Beginner's Guide to Using SketchUp Free for Furniture Design

SketchUp Free is an excellent starting point for designing furniture. It’s user-friendly and browser-based, so you don’t need to download anything. There are several programs out here for CAD work, and there are some excellent free options:

Here's my take. The basic skills are pretty similar on any platform and most of them require an Internet connection no matter what. Some programs require Internet even if the program is stand alone. TinkerCad is too simplistic and is really for kids, but can still make decent projects. Fusion 360 can be sluggish and unforgiving, but honestly is one of the best free options if you're really into CAD work. Onshape is fine, but doesn't have nearly the resources and tools Fusion 360 has. Blender is a great program, and can be used to design just about anything, but is not beginner friendly and not traditional used for furniture, but there are videos out there. Easel is easy mode for flat parts, if you're doing CNC work, this program is free and dead simple easy. Sketchup is simpler than Fusion, good enough to create mid-tier client renders for projects and can run off a Chromebook. It's a decent intermediate program and most of the skills are transferrable, if you decide to get more advanced.

Why use CAD at all?

Let's face facts, most woodworkers are not high-end professionals, and do not need complicated high-end CAD models. Most woodworkers can get by with hand drawings. You want to learn CAD for the same reason you want to learn more complicated joinery, or to sharpen handsaws. It's because you want to up your game. Instead of working from others' plans, design your own. Know what works, before cutting into that $16 a board foot walnut.

Watch my video on getting started. I also have basic written instructions below. Sketchup offers an extensive library of instructions: Here. I will create more videos on this topic, aimed specifically at creating furniture pieces.

If you want to do more than just build, start designing. Designing takes time and failure to learn. Failing in CAD is cheaper than creating expensive firewood. Figure out what you don't know and what questions to ask. If you're into the idea of design, check out one of my favorite podcasts Woodworking is Bullsh*t.

Getting Started with SketchUp Free Online

Step 1: Create an Account

Visit SketchUp Free.
Sign up for a free account or log in with an existing one.

Step 2: Start a New Project

Once logged in, click Start Modeling.
You’ll be redirected to the main workspace.

Step 3: Get Familiar with the Interface

Toolbox: On the left-hand side, you’ll find tools like the Line, Rectangle, Push/Pull, and Orbit tools.
Canvas: The center area is where you’ll draw your furniture designs.
Instructor Panel: Displays tips on using selected tools.

Step 4: Learn Basic Tools

Line Tool: Draw straight lines by clicking and dragging.
Rectangle Tool: Create rectangular shapes for tabletops or shelves.
Push/Pull Tool: Give shapes 3D depth. For example, turn a rectangle into a tabletop.
Move Tool: Adjust and reposition objects.
Orbit and Pan Tools: Navigate around your design.

Step 5: Start Your First Object (We're not worried about measurements right now)

Draw a Base Shape:
- Use the Rectangle tool to draw a square.
Add Depth:
- Select the Push/Pull tool and drag the rectangle upward to add thickness.