52 Easiest Woodworking Projects For Beginners

When I first started woodworking, I had a sawzall, a palm sander, a miter saw (if I’m feeling fancy) and some random hand-tools someone gave me as a house-warming present. I literally couldn’t do complex woodworking if I wanted to.

I am fortunate for those humble beginnings. It really forced me to learn the basics of woodworking by finding the simplest projects I could think of.

It also taught me the value of simple design and I can honestly attribute my minimalist style to those “poor man’s” projects.

To pay homage to those character-building years, I have compiled a list of 52 of the easiest woodworking projects for beginners.

1. Simple Pallet Shelf

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The best projects are those that can be completed quickly, but still look incredible and have people asking “where did you buy that?!” 

This easy woodworking project is easier and quicker than you think to make. It covers the woodworking basics and costs virtually nothing if you have a pallet and a circular saw laying around. 

2. Makers Kit Wood Craft

3. Wooden Sofa Sleeve Cup Holder

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This is one of those, “why didn’t I think of that”, kinds of projects. Literally, if you can put three pieces of reclaimed wood together and cut a hole in it, you can make this wooden sofa sleeve cup holder.

Seriously, why didn’t I think of that…

4. Rustic Candle Holder

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This is an awesome rustic candle holder that brings a little southern charm into any home.

The use of the horseshoe for the legs just pushes it over the top. It’s just so creative!

5. Address Number Wall Planter Box

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This address number wall planter box is simply blooming with style, and is sure to add a boost to your curb appeal.

6. Wooden iPad Dock

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I am always amazed by the things people come up with using one simple piece of wood.

I just love the idea of being given one small piece of wood with the instructions “make something”. It’s a real challenge, but some of my favorite creations are made up of one small piece of wood.

So if you want a challenge, just imagine me handing you a small piece of wood and saying, “make something”.

Click here to learn about the best router for woodworking.

7. Tiny Wooden USB Drive

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Generally, the smaller the piece, the more difficult it is to work with. The USB drive woodworking project, however, is rather simple.

It will take patience and a steady hand, but I have the utmost confidence in your ability.

8. Floating Wine Bottle Holder

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I’ll admit I love magic. David Blaine is my favorite for sure. However, optical illusions have always vexed me. Seriously, they make me feel so dumb, and I hate feeling dumb (I assume I am not alone).

Honestly, I still have no idea how this floating wine bottle holder works, and I guess we’ll have to try it out to learn its secrets.

I just have one question for the creator of this headache-inducing wizardry…

Why isn’t it falling over?!?!

9. Simple Boxes

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Simple boxes are the perfect place to start for the woodworking beginner.

Building boxes will educate you in the basic forms and engineering, and give you the basic tools to take on more complex projects.

10. Wooden Arrow Wall Art

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This project will neither break the bank, or stress your mind.

11. Easy Wooden Bird House

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Any Boy Scouts out there? If not, I’d say a great majority of us have built a bird house. I can’t think of a better DIY woodworking project to share with the kids.

This project is an easy way to have fun, and share a unique experience with our kids.

12. Wood Plank Wine Rack

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Have an extra plank of wood lying around? A wood plank wine rack is the perfect solution.

Displaying wine bottles has become a kind of art of its own. My favorite ideas are the ones that seem too easy.

Sometimes it can be more difficult to think “simple” rather than over complicate our projects. This world is complicated enough I think.

13. Simple X Table

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Want to accomplish your summer DIY project over the weekend? The “X” table is the perfect place to start.

14. Wooden Door Mat

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I’ve seen plenty of doormats with funny sayings and clever ways of expressing “welcome”.

This wooden doormat is unique and a great way of welcoming visitors into your home.

15. DIY Lazy Susan

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I wonder who this “Susan” lady is, and how she got the reputation for being so lazy. The truth is, many inventions stem from our constant ambition to make things easier.

The Lazy Susan has been around for a long time and you can make a simple version from scratch.

We all thank you Susan. You’re laziness lives on in all of us.

16. Baseball Coat Rack

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Perfect for the kids room, this baseball coat rack are not only easy, but creative. They’re so easy all you need is a hand tool.

