Quick Summary:
Discover the best woodworking projects to make money! From simple cutting boards and birdhouses to custom furniture and outdoor essentials, this guide outlines proven, beginner-friendly projects that can turn your hobby into a profitable venture. Learn what sells, what tools you’ll need, and how to get started making money with your woodworking skills.

Hey there, fellow makers! Jack Shaffer here, your go-to guy for all things woodworking and tools.

Ever look at your workbench and think, “Could I actually sell some of this?” Maybe you’ve built a few things for friends and family, and they keep saying, “You should totally sell these!” It’s a common thought, especially when you’re passionate about crafting with wood. The good news is, it’s absolutely possible to turn your woodworking talent into a nice little income stream, or even a full-time gig.

But where do you start? What projects are actually in demand? What tools do you really need without breaking the bank? It can feel a bit overwhelming, right? Don’t worry, that’s exactly why I’m here. We’re going to break it all down, step-by-step, focusing on projects that are beginner-friendly but highly marketable. You’ll learn about simple items that fly off the shelves and slightly more involved pieces that can command higher prices. Let’s get you building, and more importantly, let’s get you selling!

FAQ: Your Woodworking Money-Making Questions Answered

What are the easiest woodworking projects to make money with?

The easiest projects typically involve less complex joinery and focus on attractive finishes. Think simple cutting boards, wooden coasters, small shelves, planters, and basic wooden toys. These require fewer specialized tools and can be produced relatively quickly, making them great for beginners looking to test the market.

What woodworking projects sell the best?

Projects that are functional, decorative, or personalized tend to sell best. Items like custom furniture, home decor pieces (e.g., wall art, frames), children’s toys, pet accessories, and seasonal gifts are always popular. Quality craftsmanship and unique designs are key to standing out.

How much should I charge for my woodworking projects?

To determine pricing, calculate your material costs, add the cost of your labor (set an hourly rate for yourself), and then add a markup for overhead, marketing, and profit. Research what similar items are selling for online and at local markets to ensure your pricing is competitive but profitable. A good starting point is often 2-3 times your material costs, adjusted for labor.

What basic tools do I need to start making money woodworking?

For many beginner-friendly money-making projects, you can start with essential tools like a circular saw or miter saw, a drill/driver, sandpaper or a sander, measuring tape, clamps, and safety equipment. As you grow, you can invest in tools like a table saw, router, or planer. Good safety gear, including eye protection and hearing protection, is non-negotiable from day one.

Where can I sell my woodworking projects?

Popular selling platforms include Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, local craft fairs and farmers’ markets, your own website, and even local shops on consignment. Word-of-mouth and social media can also be powerful tools for finding buyers.

How can I make my handmade woodworking projects stand out?

Focus on quality materials, excellent craftsmanship, and unique designs. Offering customization options, like personalized engraving or specific wood types, can attract buyers. Beautiful photography for online listings and attractive packaging for in-person sales also make a big difference.

Proven Woodworking Projects to Make Money for Beginners

Alright, let’s get down to brass tacks. You’ve got the drive, you’ve got some basic tools (or you’re ready to invest in them), and you’re eager to start creating things people will actually buy. The key is to start with projects that are manageable for your skill level but also have a good market. We’re talking about items that don’t require super-complex joinery or extremely expensive machinery right out of the gate. These are the tried-and-true classics that many woodworkers have successfully used to build their businesses.

1. Cutting Boards & Kitchen Essentials

This is probably the most popular starting point for good reason. Everyone needs a cutting board! They’re functional, can be made from beautiful hardwoods, and offer plenty of room for creative design.

Why they sell:

• High Demand: Every kitchen needs one (or more!).
• Variety: You can make simple end-grain or edge-grain boards, or get fancy with patterns and integrated handles.
• Material Options: Use attractive, food-safe hardwoods like maple, walnut, cherry, or bamboo.
• Relatively Simple Build: While complex glue-ups can be challenging, basic boards are achievable with precision cutting and good adherence to glue-up techniques.
• Customization: Offer different sizes, wood combinations, or even personalized engraving.

