25 Best DIY Woodworking Projects for Beginners

There’s something so satisfying about creating something out of nothing. That’s why we think woodworking is one of the greatest hobbies out there. You can create your very own functional pieces and add your own flare to it, feeling accomplished and proud every time you lay your eyes on your project. Plus, it’s a great way to stay under budget when decorating your home or giving beautiful gifts. In the long run, the price of lumber and tools is far less than the price of buying a piece new that would be simple to build at home.

Woodworking can be intimidating, but you don’t have to start big with something like an entertainment center. Start small and, once you feel comfortable, work your way up. There are so many great tutorials perfect for beginner woodworkers, and these are some of our favorites!

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Sofa Sleeve

A Beautiful Mess

If you live in a small or minimal space, it may not be practical to add end tables or TV trays everywhere in your space. Sofa sleeves can save the day. Sofa sleeves make it easy to lounge on the couch with a hot cup of tea. This tutorial will show you everything you need to make your own sleeve to fit your sofa.

Wooden Sofa Sleeve With Cup Holder from A Beautiful Mess
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Wooden Wine Rack

Caylin Harris

There’s nothing like a simple, chic wine rack to liven up your space. Or, if you’re not into wine, these elegant DIYs make excellent gifts. All you need is a few basic supplies and a little elbow grease to get started.

Simple DIY Wine Rack from The Spruce
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DIY Beer Caddy

DIY Candy

Are you more of a beer person? This is the perfect beginner woodworking project for you. Just like the DIY wine racks, these wooden beer caddies are great for gifting. They even come complete with a handy bottle opener!

Wooden Beer Caddy from DIY Candy
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Wooden Arrow Tutorial

Cherished Bliss

By no means does wall decor need to be complex to look beautiful. These DIY wooden arrows prove it. Hung above the bed, next to the front door, in the bathroom—this DIY will look good anywhere.

DIY Wooden Arrow Tutorial from Cherished Bliss

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Wooden Doormat

The Merry Thought

Home is where the heart is, so you may as well make its entrance look good. You can do just that by following this tutorial to make your very own wooden doormat, a great way to dry off wet shoes without getting a soggy mat. Stylish, functional and budget-friendly? Sign us up!

DIY Wood Doormat from The Merry Thought
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DIY Bathtub Tray

Love and Renovations

As many of you know, bathtime isn’t just for getting clean. Add a good book, a glass of wine, and your favorite candle and you’re set for a relaxing evening of self-care. It’s hard to accomplish all of this without a handy bathtub tray. That’s where this tutorial and your woodworking skills come in.

DIY Bathtub Tray from Love and Renovations
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Serving Tray

Fox Hollow Cottage

Make breakfast in bed even better with a customized DIY wooden serving tray. Follow the steps listed in this tutorial to create your one-of-a-kind piece.

Simple Serving Tray from Fox Hollow Cottage
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Decorative Earring Holder

Houseful of Handmade

Instead of splurging on fancy wall art, display your beautiful jewelry to add a pop of color and elegance to your bedroom. Make things easy by creating this beautiful wooden stand to show off your stylish earrings, even when you’re not wearing them.

Easy DIY Earring Stand from Houseful of Handmade

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DIY Lawn Dice

Lauren Murphy

When the clouds clear, it’s time to bring the entertainment outdoors. Summertime barbecues and family gatherings are made even better with these adorable and fun-for-all lawn dice.

DIY Lawn Dice from The Spruce
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Cute Wooden Key Holder

Sawdust Sisters

Let’s face it, we all lose our keys at one point or another. It’s time to put an end to the frantic searching with some DIY! Use beginner woodworking skills to create this wooden key and mail holder to hang in your entryway for a handy (and adorable) key storage solution.

Farmhouse Style Shiplap Wall Key Holder from Sawdust Sisters
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DIY Candle Holder

DIY Huntress

Wood pallets can be used to create so many DIY projects, including this pretty tea light holder. This DIY woodworking project is so simple, you only need one power tool to get the job done.

DIY Pallet Wood Candle Holder from DIY Huntress
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Basic Cutting Board

Lauren Murphy

There are many complex cutting boards and cheese boards on the market these days, but you can make your own with simple woodworking. A quality cutting board doesn’t need to be intricately designed—follow this tutorial to see how it’s done.

DIY Cutting Board from The Spruce

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Lap Desk DIY

The House of Wood

Working or studying in bed is a dream come true, but it can be difficult without a lap desk. Never fear! You can make one using only one wooden board.

Folding Lap Desk From One Board from The House of Wood
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DIY Mid Century Nightstand

Burkatron

Add flair to your space with classy mid-century furniture. It may look complex, but most mid-century furniture is an easy DIY away. Take this nightstand for example.

DIY Mid Century Nightstand from Burkatron
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Wooden Photo Holders

Passion Shake

Display your favorite photos with these creative DIY wooden photo holders. They’re small and simple but pack a mighty design punch. Not to mention, they’re a lot less expensive than buying fancy frames.

DIY Wooden Picture Holders from Passion Shake
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Wooden Tic Tac Toe

The Tool Belt

This DIY will be a hit with the kids, allowing you to take the classic game of tic tac toe to new (and bigger) levels.

Oversized Tic Tac Toe Game from The Tool Belt

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DIY Pet Bed

Prodigal Pieces

If you have a furry friend, you know how important their comfort is. You can make sure they are comfy and cozy in their own customized wooden bed complete with fluffy pillows to ensure a great night’s sleep.

Pet Bed DIY from Prodigal Pieces
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Pencil Holder

Cherished Bliss

If you have an electric drill, this DIY will be easy. Simply drill a number of holes into a piece of wood to create a unique pencil holder. Not only is this craft full of style, but it also serves as a constant and helpful reminder to stay on task.

DIY Wooden Pencil Holder from Cherished Bliss
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Beautiful Wood Sign

Christina’s Adventures

Decorative wooden signs add charm to any space, but don’t knock them because of the high price tag. Say “no” to manufactured wooden signs and make your own. The process is easier than you think!

DIY Large Wood Sign Tutorial from Christina’s Adventures
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Modern Coffee Table

Remodelaholic

Thanks to many furniture retailers, unassembled hairpin legs are easy to come by. It’s a good thing, too, because most modern furniture utilizes them. Buying them unassembled makes DIY projects like this herringbone wooden coffee table an easy feat.

DIY Wood Herringbone Coffee Table With Hairpin Legs from Remodelaholic

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Wooden Address Planter

Shanty2Chic

Your woodworking skills will be the first thing your guests see as they visit your home if you create this DIY address number hanging. A nice plant adds a multimedia touch that makes this project look impressive without requiring expert DIY skills.

DIY Address Number Wall Planter from Shanty2Chic
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DIY Plant Hanger

Bigger Than The Three Of Us

Implementing plants into your home gives the space life and a calming vibe. Add plants to your home in style while showing off your woodworking skills with a cool DIY plant hanger like this one.

Mid-Century Inspired DIY Plant Hanger from Bigger Than The Three Of Us
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Mountain Wall Hooks

Ana White

Having trouble expressing your love for nature? That’s a quick fix. Install these wooden mountain wall hooks to enjoy nature in the comforts of your own home.

Mountain Wall Hooks from Ana White
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DIY Lawn Chair

Cherished Bliss

You can never have enough lawn chairs, especially when they look as good as these do. Find the plans you need to make your own outdoor chair, aside from the materials, in this easy-to-follow tutorial. A quick trip to the hardware store will take care of the rest.

DIY Modern Outdoor Chair Free Plans from Cherished Bliss