Looking for small woodworking projects to sell that are winners? Dive into easy, profitable ideas for beginners, from charming home decor to practical organizers. Learn which projects are most popular, how to price them, and simple tips to boost your sales and turn your hobby into cash. Get ready to build, sell, and succeed!
Hey there, fellow woodworkers! Jack Shaffer here, your guide from Nailerguy. Ever stare at a pile of beautiful wood scraps and think, “What can I make that someone will actually buy?” It’s a question many of us grapple with. You’ve got the tools, the passion, and that satisfying feeling of creating something with your own two hands. But turning those creations into a little extra income can feel like a mystery. Don’t worry, you’re in the right place! We’ll break down some fantastic small woodworking projects perfect for selling, even if you’re just starting out. We’ll help you pick the right projects, make them look fantastic, and even give you a few pointers on how to get them into the hands of happy customers. Let’s get building and selling!
Table of Contents
Why Small Woodworking Projects Are a Great Way to Start Selling
Starting with small woodworking projects for sale is a smart move for anyone looking to get into the craft business. Why? Because these projects require less material, less time, and often less specialized equipment. This means lower startup costs and a quicker turnaround, allowing you to test the market and gain confidence without a huge investment. Small items are also easier to ship, display at local markets, and showcase online. They’re perfect for gifting occasions too, making them a consistent seller.
Think about it: a beautiful handcrafted wooden coaster set is much more accessible to a potential buyer than a large, custom dining table. The barrier to entry is lower for both you and the customer. Plus, mastering a few small, popular projects can build your skills and reputation, paving the way for more ambitious creations down the line. It’s a win-win for your wallet and your woodworking journey!
Popular Small Woodworking Projects That Sell Like Hotcakes
Finding projects that resonate with buyers is key to success. Here are some tried-and-true small woodworking projects that consistently do well, appealing to a wide range of customers:
1. Wooden Coasters
These seem simple, but well-made wooden coasters are always in demand. They protect furniture, add a touch of rustic charm, and are perfect for gifting.
Why they sell: Functional, affordable, versatile (can be decorated or left natural).
Materials: Hardwoods like oak, walnut, or maple are great. Even pine can work if finished well.
Finishing Touches: Consider engraving monograms, simple patterns, or sealing them with a food-safe, water-resistant finish.
Nailer Tip: For assembling multiple pieces or adding decorative banding, a brad nailer or even a staple gun can be useful for prototypes, but precise joinery or glue is often more appealing for final products.
2. Cutting Boards and Charcuterie Boards
These are incredibly popular, especially for home cooks and entertainers. A beautifully crafted cutting board is both a tool and a decorative piece.
Why they sell: Highly functional, visually appealing, great for hostess gifts, weddings, and housewarmings.
Materials: Dense hardwoods like maple, cherry, or walnut are best as they are durable and less prone to harboring bacteria. Avoid porous woods like oak for direct food contact surfaces intended for raw meats.
Finishing Touches: End-grain construction looks impressive. Use food-safe mineral oil or a beeswax blend for finishing.
Nailer Tip: While you won’t be nailing these pieces together (glue is key for food safety and durability), a good orbital sander is essential for achieving that smooth, professional finish.
3. Wooden Signs and Plaques
Personalized or decorative wooden signs are always a hit. Think of farmhouse-chic signs with inspirational quotes, family names, or seasonal themes.
Why they sell: Customizable, add personality to home decor, perfect for specific occasions or holidays.
Materials: Pine, plywood, or pallet wood can all work well, depending on the desired aesthetic.
Finishing Touches: Stencils, hand-painting, wood burning (pyrography), or vinyl lettering are popular methods.
Nailer Tip: A brad nailer or pin nailer can be incredibly useful for attaching decorative elements or framing out signs. For a rustic look, a hammer and finishing nails work too.
4. Small Shelves and Floating Shelves
Simple wall shelves add both storage and style. Floating shelves, in particular, have a modern and minimalist appeal.
Why they sell: Practical for small spaces, versatile for displaying decor, photos, or small plants.
Materials: Pine, poplar, or even reclaimed wood. Plywood can be a cost-effective option for the core structure.
Finishing Touches: Consider a distressed finish, a clean modern stain, or a pop of painted color.
Nailer Tip: For shelves with simple box construction, a brad nailer is fantastic for holding pieces together while glue dries. For attaching cleat systems for floating shelves, a framing nailer might be overkill, but a good drill and screws are essential.
5. Picture Frames
Custom-made picture frames offer a personal touch that mass-produced frames can’t match.
