Most build-your-own kits supply only the steel hardware and fixings; you source the timber, boards or tabletop yourself to the length you want. This keeps shipping affordable and lets you match the wood to your project — for example pine, oak or scaffold boards. Each kit lists the timber dimensions it is designed to accept.

The DIY frame kits are built around two round steel tube diameters: Ø27 mm for lighter furniture and Ø42 mm for heavier or larger structures. The thicker Ø42 mm tube gives more rigidity for tables, benches and pergolas, while Ø27 mm suits compact frames. Every kit states which diameter its connectors and tubes use.

Assembling a DIY kit is a beginner-friendly job that usually takes one to three hours with basic hand tools — typically an Allen key or spanner, a screwdriver or drill, and a tape measure. The steel connectors are pre-drilled so parts bolt together without welding or cutting metal. You mainly cut and fix your own timber to length.

Galvanised steel kits carry a zinc coating that resists rust, making them the better choice for outdoor and garden structures exposed to rain. Black steel kits have a painted or powder-coated finish suited to indoor or covered use, where appearance matters more than weather resistance. For a permanent outdoor pergola or planter, galvanised is generally recommended.