5 Off-Season Woodworking Projects for Beginners!
Are you looking to build something during the off-season? We’ve compiled a list of 5 of the best woodworking projects for beginners, these projects are straightforward to make and are also useful! These are great beginner options because they don’t require you to have a decked-out workshop or years of woodworking experience. All you need are tools found around the house and some dedication. Keep reading to discover 5 Off-Season Woodworking Projects for Beginners!
Simple Saw Horses
There are some fancy and expensive saw horses out there that available for purchase. Instead of dropping a decent amount of money on a pair from your local box store, why not just make your own! Everyone can use a nice pair of sturdy and portable sawhorses because this project is geared towards beginners; you don’t need much to complete this project.
Here is what you will need:
- Power saw, or a hand saw.
- Drill
- 44 3” screws
- 5 8’ 2x4s
If you would like to follow a step-by-step guide, click here.
Floating Shelves
Floating shelves are an excellent beginner’s project. They’re easy to build, and they look great! Of course, you can buy floating shelves in stores, but we always recommend that you create your own. When you build your own, you’re able to make the perfect shelves for you. You can customize the color, thickness, length, etc. You can even finish them to match the current furniture in your house!
Here is what you will need to make these floating shelves:
- 4-ft level
- Stud finder
- Drill
- Orbit sander
- Edge-band trimmer
- Brad nailer
- Circular saw
- Belt sander
- 4’ x 8’ sheet of ½” red oak plywood
- 24” x 96” roll of peel-and-stick veneer
- 2×4 board
- Non-hardening wood putty
- Tack cloths
- 1-⅝” (No. 8) wood screws
- Stainable wood filler
- Wood stain
- Cotton rags
- Disposable foam paint brushes
- 1” brad nails (18 gauge)
- Carpenters glue
If you would like to follow a step-by-step guide with diagrams and pictures, check out this guide here.
Hairpin Nightstand
Mid-century furniture is trendy right now, and for a good reason! This type of furniture looks excellent; however, it can be quite expensive to purchase because of its popularity. With that being said, why not just make your own piece?! This project is effortless and only requires five materials. You can customize this piece to your liking and make it unique!
Here is what you will need to make the bed frame:
- Four plywood sheets
- Hairpin legs
- Wood glue
- Nails
- Screwdriver
If you would like to follow a step-by-step guide with diagrams and pictures, check out this guide here.
Mobile Lumber Rack
Do you have any spare lumber lying around? If so, put it to good use by making a mobile lumber rack! Then if you still have lumber lying around, you can store it in your new mobile lumber rack; it’s a win-win. A portable lumber rack is great because it allows you to keep your lumber organized by size, and it helps you keep your garage or workspace tidy.
Here is what you will need to make the lumber rack:
- Hearing protection
- Safety glasses
- A pencil
- Tape measure
- Drill
- Pocket Hole Jig
- Miter
- 4 2 x 4 x 96” premium studs
- 4 3” casters
- 2-½” Kreg pocket hole screws
- 2-½” wood screws
If you would like to follow a step-by-step guide with diagrams and pictures, check out this guide here.
Pet Bed
Are you a pet owner? If so, this is an excellent great project for you! Give your pet a nice cozy place to curl up by making them a comfortable bed! Your pet will, for sure, know they’re loved after you create this bed for them!
Here is what you will need to make the bed frame:
- One ¾” thick quarter sheet
- 1 1×4 120” board
- 1 1×4 96” board
- One 2×4 16” board
- 4 felt furniture feet
- 42 1 ¼” Kreg Maxi-Lock Coarse screws
- Two trunk handles
Here is what you will need to make the bed cushion:
- 1 yard of sixty-inch wide fabric
- White thread
- Two pillows
- Tape measure
- Iron
- Ironing board
- Sewing pins
- Scissors
- Round foam brush
- Fabric paint
- Masking tape
If you would like to follow a step-by-step guide with diagrams and pictures, check out this guide here. Once you create the bed frame if you would like to make the cushion as well, check out this guide here.
Dive in
There are 5 Off-Season Woodworking Projects for Beginners! We hope these projects inspire you to start creating! Do you have a favorite plan from this list? Have you created any of these projects before? If you’re a beginner woodworker who doesn’t have much experience with power tools, please be sure that you do your research on the tools you will be using. Power tools usually are straightforward to use and make creating pieces very easy, but they can be dangerous if they’re not used properly. Be sure to review the owner’s manual that came with the power tool and even takes some time to look up some tips on Google.
Here are some essential power tool safety tips:
- Never carry tools by the cord.
- Keep all tools in good condition, and be sure to take the time to run regular maintenance.
- Make sure you’re using the right tool for the job.
- Examine each tool for any damage before use.
- Disconnect tools from their power source when you’re not using them.
- Keep your work area well lit so you can see what you’re doing.
- Make sure cords from power tools do not cause a tripping hazard.
- Always have eye and face protection.
- Be sure to have good footing and balance when using power tools; don’t lean on any furniture. You want to make sure both feet are planted firmly on the ground.
- Wear proper clothing. You don’t want to wear loose clothing or jewelry since they can easily get caught.
These are just some tips by the OSHA, if you would like to review more tips, check out this Hand and Power Tools Information Booklet by the OSHA.