 

Click here

17. Unique Hanging Basket Frame

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We all know you can just hang your baskets above your porch. But, who wants to do what everyone else does? I sure don’t.

This hanging basket frame will give your porch a warm and inviting feel.

18. DIY Jelly Bean Dispenser

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This craft brings back a classic in this DIY wooden candy dispenser. The original uses jelly beans, but honestly, any candy that is similarly sized will work (I’d use Skittles, or Reese’s Pieces).

I had one of these growing up and it’s always something I will remember from my childhood. Make your own, and maybe you can create memories that will last a lifetime.

19. Scrap Wood Candle Holder

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This salvaged wood candle holder is so simple I’m not sure it doesn’t make itself.

I suggest staining each layer of wood with a different finish before assembling to further customize and make this project your own.

20. Wooden Bookends

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The best, and some of the coolest, projects are those that don’t require accurate measurements and precise techniques. The rustic bookends fit the bill.

It’s hard to believe something so simple comes from one piece of wood!

21. Primitive Wooden Spoons

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This craft is a different kind of simple.​ It presents the art of primitive woodworking with these wooded utensils made with just a few simple (non-power) tools,

Woodworking without power tools is definitely a challenge. There is just such an intimate knowledge you develop after working with wood in this discipline.

Although this isn’t the “easiest” woodworking project, I believe its important to understand the origins of woodworking. If nothing else, it will help you appreciate how far technology has come.

22. DIY Hanging Planter

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I have always been a fan of mid-century architecture and design. So, when I saw this mid-century inspired hanging planter, I knew I had to add it to the list.

23. Metal Pipe Table

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I’ve been noticing the use of iron pipes and connections lately for woodworking and furniture projects.

The mixture of simple design and industrial materials is perfect for the modern professional.

24. Office Supply Tray

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Here we have a woodworking project that takes some patience. You will have to make plenty of cuts, and of course, measure twice before each of them. The end result will certainly be worth it.

For the ultra-organized, this DIY shows us where everything needs to go, and gives us the plans to build it.

25. DIY Bottle Vase

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Hopefully you are a visual kind of learner… This post comes from our Bavarian friends at and all of the instructions are in German.

However, to satisfy those who prefer books with pictures, there is plenty of visual instruction to guide our path.

26. Side Table For Under $20

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Another project that might challenge the beginner, this is an intermediate-level project for the beginner woodworker looking to expand their abilities.

Even better, this project comes well under $20.00, which is definitely cheaper than what you would pay for a side table as cool as this.

27. Simple Napkin Holder

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Perfect for keeping the napkins on the table during your outdoor picnic, this little napkin holder is a treat of simplicity.

This project represents exactly what this post is all about. Easy, simple, minimalist, and functional, this is why I fell in love with woodworking.

28. Cutting Board and Serving Tray

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This is perfect for preparing and showcasing your culinary creations!

This cutting board and serving tray is the definition of easy! A great choice for any beginning woodworker that doesn’t know where to start. All you need is a table saw, sandpaper, and untreated hardwood! If you want to make this cutting board and serving tray food-safe, you want to be sure to use mineral oil that is food grade.

29. Repurposed Picket Picture Frame

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With just a saw and a small drill you can turn old fencing into picket-styled picture frames!

Finish off the frames by hot-gluing clothespins or bulldog clips to hang your prints.

30. DIY Mail Organizer

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This DIY mail organizer is the perfect beginner woodworking project! The original maker used power tools to create this project but if you’re brand new to woodworking and are uncomfortable with using power tools, good news! This project is great for the novice woodworker since it can be made with hand tools, no power tools needed!

31. Vintage Step Stool

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This step stool require a little more work in comparison to other projects on this list but it’s definitely worth it!

All you need is some scrap wood, nails, and wood glue!

32. Jewelery Holder

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This is a very simple project! With scrap wood and a few other materials you can create a great piece that will organzie and display your jewelery at the same time!

This also makes a great gift!

33. Entryway Shelf with Hooks

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This is by far one of the easiest beginner woodworking projects on this list, and it looks amazing!

