From small storage solutions to decorative items, these quick builds are not only satisfying to make but can also serve practical purposes in your home. Some might even become items you can sell at craft shows or online if you’re looking to turn your hobby into a side business.
1) Pencil Caddy
A pencil caddy is one of the quickest woodworking projects you can make. You only need a small piece of wood, some basic tools, and about 30 minutes of your time.
Start with a block of wood about 6 inches long and 4 inches wide. Drill several holes on the top surface to hold pencils and pens. You can vary the hole sizes to fit different writing tools.
For a decorative touch, sand the edges smooth and round the corners. This makes the caddy more appealing and safer to use on your desk.
You can stain or paint your pencil holder to match your desk decor. A clear finish works great too, especially if you’re using an attractive wood like walnut or cherry.
This project is perfect for beginners and makes a practical gift. People will think you spent hours on it, even though it only takes about 30 minutes to complete.
You can batch several pencil caddies at once if you’re planning to sell them at craft shows or give as gifts. They’re always popular and useful items that showcase your woodworking skills.
2) Wooden Coasters
Wooden coasters are perfect for beginners who want to create something useful in less than an hour. You’ll be amazed at how simple these are to make!
Start by selecting a piece of hardwood like oak, walnut, or maple. Cut it into 4-inch squares or use a circular saw to make round shapes about 3.5 inches in diameter.
Sand all edges until they’re smooth to the touch. Pay special attention to the corners if you made square coasters to prevent any sharp points.
You can get creative with designs by burning patterns, adding epoxy details, or simply highlighting the natural wood grain. Some woodworkers like to route decorative edges for extra flair.
For finishing, water-based polyurethane works great because it dries quickly. You can apply several coats in a single afternoon. This seals the wood and protects against water rings from drinks.
Consider making a matching holder to keep your coasters organized. A simple box with dividers takes just a few extra minutes but makes your project look more professional.
These coasters make wonderful gifts and might even be items you could sell at craft fairs. Best of all, you can complete the entire project in under an hour!
3) Key Holder
A key holder is a perfect quick project that solves the everyday problem of misplaced keys. With just some scrap wood and basic tools, you can create a functional piece for your entryway in under an hour.
Start with a small piece of wood about 6-8 inches long. Sand the edges smooth for a clean look. You can leave it natural or stain it to match your decor.
Add small hooks or pegs to hang your keys. You might find these at any hardware store, or you can make simple wooden pegs if you’re feeling creative.
Some woodworkers use 15-degree compound bevel cuts to create slots that hold keys in place, which adds a unique touch to your project. This technique might take some practice, but creates an interesting design.
Consider adding a small shelf or tray portion to catch coins, sunglasses, or your wallet. This turns a simple key holder into a catch-all for everyday items.
Mount it near your door with screws or adhesive hanging strips. Your new key holder will keep your essentials organized and add a personal touch to your home.
4) Hat Rack
A hat rack is a perfect quick project that solves storage problems while adding style to your home. You can build a simple wall-mounted hat rack in about an hour using just a piece of wood and some hooks.
Start with a 6-foot 1×4 board that you can cut to your desired length. Sand the edges and surfaces until smooth to prevent snags on your hats.
Choose decorative coat hooks or pegs that match your home’s style. Space them evenly along the board, about 4-6 inches apart to give your hats enough room.
Pre-drill holes for your hooks to prevent the wood from splitting. Then attach the hooks securely with screws.
For mounting, drill pilot holes through the board and into wall studs. Use appropriate screws to ensure it can hold the weight of multiple hats.
This project costs under $10 if you already have some basic tools. You can customize it by staining or painting the wood to match your decor.
Your new hat rack will keep your favorite caps organized and on display instead of piled in a closet or drawer.
5) Simple Shelf
A simple shelf is a perfect project when you need extra storage but don’t have much time. You only need a piece of 3/4-inch plywood, wood glue, and some finish nails to get started.
First, cut your plywood to your desired shelf size. For beginners, a 2-foot by 1-foot shelf works great and is very practical for most spaces.
You can make the shelf more interesting by adding decorative brackets underneath. These can be purchased at any hardware store or you can make your own for a custom look.
Sand all edges until smooth to prevent splinters. This is especially important if the shelf will be at eye level or where people might brush against it.
Finish with paint or stain to match your home decor. Clear polyurethane works well if you want to showcase the natural wood grain.
Mount your shelf securely to wall studs using appropriate hardware. Make sure it’s level before final installation.
This project typically takes less than an hour but provides years of useful storage in your home. Plus, you’ll smile knowing you built it yourself!
6) Bookmark
Bookmarks are perfect for beginners who want to create something useful in under an hour. You only need a small piece of wood, sandpaper, and some basic tools to get started.
Choose a hardwood like oak, walnut, or maple for durability. Cut a piece about 6-8 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. You can use a handsaw if you don’t have power tools.
