5 Beginner Projects You Can Make As A Woodworker

So you’ve decided to get into the woodworking hobby and acquired some tools but don’t know what to build. Even with little-to-no skill you can still make some awesome projects.

For starter projects, stick with simple joinery methods and generally straight lines and 90-degree corners. This is usually known as “shaker” style furniture.

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Here are some easy beginner woodworking projects you can make.

Stool

A stool is something you can make as a beginner as it generally uses straight materials and easy joinery. It may be basic without a rotating bearing plate and no hand carved seat, but is a good starter project as it can be used for practicing methods and techniques without requiring a large financial investment in exotic materials. Various stools are small enough to complete relatively quickly and make for a great gift or use in your personal space.

End Table

An end table is a good starter project for woodworkers looking to slowly expand their skillset with more and more details, joinery techniques, and style. An end table can be as basic as four legs and a table top. It can also be as elaborate as a curved side with drawers, shelfs, and inlays. An end table is good for practicing when trying to develop woodworking skills as you can add or eliminate features easily and as you please. If you don’t know how to make drawers, don’t add a drawer. If you know how to make mortise and tenon joints, use them. The possibilities are vast as you are able to customize the design and techniques based on your experience level.

Box

Joinery

Boxes are a good starter project for practicing corner joinery. With a box containing obvious corners, the joinery used on these corners can be chosen to be as elaborate or as basic as you choose. You could use a simple butt-joint, or an elaborate box joint or dovetail joint.

Trim / Molding

Boxes are also good for practicing different trim and moulding methods. This too gives the opportunity to expand your skillset based on your comfortability level.

Material Usage

Boxes are a good way for a beginner woodworker to determine material qualities and usage without spending lots of money on a large amount of material. Small keepsake boxes require little material amounts and can sometimes be made using scrap pieces of lumber that you can obtain relatively cheap. This also provides for a way that allows you to use multiple species of wood to see how different woods react with machining tools, power tools, and hand tools.

Small Gifts

Boxes make for great gifts! They are small and can usually find a use for each box you make. They can be used as a keepsake item or for a practical storage box. They are small enough to not use up lots of storage space and allow you to complete the project in a short amount of time. A pick project keeps you inspired and decreases the risk of losing inspiration or motivation.

Cutting Board

Cutting boards are on the beginner project list because they slowly introduce you to curves and rounded corners. The type of cutting board projects I consider “beginner” are made from a single, solid piece of wood. Edge-grain glue-up cutting boards are a little more elaborate and difficult and not necessarily a beginner project. However, making a single piece cutting board allows you to draw your own designs that could contain curved handles and corners, and allow you to practice making curves with your saw and sander of choice.

Shelf / Bookcase

Shelves and bookcases are a great option for a beginner woodworker as they use 90-degree corners and straight lines. They are easy to make and most use simply butt-joints. These projects are a good way to move into making larger sized projects while still keeping the simplicity of shaker style furniture.

These projects are a good way for a beginner woodworker to practice the design, planning, milling, jointing, and building of some awesome woodworker projects. Do you have other recommendations? Leave them in the comments below!