How to build wood furniture sounds big, but you can start small and win fast. Follow the steps below, keep things simple, and you’ll sit on your own handiwork by the weekend.
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Core tools you really need
| Tool | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Tape measure | Every cut starts here |
| Circular saw or handsaw | Straight cuts on boards |
| Drill + bits | Holes and screw driving |
| Square | Keeps corners at 90 ° |
| Sandpaper (80 / 120 grit) | Smooth edges fast |
| Wood glue + screws | Strong, lasting joints |
Borrow or buy used first—upgrade later.
Pick the right wood
- Pine: Cheap, soft, easy to cut.
- Poplar: Smooth, great for paint.
- Oak: Hard, durable, classic grain.
Avoid warped boards—sight down the length and skip anything bent.
Simple starter project: coffee table
- Cut parts. Top: 36 × 18 in; Legs: 17 in; Aprons: 2 × 3 s cut to 32 in.
- Drill pocket holes in apron ends (or pre-drill straight through).
- Build the frame. Glue and screw aprons between legs.
- Attach the top with 1 ¼-in screws from below.
- Sand smooth, moving from 80 to 120 grit.
- Finish. Wipe-on poly or oil keeps it simple.
Want more weekend ideas? See Woodworking projects for quick builds.
Easy mistakes to dodge
- Over-tight screws split boards—stop when snug.
- Skipping sanding leaves rough edges that snag clothes.
- Forgetting wood movement—leave ⅛-in gaps across wide tops.
Plan before you cut
Free tools like SketchUp Free (see Best software for furniture design) let you test sizes, joints, and cut lists on screen—saving wood and stress.
Finishing basics
- Vacuum dust.
- Wipe with tack cloth.
- Brush on thin coat, wait, light sand, repeat.
Clear satin poly hides brush marks for beginners.
What’s next?
- Try drawers, doors, or curved edges on your second piece.
- Track material cost so you can price builds later.
- Ready to earn? Where to sell handmade furniture shows listing options.
Wrap-up
Building furniture beats buying—because you learn, save, and can even sell. When your table is photo-ready, list it on Asherfield. Keep up to 85 % of every sale, reach buyers who love real wood, and turn sawdust into profit. Build, share, earn.
