Starting a DIY woodworking business from home is one of the most rewarding ways to turn creativity into income. Whether you’re just learning the ropes or looking to grow your small shop, the key to success lies in choosing woodworking projects that are simple to make, quick to sell, and easy to scale.
Success in woodworking isn’t just about perfect cuts—it’s about creating pieces people love, value, and want to bring into their homes.
Let’s explore 10 beginner-friendly woodworking projects that not only help you practice your craft but also have strong market demand and great profit potential.
Why Choose Easy Projects When Starting Out
When launching your DIY woodworking business, your first goal should be to build confidence, efficiency, and a reliable source of income. Complex furniture might look impressive, but it can eat up time and materials. Easy, sellable projects—on the other hand—let you refine your skills, create faster, and reach customers sooner.
By focusing on small, profitable woodworking projects, you can reinvest earnings, upgrade your tools, and scale your home woodworking business into something sustainable.
1. Rustic Floating Shelves
Minimal Materials, Maximum Demand
Floating shelves are incredibly popular for home décor enthusiasts. They’re simple to make from common wood like pine or cedar and easy to customize with stains or paint. Their clean, rustic design fits any interior style.
Perfect for: Beginners who want a quick project that can sell locally or online.
Pro Tip: Offer different sizes or finishes to attract a broader audience.
2. Wooden Serving Trays
Serving trays are practical, stylish, and often purchased as gifts. You can personalize them with handles, engravings, or resin inlays for an upscale touch.
They’re lightweight, easy to ship, and an excellent entry point for profitable woodworking.
Pro Tip: Create a “farmhouse collection” by pairing trays with coasters or small cutting boards.
3. Custom Picture Frames
The Perfect Entry-Level Project
Custom wood frames are timeless. With basic tools and a simple woodworking plan, you can create elegant frames for art prints or family photos. They sell particularly well at craft fairs and on Etsy.
Pro Tip: Offer bundle deals—like a “set of three” for gallery walls—to increase order size.
4. Wooden Phone Stands
A great example of woodworking ideas that sell, phone stands are small, trendy, and quick to make. They require minimal material but provide excellent margins. Add a minimalist logo or engraving for a professional touch.
Pro Tip: Try designing adjustable or collapsible versions for travel convenience.
5. Cutting Boards
A Classic That Never Goes Out of Style
Few woodworking projects are as universally loved as a handcrafted cutting board. With endless shapes and finishes, they appeal to cooks, homeowners, and gift buyers alike.
Pro Tip: Use food-safe mineral oil for finishing and market them as “eco-friendly handmade kitchen essentials.”
6. Wall Key Holders
Everyone needs a spot for their keys. Wooden key holders are simple yet highly functional. With hooks, a small shelf, or a personalized engraving, you can create a bestseller that fits easily into your home woodworking business.
Pro Tip: Offer “family name” or “welcome home” engravings to make them more personal.
7. Wooden Candle Holders
Perfect for the Gift Market
Candle holders are easy to make in sets and often sell quickly, especially around holidays. Their aesthetic charm and low production cost make them perfect for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers.
Pro Tip: Experiment with different finishes—matte black, natural oak, or whitewashed—for varied appeal.
8. Small Coffee Tables or End Tables
Once you’ve mastered smaller projects, step into basic furniture design. A simple square or round coffee table can be crafted from affordable wood and sold at a premium, especially if you use reclaimed materials.
Pro Tip: Market them as “sustainable handcrafted furniture”—a powerful selling point for eco-conscious buyers.
9. Wooden Coasters
Coasters are one of the easiest beginner woodworking projects that can yield high returns. They’re lightweight, affordable to make, and can be sold in sets of four or six. Add woodburned designs or epoxy art to elevate their look.
Pro Tip: Bundle them with other products like trays or shelves for cross-selling opportunities.
10. Pet Furniture
A Hidden Goldmine for Woodworkers
From cozy dog beds to cat climbing shelves, the pet niche is booming. These projects are fun, creative, and have loyal buyers willing to pay for custom craftsmanship.
Pro Tip: Focus on comfort, easy cleaning, and style to stand out in the pet furniture market.
Marketing Tips: How to Sell Your Creations Fast
Having great products isn’t enough—you need the right strategy to sell them effectively.
Smart Selling Strategies for Woodworkers
- Leverage Social Media: Showcase your work on Instagram, Pinterest, and TikTok to attract a following.
- Join Local Fairs: Craft shows and farmers’ markets are great for networking and building your customer base.
- Sell Online: Platforms like Etsy, eBay, or even your own website make it easy to reach global buyers.
- Offer Custom Orders: Personalization adds value and helps you charge premium prices.
Building a brand that reflects your craftsmanship is key to running a profitable woodworking business that lasts.
The Profit Potential of Small Projects
Small projects often mean small costs—but don’t underestimate their earning potential. Selling 10–15 small pieces per week can bring in consistent income while allowing you to refine your techniques.
With time, these easy projects can grow into a steady stream of sales that support your DIY woodworking business full-time.
Final Thoughts: Small Projects, Big Impact
Each of these ten projects represents more than just wood and tools—they’re opportunities. The best part? You don’t need a massive workshop or expensive machinery to get started. Just creativity, patience, and the drive to create something people love.
Turn your passion into purpose. Build pieces that tell a story, solve problems, and bring warmth into people’s homes. That’s what true woodworking is all about..
Ready to turn your woodworking hobby into a steady income stream? Start creating these easy projects today and watch your business grow!
