Unlock the world of woodworking, where function melds with imagination. Learn how to create these easy DIY projects that require only basic hand and power tools.
Start with this beginner-friendly project and learn the basics of woodworking by constructing simple shelves. It’s an easy way to add a modern touch to any room.
1. Wall Shelf
Adding shelves to any room is one of the fastest and easiest ways to make it more organized. They work great in kitchens, bathrooms, bedrooms, living rooms, and small spaces — and they’re a beginner-friendly DIY project!
This DIY wall shelf comes together in just an hour and can be used to hold mugs, towels, and more. Plus, it has a beautiful color and design that can fit into any room.
To create the shelving, cut two 1” x 2” strips of wood to the length of the space you want to add the shelf to (ours was 24 inches). Screw the end supports into the walls using a stud finder and drywall anchors if necessary.
Paint the 12×1 boards with KILZ 2 All-Purpose and let dry. Then, line up the two equal length boards and screw them together, making sure that the screw heads are embedded into the wood a little so that after you caulk/putty they’ll be smooth.
2. Barstool
Have some old and drab bar stools you want to give a makeover? You can do just that by changing the seat and adding some extra padding. Just be sure to protect your new work with a few coats of Helmsman Spar Urethane from Minwax. Check out this great tutorial from dazzlewhilefrazzled for complete instructions.
This project is easy enough for even a beginner to handle, especially since you’ll be using pre-fabricated furniture legs that are much less expensive than wood ones. It’s also a forgiving project as long as you measure properly and don’t rush.
The most difficult part of this DIY stool is the back leg assembly. You’ll need to drill through the side and front of each back leg to secure it to the top of the seat board. The rest is straightforward. If you’re not comfortable with drilling, you could also use a clamp and wood glue to secure the back leg assemblies.
3. Bread Box
The right tools can transform any ordinary piece of wood into something extraordinary. This DIY Bread Box, for instance, uses a few basic tools to create a simple yet stylish storage solution for kitchen ingredients.
It requires very little time to build and makes an excellent beginner woodworking project because it doesn’t require a lot of knowledge or skill to get started with. Plus, the finished product will look great in any entryway!
The best part is that it can be fastened to a wall or other surface so you can keep track of all your items, from keys to hats and scarves. This project uses furring strips and pine board to make a handy place for everything.
Before gluing together your pieces, dry fit the back and both sides of the breadbox to ensure that they are correctly aligned. After that, you can cut the tambour slats to length using your router and a template with pencil lines on the fence.
4. Planter
Whether you’re growing flowers, herbs, or succulents, this DIY planter is sure to make a statement on your porch. With pressure-treated wood slats, galvanized nails, and basic drilling skills, you can have this show-stopping two-tiered planter ready to display in just one day. For this project, it’s important to lay out all the cuts ahead of time — it will be faster and easier for you to do so than to cut as you go! For more details on how to build this, check out hunker.
Give your kitchen plants a unique home by making this cool vertical wall planter from discarded bowls and pizza risers. The planter hangs on your wall and can be filled with fresh herbs or a beautiful bouquet. For more details on how to create this, see hearthandvine.
5. Key Hanger
Whether it’s for mail, keys or just extra storage in your entryway, a key hanger can make your life a lot easier. And this DIY project is easy to make, too! Use a simple wood frame and a set of overhead hook types to craft this functional wall-mounted storage solution. Tom’s website is quite helpful for this type of DIY work, so check it out!
Light-toned wood and raw suede cord are a match made in design heaven on this modern key holder, which also doubles as a convenient mail center. To build your own, you’ll need a few woodworking tools like a miter saw or circular saw, jigsaw and drill.
If you don’t have any light-toned frames lying around, repurpose a dark-stain one to serve as the backbone of this easy key holder craft. Then add a pop of color with acrylic paint and a stencil for a finished look that’s sure to brighten up your entryway.
6. Earring Holder
Woodworking is an enjoyable hobby, but it can be intimidating for beginners. It’s important to start small and work your way up to bigger projects as you gain confidence in your skills. Luckily, there are plenty of DIY woodworking projects for beginners to try that can be completed in a weekend with basic tools.
A simple wooden shelf is the perfect first project to get started with. It requires minimal materials and introduces beginner woodworkers to the basics of measuring, cutting, and assembling.
You can also use your new skills to create a simple wood cutting board or serving tray. Both of these projects are relatively easy and can be finished with paint or stain to match your home decor.
Another fun woodworking project for beginners to try is a wooden key hanger. This project is a little more complex than a three-legged stool, but it’s still a great place for beginner woodworkers to start and it can be finished in about an hour.
7. Wine Rack
Woodworking can be a bit intimidating for beginners. It involves precise cuts, sanding and polishing, which require skill and stamina to accomplish. However, you can start with smaller projects like a wooden cutting board or serving tray and slowly move to more complex creations.
A wine rack is a great addition to any kitchen countertop and can be built using a few uniform pieces of wood. This simple design is a good choice for beginners because it requires only a few basic tools and a few steps to complete.
If you’re looking for a more modern look, try this wood and leather wine rack that’s easy to build and would look great on your kitchen counter. It can also hold your wine glasses and bottles, making it a handy addition to your home bar. This is a great way to show off your woodworking skills and impress guests with your DIY decor.
8. Birdhouse
While it is possible to buy a birdhouse in almost any home improvement store, DIYers can create their own designs with just a few simple tools and supplies. You can also use repurposed wood, such as logs cut from the yard or old wine corks.
This is another fun, easy project that you can work on alone or with kids. Simply choose a sturdy log and drill a hole large enough for your local birds to nest. Then, decorate with paint or add a perch and hang from a tree or window.
This is another great beginner woodworking project to tackle while you’re still learning how to use your table saw or skill saw. You’ll need 8 feet of untreated wood and a few basic tools to make this handy cutting board that will help you prep food or display your culinary creations. You can even experiment with cutting smooth radiuses to add a more high-end look.
9. Straight Handle
Woodworking is a great hobby to get into because it’s easy to start small and work your way up. It’s also a great way to save money on furniture for your home or gifts for friends and family!
To make this handle, you’ll need some reclaimed wood. Beech is easy to find in skips, while oak can be found in old floorboards or fence posts. You’ll need to be able to saw and sand your wood down.
This project is a good way to practice your cutting and sanding skills. Once you’re comfortable with those basic techniques, you can move on to bigger and more complex projects like this herringbone wooden coffee table. Just remember to always use safety equipment when working with any tools. Especially when working with power tools! This includes eye protection, a respirator and gloves. Be safe and enjoy your new hobby! Happy woodworking!
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