You don’t have to be a master carpenter to enjoy woodworking.
There are plenty of simple woodworking projects that require very little equipment or experience to make right in your own garage.
Keep reading to learn 10 woodworking projects you need to try for your home.
1. Planter Boxes
Planter boxes bought from garden stores for your patio or window sills can be very expensive. Luckily, it’s easy to make your own.
Plus, when you make them yourself, you can choose your color and size to customize them for your space!
All you need is three boards of the same length to make up the front, back, and bottom, and two more boards for the ends!
2. Cornhole Boards
This fun, the simple project can easily be completed in a weekend, but will provide you with years of backyard entertainment!
While the origin of this party game is contested, no one argues that it continues to be a popular accessory at backyard BBQs, tailgating events, and even in hip bars throughout the southern states and the Midwest.
To make your own set, you’ll need two sheets of plywood, cut to 24″ by 48″ for the top. You’ll also need four 2×4 boards cut to 48″ and two 2×4 boards cut to 24″ for the frame. Finally, four more 2×4 boards cut to 11″ will make the legs.
If you don’t mind your board not being up to regulation standards, you can also make a smaller set ideal for easily storing away.
Once you’ve assembled your boards, it’s time for the fun part; decorating them. Cornhole boards are known for being covered in a wide variety of colors and patterns, with sports and college logos usually the most popular options.
3. Pencil Box
If you’re looking for beginner woodworking projects you can do with your kids, you can’t go wrong with a pencil box.
This simple project is quick to make, but fun to use. All you’ll need are four small squares or rectangles of wood and a small square bottom. Once you’re done, you can let your little ones paint their box however they’d like.
Whenever you’re working with children, it’s even more important to be mindful of the dangers of wood dust. Visit this page for more on reducing wood dust in your woodworking space.
4. Serving Tray
Wooden serving trays are a cute, rustic touch perfect for holding candles and flowers on your coffee table or for serving breakfast in bed.
They also make for easy wood projects you can do at home.
Serving trays are simply rectangular boxes with low sides, often just three or four inches high. Once you’ve built your box, add two handles. Metal drawer pulls make great handles.
To give your serving tray that farmhouse look, stain it a dark color, or paint it white and distress it with sandpaper for a rough finish.
5. A Bench
A simple bench is one of the easiest woodworking projects you can take on. This super cute project can easily be customized for your space.
Make a small bench with a simple board shelf underneath. Use it in your entryway as a spot to sit while you take off your shoes. The shelf is perfect for storing away extra pairs when not in use.
A homemade bench is a great addition to your garden, your front stoop, or even at the end of your bed.
All you’ll need are two to four long boards, depending on their width, and four square boards for the legs. Just be sure to measure twice and cut once when you’re making the legs; the last thing you want is a wobbly seat!
6. Tile Plant Stand
If you love filling your patio with plants, this is the DIY project for you.
To start, you’ll want to buy a ceramic floor tile from your local hardware store. You can choose any color or style you like.
Next, you’ll build a square frame, just slightly smaller than your tile. This is what your stand’s legs will be attached to. Next, come the four legs, cut to the height you want your table to be.
Finally, add a low shelf to the bottom to stabilize the legs of your table and give you a spot to rest another small potted plant.
7. Birdhouses
Perhaps the most classic of all woodworking projects, this can actually be a challenging, fun build for amateur woodworkers.
The internet is full of different, interesting plans for birdhouses. Choose from tiny, charming options that’ll look great in your garden, or larger nesting boxes designed to help endangered species thrive.
8. Small-space End Tables
One popular home design trend is narrow, long tables that are meant to be placed between a couch and the wall to maximize space. These are great for holding picture frames, small decorations, and drinks or snacks while you’re lounging on the couch.
These simple tables require only three parts; a long board for the top, and two boards for the legs. Measure your couch’s length and height, and be sure to cut your table long and tall enough to be out of the way.
This unique storage idea is great for making the most of a tight space.
9. Shadowbox Shelves
Square or rectangular shadowbox shelves are a popular interior design trend right now.
Simple and minimalistic in appearance, they are also very easy to make.
When you’re choosing the size of your shelves, just be mindful of the weight. The heavier your shelves, the more work you’ll need to put into hanging them safely.
10. Armrest Coffee Rest
If you’ve ever wanted to enjoy a cup of coffee while you lounge on your couch in the morning, only to struggle to find a spot to rest your mug, this project is for you.
This simple coffee rest is just a three sides table that is cut to fit snuggly on the armrest of your couch. It can be as large or as small as you’d like and stained or painted to match your living room decor.
Woodworking Projects Anyone Can Tackle
Woodworking projects are not just fun, but also a great way to spruce up your space without spending a fortune.
For instance, if you’re planning on selling your home, a cute patio bench and backyard planter boxes can make it look polished and homey.
Check out these tips next to learn more about sprucing up your landscaping before you sell.
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