Sand all edges until smooth. Round the corners for a nicer feel and to prevent the bookmark from catching on pages. This is a great chance to practice your sanding skills!
Add your personal touch by burning a design, painting a pattern, or carving simple decorations. A small hole at one end lets you add a tassel or ribbon for extra flair.
Finish with a coat of mineral oil or beeswax to protect the wood and bring out its natural beauty. This also makes the bookmark smooth against book pages.
These make wonderful gifts for readers in your life. You can even make several at once, each with different designs or wood types.
7) Photo Display
Want to showcase your favorite photos in a unique way? A wooden photo display is a perfect one-hour project that adds a personal touch to any room.
You can make a simple photo stand with just a small piece of wood and a saw. Cut a slot at an angle on a block of wood, and you have a place to display your favorite picture.
Another option is to create a string photo display. Cut a frame from scrap wood, add small nails or hooks along the edges, and string twine across. Use mini clothespins to hang your photos.
Photo ledges are also quick to build. Cut a base piece and a small lip piece. Attach them in an L-shape, mount to your wall, and place your framed photos on top.
These displays work great for family photos, vacation memories, or children’s artwork. They make thoughtful gifts too!
Choose woods like pine or cedar that are easy to work with. Sand the edges smooth to prevent splinters and give your project a finished look.
8) Serving Tray
A wooden serving tray is the perfect one-hour project for beginners. You only need a few pieces of wood, some basic tools, and a little bit of time.
Start by cutting your wood to your desired tray size. Most people find that 16×12 inches works well for a standard serving tray.
Sand all edges until smooth. This step is important since you’ll be handling the tray regularly.
You can add handles by drilling holes on the two shorter sides or by attaching separate wooden or metal handles. Both options work great!
For a nice finish, apply a food-safe oil or finish like Osmo’s countertop finish. This makes the tray safe for serving food and drinks.
You can personalize your tray by staining it or adding decorative elements. Some crafters like to add tile, resin, or painted designs to make it unique.
This project is not only practical but also makes a wonderful gift. You can easily complete it in under an hour with scrap wood you might already have.
9) Plant Stand
A plant stand is a quick woodworking project that can beautify your home while showing off your greenery. You can build a simple one in less than an hour using basic tools and materials.
Start with three wooden boards of equal length for a tripod-style stand. Sand the edges smooth, then attach them at the top using wood screws or dowels. Add a circular platform near the top to hold your plant pot.
For a more modern look, try building a box-style stand with four legs and a square top. Cut your pieces to the same height, sand them well, and connect them with wood glue and finishing nails.
The beauty of DIY plant stands is that you can customize them to match your décor. Paint or stain them in colors that complement your space.
You can also build multiple stands of varying heights to create a stunning display for several plants. This adds visual interest to any room corner.
Remember to measure your plant pots before starting so your stand fits perfectly. For outdoor stands, consider using cedar or treated pine for better weather resistance.
10) Jewelry Holder
A wooden jewelry holder is a perfect one-hour project that’s both functional and beautiful. You can create a simple stand with pegs for necklaces or a small tray with dividers for rings and earrings.
To start, gather a small piece of wood for the base and some dowels or small branches for the pegs. Pine or cedar works well for this project because they’re easy to cut and sand.
Cut your base to your desired size – around 6 inches by 4 inches works well. Sand all edges until smooth to prevent any chance of snagging delicate jewelry.
Drill holes in the base for your pegs. Space them evenly for the best look. You can create different heights for your pegs to accommodate various necklace lengths.
Glue the dowels into the holes and let them dry for about 15 minutes. While waiting, you can sand and smooth the pegs.
For a nice finish, apply a quick coat of Zinsser Sealcoat as mentioned in the search results. It dries quickly and provides a protective layer for your jewelry holder.
Add any personal touches like a small dish for rings or earrings. Your custom jewelry holder makes a wonderful gift or a practical addition to your bedroom.
11) Tablet Stand
A tablet stand is a perfect quick project that’s both useful and simple to build. You can make one in under an hour with just a few pieces of wood and basic tools.
Start with a piece of hardwood about 8 inches by 10 inches. Cedar, maple, or oak work well for this project. You’ll need to cut a slot for your tablet to rest in.
Use a table saw with a tilted dado blade to create this slot. The angle helps your tablet lean back at a comfortable viewing position. If you don’t have a dado blade, you can make multiple passes with a regular blade.
Sand all edges smooth to prevent scratching your device. You can add felt to the slot for extra protection.
For a fancier stand, consider adding an adjustable angle feature. This requires a bit more work but allows you to change viewing positions.
Apply a finish of your choice – mineral oil works great for a natural look. A few coats of polyurethane will give more protection.
Your homemade tablet stand makes a great gift and keeps your device at the perfect angle for watching videos or following recipes in the kitchen.