Whether you are a brand new woodworker or have been crafting pieces for years, it’s always fun to try something easy. With that in mind, we have gathered a list of easy woodworking projects for you to try on your next weekend or evening off. The best part is that all of these can be completed in half a day or less!

The DIY Joint in NJ is proud to offer a variety of classes and workshops to makers of all skill levels. You can look forward to sessions that are guided by craftspeople in various trades, which means that you’ll benefit from their expertise. If you are interested in learning more about the different tools and techniques of woodworking in a comfortable environment, then contact our Top Rated Local® shop today.

1. Simple Wall Shelf – 1 hour (approximate)

Materials:

  • One pallet
  • Sandpaper
  • ⅛” drill bit
  • Paint
  • Stain
  • 1 ⅝” wood screw

Tools:

  • Drill
  • Sawzall/reciprocating saw
  • Handsaw
  • Orbital sander
  • Paintbrush

2. Porch Table – 2 hours (approximate)

Materials:

  • Lumber
  • Stain or paint
  • Screws
  • Sandpaper

Tools:

  • Any saw capable of cutting lumber
  • Drill bit

3. Sofa Sleeve and Cup Holder – 1 hour (approximate)

Materials:

  • Wood board
  • Plywood
  • Wood glue
  • Wood stain
  • Sandpaper
  • Steel wool
  • Polyurethane

Tools:

  • Clamps (8”)
  • Hole saw
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil
  • Power drill

4. Candle Holder – 1 hour (approximate)

Materials:

  • Rough sawn wood or scrap wood
  • Horseshoes
  • Hammer
  • Nails
  • Protective finish

Tools:

  • Saw
  • Drill

5. Wooden Media Box – 2 hours (approximate)

Materials:

  • 3 pieces of wood
  • Sanding block
  • Wood glue
  • Clear spray finish

Tools:

  • Two clamps
  • Saw

6. Address Number Wall Planter – 1 hour (approximate)

Materials:

  • Cedar fence picket
  • Cedar board
  • Metal address numbers
  • Plants
  • Wood stain

Tools:

  • Drill
  • Electric sander

7. Cookbook Stand or Tablet Holder – 3 to 4 hours (approximate)

Materials:

  • Wood (⅞” thick)
  • Eye protection
  • Measuring tape
  • Combo square
  • Wood glue
  • 1 ¼” self-boring wood screws
  • Wood finish
  • Natural bristle brush or lint-free cloth
  • Drill bit and driver bit with countersink

Tools:

  • Mitre saw
  • 2 bar clamps
  • Orbital palm sander
  • Drill

8. Bird Feeder – less than 20 minutes (approximate)

Materials:

  • Cedar board
  • Wood glue
  • Wood screws (1 ¼”)
  • Rope
  • Birdseed

Tools:

  • Mitre saw
  • Drill

9. Tree Swing – 30 minutes (approximate)

Materials:

  • 5 wood planks (1” x .75”)
  • 14 wood beads (1”)
  • 20 feet braided nylon rope (⅜”)
  • Sandpaper
  • 2 metal rings
  • Hanging apparatus
  • Polyurethane sealer (optional)

Tools:

  • Drill
  • Drill bit

10. Wine Rack – 20 minutes (approximate)

Materials:

  • Cedar
  • Sandpaper
  • Tape measure
  • Pencil

Tools:

  • Drill press with Forstner bit (1.25”)
  • Drill should be able to do angled cuts

These 10 projects that we’ve highlighted should be easy enough for any beginner to feel comfortable with. If you prefer to have an experienced woodworker oversee your project, then be sure to contact The DIY Joint in NJ to learn more about our woodworking and DIY classes, as well as our shared workspace and pro-grade tools and equipment. We love creating beautiful objects from wood, and we would love to help you discover the fun for yourself! Contact us today to sign up for woodworking classes at our Top Rated Local® shop.