10 DIY Scrap Wood Projects Perfect For Beginners

Scrap wood, often seen as waste, is actually a treasure trove of DIY Projects waiting to be uncovered. The benefits are numerous! Using scrap wood not only saves money but also helps the environment through recycling. Additionally, scrap wood projects are an excellent way to learn the basics of woodworking. The possibilities are nearly limitless, from key holders and serving trays to laptop stands and DIY wall art. So, Visit these 10 DIY scrap wood Projects, and let’s create something beautiful, unique, and rewarding together using these hidden treasures. It’s time to breathe a second, meaningful life into that scrap wood!

DIY Scrap Wood Projects

DIY Scrap Wood Projects

We have many DIY woodwork projects, including some old-fashioned items that make your home look nice and classic. The collection has things for your bathroom, kid’s room, kitchen, bedroom, or even your office. These scrap wood project ideas are easy to do, even for beginners. They go from tiny lap desk designs and cup holders to plant holders and can be changed as you need. So, get your tools and stuff together, and start making something awesome with these scrap wood projects today!

What can I make using scrap wood?

• Keychains: Small but useful items easily made from scrap wood.
• Coasters: You can design unique wooden coasters to protect surfaces from drinks.
• Picture Frames: Craft custom frames to display your precious memories.
• Wall Art: Create unique art pieces using various scrap wood shapes.
• Storage Boxes: Organize small items in handy, homemade boxes.
• Plant Stands: Build stands to showcase your favorite plants.
• Shelves: Create additional storage space or display areas.
• Small Furniture Items: Stools, side tables, or even lap desks can be made from larger wood scraps.
• Homemade Toys: Fun toy cars, doll houses, or puzzles for the little ones.
• Outdoor Decorations: Think birdhouses, wind chimes, or garden labels.

Rustic Wood Bathtub Tray

Create your Wood Bathtub Tray and turn your bathroom into a relaxing oasis. This tray exudes a rustic charm and provides a convenient surface for a good book, a glass of wine, or even an iPad while you soak in the tub. Customize it according to the width of your bathtub to ensure a perfect fit.

Begin crafting your rustic bathtub tray by measuring the outer width of the bathtub. Cut two small pieces about 1″ wide from the board and then shape it to the tub width. Thoroughly sand the wood until smooth. Mark the inside edges of the tub’s lip on your board and adjust the 1″ strips to fit. Secure these strips with glue and nails. Drill holes for your handle on the tray’s edges, ensuring that the screw sits inside the surface of the wood. Stain the board and apply polyurethane coats. Finally, install the handle and tie a rope between its ends.

Materials: 

• 1″x6″ x 3′ board
• Measuring tape
• Cotton rope
• Knobs with keyhole openings or handle
• Minwax Early American Stain
• Oil-based Minwax Polyurethane
• Drill bits
• Wood glue
• 1.5″ finish nails

Project details: prettyhandygirl.com

DIY Wooden Arrows

Improve your home decoration with this simple DIY Wooden Arrow. It’s an easy project, great for beginners, and teaches basic woodworking skills like making 45-degree angles. You can make the arrow your own by picking a stain or paint color. So, why not give a little decorative touch to your or your kids’ bedrooms?

First, determine the desired length and cut the wood into pieces. Mark the center horizontally and vertically, aligning your 45-degree angle at these marks. Cut using a miter saw set at a 45-degree angle. Assemble the arrow by placing the boards together, following this pattern for as many arrows as needed. Stain or paint the wood according to your preference. Attach mending plates to the back of the arrow for stability. Optionally, glue the pieces together for extra strength. Finally, add a sawtooth picture hanger to hang the arrow on the wall.

