49 Amazingly Easy Beginner Wood Projects (Step-by-Step Plans)
Want to start woodworking? This collection of 49 easy wood projects for beginners will have you building stylish and functional pieces in no time!
Woodworking is a great hobby, but knowing where to start can be daunting for beginners with so many tools and techniques to learn. Don’t let that discourage you!
I handpicked this collection of 49 simple woodworking projects because they’re easy for beginners to make using basic skills and just a few common tools. Each project includes step-by-step instructions and detailed diagrams so you can follow along easily.
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1. Birdhouse
I think building a birdhouse is great for beginners because it’s a relatively simple project that helps you learn an essential woodworking skill you’ll need for almost any project: how to build a box. If you can make a box, you can build anything!
While this twist on a traditional birdhouse features a license plate roof, you could easily replace it with wood. The house is easy to make with common tools such as a miter saw, a jigsaw, and a drill. I used a brad nailer to speed up the building process, but you could use a hammer and nails instead.
Related: Brad Nailer vs Pin Nailer (Differences & Which to Use)
If you’re looking for an easy project to get started in woodworking, this DIY birdhouse is the perfect choice! With step-by-step instructions and straightforward diagrams, you’ll be on your way to building a beautiful outdoor art piece in no time. Plus, you’ll get to enjoy the bird-watching benefits year-round!
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Birdhouse
2. Book Rack
This book rack is a super simple project for newbies. You’ll make it by cutting a few boards to length and screwing them together. What could be easier?!
This version was inspired by one I spotted at the local historical society where I volunteer, but many people who’ve seen it tell me it reminds them of one they made in high school shop class!
This project is perfect for anyone looking for a simple, functional way to display their favorite books or magazines. With easy instructions and a few basic tools, you can build this book rack in no time!
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Book Rack
3. Picture Frame
Most picture frames require miters, angled cuts that fit together to create a corner. But the frame won’t come together correctly if you don’t cut the angles precisely.
That’s why this picture frame is great for rookies. It requires only straight cuts – no mitered corners or complicated angles here. I designed this as an 8×10, but you can easily customize the size for your needs.
Get the plan: How to Make an Easy DIY Picture Frame
4. Coasters
Wooden coasters are a great way to get your feet wet in the world of woodworking. You can make them as simple as cutting a 1×4 board, such as oak, maple, or pine, into a square and applying a finish such as polyurethane.
Related: Beginner’s Guide to Wood Sizes
Or you can make them more interesting by using a router and a router bit to create a decorative edge ranging from a simple roundover bit to a more intricate ogee bit.
Related: How to Use a Router Table for Beginners
5. Charcuterie Board
A charcuterie board is a wooden serving tray that displays an assortment of meats and cheeses, popular for entertaining, and they make great gifts too!
If you’re looking for your first woodworking project, this easy charcuterie board is the perfect choice. You’ll start by drawing your shape on the wood, cutting it out with a jigsaw, and then protecting it with a food-safe sealer such as butcher block oil.
6. Earring Holder
If you’re a beginner looking for an easy DIY wood project that’s functional and attractive, this earring holder is perfect!
This project only requires a few common tools and is easy as making two simple frames that fit inside one another. I designed this holder so you can use it vertically or horizontally; either way you choose, you’ll end up with a beautiful decor piece to display your favorite jewelry.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Earring Holder
7. Bird Feeder
If you’re looking for a simple wood project to bring nature to your backyard, this bird feeder is an excellent choice.
Making a bird feeder doesn’t require any special tools or experience – just a few basic supplies like wood and screws.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Bird Feeder
8. Key Holder
Tired of searching for your keys? Inspired by a vintage mail organizer, this key holder is the perfect solution!
Three hooks at the bottom help you organize your keys, while above, you’ll find three shelves great for keeping your small items like wallets, sunglasses, and watches in order.
The best part is you can make it in an afternoon, and it doesn’t require fancy tools or special skills. I cut the holder’s curved detail using a scroll saw, but a jigsaw might work if you don’t have one.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Key Holder
9. Planter Box
Planters are a versatile way to add greenery to your home. You can place them in your yard, patio, deck, or porch and use them to grow flowers, vegetables, or even herbs.
