Woodworking projects are a simple way to turn spare wood into useful, feel-good things. Grab a few tools, follow the quick ideas below, and enjoy the thrill of making something with your hands.
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quick list of easy woodworking projects
| Project | What you’ll learn | Time needed |
|---|---|---|
| Birdhouse | Cutting, small-part assembly | 1 hour |
| Picture frame | Miter cuts, sanding | 45 minutes |
| Planter box | Box joints, waterproofing | 90 minutes |
| Floating shelf | Stud-finding, wall mounting | 1 hour |
| Step stool | Joinery, weight testing | 2 hours |
| Coat rack | Doweling, finishing | 45 minutes |
Pro tip: Pick soft woods—pine or cedar—while you’re learning. They cut easier and cost less.
tools you probably already own
- Hand saw or jigsaw
- Drill with assorted bits
- Hammer and nails or wood screws
- Measuring tape and pencil
- Sandpaper (80- and 120-grit)
- Wood glue
That’s enough to tackle small wood projects like frames, shelves, and boxes.
step-by-step: build a simple bench
- Measure and mark. Cut two 16-inch legs and one 30-inch top from a 1 × 8 board.
- Drill pilot holes. This keeps the wood from splitting.
- Attach legs. Use wood screws through the top into each leg.
- Sand edges. Start with 80-grit, finish with 120-grit.
- Finish. Wipe on mineral oil or brush on clear poly for protection.
Now you’ve mastered a bench—scale it up for a table or desk later!
safety first, always
- Wear eye protection and a dust mask.
- Clamp your work so both hands stay clear of blades.
- Unplug tools before changing blades or bits.
what to do with your finished pieces
- Give them as gifts. Handmade beats store-bought every time.
- Use them at home. A shelf or stool saves money and adds charm.
- Ready to earn? Check out our guide to woodworking projects that sell to turn your hobby into cash.
Want to sell bigger items later? See how to build wood furniture and where to sell handmade furniture for next steps.
wrap-up
Finished your first piece? Snap a photo and list it on Asherfield. Our friendly marketplace lets makers keep up to 85 % of every sale, connects you with buyers who love real wood, and handles secure payments for you. Build, share, and earn—all in one place.
