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Scrap Wood Project Ideas That Will Keep You Busy

Scrap Wood Project Ideas That Will Keep You Busy

If you’re a DIY enthusiast or just looking to make use of leftover materials from previous projects, you’re in luck! There are countless ways to repurpose scrap wood into functional and creative items. This guide will walk you through some engaging ideas, making sure that your time spent on scrap wood projects that will keep you busy is both enjoyable and productive.

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Step 1: Gather Your Scrap Wood

Before you can start on any project, it’s crucial to collect your materials. Look for:

  • Old furniture
  • Leftover lumber from previous projects
  • Pallets
  • Wood scraps from home improvement sections

Make sure to sort the wood by size and type for easier access later.

Step 2: Choose Your Projects

Here are some delightful scrap wood projects that will keep you busy:

Project Skill Level Estimated Time
Wooden Coasters Beginner 1-2 hours
Picture Frames Intermediate 2-3 hours
Birdhouses Intermediate 3-4 hours
Wall Shelves Intermediate 3-5 hours
Garden Planters Advanced 4-6 hours

1. Wooden Coasters

Simple and functional, coasters make great gifts and are quite easy to create. All you need are some square pieces of wood, sandpaper, and a wood finish.

2. Picture Frames

A homemade picture frame can elevate your cherished memories. With some wood scraps and wood glue, frame your favorite photos in style!

3. Birdhouses

Creating birdhouses can be a rewarding project that adds charm to your backyard. Tailor your design to attract specific bird species and watch them thrive.

4. Wall Shelves

Custom wall shelves not only keep your space organized but they also add a decorative touch. Use a mix of wood stains or colors to make them stand out.

5. Garden Planters

If you enjoy gardening, why not build your own planters? Use larger scraps to create raised beds or small planters for herbs and flowers.

Step 3: Gather Your Tools

Make sure you have the following tools handy:

  • Measuring tape
  • Saw (hand saw or power saw)
  • Sandpaper or a sander
  • Wood glue
  • Paint or wood finish
  • Drill (if necessary)

Step 4: Execute Your Projects

Now it’s time to roll up your sleeves! Follow these pointers:

  1. Measure Twice, Cut Once: Make sure your measurements are accurate before making any cuts.
  2. Stay Safe: Always use protective gear like gloves and goggles when working with tools.
  3. Take Breaks: It’s easy to get lost in your projects, but remember to take breaks to stay fresh and focused.

Step 5: Share Your Success

Once you’ve completed your projects, don’t hesitate to share your beautiful creations!

  • Post pictures on social media
  • Show your friends and family
  • Consider donating or selling your crafts

This is a brilliant way to inspire others and encourage a sustainable approach to using materials.

Conclusion

Engaging in scrap wood projects that will keep you busy can be a fun and fulfilling experience. With a bit of creativity, you can transform what might be waste materials into something practical or beautiful. Happy crafting!

Woodworking Resources:
Kakuri. Japanese Woodworking Tool Set. Tools/Equipment
Kakuri Japanese woodworking tool set is the ultimate set for any woodworker. It’s the highest grade tool set from Kakuri, and known for its precision and timeless quality. 🗸

Enertwist. Premium Wood Chisel Set. Tools/Equipment
Enertwist Premium Wood Chisel Set is a budget friendly chisel set which is great for woodworkers. It contains 8 full size wood chisels, sharpening stone, pencil and more. 🗸

Real Avid. Real Avid 360 Degrees Swiveling Bench Vise. Tools/Equipment
Real Avid 360 Degrees Swiveling Bench Vise is a top of the range multi purpose bench vise. It can be used for woodworking, tool sharpening and many other projects. It has many great reviews and makes a great addition to any tool kit. 🗸

Arbor Garden Solutions. Wooden MDF workbench with double shelf. Tools/Equipment
Arbor Garden Solutions Wooden MDF workbench with double shelf is a solid wooden workbench. They come in different sizes, so suitable for many different spaces. Every woodworker needs one, and this is a great option. 🗸

Norman Pirollo. Furniture Design Course: 26 Lessons. Online Course
The furniture design course by Norman Pirollo spans 26 lessons covering topics such as design, concepts, sketching, drawing, scale models, prototypes, selecting wood and more. Learn from a pro who has been in the industry for over 25 years. 🗸

Norman Pirollo. Cabinet Build Class: 33 Lessons. Online Course
The cabinet build class by Norman Pirollo has 33 video lessons covering the process of design and building cabinets. Norman has vast experience in the woodworking space spanning over 25 years. 🗸
To see the full woodworking courses on offer by Norman see our detailed woodworking course post. Also see our woodworking plans post for project plans.

Flexner, B. (2005). Understanding wood finishing: How to select and apply the right finish (Rev. ed.). Reader's Digest.
Understanding wood finishing: How to select and apply the right finish is a DIY handbook that introduces people to wood finishing tools, materials & techniques, and comes with over 200 photos and illustrations. A highly rated handbook. 🗸

Noll, T. (2009). The joint book: The complete guide to wood joinery. Chartwell Books.
The joint book: The complete guide to wood joinery features 70 illustrated and easy to understand instructions for joints. Easy and fun for beginners, and also great for experienced woodworkers. 🗸

DK Publishing. (2020). Woodworking: The complete step-by-step manual. DK Publishing.
Woodworking: The complete step-by-step manual offers step by step instructions for all skill levels. Covers all essential aspects of woodworking, contains 25 detailed woodworking plans and much more. 🗸

Editors of Scroll Saw Woodworking & Crafts. (2016). Making wooden gear clocks: 6 cool contraptions that really keep time. Fox Chapel Publishing
Making wooden gear clocks: 6 cool contraptions that really keep time showcases full detailed plans and instructions on making wooden clocks. These are great projects that can be built and sold. 🗸

Hylton, B. (2008). Illustrated cabinetmaking: How to design and construct furniture that works. Fox Chapel Publishing.
Illustrated cabinetmaking: How to design and construct furniture that works brings you over 1300 drawings & diagrams for drawers, tables, beds, bookcases, cabinets & joints. A complete visual guide for furniture construction. 🗸
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