There are SO dang many options of beginner woodworking projects I can’t possibly name them all, just like you can’t possibly build them all!
NOTE – To see my complete list of projects hosted right here on this website, check out Wood Projects here.
But for this page, I’ve narrowed down 11 of the most popular, easy, fun, and practical beginner woodworking projects that just about anyone can do, no matter your skill level. I’ve got you covered!
And when I say easy projects, I mean really basic and requiring no special training or years of experience. However, you may see a technique or a method being used in these projects below that you are unfamiliar with.
Part of becoming a good woodworker is being RESOURCEFUL! That means: figure things out. Identify what your problem is, determine what question you should be asking, then google it or youtube it. That’s it!
I’ve learned more about woodworking by searching topics online than anywhere else (I would place that right above binge watching Norm Abram episodes.)
But for the most part, you’ll find these projects are probably just what you’re looking for. If nothing else, for some inspiration to think up new and different project ideas.
1. Beginner Project – Hanging Wall Planter
Wall planters are great for getting your greens up off the ground, which keeps your vegetation away from bugs, critters, etc..
Plus, it adds some really nice decoration to an otherwise boring, unused exterior wall. Notice the brick wall in the video. It looks so much better now with the planter, right?
This particular project uses plywood, glue, nails, and paint. He cuts the pieces with a table saw and a miter saw, however, you could also accomplish the same cuts using a circular saw, jig saw, and even hand saws.
Note – if you’re really into outdoor DIY projects here’s another site you may like.
2. Miter Sled for your Table Saw
Here’s a great, beginner-friendly table saw sled, made with basic material.
(Click Here to see it)
Build yourself one of these and you’ll be able to churn out picture frames like it’s your job!
Welcome to the world of sleds and jigs!
3. Wood Project – Rustic Wall Art Panel
If you like decorating your home with rustic looking wood, this is a great beginner wood project for you.
This is a short video, but very well made and contains plenty of detail to complete this project on your own, without question.
She really does this in a typical DIY fashion, which is great. But many woodworkers don’t need Home Depot to cut the boards for you. So use this video for some inspiration, and chances are you could build something like this with your own tools, using material you already have in the shop.
What I love about this project is that it really is super simple, but it looks amazing. It goes to show that you don’t need a lot of time, money, or skill to create beautiful rustic-looking decorations for your home!
4. Bluebird Bird House
Birdhouses are great beginner woodworking projects for just about anyone. They are not complicated to build, they look good out in the yard, and they bring in pretty birds to your property.
Why would you want to attract birds?
Depending on the type of birds you get, you’ll be able to hear some songs, watch them build their home and raise a family, which can be very relaxing and peaceful. Plus, they can help with insect control on your property.
So this beginner birdhouse project may not look like much, but it’s very practical, and also would make for a great gift.
5. Easy X-Style Side Tables
Here are some really simple heavy-duty side tables built completely from dimensional 2×4 boards you can get from any home store.
These were built quickly, and they look great, especially with the X-style on the sides. The lower shelf adds to the weight and sturdiness, as well as the basic style.
The design can be easily modified and changed to fit where you need them. So don’t just blindly follow these dimensions. Use this project for inspiration on how to build this type of furniture, and add a bit of your own creativity to it as well as you own needed dimensions.
Also, in the video, she uses a lot of nails. I do not prefer to do that, so I would do some different types of joinery that I’m more comfortable with. But her way works too, just do what you want. It’s all a learning process to find out what works, what you like the best, and what looks the best.
6. Shoe Storage Bench
Here’s a beginner woodworker building a bench that doubles as shoe storage. He’s using basic material (pine and plywood), and really basic joinery techniques.
I like the idea of this project for sure, but I would’ve done things very differently. But ultimately in the end, it does look really good and I think a lot of people love projects like this.
He uses a lot of screws, and as you’ll see he doesn’t even do that part really well. But what you’ll find out is that even if you do things in this fashion, as long as you structure the project for strength and good support, then sand it and put a decent looking finish on it, you can make anything look awesome.
If you build plywood projects you don’t want to leave the plywood sides exposed, you can cover them easily with veneer edge banding. Learn the 7 steps to edge banding plywood here.
7. Kitchen Drawer Organizer
Here’s a great beginner woodworking project that is extremely practical.
You’ll be cutting notches from 1/4″ plywood, and a few curves which can be done with a jig saw if you don’t have a band saw yet.
I’ve got a complete tutorial on this project including pictures and tips for the entire process.
Check out How To Build A Silverware Drawer Organizer.
8. Wall Decorations – Arrows
Here’s a fun and basic DIY project that can be done with any type of wood. This guy did it with pallet wood, which is a great way to keep costs way down for your projects.
Just keep in mind, pallet wood is not the best wood to bring indoors, as it may have chemicals in it that get released into the air.
But either way, this project turned out looking really good, and this is exactly the kind of stuff my wife loves! I haven’t made this yet, but I will probably be doing it very soon, or at least something similar.
This is a great way to fill in space on a wall with some rustic-looking decorations, or it also makes for a great gift.
9. Wooden Vase Project
This turns out to be an absolutely beautiful vase. This guy clearly has done this a time or two.
He glues up an alternating wood color panel, which is a common woodworking method. It creates a nice, contrasting design that really stands out.
He even cuts the final panels at an angle to give it some artistic flair in the end. It’s really cool.
And pay attention to his method of gluing up miter joints towards the end. He uses no clamps, and it’s a very handy and quick method. Just be sure to use plenty of glue when doing this. You’ll possibly have gaps in the miters and the glue helps to fill that in.
10. Beginner Woodworking Project – Wine Rack
So this project makes good use of the table saw for ripping, crosscutting, and resawing. It also calls for the band saw for quickly cutting the slots in the wood.
Again, like any other project, there are multiple ways to achieve the same results. So you can make this project work for you with whatever tools you have available.
This is a nice project and makes for a fantastic gift. I personally have no use for a wine rack, as my wife and I only drink beer. But in my family, I have plenty of winos, winies, wineyards, or whatever you call people who drink wine! So I may build this one day as a Christmas gift.
11. Wooden Picture Frame
Here’s a project I did, read the complete guide here.
So this is a basic wooden picture frame made from oak, and I used standard miter joints with pocket screws and glue.
This is done in a way that beginners can duplicate easily, so not difficult or tricky methods, just plain old ripping boards, 45-degree miters, and a great introductory to cutting rabbets.
To see my complete list of projects hosted right here on this website, check out Wood Projects here.
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