If you’re just getting started with DIY, you’re going to want to try these easy woodworking projects! Lots of options using basic tools.
Woodworking can be intimidating, especially for beginners. For many, their thought process is that once they put saw to wood, it’s all over and they cannot undo it. If you feel the same, don’t worry, you’re not alone. However, the best way to overcome this fear is to jump right in. We’re going to encourage you to select a project from our list of easy woodworking projects, utilize the supply lists, and get started on your journey of DIY woodwork.
Before we dive into the projects we’ve listed, we want to answer some frequently asked questions about woodworking.
What is a good first woodworking project?
If you’re a beginner, we recommend starting with a project that has simple, straight cuts and straight angles. A project with no-nonsense ways of joining the wood together. All of the projects we’ve listed here have varying levels of difficulty, but each one is excellent for beginners.
Where can I get free woodworking plans?
There are plenty of sources for free woodworking plans. Besides magazines, manufacturer sites, and bloggers’ websites, we’d recommend Pinterest. There are lots of websites for tools on Pinterest where you can find sample projects you can make with them, like Rockler, Kreg Jig, etc. However, we’d highly recommend checking out Ana White’s blog for woodworking plans.
What can I make out of wood to sell?
Once you get the hang of woodworking, you can sell anything you make! People love wooden trays, candle holders, caddies, benches, birdhouses, wooden letters, toys, plant hangers, boxes, and frames. Feel free to let your imagination run wild, and you will be surprised by your creations.
What can I make from scrap wood?
If you have little pieces of wood lying around, look for smaller woodworking projects. We have a box to hold scraps, and it’s somewhat sorted by size. Then we just grab what we need. Easy projects to make from scraps are the beverage caddy, the plant hanger, the hanging storage, and the birdhouse.
Before You Begin
Before we dive into the projects, we ask that you prepare two things. First, get yourself some proper woodworking safety equipment. Second, read the manuals for your woodworking tools and observe all of the safety guidelines and requirements. Don’t forget to take a practice run with your power tools on scrap wood if you have never used them before.
Easy Woodworking Projects
We have compiled a list of beginner DIY wood projects perfect for newbies! Get a bunch of ideas for things to make for your entire home, from benches to tables to shelving and more.
1 – DIY Outdoor Bench on a Budget
A modern DIY outdoor bench that cost just $35 to make looks like a $1,300 Williams Sonoma find, and no nails or screws are required!
2 – DIY Beer Caddy
This wooden DIY beer caddy is easy to make. It’s a perfect gift idea, and the plans can be downloaded.
3 – DIY Mirror Frame
Learn how to make a DIY bathroom mirror frame on a budget. Keep your clip mirror frame in place and hang this over the top. It looks great, it’s stylish, and it’s removable!
4 – DIY Industrial Pipe Shelving
Learn how to build this impressive industrial pipe shelving the easy way. We’ve sourced the cheapest supplies for DIY pipe shelves online.
5 – Wood Doormat with Mid-Century Style
This mid-century inspired DIY wood doormat is made using wood slats and your favorite retro fabric. It’s easier to do than you might think.
6 – DIY Drawer Organizer
Learn how to make a DIY drawer divider with materials you have laying around the house! We made this organizer on the cheap with scrap wood.
7 – DIY Outdoor Table
Learn how to make a DIY outdoor coffee table that is perfect for all sorts of decor styles. Make it out of beautiful cedar for long lasting patio furniture.
8 – DIY Platform Bed Frame
Why buy a platform bed frame when you can DIY it? Build this mid-century modern king platform bed frame using our easy-to-follow tutorial.
9 – DIY Coffee Table Inspired by West Elm
This DIY coffee table was inspired by a West Elm find for $999 – except we made our version for less than $50 using pallet wood.
10 – Rustic Pallet Shelf
Don’t pass by stranded pallets by the roadside; instead, turn them into a DIY pallet shelf with farmhouse style!
11 – DIY Wooden Bench
This DIY wooden bench was inspired by a Crate and Barrel find for $999 – except we made our version for less than $60. It’s easy to follow tutorial
12 – Step Stool That Doubles as a Chair
Learn how to build a wooden step stool that turns into a chair if you flip it over. You’ll love the modern look – paint it any colors you like.
13 – DIY Plant Hanger
Learn to make a simple wood plant hanger in a few simple steps! This is such an easy woodworking project and can be made in minutes.
14 – DIY TV Riser in Three Steps
Learn how to make a DIY TV riser using simple tools and wood. You can customize this to any size and stain any color you like. So easy!
15 – Spice Rack or Craft Storage
This easy DIY spice rack is made from scrap wood and can be set on the countertop or mounted on the wall! You can also use it for paint storage.
16 – DIY Modern Planter Boxes
These DIY modern planter boxes are perfect if you want to spruce up your front porch or garden. They are the perfect quick & easy weekend project.
17 – DIY Outdoor Serving Station
Build your outdoor serving station with these step-by-step instructions. Perfect for hanging on a covered patio and summer entertaining.
18 – Farmhouse Picnic Table
Learn how to build a picnic table with benches for under $150. This table can be customized to how big or small you’d like to make it, and you’ll love its farmhouse charm.
19 – Sofa Laptop Desk with Magazine Rack
Make a lightweight table that will fit perfectly with your sofa and chairs. This sofa sleeve is a great project for working from home, and we love the magazine rack on the side.
20 – Build a Floating Desk
Get a step-by-step tutorial on how to build a floating desk for your home office or kids’ craft room. She’s also got instructions for the floating bench in the same room!
21 – DIY Address Number Wall Planter
Add a little something to a boring front entrance with this simple woodworking project! Display your house numbers and some pretty plants at the same time.
22 – Simple Farmhouse Shelves
Learn how to build DIY farmhouse shelves with metal brackets, perfect for a bathroom, kitchen, living room, home office, or really anywhere you need shelves.
23 – DIY Wooden Dowel Coat Rack
If you want a cool and modern coat rack in your entryway or office, grab some wood poles from Home Depot and cut them down to size! The rest is just painting and wrapping.
24 – DIY Small Open Shelf
This DIY shelf could work as tubside storage but could also work as a bookshelf! If you like simple rustic furniture ideas, this is your project.
25 – How to Make a Blanket Ladder
Make a beautiful wooden blanket ladder for under $15. It’s an easy one day project that will allow you to display beautiful quilts or blankets in the open and make them easily accessible.
26 – DIY Modern Nightstand
This DIY nightstand looks fancy because of some tapering on the legs, but if you follow the instructions, it’s quite easy! Perfect for those that love
Recent Posts
Louvered roofs are becoming increasingly popular for their versatility, durability, and aesthetic appeal. They offer numerous benefits, including excellent shade, weather resistance, and customizable...
Your deck is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors, but it can also be a breeding ground for dirt, grime, and mold. If you don't clean your deck regularly, it will start to look dingy and...