This DIY planter box from Shanty 2 Chic is a simple yet elegant design and an easy project for beginners. It’s made from cedar boards and assembled with pocket holes and screws..
10. Phone Stand
If you’re tired of struggling to hold your phone while following a recipe or watching a video or want it within reach to check notifications, then this easy, functional phone stand is for you!
This project’s parts are easy to cut using a miter saw and assemble using wood glue and nails. I also used a router to add a decorative edge, but that’s totally optional.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Phone Stand
11. Shelf Brackets
My buddy wanted his vacation rental kitchen to be more functional for guests. He liked the look of open shelving, but store-bought shelf brackets are expensive, and many were too big for his small space.
So here’s what I did. I made my own DIY shelf brackets with a few pieces of wood and basic tools! The tutorial includes instructions for making two different-sized brackets and two templates for drawing the curved details.
Get the plan: How to Make DIY Shelf Brackets
12. Step Stool
This DIY step stool was inspired by an antique. It may look complicated, but it’s simple to make with a few common woodworking tools, and the plan includes two patterns taking the guesswork out of drawing the curved details.
It’s perfect for reaching upper kitchen cabinets, or anywhere you need a boost. I donated mine to the historical society where I volunteer so we can access the upper shelves in the museum’s library!
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Step Stool
13. Candle Holder
Candles add a warm and cozy feel to any room. This DIY pillar candle holder is an easy wood project that you can make with just a few basic tools.
This project is as simple as cutting a 4×4 to length and wrapping the top and bottom with molding.
Since these are wood, I recommend flameless LED candles to avoid a potential fire hazard. Plus, you’ll never have to worry about replacing the candles.
14. Tabletop Wine Holder
The advantage of this DIY wine rack is it folds. You can use it year-round or unfold it for parties when you need to display more bottles, then fold it away when the party is over.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Wine Holder
15. Boot Jack
A boot jack is a useful project for anyone who needs help removing tight-fitting shoes or has trouble bending over to remove them.
My friend Andrea’s antique puller inspired this version, and it’s easy to make with a few pieces of wood and a scroll saw or jigsaw.
Plus, the step-by-step plan includes a template for drawing the curved shape!
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Boot Jack
16. Boot Rack
You’ll need a place to store your shoes once you’ve removed them, and this DIY boot rack is the perfect solution. This version is easy to make with only two tools: a miter saw and a drill!
I made a few of these for my buddy’s vacation rentals, and they’re still going strong.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Boot Rack
17. Wood Storage Crate
If you’re looking for an easy wood project that doubles as storage, this simple wood crate is the perfect choice.
This quick video shows how to build two versions of the storage bin, an easy one using a miter saw, and an advanced version using a table saw.
Related: 21 Table Saw Safety Rules (& Mistakes to Avoid)
18. Tiered Spice Rack
This tiered spice rack’s design features subtle curves and three levels of storage space, making it an attractive way to display and organize your spices on a counter or store them in a pantry or cupboard.
Related: How to Make a DIY Jelly Cupboard
To make it, you’ll only need a few basic tools, such as a miter saw and pocket hole jig. I used a scroll saw to cut the curves, but you might be able to use a jigsaw.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Tiered Spice Rack
19. Lap Desk
This lap desk is the perfect accessory for working or learning from home. Its generous size allows room for a laptop, books, or enjoying a snack. My friend’s nephew even uses it to play with his LEGOS!
It’s surprisingly simple to make with just one board and a jigsaw. Whether you use it for work or play, this easy-to-make lap desk will surely come in handy.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Lap Desk
20. Power Tool Stand
If your benchtop tools take up space in your workshop, garage, or shed, this DIY power tool stand is the perfect solution. It is small enough to fit in tight spaces yet sturdy enough to hold your tools.
I’m using mine for an antique saw sharpener at the historical society where I volunteer, but it’s ideal for almost any benchtop tool, such as a scroll saw, lathe, drill press, planer, or table saw.
This tool stand is easy to make with a few 2×4s, a miter saw, and a pocket hole jig. The instructions are clear and easy to follow, even for a beginner woodworker. With a little time and effort, you can have this handy tool stand up and running in no time.
Get the plan: How to Make Power Tool Stand
21. Extension Cord Holder
Extension cords can be a pain to organize. They either become tangled or a tripping hazard. This DIY extension cord holder is a quick and easy way to keep your cords organized and within reach.