Tools You’ll Likely Need:

• Miter Saw or Circular Saw (for crosscuts)
• Table Saw (ideal for ripping strips accurately)
• Planer (to get perfectly flat and uniform strips)
• Jointer (optional, but helpful for perfectly straight edges before gluing)
• Clamps (lots of them!)
• Orbital Sander
• Router with a roundover bit (for softened edges)
• Food-safe finish (mineral oil, beeswax blends)

Pro-Tip: Research proper wood selection and finishing techniques for food safety. Websites like the U.S. Forest Service offer insights into wood properties.

Variations to Consider:

• Charcuterie/Serving Boards (often more decorative)
• Coasters
• Utensil Holders
• Spice Racks

2. Wooden Toys

Parents are increasingly looking for durable, non-toxic alternatives to plastic toys. Wooden toys are timeless, can be incredibly charming, and often become cherished heirlooms.

Why they sell:

• Nostalgia and Quality Appeal: They harken back to simpler times and signal quality.
• Safety First: You control the materials and finishes, ensuring they are safe for children.
• Durability: Well-made wooden toys can last for generations.
• Creative Outlet: From simple stacking blocks to more intricate cars and puzzles, there’s a lot of creative freedom.

Tools You’ll Likely Need:

• Band Saw (great for curves and découpage shapes)
• Scroll Saw (for intricate details and small pieces)
• Jigsaw (for larger curves)
• Spokeshave or rasps (for shaping)
• Drill/Driver
• Orbital Sander
• Child-safe finishes (water-based, non-toxic paints and sealers)

Safety Note: Ensure all toys are free of small, detachable parts that could be a choking hazard for young children. Consider the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) guidelines for toy safety.

Popular Toy Ideas:

• Stacking Rings/Blocks
• Pull Toys (cars, animals)
• Simple Puzzles
• Toy Animals
• Doll Furniture

3. Birdhouses and Feeders

Nature lovers and homeowners often seek attractive ways to attract birds to their yards. Wooden birdhouses and feeders are both functional and decorative, making them popular impulse buys and thoughtful gifts.

Why they sell:

• Decorative and Functional: They add charm to gardens and help wildlife.
• Relatively Simple Construction: Most designs involve basic joinery and assembly.
• Outdoor Appeal: Appeal to a broad audience that enjoys gardening and nature.
• Customization: Offer different sizes, styles, and mounting options.

Tools You’ll Likely Need:

• Miter Saw or Circular Saw
• Drill/Driver
• Jigsaw (for entrance holes and decorative cuts)
• Screwdriver bits
• Clamps
• Sandpaper
• Exterior-grade screws and glue
• Outdoor-safe finishes (optional, but increases longevity)

Considerations: Research designs that are practical for birds – proper ventilation, drainage, and ease of cleaning are important. Different bird species prefer different designs, so you might target specific types.

Design Tips:

• Make feeders easy to refill and clean.
• Ensure birdhouses have appropriate entrance hole sizes for common local birds.
• Use durable, weather-resistant wood like cedar or pine.

4. Small Shelving and Storage Solutions

In today’s world, space is often at a premium. Simple, well-made shelves and organizers are always in demand for decluttering and displaying items.

Why they sell:

• Practicality: Everyone needs places to put things!
• Versatility: Shelves can range from small floating shelves to wall-mounted units for spices, books, or decorative items.
• Customizable Sizes: You can build to fit specific spaces.
• Showcasing Wood: Good wood grain and a nice finish can make simple shelves look high-end.

Tools You’ll Likely Need:

• Miter Saw or Circular Saw
• Table Saw (for accurate rips and dados if desired)
• Drill/Driver
• Measuring Tape and Square
• Level
• Clamps
• Sandpaper or Random Orbit Sander
• Router (optional, for decorative edges or dadoes)
• Wall-mounting hardware

Popular Shelving Ideas:

• Floating Shelves
• Corner Shelves
• Wall-mounted Spice Racks
• Entryway Shelves with Hooks
• Picture Ledges

5. Planters and Garden Boxes

For the green thumbs out there, attractive wooden planters and garden boxes can be a hot item, especially in spring and summer. They add a rustic or modern touch to balconies, patios, and yards.

Why they sell:

• Outdoor Decor: Appealing to gardeners and homeowners.
• Durability: When built with the right wood and construction methods, they last.
• Variety of Sizes: From small herb planters to larger raised beds.
• Customization: Offer different wood types (cedar is great for outdoors) and finishes.

