Top 7 Easy Wood Projects to Get You Started

These beginner woodworking projects will teach you the basics before you try more advanced jobs

What projects do you do when you’re just starting out as a woodworker?

It can be a lot to figure out, especially when you see crazy elaborate projects posted by others on social media and think, “when can I do stuff like that?”

But picking some easy woodworking projects to start will help hone your skills, and don’t require expensive sets of tools or expansive workshops. Some of these jobs can be really fun for beginners too. Many easy wood projects can be completed in an afternoon, making them perfect for those with limited time. 

So let’s chat about some easy wood projects to get you started in your journey as a woodworker. These projects can be both functional and add style to your home.

Essential Tools and Materials to Get Started

Getting started with woodworking doesn’t require a huge investment in equipment, but having the right tools and materials will make your first project much smoother. Basic hand tools like a hammer, tape measure, and square are must-haves, while power tools such as a drill, circular saw, or sander can help you work more efficiently.

For most beginner woodworking projects, you’ll need materials like plywood or lumber, along with hardware such as nails, screws, and wood glue to hold everything together. As you follow different plans and build your skills, you might add specialized tools like a miter saw or pocket hole jig to your collection. Start with the essentials, and as your confidence grows, you can expand your toolkit and take on more advanced projects.

There are plenty of online resources and tutorials to guide you through choosing the right tools and materials for any project you want to build.

Spalted Maple Charcuterie Boards

Image courtesy of Wesley S. from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group.

When you want a great beginner project, consider making charcuterie boards like the ones Wesley made from some spalted maple he had lying around. You can use a Woodland Mills portable sawmill like the HM126 to cut a log into boards, then finish it using sandpaper and a finish like varnish or linseed oil.

If you're feeling like adding extra touches you could add or cut out handles to make it easier to carry.

Cookie Coasters

Image courtesy of Karlos A. from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group.

It's super simple to cut branches into cookies to use for coasters or decorations. Set up a jig on your portable sawmill to secure the branch to your track, and you can easily mill up hundreds of cookies in an hour.

What do you do with them? If you have a laser etching machine or wood burning kit you can burn messages or logos into them and sell them at crafts markets, or take commissions for customers' designs. There's lots of DIY ideas you can do with a bin full of cookies.

Garden Baskets

Image courtesy of Jessica L. from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group.

Jessica's easy-to-make wooden garden basked is made from rough-cut cherry and some spare rope, an easy project that doesn't require expensive power tools. If you have a big gardening community in your area you can try selling these at craft markets or on Facebook Marketplace.

Rough-Cut Sawhorses

Image courtesy of Phil M. from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group.

Need sawhorses for building larger projects? Why go to the hardware store and buy them when you can make your own! These simple plans made by Phil show how you can make easy sawhorses using unfinished lumber give you a chance to practice your craftsmanship and how to create secure, stable structures. It's a great first project because now you have some tools to build even bigger projects.

Live-Edge Benches

Image courtesy of Luxury Logs from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group.

Live-edge benches and tables can bring out the beauty of your lumber, and these can be great projects that showcase your abilities to finish lumber and make it stand out. A lot of hardware stores sell hardware for bench or table legs that you just need to install on the finished slab, so you don't have to fret about building the legs yourself. This can be a handy way to build easy indoor furniture and show off some of the great logs you've milled on your sawmill.

Epoxy-Resin Tables

Image courtesy of Julie-Dennise H. from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group.

Once you've got some experience finishing live-edge slabs the next step is to do an epoxy-resin project. It's very easy and a lot of stores sell epoxy kits that have everything you need to get started. Julie-Dennise showed off how she made an epoxy-resin table for her grandson, using clear resin and placing items like marbles and other decorations inside the crevices. It's an impressive look and there's plenty of inventive ideas you can do once you're experienced with epoxy.

Adirondack Chairs

Image courtesy of Wolfgang's Wood Works from the Woodland Mills Product Owners and Community Facebook group.

Now let's test your skills. Adirondack chairs like this walnut one may seem intimidating, but there's a reason why so many woodworkers make them. There are lots of different plans for them online and they can become a centerpiece for your outdoor furniture. Once you're able to make something like this, you'll have broadened your horizons and be able to tackle so much more.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When starting out with woodworking, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can slow your progress or affect the quality of your projects. One frequent error is choosing a project that’s too complex for your current skill level. Stick with easy woodworking projects at first to build your confidence.

Skipping the planning stage or not following detailed plans can lead to wasted materials and frustration, so always take time to measure and double-check your steps before you cut or assemble. Another pitfall is neglecting tool maintenance. Keping your blades sharp and your power tools in good working order will make your work safer and more precise.

Don’t rush through sanding or finishing, as these steps can make a big difference in the final look of your project. Finally, remember to use the right type of wood and hardware for your specific project, using the wrong materials can lead to weak joints or a less durable result. By being mindful of these common mistakes, you’ll set yourself up for success and enjoy the process of learning and creating.

Tips for Beginner Woodworking Projects

If you're just starting out then here are some great ideas to get a step closer to master woodworking.

• • Make projects that make use of the wood you have. If you have scrap pieces lying around, try making small items like candle holders.

  • Practice makes perfect. If you try something and it doesn't work, take a break and try again with the benefit of experience under your belt.

  • Enhance your projects by using high quality finishes like varnishes or paints. If something doesn't turn out the way you want, use that to make the next version even better.

  • Once you feel confident in your abilities use your own website or social media platforms like Facebook Marketplace to do commissions and make money from your woodworking.

  • Remember the universal rule of building: measure twice, cut once!

Conclusion: Get Out There and Start Woodworking

Starting your woodworking journey with easy woodworking projects is a great way to build skills, gain confidence, and have fun creating something with your own hands. Whether you’re making a small tray, a set of coasters, or your first piece of outdoor furniture, each project brings you a step closer to mastering the craft.

With the right tools, plans, and a focus on safety, you’ll find that woodworking is both accessible and rewarding for beginners. If you’re ready to take your projects to the next level, explore the range of equipment and resources available from Woodland Mills to help you build, create, and get inspired for your next great project. Happy woodworking!