Creating something out of nothing is a truly extraordinary feeling, and this is why we believe one of the greatest hobbies out there is woodworking. However, when it comes to do-it-yourself (DIY) projects, some people get too cocky, and they take on projects that are meant for the professionals and end up not completing it. Woodworking does not have to be daunting; it should be fun and exciting.
Most of these novice-friendly and fun woodworking projects use scrap wood and you only need some simple instructions and basic woodworking tools to get them done. Woodworking can be a little bit intimidating, but the best way to overcome it is by starting small, getting comfortable with your tools and work environment, and working your way up. To help you get started with your journey in this field, we have compiled a list of some great beginner woodworking projects that would help you build confidence with the fundamentals of working with wood.
100 Woodworking Projects for Beginners
1. Floating Shelves
If you want to try your hands on some basic woodworking projects, you should start with these floating shelves. Check out the tutorial from Shanty 2 Chic. This project is very useful in the kitchen and around the home. It provides you with a storage space without occupying space in your home. Floating Shelves plans from Rogue Engineer.
2. Sofa Sleeve with Cup Holder
Sofa sleeves are great for homes with minimal or small space without a table. With this project, you can sit on the couch with a hot cup of coffee, and the sleeve is there to hold it for you. Learn how to create yours from this tutorial from A Beautiful Mess.
3. Folding Breakfast Tray/Lap Desk
Here is another basic woodworking project for beginners. You can use this beautiful tray/lap desk to serve your loved one’s breakfast in bed. The project does not require many tools and materials. Jen Woodhouse shows you how to do it.
4. Hardwood Cutting Boards
This is one of the easiest woodworking projects for beginners. You can use cherry and maple scraps to make hardwood cutting boards that will make any home cook happy. Here’s the guide from Instructables.
5. Picnic Table
This is a pretty large DIY picnic table that you can construct in your backyard with two by fours. It comprises two benches and a table. You can use it to sit out with your family to have dinner. Here’s another guide from Instructables.
6. Craft with Crates
One of the best ways of getting comfortable with woodworking is by using crates as your major material. With the crates, all you need is just to cut and assemble the work. This can serve as a great coffee table and bookshelf at the same time. Full tutorial.
7. Point the Way
This is a simple wooden arrow design that can change the look of your bedroom or living space. It is a set of arrows that you can make with scrap wood and a few woodwork tools. Instructions by Cherished Bliss..
8. Pet Bed
If you have a dog or cat at home, this is one of the best projects to try your hands on. You can convert your foray into making furniture by creating a nice, cozy sport for your pet. The project requires just a few tools and materials. See full tutorial by Shanty 2 Chic.
9. Wood Doormat
You can give your guests a warm welcome at the entrance of your home with this wooden doormat. It also comes in handy in scraping dirt and mud off shoes and boots. It is a basic woodworking project that you can make in a few hours. See full project over at The Merry Thought.
10. Wooden Beer Caddy
This project is great for both beginners and intermediates. You can use it to carry bottles of beers as well as an opener by the side. It also makes the perfect gift. Full instructions at DIY Candy.
11. Wall Shelf
This is one of the best projects that you can do, and it is something you can complete quickly. You can use it to store smaller items that tend to occupy space on the table. See Pallet University’s full tutorial.
12. Candle Holder
This is a great candle holder that you can use to add a little southern charm to your home. You can showcase your level of creativity by using a horseshoe and piece of wood to create something very useful. See the tutorial from Simply Country Life.
13. Address Number Wall Planter
If you want to add a boost to the appeal of your home, you can create this address number wall planter. It is stylish and very easy to make. Another tutorial from the ladies of Shabby 2 Chic.
14. Wooden IPad Dock/Stand
This is one of the most amazing beginner woodwork projects you can embark on. It can hold your IPad or tablet while watching videos or during Zoom meetings. See Instructables’s tutorial.
15. Tree Swing for Kids and Adults
You can also build a tree swing for yourself and your family. You can use this project to have fun with your kids or just sit out in the evenings receiving cool breeze. See the full tutorial by Momtastic.
16. Modern Wine Rack
Many wine lovers fancy this one project. You can create a lovely, yet simple wine rack with framing nails and a single wood. You can also take it up a notch by building a solid base for it. Full tutorial at Kendall-Jackson.
17. Desk Organizer
You can do this project and take it to your office to keep your desk organized. It is a very simple project that you can do in a few hours. See The Kim Six Fix for the full tutorial.
18. Wooden Magazine Holder
This project would save you the stress of always looking for your magazine. It would help organize your magazine and always keep them within reach. This Home Edit post has all the instructions.
19. Wine Box
This has been a growing trend lately, and it is one simple project you can embark on. You can use this box to store wine and present it to your loved one in a romantic way. Read more at Rogue Engineer.