34. Feeding Station

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This feeding station can be put togehter in under an hour! You can customize and style it to fit your space with paint, stain, etc. Add your dogs name or images of their favorite toys. The possibilities with this wood project are endless!

35. Beer Caddy

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Are you more of a beer person?

This beer caddy is really easy to make and it’s a great project for yourself. You could even use pallet wood to make this. But, just like the wine rack, it’s also a great gift!

36. 3 Kitchen Organization Projects

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Are you looking for ways to keep your kitchen more organized?

If so, these beginner woodworking projects are perfect for you! They’re very easy to make and don’t require many tools and some wood glue.

37. Simple Side Table

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Believe it or not, beginner woodworking projects can involve furniture! You don’t have to be an expert to make furniture, it is possible to make furniture even if you’re a beginner!

You can make this simple side table with a wood slab and hairpin legs!

38. Wood Round Headboard

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This headboard would make a great statement piece, it really sets the tone for the entire room!

It’s really easy to make the project, and allows you to grow your woodworking skills. All you need is wood rounds, 4×8′ sheet of plywood, Four 8 foot 2×4″s, and clear poly!

39. Bathtub Shelf

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Are you someone who likes to read or watch movies when you take a bath? If so, you might know that this can be hard because you have limited options to place things. You can create a safe place to put books, electronics, food, and drinks with a bathtub shelf!

40. Simple Shoe Rack

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If you share a house with several people, you know that shoes are always an issue. They’re thrown everywhere, they get mixed up with other people’s shoes, and you might even lose one! A shoe rack will solve all of this, it keeps everything organized!

41. Coat Rack

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Making a coat rack has never been easier! All you need is lumber and a few woodworking tools. It may look plain but it is so useful! You can hang coats, bags, scarves, mittens, hats, etc. Be sure to add your own flare to it with stain or paint.

42. Magazine Holder

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Having magazines strewn across the house is vever fun. Keep things tidy with this gorgeous magazine holder! All you need is two rectangular wood planks of equal size, a ruler, laser wood saw, and a pencil.

43. Triangle Shelves

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Let’s be honest, normal shelves can get boring. These triangle shelves are easy to make, they only take about 10 minutes to complete and will add a modern feel to your home!

44. Simple Stacked Plywood Bench

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This simple woodworking project comes out looking professionally made! You can pair it with hairpin legs for a modern look or u-shaped legs for a more industrial look.

45. Decorative Earring Holder

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Instead of purchasing an expensive piece of wall art that will just sit on your wall, make this decorative earring holder that can organize your earrings and be a decorative piece. It would also be a very thoughtful gift!

46. Lawn Dice

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This is a DIY project the whole family will love! Lawn dice are super easy to make and are great for families who love yard games. You can easily bring these to family vacations, the beach, parties, camping, etc.

47. Lap Desk

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Working or studying from the couch or your bed is a dream come true. However, it can be awkward and uncomfortable. This is where lap desks come into play, lap desks make working in these areas so much better.

48. Mid-century Nightstand

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Just like the side table listed previously, this mid-century nightstand is very easy to make. It may look complicated but I promise you it isn’t, it’s one of the easier beginner woodworking projects on this list. All you need is a plywood sheet, hairpin legs, wood glue, nails, and a screwdriver. It’s a great way to add modern flair to your space!

49. Wooden Photo Holders

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Display your favorite pictures with these wooden photo holders! They’re a lot cheaper to make than buying expensive picture frames and you can customize them to fit your needs!

50. Pencil Holder

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If you have an electric drill lying around you can make this pencil holder in a few minutes. You can customize it to fit the writing utensils you use most and add inspirational words or quotes to motivate you while you get your work done! If you’re looking for a gift, this would be perfect for teachers!

51. Moutain Wall Hooks

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Do you love nature decor? If so, this is the perfect project for you! This beginner project will add a rustic touch to any room. All you need to make this is a small piece of scrap wood and hooks.

52. Modern Bookshelf

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Create this modern bookshelf in 5 simple steps! It looks amazing and takes no time to make. It can be used as a display shelf for your favorite knick-knacks or books!

Are you looking for more DIY wood projects, free woodworking plans, or other resources? Check out some of the other articles I have written:

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