Halloween’s the perfect excuse to mix woodworking with a little creative mischief.
Most of these use basic materials and tools you probably already have stashed somewhere in the shop. The ideas range from outdoor stuff like spooky door hangers and welcome signs to indoor accents—think candle holders and centerpieces.
Many can be knocked out in a couple of hours, so they’re perfect for weekends or even a last-minute Halloween scramble.
1) Rustic Wooden Pumpkin Sign
Rustic wooden pumpkin signs just scream fall. All you need is a basic wood piece and some paint—nothing fancy.
Grab a chunk of reclaimed wood or a pine board, maybe 12 inches by 10 inches. That’s a good pumpkin size, but honestly, go with what you’ve got.
Paint it classic orange, or try something unexpected like cream or sage. Some folks skip solid paint and let the wood grain peek through, which I kind of love.
Black lines for the pumpkin ribs are easy with a brush. Add a brown or green stem up top and it’s done.
Stick this sign on your porch, mantel, or even the kitchen counter. It plays nicely with corn stalks and mums, if you’re into that look.
The whole thing takes about two hours, but most of that is waiting for paint to dry—so maybe grab a snack. You’ll only need sandpaper, paint, brushes, and maybe a little stain if you want to get fancy.
They’re easy enough for beginners, and honestly, these sell well at craft fairs. People love handmade fall decor that’s built to last.
2) Spooky Ghost Cutouts from Scrap Wood
Ghost cutouts are a classic—and a great way to use up scrap wood. Old plywood strips or pallet wood? Perfect.
The shape’s simple: round off the top for the head, then cut a wavy bottom so it looks like a floating sheet. A jigsaw makes this a breeze.
3/4-inch plywood holds up best, but honestly, use what you’ve got. Attach a crosspiece if you want a sturdier ghost.
Sand everything smooth. Then slap on some white paint, and add black eyes and a mouth. Or go cute with rosy cheeks—why not?
Make them big for the yard or tiny for the mantle. The variety is half the fun.
It hardly costs anything if you’re using scraps. Home improvement stores often have cheap offcuts, and old fence boards work too.
For outdoor ghosts, use weatherproof paint or a clear coat. That way, they’ll survive even the rainiest October.
3) Halloween-themed Pallet Wood Lanterns
Pallet wood lanterns are rustic, easy, and honestly look great anywhere you need a little spooky light. Porches, walkways, or that weird dark corner? Covered.
Try making a set in different sizes. They look awesome grouped on steps or along a path.
Just cut pallet wood into rectangles and build a box—no top or bottom. Glue or screw the sides together, whatever you prefer.
Drop in orange or flickering LED candles. Battery lights are way safer than real flames, especially if you’ve got kids or pets running around.
Paint them black, orange, or even purple for a Halloween vibe. If you’re feeling extra, cut out bats or spiders for the sides.
The rough, weathered look of pallet wood does half the work for you. It just fits the season.
Building one takes maybe an hour, and they’re cheap. Store them away after Halloween and use them next year—easy.
4) Wooden Candy Corn Decor
Wooden candy corn is a fun, simple way to bring in some fall color. All you need are a few wood scraps or 2x4s.
Cut triangles for that classic candy corn shape. Nothing complicated here.
Use three colors: yellow at the base, orange in the middle, and white on top. Pencil in the lines first if you want clean edges.
Acrylic paint works best. Let each color dry before moving on—otherwise, you’ll end up with a mess. (Been there.)
Scatter them on mantels or shelves, or string them up as garland. They mix well with pumpkins and other autumn stuff.
The wood’s rustic look adds a nice touch. Some folks leave them out all season, not just for Halloween.
This project is quick—two hours, tops, mostly waiting for paint to dry. Super satisfying for not much effort.
5) Hand-painted Wooden Silhouette
Want a classic Halloween yard piece? A hand-painted wooden silhouette is hard to beat.
Trace the profile onto plywood. Cut it out with a jigsaw.
Prime the wood first so it doesn’t soak up all your paint. Then go over it with two coats of black for that bold, shadowy look.
Add a wedge or stake on the back so it stands up in your yard. At night, it’ll throw a spooky shadow under the porch light.
It’s cheap to make but big on impact. One of those decorations people recognize instantly—and it just feels like Halloween.
6) Pumpkin Shaped Wood Candle Holders
Pumpkin-shaped wood candle holders are just plain cozy. They’re perfect for tea lights or small candles and honestly beat plastic decor any day.
Use scrap wood—old 4x4s or cedar pickets work great. Cut the pumpkin shape with a jigsaw or band saw, then sand down the edges.
Paint them orange for a classic look, or stain them dark for something moodier. Some people leave them natural, which is also nice.
Carve or paint on faces if you want them extra festive. Beginners can stick with simple lines; there’s no need to overthink it.
These look great as centerpieces or grouped on a mantel. Different sizes together really pop.
