Small Woodworking Projects That Sell On Etsy: Proven Best Sellers

Quick Summary: Looking for small woodworking projects that sell well on Etsy? Focus on simple, attractive items like custom signs, wooden toys, keychains, coasters, and home decor. These popular sellers require minimal materials and tools, making them perfect for beginners to start their Etsy woodworking business with confidence.

Hey there! Jack Shaffer here, your go-to guy for all things woodworking and tools. Ever looked at those beautifully crafted wooden items on Etsy and thought, “I could do that!”? You absolutely can! Many beginner woodworkers dream of turning their hobby into a little side income, but figuring out what to make can be tough. It’s easy to get overwhelmed, wondering what’s popular and what will actually sell. That’s where I come in. I’m going to walk you through some small woodworking projects that are consistently best sellers on Etsy. We’ll keep it simple, focus on what’s proven to work, and help you get crafting with confidence.

This guide is all about empowering you to choose the right projects, use your tools effectively and safely, and get your creations out there. Let’s dive into the world of Etsy woodworking and discover some fantastic ideas that can bring your craft to life and maybe even a little extra cash!

Table of Contents

Why Small Woodworking Projects Shine on Etsy

Etsy is a fantastic marketplace for handmade goods, and woodworking is no exception. Smaller projects have a distinct advantage for several reasons:

Lower Material Costs: You don’t need a lot of expensive lumber to make a beautiful item. Scraps and smaller pieces often do the trick.
Easier to Ship: Smaller, lighter items are much more affordable and less risky to ship than large furniture pieces.
Faster Production Time: You can complete multiple small projects in the time it takes to finish one large one, meaning more listings and more potential sales.
Beginner-Friendly: Many small projects don’t require advanced joinery or complex techniques, making them perfect for those just starting out.
Gift Potential: Small, affordable handcrafted items are ideal for gifts, which are a huge driver of sales on Etsy.

Proven Best-Selling Small Woodworking Projects for Etsy

Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty: what exactly are people buying? Based on market trends and what consistently flies off virtual shelves, here are some of the top small woodworking projects that sell well on Etsy.

1. Custom Wooden Signs

Custom signs are hands-down one of the biggest sellers in the small woodworking niche on Etsy. They’re versatile and appeal to a wide audience.

Types of Signs That Sell:

Personalized Family Name Signs: Perfect for weddings, anniversaries, or housewarmings.
Inspirational/Motivational Quotes: Short, impactful phrases that add personality to a home.
Seasonal and Holiday Signs: Think “Welcome Fall,” “Happy Halloween,” or “Merry Christmas.”
Nursery and Kid’s Room Signs: Featuring names, cute animals, or playful phrases.
“Home” and “Family” Signs: Classic, evergreen designs that never go out of style.

Tips for Success:

Offer Customization: The more personalizable, the better. Offer different font choices, stain colors, and sizes.
Focus on Quality Finish: Sanding is key! A smooth finish makes a huge difference. Use a good sealant to protect the wood.
Simple Designs: Start with straightforward lettering. As you get comfortable, you can explore adding decorative elements or simple wood-burned designs.
Easy Hanging Solutions: Include hardware like D-rings or picture hangers.

Tools You Might Use:

Miter Saw: For precise cuts on the wood planks.
Orbital Sander: To get that super smooth finish.
Jigsaw or Scroll Saw: For more intricate sign shapes or cut-out letters (though many start with simple painted lettering on a plank).
Clamps: To hold pieces steady while gluing or painting.
Paintbrushes or Stencils: For applying lettering.

2. Wooden Toys

Parents and grandparents are always on the lookout for unique, durable, and eco-friendly toy options. Wooden toys fit the bill perfectly.

Popular Wooden Toy Ideas:

Wooden Cars and Trucks: Simple shapes, easy to hold, and fun to roll.
Stacking Toys: Rings, blocks, or simple animal shapes.
Puzzles: Basic peg puzzles for toddlers or more complex interlocking designs.
Animals and Figures: Stylized wooden animals or simple character figures.
Doll Furniture: Tiny chairs, beds, or tables.

