If you're deciding between Ana White's free plans and a paid library like Ted's Woodworking, the real question is how many plans you need and how much you value finished, consistent documentation. Most people don't need a big library for their first few builds. Some do. Here is how to tell which group you're in.
The short version
- Choose free plans first if you're building a handful of furniture or storage projects, you're newer to the craft, and you're happy to read a blog-style plan.
- Consider a paid library if you want one place to search many project types (outdoor, shop, furniture, small items) and you'll realistically build enough of them to justify the cost.
- Don't buy on a sales page alone. Test a free plan from any source before paying for anything.
What each option is
Ana White: free plans from a single, well-known source
Ana White's site is widely known for free, beginner-oriented furniture plans, many built from common dimensional lumber. Whether every plan is free, and what (if anything) sits behind a membership or paid tier, can change over time. We cover that in Are Ana White plans really free?. Check the official site for the current setup.
Ted's Woodworking: a paid plan library
Ted's Woodworking is sold as a paid digital collection of plans. The sales material emphasizes size and variety. We can't independently verify the plan count, the quality of every plan, or how complete each one is. Confirm the current price, what's included, the format, and the refund terms on the official site before you buy.
Side-by-side comparison
| Factor | Ana White (free plans) | Ted's Woodworking (paid library) |
|---|---|---|
| Upfront cost | Free to access, per the site's public positioning. Confirm current terms. | Paid. Check the official site for current pricing. |
| Breadth | Strong on furniture and home projects. Narrower overall. | Advertised as very broad. We can't verify the exact scope. |
| Consistency of format | Varies by plan and author. Often photo-led with step lists. | Unverified. Sample a plan if the seller allows it. |
| Best for | Beginners and budget builders with specific projects in mind | Builders who want a large searchable archive |
| Main risk | You may have to hunt or adapt plans to your lumber and tools | Paying for a large library and using only a few plans |
A practical way to decide
- List your next three to five projects. Be specific: "a workbench, a bookshelf, two planter boxes." If free plans already cover them, you have your answer for now.
- Search the free options. Look for plans with a cut list, a materials list, dimensioned diagrams, and clear assembly steps.
- Check how complete the plan is. A good plan lets you buy lumber without guessing. If you'd have to work out the cut list yourself, treat the plan as a sketch.
- Price the total project. Lumber, hardware, and finish usually cost far more than a plan. A cheap plan that leads to a miscut is not a saving.
- Only then look at paid options. If you keep running into gaps, such as project types you can't find or plans you can't follow, a paid library becomes easier to justify.
Recommended for youTed's Woodworking vs Woodsmith Plans and Rockler Plans: Paid Brand Plans ComparedHonest tradeoffs
Where free plans win
- No risk while you learn what you like to build.
- Beginner-friendly projects with approachable materials.
- Comment sections and community builds can reveal problems before you cut.
Where a paid library may win
- One place to search when your projects vary widely.
- Less time chasing plans across scattered websites.
- Potentially more consistent organization. Verify this before assuming it.
Where both can disappoint
- Any plan can contain errors. Dry-fit and double-check dimensions before you glue or screw.
- Skill level matters more than the source. A plan assuming joinery you haven't done will frustrate you either way.
- Plans don't replace safety judgment. Wear eye and hearing protection, use guards and push sticks as your tools require, and read your tool manuals. If you're unsure about a technique, get in-person instruction.
What we can't verify
- The exact number of plans in Ted's Woodworking and how many are complete with cut lists and diagrams.
- Current pricing, bonuses, and refund conditions for any paid product.
- Whether Ana White's offerings have changed since this page was written.
For those, go to the official sites and read the terms yourself.
Where to go next
- Want a wider view of paid and free options? Read Ted's Woodworking vs Alternatives.
- Looking for a match to your situation? See Best Alternatives to Ted's Woodworking by Goal.
- Ready to compare several sites at once? Try Which Woodworking Plan Site Should You Buy? Ted's Woodworking Compared Head to Head.
- Comparing brand-name paid sources? See Ted's Woodworking vs Woodsmith Plans and Rockler Plans.
- Prefer to stay free? Read Is there a free alternative to Ted's Woodworking? and Is MyOutdoorPlans legit and are its plans complete?
Bottom line
Start free. If you finish a few projects and keep wishing for more variety or more complete documentation, a paid library like Ted's Woodworking is worth a careful look. Read the current terms and refund policy first, then decide with your own project list in hand.
Keep reading
Best Alternatives to Ted's Woodworking by Goal: Beginners, Small Shops, Furniture Savings and Any ProjectNo single plan source is best for everyone. The right choice depends on what you are building, how…
Are Ana White plans really free?Yes, the plans themselves are free to use. Ana White's site has long published its building plans a…
Is MyOutdoorPlans legit and are its plans complete?We can't give MyOutdoorPlans a verified yes or no. It presents itself as a downloadable collection…