You can finish one in an afternoon, no sweat. They also make sweet little gifts if you’re feeling generous.
7) DIY Wooden Black Cat Figurines
Wooden black cat figurines are a Halloween staple. They’re easy to make and use up those odd wood scraps you’ve been saving.
Start with a 2×4 or a chunk of 1×12. Draw the cat shape right onto the wood—sitting, standing, whatever you like.
Cut it out, sand the edges, and paint it black. Simple as that.
They’re great for shelves, porches, or even as a little family of cats if you want to get cute.
The ears look best with 45-degree cuts. Use a square if you want to be precise, but honestly, they don’t have to be perfect.
Since you’re using scraps, these cost next to nothing. You can finish one in an afternoon, easy.
Set them out with your other Halloween stuff and you’re good to go.
8) Wooden Haunted House Door Hangers
Wooden haunted house door hangers add instant Halloween vibes to any front door. Trick-or-treaters will get a kick out of these.
Cut the haunted house shape from plywood or pine—tall, crooked windows, pointed roof. Add broken shutters or a leaning chimney for extra creepiness.
Paint it black, gray, or purple. Use yellow for the windows to make them look like they’re glowing. Some folks even put orange lights behind thin wood for a cool nighttime effect.
Little details make these fun—tiny scrap wood bats or a small ghost hanging off the side. It’s the small stuff that gets noticed.
They fit right in with farmhouse style, especially if you like rustic wood. Pair with pumpkins, corn stalks, or whatever else you’ve got on hand.
Most are about 12 to 18 inches tall—big enough to stand out, but not so heavy they’ll pull your door off. Hang with a sturdy ribbon or rope and you’re set.
9) Photo Transfer Halloween Wood Plaques
Photo transfer wood plaques give spooky Halloween vibes with a bit of rustic flair. There’s something about creepy images on natural wood that just works for this season.
Woodworkers usually start by picking out Halloween images—skulls, spiders, maybe some old-school haunted house art. You can print these on special transfer paper or honestly, just regular paper if that’s what you’ve got.
The process is pretty straightforward: slap the image onto a wood plaque. Some folks swear by gel medium, while others reach for a blender pen to get a smooth transfer.
Adding wood stain really brings out the character. It makes the plaque look aged and gives it that perfectly weathered Halloween feel.
These plaques hang well on walls or fit nicely on tiered trays. A bit of ribbon or twine goes a long way for hanging them wherever you want.
You’ll need wood plaques, your chosen images, stain, brushes, and the usual basic supplies. Most of this stuff is easy to find at a local craft store or online.
10) Wooden Skull Centerpiece
A wooden skull centerpiece is a bold choice for any Halloween table. Different wood types will give you different looks—pine, plywood, whatever you have on hand.
Start by cutting out a skull shape from your board. A jigsaw is your friend here, especially for those curved lines and eye sockets.
Stacking a few pieces together adds real depth. Layering makes the skull pop and gives it a dramatic vibe.
Paint is where the magic happens. White or cream for that classic skull, or maybe a gray wash if you want something a bit more bone-chilling.
Some woodworkers leave the wood natural and just add a clear finish. That’s a solid choice if you’re into the rustic farmhouse look.
Surround the centerpiece with pumpkins, candles, or leaves for extra flair. You could even sneak in some wooden eyeballs underneath if you want to go all out.
This is a basic woodworking project—beginners can handle it. Most people can wrap it up in a weekend with simple tools from the hardware store.
11) Rustic Wood Bat Garland
A rustic wood bat garland adds a spooky touch to any Halloween setup. The mix of wood and classic bat shapes just works, especially if you love that farmhouse vibe.
Cut bat shapes from thin wood or reclaimed barn wood for extra character. The more weathered, the better—it just adds to the charm.
Use a jigsaw or scroll saw for the bats, then sand the edges so you won’t get splinters. Drill little holes at the top for stringing them up.
Twine or rope works best for hanging—it’s got that authentic rustic feel. Drape the garland across mantels, doorways, or porch railings for instant Halloween style.
Dark stain or black paint makes the bats stand out. If you want, leave some bats natural and stain others for a bit of contrast.
This garland looks great paired with pumpkins, ghosts, or spider webs. You can get creative with the whole display.
Try stringing lights behind the bats for cool shadow effects. It turns a simple garland into a real showstopper.
When Halloween’s over, just pack it away for next year. Quality wood means you’ll be using this garland for seasons to come.
12) Wooden Tombstones
Wooden tombstones are classic Halloween yard decorations. They’re cheap to make and look surprisingly creepy out front.
Scrap wood works fine—pine or plywood is easy for beginners. Just make sure it’s at least half an inch thick so it stands up to the weather.
Draw your tombstone shape right on the wood. Go with rectangles and curved tops, or get weird with ghostly outlines if you want.
Cut out the shape with a jigsaw, then smooth the edges with sandpaper. It makes the tombstone safer to handle and gives it a tidy finish.