You can make it with a piece of plywood and a jigsaw, and the step-by-step instructions include a template for drawing the curved shape.
I’m using mine to store a 100 ft extension cord, but you could also use it to organize your Christmas lights.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Extension Cord Holder
22. Screwdriver Holder
Are you, like me, constantly losing or misplacing your screwdrivers? Do you have a hard time finding the right screwdriver when you need it? If so, keep them organized and within reach with this DIY screwdriver holder!
This three-tier holder is easy to make with a few pieces of wood, a miter saw, a pocket hole jig, and a drill. It holds up to 15 screwdrivers, but you can adjust the size and spacing to accommodate different types or quantities of screwdrivers.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Screwdriver Holder
23. French Cleat
A French cleat is a hanging system that uses two pieces of wood cut at a 45-degree angle. The two pieces interlock, creating a strong and secure connection.
French cleats are often used to hang heavy objects, such as cabinets, mirrors, and artwork. They are also popular for organizing tools and supplies in workshops and garages.
Frequently French cleats are made with a table saw, which can be intimidating for a beginner. But you can also make them using a circular saw instead.
Get the plan: How to Make a French Cleat
24. Drill Holder
Are your drills scattered all over your workshop? Build this DIY drill holder and keep them organized and easy to find.
I use mine to store my corded and cordless drills, impact driver, and hammer drill. It’s easy to make with a few pieces of wood and a few simple cuts.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Drill Holder
25. Simple Bench
Looking to add a touch of rustic charm to your home? This simple wooden DIY bench is an easy afternoon project that anyone can do. It’s made with a few straight cuts and just a few basic tools, so you don’t need to be a master carpenter to get started.
The rustic style and small size make it perfect for nearly any space. Use it indoors in an entryway, in a bedroom, or even as a small coffee table. Or use it outdoors on a deck, patio, or porch.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Bench
26. Coat Rack
Are you tired of your entryway being a cluttered mess? Do you dread digging through a pile of coats to find what you need? This DIY wall-mounted coat rack is the perfect solution for keeping your entryway organized and functional.
The rack features an attractive curved design, plenty of hanging space for coats, scarves, and hats, and a handy storage shelf for your other belongings. The plan includes all of the instructions and a pattern for drawing the curved details.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Coat Rack
27. Bookshelf
Are you looking for a bookshelf that’s both stylish and functional? Look no further than this small DIY bookshelf!
The simple style goes with just about any decor, and the small size makes it a smart choice for any room. Up top, there’s space for a lamp, plant, drink, or your devices. Below, two shelves provide storage space for your books, magazines, or treasured home decor pieces.
You can knock out this quick and easy project in a weekend with a few straight cuts and some common tools.
Get the Plan: How to Make a Small DY Bookshelf
28. Paper Towel Holder
Tired of your paper towels taking up space on your counter, rolling onto the floor, or can’t find the roll when you need it? Then this DIY wall-mounted paper towel holder is the perfect project for you!
This easy-to-make holder has an attractive curved design and a storage shelf for handy access to the items you use most, like napkins, spices, or kitchen gadgets.
It’s simple to make with a few pieces of wood and a few common tools. The free woodworking plans include all the instructions and a pattern to draw the curved detail.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Wall-Mounted Paper Towel Holder
29. Dog Food Stand
If you have a small dog, a senior, or a pup with mobility issues, you know they can sometimes have trouble reaching their food and water bowls. This DIY dog bowl stand is a great way to make your dog’s food and water easier to reach. It is also a fun and unique way to add personality to your dog’s feeding area.
This bone-shaped dog bowl stand is easy to make with a few basic woodworking tools, such as a scroll saw, pocket hole jig, and a drill. The step-by-step plan includes two templates for drawing the bone shape and the rail’s curved detail.
Get the plan: How to Make a Bone-Shaped DIY Dog Bowl Stand
30. Growler Carrier
A growler is a great way to enjoy your local brewery’s beer at home, on a picnic, or camping trip. And a growler carrier is the perfect way to carry two of your favorite brews.