20. Bathtub Tray
Do you want to have some good time while in the tub? You can create this bathtub tray to hold some valuables such as a glass of wine, your IPad, and more. Check out this post in Love and Renovations for the instructions.
21. Simple Serving Tray
This is another great concept for serving breakfast in bed. You can make a wooden tray to serve your loved one food in bed. It is a very easy project to start with. See Fox Hollow Cottage’s full guide.
22. Mid Century Nightstand
If you have hairpin legs and some wood at home, you can convert it to a hairpin mid century nightstand. You can use this stand as a shelf and a table to hold things. See this post from Burkatron for more details.
23. Earring Stand
This is one project that the ladies would appreciate. Rather than keeping your earrings in a container, like most ladies, this stand would provide a better way of storing your earrings. It also allows you to display your earrings on the wall. See Houseful of Handmade’s post.
24. Rustic X-Bench
This project is a bit large, but it is a lot easier to complete. It comes in handy for outdoor relaxations and more. You can also decide to be a little creative with the finishing. See guide by DIY Huntress.
25. Farmhouse Style Shiplap Wall Key Holder
If you are tired of misplacing keys in or around the home, you can create this Farmhouse Style shiplap wall key holder to hang in your entryway for a key storage solution. See Sawdust Sisters’ instructions.
26. Mobile Lumber Rack for Scrap Wood
Having a lumber rack that you can move from one place to another can be pretty helpful, as it provides you with more freedom while working. See full guide by Addicted to DIY.
27. Wooden Picture Holders
You can use a wooden picture holder to hold and display your favorite pictures. They are simple, small, and very easy to design. You would not even spend much on this project. See full guide py Passion Shake.
28. Wine Bottle and Stemware Rack
This is a highly versatile wine rack that has space for a few glasses and wine bottles. The rack goes on the wall, which means it would not occupy space in your kitchen or wherever you want to place it. See Jen Woodhouse’s full guide.
29. Oversized Tic Tac Toe Game
This is another fund and easy woodworking project for beginners. You can do this project with your kids, bringing this classic game of tic tac toe to real life. See full guide from Her Tool Belt.
30. Bed for Pets
This is one of the most useful beginner woodworking projects to embark on. You can create a comfortable sleeping place for your cat or dog. You would just need to add a pillow after creating it. See full guide by prodical pieces.
31. Wooden Pencil Holder
This is a very easy and quick project that you can do for your kids. You can also use this project in your office, especially if you are a teacher. It can hold pencils and pens. Cherished Bliss has the full guide.
32. Circle Wood Shelf
This project is a bit technical, but it is great for beginners. This shelf would have a unique touch to your wall, and its content would even make it more unique. New Blooming teaches how to make it.
33. Large Wood Sign
If you are looking for simple woodworking projects, you can tackle this simple project. This decorative wooden sign can enhance the look of any space and you can customize it to your taste. See this post at Christina Maria for the full guide.
34. Countertop Wine Rack
This is a modern-looking wine rack that can blend into any kitchen design. You can use it to store wine of any size and height. You can complete the project in just a few steps. See full guide at Lowes’.
35. Wooden Herringbone Coffee Table
Unassembled hairpin legs are no longer difficult to find, and you can get a few pieces to make this coffee table. You can use this coffee table to hold more than coffee, and it enhances the look of any space. Remodelaholic has the full gist.
36. DIY Bicycle Stand
With the right wood and materials, you can create a bike stand from scratch. This project is very useful, as it would help to keep your bike in good shape when you park it. Instructables has the full guide.
37. Modern Plant Hanger
You can take on this project with limited supplies. It is also pretty easy to do. You can use it to hang your favorite plant in your home to beautify your space. See this post from Bigger Than the Three of Us for instructions.
38. Pallet Wine Rack
A pallet wine rack is also on our list of easy woodworking projects. You can make this wine rack with the end section of a pallet. It can serve as both a wine holder and glass holder at the same time. Instructables has the full guide.
39. Mountain Wall Hooks
As one of the easy projects to start with, you can make your own range wall hooks. You can use these hooks to hang your coat, umbrella, and more. It also beautifies the wall. Jamie Costiglio gives you the full guide.
40. Truss End Table
This piece of furniture is inspired by Pottery Barn and you can save a whole lot of money by doing it yourself. You can use this table to study or hold things. See this page at Shanty 2 Chic for the full guide.
41. Modern Outdoor Chair
This is one great project that would be very useful as summer approaches. It is very easy to make and you use it to sit out without your family and friends. See the full guide at Cherished Bliss.
42. Stylish Bar Stools
These are highly stylish and very easy bar stools. You can use these stools outside to receive cool breeze or have a sit at the bar to enjoy a glass of wine. See Rogue Engineer’s full guide.
43. Reclaimed Wood Crate
As a beginner, you can make your own wood crate in a fun, cheap, and easy way. It is a vintage c