Tips for Success:

Safety First! This is paramount. Ensure there are no small parts that can detach and become choking hazards. Sand all edges until they are perfectly smooth. Use non-toxic finishes. The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) provides guidelines for toy safety in the US. Research regulations in your target shipping countries.
Durability: Use hardwoods like maple or beech for toys that will get a lot of use.
Simple Designs: Overly intricate toys can be difficult to produce and may not appeal as much to children.
Natural Finishes: Many buyers prefer natural wood or finishes made with food-grade oils or beeswax.

Tools You Might Use:

Band Saw or Scroll Saw: Great for cutting out curved shapes.
Rasp and Sandpaper: For smoothing and shaping.
Drill: For creating holes for dowels or wheels.
Wood Glue: For assembling parts.
Non-Toxic Finishes: Beeswax oil, mineral oil.

3. Wooden Keychains

Keychains are small, relatively inexpensive, and make for excellent impulse buys or add-on gifts.

Keychain Ideas That Sell:

Monogrammed Keychains: Featuring initials.
Simple Geometric Shapes: Circles, hexagons, squares.
Animal Silhouettes: Dog breeds, cats, forest animals.
State/Country Shapes: A popular souvenir item.
Quote/Word Keychains: Short, inspiring words.

Tips for Success:

Compact Size: Keep them small and lightweight.
Durable Hardware: Use good quality split rings and clasps.
Variety of Designs: Offer a range of styles to appeal to different tastes.
Personalization Options: Initial, name, or date engraving.

Tools You Might Use:

Coping Saw or Scroll Saw: For cutting out shapes.
Drill: To make a hole for the keychain ring.
Sandpaper: For smoothing.
Wood Burning Tool (Optional): For customized text or designs.
Leather Punch: If you incorporate leather elements.

4. Coasters and Trivets

Coasters and trivets are practical home items that people often buy in sets. They offer a great opportunity to showcase wood grain and simple designs.

Coaster & Trivet Styles:

Simple Wood Slices: Natural edge (live edge) really shines here.
Geometric Designs: Cut from a solid piece of wood or assembled from smaller pieces.
Resin and Wood Combos: Popular for a modern look.
Engraved Designs: Patterns, maps, or city skylines.
Cork-Backed for Protection: Especially important for coasters.

Tips for Success:

Water Resistance: Crucial for coasters and trivets. Use a waterproof finish like polyurethane or epoxy resin.
Non-Slip Bottoms: For coasters, add cork or felt pads to prevent sliding and protect surfaces.
Sets are Key: Sell them individually but heavily promote sets of 4 or 6.
Showcase Wood Beauty: Let the natural beauty of the wood be the star.

Tools You Might Use:

Table Saw or Circular Saw: For cutting precise square or rectangular shapes.
Miter Saw: For angled cuts or cross-cutting.
Lathe (Optional): For turning round coasters or feet for trivets.
Random Orbital Sander: For smoothing.
Router: To add a decorative edge or a recess for felt/cork.

5. Small Plywood or Solid Wood Boxes

From jewelry boxes to keepsake boxes, small wood boxes are always in demand.

Box Types That Sell:

Jewelry Boxes: Simple designs, often with compartments.
Trinket Boxes: For storing small treasures.
Apothecary/Spice Boxes: For herbs or small bottles.
Gift Boxes: Plain boxes that people can decorate themselves or use for gifting.
Dice Boxes: Popular with tabletop gamers.

Tips for Success:

Dovetail Joints (Optional but impressive): If you’re ready for a challenge, dovetailed boxes look fantastic and are very strong. Simpler box joints or even just glued butt joints can work for beginners.
Lid Fit: A snug, well-fitting lid is essential.
Interior Finish: Consider lining the interior with felt or velvet for a touch of luxury.
Hardware: Small hinges and latches add functionality and appeal.

Tools You Might Use:

Table Saw: For precise ripping and cross-cutting of box panels.
Router: For cutting joinery (like box joints or rabbets) and decorative edges.
Dovetail Jig (Optional): If you want to make dovetail joints.
Drill: For pilot holes and attaching hardware.
Hand Planes: For fine-tuning fits.

6. Wooden Serving Utensils and Small Kitchenware

Handmade wooden spoons, spatulas, and small bowls add a natural, rustic charm to any kitchen.

