If you're new to DIY projects, wood is an excellent material to begin with. Woodworking projects range from simple to elaborate, some of them quick enough to accomplish in just a few hours or less. Plus, there are plenty of beginner woodworking projects for useful objects like furniture and storage solutions.
Before you get started with woodworking, you’ll need to determine the correct type of wood for your project. Choosing the proper density and strength of wood is essential to a successful finished product.
For example, balsa wood is an extremely lightweight and low-density wood perfect for small, decorative crafts. Hardwoods like oak or cedar are better suited for larger projects like furniture.
Add functionality and storage options to any room of your home by adding wall hooks. While you could simply screw hooks directly into your walls, attaching hooks to a plank or panel of wood first will add a rustic aesthetic.
Plus, you’ll be able to use more hooks even without wall studs in the most convenient places. Grab your woodworking tools and enjoy this great DIY project for any level of experience.
Another way to develop your beginner woodworking skills is by creating a simple wooden bench. Using scrap wood like pallet boards, you can build a bench in a basic rectangular box shape. Alternatively, you can buy custom cut lumber from your local hardware store.
After you build the box shape, all you need is paint or a stain to finish your DIY woodworking project. Add a foam cushion for extra comfort and style.
Similarly to benches, simple bookshelves can be an excellent DIY project for the beginner woodworker. You can make a shelf of any size to fit a variety of needs, whether it’s storing books or displaying decorative accessories.
Choose sturdy hardwoods like cedar or oak for this woodworking project to ensure your shelves can handle the proper amount of weight.
These are only a few of the myriad options available for beginner woodworking projects. If you’re new to DIY projects and want to try building your own furniture, consider these ideas as the perfect way to grow and develop your woodworking skills.
Lana Harris is a Chicago native who is a second-generation real estate professional. She was introduced to real estate at a very young age while attending open houses with her mother who is a broker. She honed her skills assisting in property searches (back in the thick, Multiple Listing Service book days,) and using map reading skills to help plan property tour sequencing. Lana’s love of working with people and delivering strong customer service led her to the retail sector, where she developed her management skills at MC Sports, Ann Taylor, and Adidas. She and her husband moved to Utah in 2008 to enjoy the natural beauty of the mountains, and she began her real estate career here in 2015. Most recently, she was a VP of sales for a large team; she thrives on challenges and is determined to overcome obstacles to achieve results for her clients. Lana and her husband enjoy their three large dogs, skiing, camping and paddleboarding.