Tools You’ll Likely Need:

• Miter Saw or Circular Saw
• Drill/Driver
• Measuring Tape and Square
• Clamps
• Sandpaper
• Exterior-grade screws
• Wood suitable for outdoor use (cedar, redwood, treated pine). Ensure any treated wood is safe for vegetable gardening if that’s your target market.

To make them last longer: Consider lining the inside with heavy-duty plastic sheeting (with drainage holes) to protect the wood from constant moisture.

6. Custom Furniture (Small Pieces)

As your skills grow, you can move into slightly more complex items like small furniture pieces. The key here is to start small and focus on quality that justifies a higher price point.

Why they sell:

• High Perceived Value: Hand-made furniture often fetches a premium price.
• Uniqueness: Customers love items that can’t be found in big box stores.
• Targeted Needs: Small furniture fills specific gaps in homes.

Beginner-Friendly Furniture Ideas:

• End Tables/Side Tables: These can range from very simple designs to more complex ones with drawers or shelves. A basic square or rectangular table with four legs is a great starting point.
• Stools: Simple shop stools, benches, or decorative ottomans.
• Nightstands: Small, functional pieces for the bedroom.
• Coffee Tables: Can be simple plank designs or more elaborate with joinery.

Tools You’ll Likely Need (beyond the basics):

• Table Saw (essential for accurate joinery and panel glue-ups)
• Miter Saw
• Router (for joinery, decorative edges, and shaping)
• Chisels
• Hand Planes (optional, but good for refinement)
• Orbital Sander
• Dovetail jig (optional, for advanced joinery)
• Good quality wood glue
• Finishing supplies (varnish, lacquer, oil finishes)

External Link: For detailed insights into furniture joinery, the Fine Woodworking resources are invaluable.

7. Decorative Wood Carvings and Signs

If you have an artistic touch or enjoy intricate work, carved items and custom wooden signs can be very profitable. This category also includes CNC-generated (Computer Numerical Control) items if you have access to that technology.

Why they sell:

• Personalization: Custom signs for homes, businesses, or events are highly sought after.
• Artistic Value: Carvings can be unique pieces of art.
• Gift Potential: Especially for holidays or special occasions.

Tools You’ll Likely Need:

• Carving Gouges and Knives (for hand carving)
• Scroll Saw or Bandsaw (for cutting out sign shapes)
• Router with lettering bits (for routed signs)
• Sandpaper
• Wood suitable for detail work (basswood, pine, poplar)
• Stains, paints, and finishes
• CNC machine (optional, but opens up many possibilities)

Tips for Signs:

Offer a variety of fonts and styles.

Use weather-resistant finishes if the signs will be outdoors.

Consider different wood types for various aesthetics (e.g., rustic barn wood, smooth maple).

Getting Started: What You Need to Know

So, you’ve got a list of projects. Now what? It’s time to think about the practicalities of turning that list into cash.

Key Considerations Before You Sell

1. Quality is Paramount: This can’t be stressed enough. Even simple projects need to be well-made. Sand smooth, use good joinery, ensure finishes are flawless. A little extra effort here makes a huge difference in perceived value and customer satisfaction.

2. Understand Your Materials: Know the properties of the woods you’re using. Some woods are denser, some are more resistant to rot, some are better for carving, others for glue-ups. Using the right wood for the right project prevents headaches and ensures longevity for your product.

3. Safety First, Always: Woodworking can be dangerous. Always wear safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask. Understand how to operate your tools safely. For specific safety guidelines, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) provides comprehensive information applicable to workshop safety.

4. Pricing Your Work: This is crucial. Don’t undervalue your time and skill. A common formula is:

Material Cost + (Your Hourly Rate x Hours Spent) + Overhead + Profit = Your Selling Price

Factor in things like electricity, tool maintenance, sandpaper, glue, and marketing. Research what similar items sell for, but don’t be afraid to charge a fair price for quality handmade goods.

5. Marketing Your Products: How will people find you? High-quality photos are essential for online sales. Consider:

• Online Marketplaces: Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Instagram Shopping.
• Local Sales: Craft fairs, farmers’ markets, consignment in local boutiques.
• Word-of-Mouth: Encourage happy customers to spread the word.
• Your Own Website: As you grow, a dedicated website can build your brand.