With drain holes in the bottom, this carrier is perfect for storing growlers once you’ve finished your beer. After you wash your growlers, place them in the carrier upside down. The water will drain out, allowing your growlers to dry completely, reducing the risk of mold or bacteria developing.
You can make this simple project with just one board and simple joinery techniques.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Growler Carrier
31. Picnic Table
Summer is a great time to gather with family and friends for outdoor meals. If you don’t have a picnic table, you can build your own with eight boards!
This simple DIY picnic table was inspired by one I fell in love with on a road trip. It’s small, sturdy, and easy to assemble with only two tools: a miter saw and a drill!
Get the plan: How to Make a Small DIY Picnic Table
32. Yard Dice
Are you looking for a fun game to play in your backyard? This DIY yard dice set is perfect! It’s a great way to get people outside and an easy project for beginners.
All you have to do is cut a 4×4 post to length, drill some holes using the included template, apply a finish, and you’re ready to play!
Related: Beginner’s Guide to Wood Sizes
33. Ladder Holder
Are you looking for an easy way to organize your ladders? Then this DIY ladder holder is the perfect solution for you.
It’s made with just a few pieces of 2×4 and some basic tools. It’s super easy to build and a fantastic way to keep your ladders organized and accessible.
Get the plan: How to Make DIY Ladder Storage Hooks
34. Cabinet Doors
Don’t be intimidated by the thought of making cabinet doors! You can easily build these attractive DIY cabinet doors without complicated tools or joinery techniques.
All you need to do is make a frame using pocket holes, add a beadboard panel, and finish it with store-bought molding. The classic look of these do-it-yourself doors is perfect for any kitchen, bathroom, or DIY furniture project.
Get the plan: How to Make DIY Cabinet Doors
35. Easy Desk
My buddy asked me if I could make him a simple desk that he could also use as a table. So, I came up with this design inspired by a library table: a simple desk that you can make in seven steps using only three common tools.
First, you’ll make two large frames with pocket hole joinery, which serve as the desk’s legs. Then, you’ll connect the legs with long boards. Finally, you’ll add a table top, and you’re done!
Get the plan: How to Make an Easy DIY Desk
36. Farmhouse Table Top
I’ve received a lot of messages from do-it-yourselfers asking why their farmhouse tables have cracked. It turns out many of them have breadboard ends that were attached with pocket screws. Breadboard ends are those narrow pieces of wood that run perpendicular to the table top’s boards.
Attaching breadboard ends with pocket screws prevents the table top from moving with seasonal changes, which can cause the table top to crack.
Related: Mistakes with Wood Can Cause Your DIY Furniture to Crack
But don’t worry! I’ve got a solution for you. This DIY farmhouse table top gives you the traditional farmhouse look, but it uses a simple method for attaching the breadboards that reduce the cracking risk.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Farmhouse Table Top
37. Craft Paint Organizer
Are your craft paints jumbled together in a box or drawer? Are you constantly digging through them to find the color you need? If so, this DIY paint organizer is the perfect project for you!
This easy-to-make organizer is the perfect way to keep your craft paints organized and easy to find. It’s small enough to fit on a shelf but also portable, so you can take it wherever you go.
The organizer has space for 48 craft paints, plus a bonus storage area for your paintbrushes. It’s made with a few simple cuts and a few common tools, so you can have it up and running in no time.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Craft Paint Organizer
38. Simple Tool Box
This DIY tool tote, made with upcycled license plates, is a unique way to show off your state pride while keeping your tools organized.
It’s easy to make with a few basic tools, and you can personalize it with your state’s plates or give it a more traditional look by using wood for the sides. Use it to organize your tools, gardening gear, art and craft supplies, or car detailing supplies.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Wooden Tool Tote
39. Wine Rack
This wall-mounted DIY wine rack has storage for five wine or liquor bottles and storage for four wine glasses.
This beginner-friendly project is easy to make with a few pieces of wood, a miter saw, a pocket hole jig, and a drill.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Wall-Mounted Wine Rack
40. Cupcake Stand
This three-tier DIY cupcake stand is the perfect way to display cupcakes at any event. Plus, it folds up to save space, so you can easily store it when you’re not using it.
