The Importance Of Understanding Blueprints For DIY Woodworking Projects

It is a good idea to think of the blueprints as map with that leads a craftsman to complete a whole building or project from a single set of plans. Blueprints have legends or keys, like a map has in addition to the individualized drawings of the pieces of the project being made.  Solid lines on blueprints usually indicate solid outside walls, interior walls that are not seen are dotted lines and there are special symbols for every part, such as windows or doors. If there is a place for any plumbing or electrical components, the specifics will be listed for them. The blueprints are essential to any type of building project from a roadway or traffic intersection to a house they all have blueprints of varying degrees of complexity.

Woodworking projects often have the supplies listed somewhere on the blueprint plans; for sheds or garden sheds the same design may be used but the garden shed may include a window or extra shelving for planting supplies or other items needed in the garden. Blueprints do not have to be drawn up by an architect but unless you know how to draw blueprints, it is a good idea to find the blueprints you need for woodworking projects from an online source or in a woodworking book or magazine because they will be accurate.

Woodworkers quickly find out that accuracy is a must in any type of project they are building and therefore the blueprints or plans that are being used must be accurate with no errors because this could lead to a waste of materials and the intended project being a failure if the plans are not correct. The plans should include the types of recommended wood used for the foundation, walls, floor, roof and exterior. Good blueprints include the quantity of materials needed and the dimensions of each the boards and other material that is required for the shed, if that is what are being built.

The great part of understanding how to read blueprints is that you can look at them and easily visualize the finished project, if it is an easy one like a sawhorse or a more complex garden shed to hold your lawn mower or other items needed for lawn and yard care.  A good set of blueprints can save a craftsman a great deal of money and time when it is properly used.