We’ve never done woodworking before. It’s not that we’ve never wanted to, we just never had the opportunity to learn, but lately we’ve been feeling as though we’d really like to change that! That’s why we’ve had our eye out for fun, very simple wood based projects that even a beginner can handle.
Just in case you’re as interested as we are in the idea of learning how to do simple woodworking, if not more, here are 15 of the easiest but most intriguing designs we’ve come across so far.
1. Simple pallet wall shelf
Something about working with reclaimed wooden pallets has always appealed to us. Besides the fact that they come with an already weathered and very appealing rustic aesthetic, they’re simple to alter because they already have a great, useful shape! This easy pallet section wall shelf outlined on Pallet University is the perfect example of what we mean.
2. Wooden sofa sleeve cup holder
Do you have a spare few boards lying around or that you found outside and the need for a side table on one side of the couch where you can put your coffee while you read? Don’t worry; we’re not suggesting that you tackle the task of making an entire table right out of the gates. Instead, check out how A Beautiful Mess made this simple wooden sofa sleeve that gives you a flat surface to set drinks on!
3. Rustic wood and horseshoe candle holder
Did we really catch your attention when we started talking about simple woodworking projects that look rustic but you think you might like to take that concept a little further than just the wood itself? Well, if you’ve got an appreciation for horseback riding, then we think you’ll really enjoy the way Simply Country Life made this candle holding platform stand high using two horse shoes.
4. House number pallet planter
Even though you’re a beginner, would you love you friends and neighbours to be able to see your handiwork, since you’re working hard to make something from scratch? Then maybe you’d like to try your hand at this fantastic upcycled pallet wood house number marker featured on Shanty 2 Chic! It’s an especially great project for greenery lovers since it has a miniature planter box built right in.
5. Wooden block iPad stand
Have you always been intrigued by the way projects that blend simple wooden projects and impressive technology look together, but you’d like to keep things very easy since you’re still a beginner? Then we’d definitely suggest taking a look at how Darryl Easter made this wooden block iPad stand in just a few simple steps.
6. Wooden USB drive
Just in case you’ve actually got at least a little bit of experience in simple woodworking and you’d actually like to challenge yourself just a touch, here’s another project that blends rustic aesthetics with technology in a really fun way! Check out how Instructables made a smoothly sanded wooden cover for their USB drive, complete with a keyring hole.
7. Floating wine bottle holder
Are you the kind of wine enthusiast who likes keeping a fresh bottle on hand during the week, not because you’ll drink it right away but because that means it’s ready and waiting for when you get home from work Friday night and want to enjoy a glass with friends? Then maybe you’ll get a kick out of the way Mighty Optical Illusions created this simply but awesome DIY floating bottle wine holder using basic woodworking skills!
8. Simple boxes for beginners
Just in case you’re actually interested in perfecting some of your beginner’s skills and making things that might work as nice gifts for family members or friends, here’s a cute trinket box tutorial outlined step by step on Instructables!
9. Wooden arrow wall art
Making something functional is all well and good and those are definitely important things to learn about, but what if you’d prefer to make yourself a decor piece because a DIY home decor scheme is what you’re passionate about? Then perhaps you’d get along better with something like these simple but cute hanging wall arrows featured on A Cherished Bliss.
10. Easy wooden birdhouse
We’ve been told that making a wooden birdhouse is like a rite of passage for any beginning woodworker. That’s why we were so pleased to come across this simple tutorial from Skip to My Lou! You’ll mostly be working with clean cut squares, but their instructions are nice and simple in all aspects.
11. Wall mounted wood plank wine rack
Did we really catch your attention when we started talking about the idea of making DIY wooden wine racks that involve interesting angles but you can’t help thinking you’d prefer one that will hold more than one bottle of wine at a time? In that case, we’d absolutely suggest taking a look at how Camille Styles made this horizontal upside down bottle shelf!
12. X-frame table
Did your attention actually perk up most when we made our joke about starting with a whole table as your first project because you’re the kind of person who jumps into new things with both feet? Well, if you’re feeling that determined, here’s a fantastic X-frame side table tutorial from Dorsey Designs might be just what you need!
13. DIY wooden pieces doormat
Were you quite intrigued by the idea of making something that you can place outside your front door where visitors will see your handy work but you’re just not sure the house number project is the one for you? Then maybe you’d prefer to try your hand at making something like this wooden piece and rope welcome mat from Domestic Imperfection instead!
14. DIY wooden Lazy Susan
Perhaps you actually do have a little bit of woodworking experience from previous projects but now you’re looking to take that a step further and learn how to create rounded projects rather than just straight lines? Then maybe this fantastic spinning Lazy Susan outlined step by step on Remodelaholic would be a good place to start!
15. Wooden based jellybean dispenser
If you’re going to put in the effort of making something wooden from scratch, would you rather it have some kind of cool novelty or kitschy function? Well, if you’ve got a sweet tooth like us, we think you’ll appreciate the way Instructables made this wooden jelly bean dispenser paired with an upside down mason jar.