Add details with hand carving. Names, dates, or silly sayings are always fun. Chisels and wood burning pens are all you really need here.
Gray paint gives that old, graveyard look. Hit the carved letters with darker paint so they stand out, and maybe add some moss or dirt for extra aging.
These tombstones can be funny or scary—Disney characters for kids, or horror movie nods for grown-ups. It’s all up to you.
13) Wooden Spider Web Wall Art
Wooden spider web wall art is a simple way to add Halloween vibes to any room. Entryways and living rooms are perfect spots for these.
Use thin wooden strips or dowels to make the web. Just connect them at angles for that classic spider web shape, and glue everything together.
Some people like string art webs on wooden backgrounds. Hammer nails into a board in a web pattern and wrap black or white string around them. It’s a cool look.
Don’t forget the spider. Cut one from plywood or grab a pre-made wooden spider. Paint it black for maximum creepiness.
These decorations last longer than plastic ones and can handle indoor or covered porch use. They’re easy to stash away for next year, too.
Try different stains for different effects—dark walnut for a gothic vibe, or leave the wood natural for that rustic touch.
The whole project takes about two hours. Beginners can pull it off, and supplies are easy to find at craft or hardware stores.
14) Wooden Trick-or-Treat Box
A wooden trick-or-treat box makes candy collecting way more fun. It’s sturdy and holds a ton of treats—way better than a flimsy bag.
Start with a simple wooden box or crate. Pine boards are a good choice. Just make sure it’s big enough for candy but small enough for kids to carry without dropping it everywhere.
Paint is where you can get creative. Orange, black, whatever fits your vibe. Stencils help if you want neat pumpkin faces or spooky words.
Add a comfy handle—rope or a wooden dowel both work. Just make sure it’s strong enough for a candy haul.
You can add a hinged lid to keep candy safe, or leave it open for easy access. Either way, it’s a solid upgrade from a plastic bag.
Kids love having their own special box, and parents appreciate that it won’t break after one night. Plus, you can use it year after year.
This is a quick project—just a few hours, and basic woodworking skills are all you need.
15) Rustic Wooden Pumpkin Patch Sign
A wooden pumpkin patch sign is a classic for fall decorating. It’s simple—just some basic wood cuts and a bit of paint, but it really sets the mood outside.
Reclaimed wood or old fence boards are ideal for that true rustic look. The more weathered, the better—it adds so much character.
Paint “Pumpkin Patch” in big, bold letters. Orange and brown are go-to colors for this project.
Stencils help keep the lettering clean if you’re not confident freehand. Vinyl letters also work if you want a more polished finish.
Attach some wooden pumpkin cutouts for extra detail. You can glue them right on or hang them nearby for a layered effect.
To get that worn, vintage look, lightly sand the sign after painting. It gives the whole thing a nice, distressed finish.
Set the sign on your porch, in the garden, or by the front door. It’s a warm welcome for guests and trick-or-treaters alike.
This project doesn’t need advanced skills or fancy tools. Most woodworkers can finish it in a few hours with basic materials.
16) Personalized Halloween Welcome Sign
A personalized Halloween welcome sign brings a friendly touch to your porch. You get to add your family name or a custom message, so it feels like your own thing.
Start with a wooden board cut to the size you want. Rectangular is classic, but coffin shapes are fun if you want to lean into the Halloween theme.
Paint on spooky fonts in orange, black, or purple. Add bats, pumpkins, or ghosts around your name for a more festive look.
Use weather-resistant paint so the sign survives the season. A clear coat helps keep it looking fresh, even if it rains.
Phrases like “The Smith Family Welcomes You” or “Happy Halloween from the Jones House” make the sign feel personal. It’s a nice way to greet visitors and show off your Halloween spirit.
Mount the finished sign on a porch post or set it on an easel near the door. It only takes a few hours, but you’ll end up with a decoration you can bring out every Halloween.
17) Wooden Owl with Glowing Eyes
A wooden owl with glowing eyes? That’s a pretty fantastic Halloween decoration. It’s simple woodworking mixed with a bit of lighting magic for a piece that really grabs attention.
Start with a rough owl shape cut from some scrap wood. Six to eight inches tall seems about right—nothing too tiny, but not overwhelming either.
Here’s where it gets interesting: drill two holes where you want the eyes. Make them just big enough for those small LED lights to poke through.
Once you’ve cut and sanded the owl, slap on some brown or gray paint. If you’re feeling it, a dark stain can give that rustic, slightly mysterious vibe.
Battery-powered LED lights go in from the back, right through those eye holes. Orange or red LEDs? They’ll give you that classic spooky glow.
You don’t need fancy tools for this—just a jigsaw, drill, and some sandpaper. It’s a solid project if you’re not looking for anything too complicated.
Put your finished owl on a mantel, a shelf, or even outside. When the lights flick on after dark, those glowing eyes are guaranteed to turn heads.