6. Legalities: Depending on where you live and the scale of your operation, you might need to consider business licenses, tax IDs, and product liability. Look into your local government’s requirements for small businesses.

Essential Tools for a Budget-Conscious Beginner

You don’t need a fully-outfitted professional shop to start. Here are some core tools that offer great value:

Tool	Why It’s Essential	Budget-Friendly Notes
Circular Saw	Versatile for breaking down larger wood sheets and making straight cuts. Essential for basic projects.	Look for corded models as they are generally less expensive. Consider a decent quality blade for cleaner cuts.
Cordless Drill/Driver	For drilling holes and driving screws. Universally useful.	A 18V kit is powerful enough for most beginner tasks. Look for combo kits with batteries and a charger.
Measuring Tape & Square	Accuracy is key! You can’t build straight if you don’t measure straight.	These are relatively inexpensive. Invest in a quality tape measure (25ft is standard) and a combination square.
Clamps	You’ll always need more clamps than you think! Essential for glue-ups and holding pieces together while working.	Start with a few bar clamps and F-style clamps. Pipe clamps can also be very cost-effective for longer projects.
Sander (Orbital)	For smoothing surfaces and preparing for finish. Makes your work look professional.	An electric orbital sander is a good balance of cost and effectiveness. Buy sandpaper in bulk.
Safety Gear	Eye protection, hearing protection, dust mask. NON-NEGOTIABLE.	Basic safety glasses and earplugs are very affordable. Invest in a good quality dust mask, especially if you have respiratory sensitivities.

As you sell more and reinvest profits, consider upgrading to a table saw, miter saw, jointer, or planer. Each tool opens up new project possibilities and greater efficiency.

A Word on Wood Types and Finishes

Choosing the right wood and finish impacts both the look and the marketability of your projects.

Popular Wood Choices for Making Money

• Pine: Inexpensive, widely available, easy to work with. Great for painted projects or rustic looks. Can ding easily, so not ideal for high-wear surfaces unless finished robustly.
• Poplar: A bit harder than pine, takes paint well, and is reasonably priced. Good for painted furniture or kid’s toys.
• Oak: Hardwood, durable, beautiful grain. A bit more expensive and harder to work with than pine. Excellent for cutting boards, furniture, and decorative items.
• Maple: Very hard, smooth grain, durable. Excellent for cutting boards, work surfaces, and furniture. Can be more challenging to stain evenly.
• Walnut: Beautiful dark color and grain, a premium hardwood. Prone to dents, so best for items like cutting boards, tabletops, or accent pieces where it won’t be heavily abused.
• Cedar (for outdoor projects): Naturally rot-resistant and insect-repellent. A go-to for birdhouses, planters, and outdoor furniture. Has a distinctive scent.

Finishing Tips for Saleable Products

• Sanding is Key: Start with a coarser grit (like 80 or 120) and progressively move to finer grits (180, 220, or even higher for furniture). Smoothness sells.
• Food-Safe Finishes: For cutting boards and kitchen items, use food-grade mineral oil or beeswax-based blends. Never stain or finish with toxic products if the item will contact food.
• Durable Finishes: For furniture or outdoor items, consider polyurethane, lacquer, or specialized exterior finishes. These protect the wood from moisture, UV rays, and wear.
• Paint vs. Stain: Painted projects can be very popular, especially for modern or country styles. Stains highlight the natural beauty of the wood grain. Offer options if you can!
• Test Finishes: If possible, practice your finishing techniques on scrap pieces of the same wood to ensure you get the look you want.

Conclusion: Your Woodworking Journey Starts Now

Embarking on the path of selling your woodworking projects is an exciting venture. It combines your passion with practicality, offering the potential for creativity and income. Remember, the best woodworking projects to make money are those that you can execute with quality and consistency, and that meet a demand in the market.

Start small, focus on mastering a few project types, and always prioritize safety and excellent craftsmanship. Your reputation will be built on the quality of the goods you produce. Don’t be afraid to experiment with designs, explore different wood types, and refine your finishing techniques. Each project you complete is a step forward, building your skills, your portfolio, and your confidence.

Whether you’re crafting beautiful cutting boards, charming wooden toys, or sturdy garden planters, there’s a market out there waiting for your unique creations. Take these insights, get your hands dirty, and start building not just beautiful objects, but also a rewarding woodworking business. You’ve got this!