Homeowners often struggle to find the perfect furniture to suit their style and taste. If you’re seeking something wholly unique and innovative, then one of the best ways to find it is to make it yourself.

After all, by crafting your furniture yourself, you’ll be able to tailor it to your personal needs and make an item that no one else will have in their home.

Making your own wooden furniture is also an exciting project that will keep you busy. However, it can be a time-consuming endeavour.

If you don’t plan your project, then it could go spectacularly wrong, and you might end up ruining your materials and wasting your time.

So, you need to make sure that you plan your project from the start and that you have everything you need ready for you.

Sourcing reclaimed materials is a great way to recycle and it can be very cost effective. However many sellers will only like to be paid in cash so make sure you have some at the ready. Cash machines and banks may have different operating times so it’s important to know where you can find that all important cash for such transactions..

Keep reading, and we’ll share some practical tips to help you get started and find inspiration for your next DIY wooden furniture building project.

Research the types of wood you could use

Before you start your project, it’s essential that you learn about the different types of wood and wood sheets, available and, which ones work best for different types of furniture. Research the prices of each type of wood and its durability. It would help if you also looked at the different colours and stains that these woods could incorporate so that you can see what your new piece of wooden furniture might look like once it’s complete. With this information, you can find the perfect wood for your furniture project.

Measure everything at least twice

The measurements you take will affect every aspect of your furniture project. So, before you begin, you’ll need to measure the space in which you’re going to put the item. If you’re making a bed frame, you need to ensure that it will fit a standard size mattress for the bed size you want, such as double, single, king or twin. Then, you’ll need to work out how much extra space you’ll need around the mattress and the amount of material you will require.

When making your measurements, you should always use an accurate measuring device, such as a tape measure. You should also check that you have the measurements written down correctly and that you use the right unit of measurement. So, if your tape measure is measuring CM, then it’s important that you don’t write it down as MM. By checking several times, you can ensure that you don’t waste your money on the wrong amount of wood and other materials for your furniture.

Find the right wood supplier

Once you have all your measurements handy, you’ll know how much material you need and can start searching for the perfect supplier. While you could buy a large sheet of wood and cut it down to size yourself, in this case, you might find that you buy too much or too little.

Also, you’ll need to ensure that you have the correct tools to cut the wood correctly. Alternatively, you could find a wood provider that will cut the pieces to size for you to save time and effort. For example, if you’re looking for veneer faced, or melamine faced, MDF cut to size for your furniture, then CNC Creations has you covered. You can find out more about their range of wood sheets, and services, at cnccreations.co.uk.

Choose the right tools for the project

With the wood and other materials ready, it’s time to ensure that you have the right tools for the job. If you haven’t got much experience in woodworking, then you’ll need to check that you have everything you need. Many of the tools you’ll need, including a hammer, drill and pliers, can be found in a standard toolbox. However, you should check that you have everything and that it’s the right size before you begin your project.

Consider following an online tutorial

If you’re an experienced furniture maker, then you’ll know exactly how to craft your dream household items. However, if you’ve never made wooden furniture before, or you only have limited experience from your school days, then you should try to refresh your skills and follow a tutorial.

There are many woodworking classes that you can take at colleges or adult learning centres that will teach you how to make wooden furniture. A more accessible and cost-effective solution is to follow an online tutorial. There are plenty of woodworking channels on YouTube, which you can view for free online. Check out a selection of tutorials to find the one that you can follow easily. Then, you can follow the tutorial and adapt the tips to create your perfect piece of furniture. 

Add the finishing touches

When the project is standing, and you’ve completed the basics, it’s time to add the finishing touches that will make the piece truly unique. Consider adding upholstery, engravings, or even painting part of the furniture, depending on the style of the room where the piece will be kept. With the finishing touches made, you can show off your beautiful new piece of furniture and feel proud of your achievement.

Try these step by step guides

Try some of my following guides to make truly unique rustic furniture:

• How to make a rustic industrial desk with reclaimed scaffold boards
• How to make an industrial rustic scaffold board dining table and bench
• Building a rustic industrial dining table