I used mine to display cookies at the historical society where I volunteer, and guests loved how the stand added height to the tablescape. And the best part is, it’s super easy to make. You just need to assemble two frames with pocket hole joinery and connect them with hinges.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Folding Cupcake Stand
41. Cabinet Organizer
Kitchen cabinets can quickly become disorganized, making it difficult to find what you need. If you are running out of space, a DIY cabinet organizer shelf is a simple and effective way to add extra storage. These shelves are perfect for organizing cans, pasta boxes, dishware, and more.
The organizer is simple to make with a few pieces of wood, a miter saw, and a pocket hole jig. It is easy to install and can be customized to fit your specific needs. I made a handful of these shelves, practically doubling my cabinet’s storage space!
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Cabinet Organizer Shelf
42. Dog Leash Holder
This DIY wall-mounted leash holder is a fun and functional way to organize your dog’s essentials. It is shaped like an adorable bone featuring hooks for leashes and shelves for storing supplies.
This project only requires a few basic tools like a scroll saw and a drill. I also used a router to make a shallow groove in the shelves to store objects without them rolling off, but you can skip this step if you don’t have a router.
Get the plan: How to Make a Bone-Shaped DIY Dog Leash Holder
43. Freestanding Dog Gate
If you have a dog who gets into places they shouldn’t, or you’re training a new puppy, a freestanding DIY dog gate is a great way to keep them safe and contained. This portable pet barrier can be made in three simple steps using a miter saw, drill, and Kreg Jig.
Get the plan: How to Make a Freestanding DIY Dog Gate
44. Photo Hanger
If you’re looking for an alternative to traditional frames for displaying your favorite photos, look no further than this DIY photo hanger. It’s ideal for showcasing various items, from artwork and postcards to pictures of loved ones. Plus, the metal clips make it effortless to switch out images whenever you want to update your decor.
Even if you’re new to DIY projects, this is a fantastic beginner-level project. You can complete it in just half an hour with a single piece of wood and a simple straight cut!
Get the plan: How to Make DIY Photo Hanger
45. Butterfly House
A DIY butterfly house is a fun way to add charm and whimsy to your backyard or flower garden. While you can buy a store-bought version, making your own is easy. All you need is a few pieces of wood and a few common tools, such as a miter saw and a jigsaw.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Butterfly House
46. End Table
This DIY end table is the perfect size to use in any room of your home. On top, there’s plenty of space for a lamp, a drink, or your favorite book, and the enclosed storage area below is excellent for keeping clutter hidden out of sight. Behind the door are two adjustable shelves you can position to fit your needs.
So, whether you need a place to put your remotes next to the couch in the living room, a nightstand in the bedroom, or extra storage in the bathroom, this end table is perfect for you.
And the best part is, it’s super easy to make. You just need a few basic tools and some boards from the home improvement store.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY End Table
47. Wall-Mounted Spice Cabinet
Are you looking for a way to organize your spices and add style to your kitchen? Look no further than this easy-to-make DIY wall-mounted spice cabinet.
This rustic cabinet features a chicken wire door and adjustable stained wood shelves. The cabinet is as simple as building a simple box, and the door is an easy-to-make frame assembled with pocket holes.
With a few basic tools and some wood, you can have this cabinet up and cooking in no time!
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Wall-Mounted Spice Cabinet
48. Workshop Utility Cart
If you’re looking to organize your workshop and make it more functional, build this DIY workshop utility cart. You can use this multi-purpose project as a mobile workbench, assembly table, or portable tool stand.
The cart’s design is simple. All of the parts are cut to length using a miter saw. Then you’ll use pocket hole joinery to connect the components to make four frames and join them together.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Workshop Utility Cart
49. Saw Blade Storage Rack
Tired of searching for your saw blades? Keep them organized and easy to find with this DIY saw blade holder featuring five spaces for round blades and a shelf scroll saw and jigsaw blades. This workshop storage solution is easy to make with a miter saw, a pocket hole jig, and a drill.
Get the plan: How to Make a DIY Saw Blade Storage Rack
Final Thoughts
From furniture to storage solutions and decorative accessories, this collection of 49 easy woodworking projects for beginners is sure to get your creative juices flowing! You can create beautiful pieces that will last for years with a few basic tools and supplies.
Thank you for stopping by. If you enjoyed this tutorial, would you please take a moment and pin it to Pinterest? I’d really appreciate it!
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