Materials: 

• Miter Saw
• Tape Measure
• Pencil
• ​Right Angle
• ​Safety goggles
• ​Craft Wood or 1×4’s
• ​Wood Stain
• ​Mending Plates
• ​Drill

Project details: cherishedbliss.com

State Pride Magnetic Key Holder

No more sifting through your couch or purse in search of your keys! This DIY magnetic key holder keeps your keys organized and enhances your home decor. Its magnetic feature enables easy hanging. Moreover, you can customize its design according to your preference, whether it’s a map or anything else you fancy.

Make a unique home accessory with this state pride magnetic key holder. Start by choosing and printing out an outline of your favorite state, then attach it to a piece of wood with light adhesive. Carefully saw around the outline, sand down the edges, and drill holes for the magnets at the base. Insert the magnets with quick-set epoxy, and finish the holder with your choice of stain. Finally, attach picture hanging hardware, and you’re all set with crafty storage for keys.

• 12 neodynium super magnets
• Quick set epoxy
• Picture hanger hardware
• Spray adhesive
• Jigsaw or scroll saw
• Drill
• 1/2″ Forstner drill bit
• Sandpaper
• Stain/Finish of your choice

Project details: prettyhandygirl.com

Magnetic Bottle Opener

There’s no better way to use wood scraps than making this DIY Magnetic Bottle Opener. It has hidden magnets that do two things such as stick to anything magnetic like the fridge and catch bottle tops. Any shape you pick for the opener will still have a natural wood feel. Plus, you can paint or stain it in any color you like to suit your style.

First, shape your scrap wood to the desired form (a circle or triangle is suggested) to make your DIY magnetic bottle opener. Sand the wood using progressively higher grits until smooth and stain if desired. Drill recesses in the backside to accommodate your magnets and secure them with strong glue. Paint the edges and seal the top with a non-yellowing gloss spray. After drying, affix your chosen bottle opener to the front and test. If desired, drill an additional hole at the top for hanging.

Materials: 

• Scrap wood
• Forstner bits
• Magnets
• Glue
• Straight edge
• Metal bottle opener, color, and style of your choice
• Sandpaper (60, 120, 240 grits)
• Wood stain
• Paint of your choice

Project details: uglyducklinghouse.com

Wooden Serving Tray

Transform everyday pallet wood and thin birch plywood into a stylish serving tray that elevates any meal or dessert. The tray’s standout feature is its rustic look from pallet wood makeup. Plus, its design is adaptable, letting makers choose the rustic boards they find most appealing.

 Start by sketching the desired tray shape on plywood and rustic boards. Cut the wood according to your sketch, then dampen the wood pieces lightly before applying adhesive. Assemble the pieces together and allow them to dry well, secured under heavy weights. When dried, cut the whole tray according to your previous plywood tray shape. Sand the edges and grooves for a smoother finish. Mark the locations for handles, drill holes, and fix handles to the tray. For a more rustic look, lightly sand the handles. If serving food, use a plate or doily on the rustic tray.

Materials: 

• Pallet wood or rustic boards
• Thin Birch Plywood
• Piece of paper the diameter of your tray
• Metal ruler
• Gorilla Glue
• Hand weights
• Dremel Multi-Max or Sandpaper
• 2 Drawer Pulls

Project details: prettyhandygirl.com

Wooden Sofa Sleeve

Looking for a crafty solution to keep your beverages close at hand while lounging on the couch? This DIY Wooden Sofa Sleeve with a Cup Holder is your answer. You can adapt this project to fit any mug size. Create one for yourself or gift it to someone; it’s guaranteed to make the couch time more enjoyable.

Bring this DIY project by measuring your sofa’s arm for sizing. Place the hole saw at the center of your top wood piece and mark the midpoint to start the hole drilling. Sand the surface, ensuring the edges remain sharp. Combine sideboards and top pieces with wood glue (optional pocket hole screws can also be used for extra stability). After fastening, sand the entirety. Apply a coat of wood stain and allow it to dry. Attach a thin plywood under the cup hole with wood glue and give it a final seal with two polyurethane coats.

