- 1). Create a diagram. Draw at least three pictures of your finished furniture: a front view, side view and bird’s eye view. Add measurements to every individual piece of material. If your furniture is complex, draw an exploded view so you can review internal pieces. Alternatively, you can purchase premade plans. See Resources below for places to get premade furniture diagrams.
- 2). Choose the types of materials you’ll need. Consider your furniture’s end use and your price tolerance. For example, exotic materials like Brazilian mahogany and gold leaf are beautiful, but they come with a price. If these materials will be the focal point of your furniture and you can afford them, then do it. Consider the fabrics you will need. Fabrics like leather and satin look fantastic, but if your furniture will be heavily used—especially by children—you may want to go with durable and stain-proof fabrics like vinyl and nylon.
- 3). List your materials. Refer to your diagram and make a list of every individual piece’s size and shape. Note the type of material you need: wood, plastic, stone, fabric or any other type of material.
- 4). Choose the types of hardware and fasteners you’ll need. For example, wood materials will require both glues and hardware fasteners. Fabrics will require staples and/or tacks, depending on your decorative needs. Metal materials will require nuts and bolts. As a general rule of thumb, always select the cheapest fastener when the joint is out of sight. If the joint is clearly visible, compare prices on decorative fasteners and pick the ones that best suit your budget. If you want to be able to easily disassemble and reassemble your furniture, use bolts and screws and avoid using nails, tacks and glues.
- 5). List your hardware. Refer to your diagram and materials list. Note the types of hardware you’ll need to build your furniture. Make a list of every nail, tack, screw, staple, bolt, nut and anything else you’ll need.
- 6). List your tools. Now that you’ve written down all the hardware and materials you’ll need, you can easily determine which tools you’ll need. Write them all down on a list.
- 7). Estimate the time it will take to complete your project. However long you think it will take, give yourself at least another 25 percent more. Unforeseen contingencies are common.
- 8). Prepare your work area. Select an area that has ample lighting and appropriate ventilation. Gather all of your materials, tools and hardware. Double-check them against your lists to make sure you have everything you’ll need before you start. Lay them out for ease of use.
- 9). Build it. Follow your diagram, and everything should go smoothly.
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