Why they sell: Sentimental value, allows for unique styles, personalized gifts.
Materials: A variety of woods can be used, from simple pine to elegant hardwoods.
Finishing Touches: Routered edges, painted finishes, or natural wood grains all look great.
Nailer Tip: A brad nailer is perfect for assembling the corners of picture frames quickly and securely.
6. Birdhouses and Feeders
For the nature lovers, these are delightful projects. They can be decorative as well as functional for backyard wildlife.
Why they sell: Appeals to gardeners and wildlife enthusiasts, adds charm to outdoor spaces.
Materials: Cedar or redwood are excellent choices for outdoor durability. Pine can also work with proper sealing.
Finishing Touches: Natural look, simple paint colors, or decorative elements. Ensure they are safe for birds.
Nailer Tip: A brad nailer or even a narrow crown stapler can speed up assembly for birdhouses and feeders.
7. Wooden Toys
Simple wooden toys – like cars, blocks, or animals – are appealing to parents looking for non-plastic alternatives.
Why they sell: Natural, durable, and safe alternatives to plastic toys. Often have a nostalgic appeal.
Materials: Hardwoods like maple or beech are good for durability. Ensure all finishes are non-toxic and child-safe.
Finishing Touches: Smooth sanding is crucial. Natural wood or child-safe paints and finishes work best.
Nailer Tip: For toys, glue and clamps are usually the primary assembly methods to ensure safety and durability. Small finishing nails or brads can add strength in certain joints if used carefully.
Tools to Get You Started: Your Beginner-Friendly Toolkit
You don’t need a massive workshop filled with expensive machinery to start making sellable woodworking projects. Here’s a core set of tools that will get you going, focusing on efficiency and safety:
Your Essential Saw: A circular saw is incredibly versatile for breaking down larger boards and making straight cuts. If you have a bit more space and budget, a miter saw excels at precise crosscuts and angled cuts, which are invaluable for projects like frames and shelves.
Drill/Driver: Absolutely essential. A cordless cordless drill/driver handles drilling pilot holes, driving screws, and even some light sanding or buffing with the right attachments.
Measuring and Marking Tools: A good quality tape measure, a combination square or speed square, and a pencil are non-negotiable for accuracy.
Clamps: You can never have too many clamps! They hold pieces together while glue dries or while you’re cutting or assembling. Bar clamps, C-clamps, and spring clamps are all useful.
Sanding Tools: Sandpaper in various grits (80, 120, 220 is a good starting point) is a must. An orbital sander makes the job much faster and smoother than sanding by hand.
Safety Gear: This is paramount! Always wear safety glasses or goggles, hearing protection when using loud tools, and a dust mask.
A Note on Nailers: As the name “Nailerguy” suggests, I’m a big fan of nail guns! For these small projects, a brad nailer (often using 18-gauge nails) is incredibly useful for holding pieces together while glue sets on projects like picture frames, small boxes, and attaching decorative elements. A pin nailer (23-gauge) is even more discreet for very fine work. These tools speed up your process significantly and give a professional finish.
Essential Woodworking Skills for Beginners
You don’t need to be a master craftsman overnight, but a few core skills will make your projects look professional and sell well.
Accurate Measuring and Cutting: This is the foundation of all woodworking. Measure twice, cut once! Precise cuts make assembly easier and ensure your final product is square and looks good.
Sanding: Smooth sanding is crucial for a professional finish. It removes rough spots, splinters, and prepares the wood for paint or stain. Always sand with the grain.
Finishing: Applying a finish protects the wood and enhances its natural beauty. This could be a simple coat of mineral oil for cutting boards, a clear polyurethane for shelves, or paint for accent pieces.
Assembly: Learning to use glue effectively and ensuring joints are tight and square is vital for sturdy, attractive pieces. Using clamps consistently during glue-ups is key.
Step-by-Step: Making a Simple Wooden Sign
Let’s walk through making a simple wooden sign. This is a fantastic beginner project that’s highly customizable.
Project: “Welcome” Sign
Materials:
One 1″ x 6″ board, about 2-3 feet long (pine is economical and easy to work with)
Wood glue
Sandpaper (120 and 220 grit)
Paint or stain of your choice
Stencils for lettering (or freehand)
Clear protective topcoat (polyurethane or spray enamel)
(Optional) Small finishing nails or brads if you have a pin nailer
Tools:
Measuring tape
Pencil
Miter saw or circular saw (for straight cuts)
Orbital sander or sanding block
Paintbrushes
Clamps (if your board isn’t perfectly straight)
Steps:
1. Measure and Cut: Decide on the final length of your sign. For a 2-3 foot sign, measure and mark your 1×6 board. Use your saw to make a clean, straight cut.
