One of the most popular design elements that homeowners strive to achieve is a sense of character, uniqueness, and personalization. Although you may look at current trending designs for inspiration and ideas, it’s nice to be able to put your own spin on it and truly make it your own. A big part of making things unique is not purchasing those mass-produced items and instead looking for customized pieces. And what better way to find a customized piece than by building your own furniture?
If you’ve been thinking about building your own furniture but aren’t sure if it’s do-able and how you even go about it, then this guide is for you. Here we’ll take a look at some of the basic steps and materials needed to build your own furniture so you can decide if it’s right for you.
Start with an Approachable Project and Build Your Skills
When asking how easy it is to build your own furniture, the answer is truly dependent on what you’re building. As a beginner, if you decide to build a chest of drawers, for example, that’s going to be very difficult since it is so labor-intensive and requires skill. This is why experts such yourself should start with an approachable project that allows you to learn and build your skills.
So, what are some approachable homemade furniture projects? Why not get started with shelves? This is a great way to add beauty and character to a room, and yet it’s relatively simple to construct. You can put your own spin on the shelves by picking the wood you want to use, the finish/stain, and the brackets. After you have mastered shelves, you can work your way up to a bench which consists of legs and a top. Again, this is relatively simple but a step up from shelving. Other beginner-friendly projects include wooden stools, a bedframe, or even just the headboard.
Plan Out the Design
Once you decide on the furniture you want to build, the next step is to put the design together. This basically maps out what you want the finished piece to look like, including the measurements. That plan will then dictate the equipment and materials you need. Within the plan should also be the steps you need to take in order to make the furniture.
What Supplies Will You Need?
As for what supplies you’ll need to make your own furniture, obviously it will depend on what you’re making and what the material is. Often people end up choosing wood as the material, as it is so versatile and can create some stunning pieces. For wooden pieces, you’ll need the important tools such as:
- Safety gear
- A level
- Tape measure
- Cordless drill
- Power saw
- Clamps
- Random orbit sander
Also, wooden furniture requires specific glue. You can find the best glue for wood strategies & examples here.
The Final Ingredient – Patience
And to top it all off, the final ingredient you’ll need for success is patience. This will be a learning experience and not every piece is going to turn out perfect. That’s just part of the ride and part of perfecting your skills.
If it is character and uniqueness that you’re after, building your own furniture could be the best option.