Materials:

• Wooden board
• A piece of thin plywood
• Wood glue
• Wood stain
• 150-grit or 180-grit sandpaper
• Grade 0000 steel wool
• Polyurethane

Project details: abeautifulmess.com

DIY Modern Pencil Holder

This simple project uses plexiglass and leftover wood to make a useful and trendy pencil keeper. It has a modern look and fits right in with a modern office. You can choose the colors to match any room in which you want to keep your pencils.

Begin by cutting the boards to length two, which needs diagonal cuts. Join the boards with glue and finish nails. Cut the plexiglass into pieces and strip back the protective film from the plexiglass before attaching each piece to the wood with strong glue. Start with the long sides, short sides, and lastly the dividers. Be sure to follow the glue’s directions and ensure maximum bond strength. It’s crucial not to get any glue on the plexiglass sides by removing the protector only from the adhering side.

Materials:

• Scrap 1″ x 4″ boards cut at 9″ length – total
• Plexiglass sheet (also called acrylic sheet)
• Strong glue. I used Clear Grip.
• Jigsaw or Bladerunner X2
• Miter saw or miter box
• Wood glue
• 1¼” finish nails and hammer or Brad Nailer

Project details: anikasdiylife.com

DIY Laptop Stand For Desk

The laptop stand lifts your laptop to eye level, helping your posture and reducing neck and back strain. It also lets you use two screens by aligning your laptop and monitor. Plus, it keeps your desk tidy, making room to store things like notepads and sticky notes. It is the perfect mix of practicality and personalization.

Kick off the process by cutting your boards as required. Attach one board to another at a right angle using the specified method. Next, lay out and attach the remainder of the slats with appropriate spacing. Afterward, attach the end-board to the other end of the slats. Finally, apply your chosen color to the stand and enhance aesthetics by incorporating industrial detail. Your DIY laptop stand is ready. It’s essential to follow certain directions for the best results.

Materials: 

• Lumber cut per plans
• Miter Saw
• Orbital Sander
• Flat Metal Corner Braces
• Color or stain of your choice.
• Wood glue
• Nail Gun
• 1 1/4″ finish nails

Project details: anikasdiylife.com

Candleholders From Scrap Wood

Brighten up your room with these homemade candle holders from leftover wood. These candle holders look great with mixed wood colors and shiny clear finish. You can make them in any size you like, and they can improve your home’s look nicely.

First, determine the size for your holders, ideally squares. Craft patterns from cardboard to draw outlines on the wood pieces. Following the outlines cut the wood pieces and stack and glue them together, ensuring grain direction consistency. Resist sanding edges until after gluing. Then, use a progression of rough to fine sandpapers to smooth surfaces and ensure right angles. Drill a hole in the top square for the candle before fine-sanding the drilled hole edges. Apply a clear coat, wait to dry, then sand with fine sandpaper and reapply another coat.

Materials: 

• Scrap pieces/sheets of wood
• Wood glue
• Sanding block
• Sandpaper
• Clear coat
• Pen
• Set square
• Piece of paperboard
• Clamps
• Cardboard

Project details: instructables.com

DIY Deck Planter And Card Holder

The DIY projcet is a brilliant and functional gift idea, perfect for business partners, teachers, or anyone who wishes to spruce up their workspace. This compact planter, which also works as a business card holder, brings a touch of nature to your workplace. It’s straightforward to construct in less than a day, making it suitable for those new to woodcraft projects.

Create a desk planter and card holder from a small wooden cube. Hollow out a space on one side for a plant and add a slit on the adjacent side for cards. Smooth out rough edges, and paint or leave the wood natural, according to your preference. This functional and decorative piece will help organize your workspace while adding a touch of greenery.

Materials:

• 1/2″ x 6ft x 2ft lumber
• Pencil
• Finishing nails
• Clamps
• Wood glue
• Wood stain
• Sandpaper (80 – 320 grit)
• Painter’s tape
• Garden seal or spar urethane
• Succulent
• Soil

Project details: uglyducklinghouse.com