2. Sand Smooth: Thoroughly sand the entire surface of the board, all edges, and ends. Start with 120 grit to remove any saw marks or rough areas, then move to 220 grit for a smooth finish. Wipe away all dust with a tack cloth or damp rag.
3. Prepare for Finishing: If you’re using a stain, apply it now according to the product’s instructions. Let it dry completely. If you’re painting, apply a primer if necessary, then your base coat color. Let it dry.
4. Add Your Lettering: This is where your sign gets its personality!
Freehand: If you’re confident, you can draw your lettering with a pencil first, then paint. Light pencil lines can often be easily erased from a sanded surface.
5. Apply Topcoat: Once your lettering is dry, it’s time for protection. Apply 2-3 thin coats of your clear topcoat. This seals the paint, protects it from scuffs, and gives it a uniform sheen. Lightly sand with 220 grit between coats for an ultra-smooth finish.
6. Add Hanging Hardware (Optional): You can drill holes for rope, attach sawtooth hangers, or simply lean your sign against a wall for display.
7. Final Inspection: Check for any rough spots, drips, or areas missed. A quick touch-up can make all the difference.
And there you have it! A custom wooden sign ready to find a home.
Pricing Your Small Woodworking Projects: Beyond Just Material Costs
Pricing is often one of the trickiest parts for new makers. It’s not just as simple as adding up the cost of the wood. Here’s how to think about it:
The Basic Formula:
Materials Cost: Add up the cost of all wood, glue, sandpaper, finish, and any hardware used.
Your Time: How long did it take you to make this item? Value your labor! A common starting point is $15-$25 per hour, but this can vary widely based on your skill and location.
Overhead: This is a bit more advanced, but consider the cost of your tools, electricity, workspace, and marketing. For small projects, you might absorb this into your hourly rate or a small percentage.
Profit Margin: You’re running a business, so you need to make a profit! This allows you to reinvest in better tools, more materials, and grow your business.
A simple calculation could be:
`(Material Costs + (Hours Worked x Hourly Rate)) x 1.5 (or 2 for profit margin) = Your Selling Price`
Example:
Material Costs: $5 (wood, glue, finish)
Time Spent: 2 hours
Hourly Rate: $20/hour
Calculation: ($5 + (2 x $20)) x 1.5 = ($5 + $40) x 1.5 = $45 x 1.5 = $67.50
For simpler items, you might use a multiplier approach for a quicker estimate:
Materials Cost x 3 (or 4) = Selling Price
This is a rougher guide but can be useful for very small, quick items like single coasters.
Table: Factors to Consider When Pricing
| Factor | Explanation | Impact on Price |
| :—————– | :———————————————————————— | :——————————————– |
| Material Costs | Cost of wood, glue, fasteners, finish, paint, stencils, etc. | Directly increases price. |
| Labor Time | How long it takes to build, sand, finish, and package the item. | Directly increases price. |
| Skill Level | Complexity and quality of craftsmanship. Advanced techniques command higher prices. | Increases price with higher skill. |
| Uniqueness | Original designs or custom personalization add value. | Can significantly increase price. |
| Market Demand | Popular items can command higher prices due to demand. | High demand may allow for higher pricing. |
| Brand/Reputation | Established makers with loyal customers can charge more. | Increases price over time. |
| Overhead | Tool depreciation, shop rent, utilities, marketing expenses. | Subtly increases price (often in hourly rate). |
| Profit Margin | The amount of money you make after all costs. Essential for sustainability. | Directly increases price. |
Pro-Tip: Research what similar items are selling for in your market (online and at local craft fairs). You need to be competitive but also value your work.
Where to Sell Your Small Woodworking Projects
Once you’ve made some fantastic items, where do you find buyers?
Online Marketplaces:
Etsy: The go-to platform for handmade goods. It has a huge audience looking for unique items.
Facebook Marketplace: Great for local sales and reaching a broader audience. You can target specific zip codes.
Shopify/Your Own Website: For a more professional look and control over your brand, setting up your own online store is ideal as you grow.
Local Markets and Craft Fairs:
Farmers Markets, Holiday Fairs, Craft Shows: Excellent for face-to-face interaction, getting immediate feedback, and building local customer relationships.
Consignment Shops:
Local boutiques or gift shops might be willing to sell your items on consignment (they take a percentage of the sale).
Word of Mouth:
Tell friends, family, and colleagues about what you’re making! They can be