Kitchenware Ideas:

Wooden Spoons and Spatulas: Ergonomically designed and beautiful.
Small Bowls: For condiments, nuts, or dips.
Butter Crocks/Dishes: For countertop butter storage.
Cutting Boards (Small): Mini boards for cheese or garnishes.
Utensil Holders: Small decorative holders for countertops.

Tips for Success:

Food-Safe Finishes: Absolutely critical. Use mineral oil, beeswax, or other food-grade finishes. Avoid varnishes unless specifically rated for food contact.
Grain Direction: For spoons and spatulas, orient the grain to minimize the risk of breaking during use.
Comfortable Handles: Design for easy gripping.
Easy Care Instructions: Advise customers to hand wash and re-oil periodically.

Tools You Might Use:

Wood Carving Knives: For shaping spoons and smaller items.
Band Saw or Scroll Saw: For rough shaping.
Spindle Sander: For smoothing curves and handles.
Sandpaper: For the final smooth finish.
Various oils and waxes: For food-safe finishing.

7. Small Decorative Items & Home Decor

These are often impulse buys or items that add a touch of personality to a room.

Decorative Item Ideas:

Wooden Planters (Small): Especially popular for succulents and small herbs.
Desk Organizers: Pen holders, phone stands, small tray organizers.
Wall Art: Small wooden letters, geometric wall hangings, laser-cut designs.
Wooden Figurines/Sculptures: Small decorative animals, abstract shapes.
Candle Holders: Simple geometric or rustic styles.

Tips for Success:

Aesthetics Matter: Focus on appealing visual design, clean lines, and attractive finishes.
Unique Selling Proposition (USP): What makes your product stand out? Is it the wood type, the design, the finish, or the customization?
Photography: High-quality photos are essential to showcase the beauty and detail of your decor items.
Consider Trends: Keep an eye on popular home decor styles (e.g., farmhouse, minimalist, boho).

Tools You Might Use:

Table Saw or Miter Saw: For precise cuts.
Router: For decorative edges or joinery.
Drill: For assembly or creating holes.
Orbital Sander: For smooth finishes.
Laser Engraver/Cutter (Optional): For intricate designs and precise cuts.

Essential Tools for Starting Small Woodworking Projects

You don’t need a massive workshop to start selling on Etsy. Here are some beginner-friendly tools that will get you going:

For Cutting Wood:

Hand Saw (with miter box): Basic but effective for straight cuts.
Jigsaw: Versatile for curves and straight cuts.
Miter Saw (Chop Saw): Excellent for accurate crosscuts and angled cuts. A smaller, benchtop model is great for starting out.
Scroll Saw: Ideal for intricate curved cuts, perfect for toys and detailed signs.

For Shaping and Smoothing:

Sandpaper (various grits): Essential for a smooth finish.
Sanding Blocks: For hand sanding.
Orbital Sander: A game-changer for faster, smoother sanding.
Rasps and Files: For shaping curves and edges by hand.

For Assembly and Finishing:

Wood Glue: The backbone of most woodworking joints.
Clamps: You can never have too many! Bar clamps, C-clamps, and spring clamps are all useful.
Drill/Driver: For pilot holes, screws, and often for driving fasteners.
Measuring Tape and Square: Accuracy is key.
Wood Finish: Polyurethane, oils, waxes, depending on the project.
Brushes and Rags: For applying finishes.

As you get more experienced, you might invest in a table saw or a router, but these basics will allow you to create many of the popular items discussed.

Table: Project Complexity vs. Potential Profitability

Here’s a quick look at how some of these projects stack up in terms of difficulty and potential return. Remember, pricing also depends on material quality, your skill, branding, and market demand.

Project Type	Beginner Complexity	Intermediate Complexity	Potential Profit Margin (Low to High)	Etsy Demand (Low to High)
Wooden Keychains	Low	N/A	Low	Medium
Simple Wooden Signs (Painted Letters)	Low-Medium	N/A	Medium	High
Wooden Toys (Simple Shapes)	Medium	N/A	Medium-High	High
Coasters/Trivets (Wood Slices)	Low	N/A	Low-Medium	Medium
Small Plywood Boxes (Butt Joints)	Medium	N/A	Medium	Medium
Wooden Spoons/Utensils	Medium	High (for complex shapes/joints)	Medium-High	Medium
Decorative Wall Art	Medium	High (for intricate designs)	Medium-High	Medium