with glue before you insert the clamps. To do that, squeeze the parts until the glue comes out from the sides. This will ensure there will be a strong bond between the two pieces.
However, make sure to apply some wax or masking tape before you enforce the glue. This way, you can peel the dried glue off or pull the tape over so you won’t have any stains on your furniture.
Use Sandpaper to Make the Corners Smooth
Soften all the surfaces to give a smooth and luxurious look to your furniture.
Some people assume this is an optional step and skip it to find out that their work looks basic and unprofessional.
While a sanding machine is an easier solution, sanding by hand is always recommended because it’s more accurate. You can sand the smallest places where the sanding machine can’t reach. Besides, it doesn’t produce much dusty powder, and it’s far easier to use.
A sanding block is also an efficient option that distributes consistent pressure throughout the woods and archives a slicker surface.
Don’t Forget About Finishing
There are two types of finish for wooden furniture: penetrating finish and surface finish. While penetrating finish provides a more natural appearance, the surface finish has better coverage.
Whichever one you choose, make sure to remove the dust off the furniture surface before applying the finish. Also, don’t forget to use the right type of brush.
To penetrate finish substances, use a ragged piece rather than a brush and do the opposite for surface finishes. For oil-based finishes, use a brush with synthetic bristles. However, apply the water-based finishes with a piece of cloth or foam roller.
Always Prioritize Safety
Regardless of the type of furniture you’re building, you should always make safety your priority. Woodworking tools such as jigsaws and miter saws can be hazardous.
Here are some tips to help you stay safe when building furniture:
- Wear safety glasses when cutting wood and use earplugs to protect your ears from the noise.
- Before you start cutting, make sure there are no pieces of metal in your lumber. Metal can damage your saw blade, and it might kick back and injure you.
- Keep your blade sharp since dull blades force the device’s engine to work harder, which might cause kickbacks.
- Use a single extension cord to eliminate the possibility of mixing up your cords or tripping over them.
Summary
Building your own furniture isn’t an impossible skill. All you need is a furniture building plan, the right tools, and a good understanding of the process. Know how to size and cut the timbers, fasten them together, and make the final refinements with sanding and polishing. Also, remember that practice always makes perfect.
Sources
- Pretty Handy Girl: 5 Tips to Building Professional Looking Furniture
- Saws on Skates: The Rookies Guide To Building DIY Furniture
- Hardwood Distributor’s Association: 8 Woodworking Tips to Boost Your Efficiency
- Pony Jorgensen: How to measure, mark, and cut wood without cutting corners
- RHS Furniture School: How to Start Making Furniture