Real Talk: What It’s Actually Like to Run a DIY Furniture Business
4 min reading time
Think every furniture maker has a dreamy, organized shop and flawless builds? Think again. In this honest behind-the-scenes post, I’m sharing the real story: failed prototypes, messy corners, DIY disasters, and how it all led to creating the woodworking plans and tables you see today. If you’ve ever felt like your DIY space isn’t “perfect enough,” this one’s for you.
We all love the final reveal of a beautiful piece of furniture or a perfectly executed DIY project, but what about the messy, behind-the-scenes moments? If you’ve ever wondered what goes on in the shop (besides the wood cutting and crafting), I’ve got some confessions for you. Get ready for a peek behind the curtain of what it’s really like to run a furniture business. Spoiler alert: It’s not always as glamorous as the Instagram photos.
Confession #1: My Woodshop Is a Hot Mess (And I Love It)
I’m pretty sure there’s a Pinterest board out there somewhere dedicated to spotless, organized woodshops. Well, if you visit mine, you won’t find any of that perfection. Sawdust everywhere. Tools scattered across the floor. A serious lack of organizational skills when it comes to finding the right drill bit at the right moment. But somehow, in the chaos, magic happens. I wouldn’t trade it for a picture-perfect, tidy shop. (I might clean up once in a while though, maybe.)
Confession #2: I Don’t Always Get It Right the First Time
I’ll let you in on a little secret: Not every table I make is flawless on the first try. There are plenty of prototypes that get a little too “experimental.” Wood sometimes cracks when I don’t expect it. And don’t even get me started on the days when the CNC machine decides to do its own thing. But hey, if every project turned out perfectly the first time, there wouldn’t be that moment of excitement when it finally comes together.
Confession #3: We Used to DIY Without Plans (Until We Realized It Was a Disaster)
Before starting this business, we were just like you — we tried to DIY furniture with no plans, no guide, and no idea what we were doing. I mean, we tried to follow some plans, but we always ended up making things way harder than they had to be. Our home was full of mistakes, miscuts, and prototype failures. But that’s exactly why we started selling DIY plans. I wanted to give you all the tools and guides I wish I had when we were starting out. No more guesswork. Just clear, step-by-step instructions to help you create furniture you’ll actually be proud of.
Confession #4: I’m Allergic to Ash, But I Still Work With It (For You)
Okay, this one’s a big one. Turns out, I’m allergic to Ash wood. Yeah, I know, kind of ironic since it’s one of the most beautiful woods we use for our Liz and Tall Liz tables. But guess what? I still make them for you, because these tables are just that beautiful. The ash gives a rich, golden glow when finished, and unfinished Ash? Perfect for custom stains or paints.
Confession #5: Our Home Is Full of Mistakes (Not Perfect Tables)
You’d think the owner of a furniture business would have a house full of their own creations, right? Well, not quite. Our home is full of mistakes, prototypes, and "almost perfect" tables. These aren’t the pristine, polished pieces you see on the website — these are the ones that have imperfections, the ones we learned from. It’s the reality of being a maker: every piece tells a story, and not every story is perfect.
Confession #6: I Actually Want You to DIY It (Sometimes)
Look, I get it — not everyone has the time or tools for DIY projects. But let’s be real: I love seeing your DIY creations. There’s something so satisfying about people tackling furniture building themselves. That’s why I created our DIY plans, CNC files, and woodworking plans! If you’ve ever wanted to get your hands dirty (in a good way), I’m all about encouraging that. So, whether you’re making a Tall Liz table or customizing one of our designs, I’m here for it — and cheering you on every step of the way.
And there you have it — some of my biggest shop confessions. If you’re ready to add some handmade furniture (or DIY projects) to your space, I hope these behind-the-scenes moments have made you feel a little more connected to the work that goes into each table and design. Plus, who knew the shop could be this entertaining, right?
Whether you’re a pro at DIY or a first-timer, I’m always here to support your creative journey. And hey, if you’ve got your own shop confessions, I’d love to hear them - drop them in the comments!
