What starts as a DIY woodworking project can often end up becoming a lucrative crafts business. With the increasing demand for handmade goods crafted with care, woodworking has become more of an interest to customers.
Wood crafts can be used for home decor and gifts, so there are plenty of opportunities to turn a simple woodworking project into a thriving business – we’ll walk you through the best woodworking projects that sell.
Can You Make Money From Woodworking?
You can make money with woodworking projects if you have basic woodworking skills. And as you gain more experience and take on more complex projects, there is even more opportunity to grow your business.
There are many options if you are seeking profitable woodworking project ideas to make money, including items such as rustic headboards, wall signs, floating shelves, and more.
How to Get Into Woodworking as a Business
Woodworking is a great hobby that can also be a profitable business. If you’re interested in starting a woodworking business, here are some steps you can take:
- Develop your woodworking skills. This is the most important step. You need to be able to create high-quality woodwork in order to be successful. There are many ways to develop your woodworking skills, such as taking classes, reading books, and watching online tutorials.
- Identify your niche. What type of woodworking do you want to specialize in? Do you want to make furniture, toys, home décor, or something else? Once you know your niche, you can start to target your marketing efforts to potential customers.
- Create a business plan. This will help you to define your business goals and strategies. It will also help you to secure funding, if necessary.
- Set up your shop. This includes getting the necessary tools and equipment. You’ll also need to decide where you’re going to set up your shop.
- Market your business. This includes creating a website, advertising in woodworking magazines, and attending trade shows.
- Provide excellent customer service. This is essential for any business, but it’s especially important in a competitive industry like woodworking.
Here are some additional tips for starting a woodworking business:
- Start small. Don’t try to do too much too soon. Start by focusing on a few products or services and build your business from there.
- Be patient. It takes time to build a successful woodworking business. Don’t get discouraged if you don’t see immediate results.
- Have fun! Woodworking is a great hobby, so make sure you’re enjoying yourself. If you’re not having fun, it will be difficult to be successful.
Benefits of Woodworking as a Business
Woodworking is a business that offers an array of significant benefits, making it an attractive option for both seasoned craftsmen and novices alike. First and foremost, woodworking as a business presents the opportunity for creativity and innovation.
The unique, handcrafted pieces that come out of a woodworker’s workshop are one-of-a-kind and cater to a niche market that values the individuality and workmanship involved in custom-made items.
Moreover, woodworking is versatile; the range of potential products is vast, from furniture and home decor to toys and kitchen utensils. The diversity of products that can be crafted gives woodworkers the flexibility to adapt to market trends and consumer demands.
Given the premium that people are willing to pay for handcrafted wood products, the profit margin in this business can be high. As the raw materials needed for woodworking, primarily wood, are relatively inexpensive, the principal investment lies in the tools and the skillset.
Once a woodworker has amassed a set of high-quality tools and honed their skills, they can produce pieces that fetch a good price in the market. The business’s scalability is also a significant plus point; one can start small, perhaps as a part-time venture, and grow the business as demand increases.
Additionally, running a woodworking business provides an excellent avenue for self-fulfillment and job satisfaction. There’s a sense of pride and achievement that comes from turning a simple piece of wood into a work of art or a functional piece of furniture.
As a craft, woodworking also promotes focus and patience, which can be beneficial for one’s mental well-being.
It can also serve as a productive outlet for stress and anxiety. Ultimately, the woodworking business is not just about making money; it’s about crafting a lifestyle that revolves around doing what you love and sharing your passion with others.
Top Woodworking Projects to Sell for Profit
| Woodworking Projects | Description |
|---|---|
| Wooden Toys | Bestselling wooden toys for parents and customers seeking unique gifts. Can be sold at craft fairs and online as heirloom gifts made from quality wood like oak and mahogany. |
| Wooden Coasters | Gorgeous wood coasters for home decor using quality wood like pine wood. Popular choice for rustic home decor, suitable for year-round sales. |
| Coffee Tables | Profitable woodworking projects using leftover and reclaimed wood to create coffee table designs of various sizes. Can be sold as upcycled projects with rustic charm. |
| Wine Rack | Functional and aesthetically pleasing wine racks made from solid wood. Great product for adding rustic charm to customers' homes. |
| Wooden Picture Frames | Simple woodworking projects to create frames for photos, can be embellished with glitter, crystals, flowers, etc. Suitable for year-round sales, a versatile item for drawing customers into your business. |
| Wooden Utensils | Rustic home decor and wedding decor items, useful as they conduct heat better than metal utensils. Can include spoons, forks, and knives, suitable for various occasions. |
| Wooden Cutting Board | Utilizing wood pallets to create functional pieces for the kitchen like cutting boards. Personalization options with engravings for gifting. |
| Scrap Wood Wall Art | Sustainable wall art using scrap wood to express creativity and create beautiful pieces of artistry for customers' homes. |
| Wooden Serving Tray | Repurposing wood boards into serving trays, a simpler woodworking idea that can be profitable for your business. |
| Wooden Bench | Larger woodworking projects using pallet wood and pressure-treated wood to create benches, suitable for patios and gardens with interesting shapes and designs. |
| Raised Garden Beds | Using wood for garden decor, create raised garden beds and planters for a functional yet charming look. |
| Rustic Wooden Sign | Decorative woodworking project creating rustic wooden signs with text and embellishments, ideal as signature pieces for dining rooms or gifts all year round. |
| Console Tables | Larger home decor pieces like console tables with wooden shelves, profitable at craft fairs and other locations. |
| Wooden Coat Rack | Functional and rustic home items made from wood, great for home decor with unique touches like wrought iron hangers. |
| Wooden Business Card Holders | Chic and professional wooden business card holders, a great addition to an office. |
| Jewelry Organizer | Smaller organizers for necklaces or larger boxes with sections for earrings and rings, lovely addition to dressing tables. |
| Sofa Arm Table | Smaller home decor item for woodworking, a table big enough for drinks and small bowls for maximum comfort. |
| Picnic Table | Woodworking project for garden decor, useful for outdoor events and pet owners. |
| Kitchen Table | Rustic and shabby chic wooden kitchen tables for cozy dinners and large parties. |
| Coffee Mugs | Functional wooden mugs for constant use, offering various designs from simple to complex. |
| Bathtub Caddy | Unique woodworking item, wooden bathtub caddies, not widely seen in the market, offering something special to customers. |
| Wooden Egg Holders | Niche wooden items, earthy and rustic twist in kitchen decor, not widely available in the market. |
If you are considering having your own woodworking business, having a profitable project is crucial. We’ve put together a list of the best woodworking DIY projects that sell to get you started.
1. Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are always a bestseller for parents and customers seeking unique gifts. You can sell wooden toys at craft fairs and online, and they can be a unique heirloom gift that kids will treasure forever using wood like oak and mahogany.
2. Wooden Coasters
You can create gorgeous wood coasters for home decor using quality wood, such as pine wood. Wooden coasters are always a popular choice for rustic home decor and can be sold year-round.
3. Coffee Tables
Coffee tables are one of the larger woodworking projects you can do, but they can be profitable. You can use leftover wood and reclaimed wood to make coffee table designs in different sizes as an upcycled project that customers will love.
4. Wine Rack
Wine racks are a functional part of home decor, but they can also serve an aesthetic purpose that customers really like. Creating beautiful wine racks using solid wood is a great product that is useful for customers while adding some rustic charm to their homes.
5. Wooden Picture Frames
Picture frames are another one to consider if you’re looking for simple woodworking projects. Frames for photos are relatively easy to make if you have basic woodworking skills and you also add embellishments such as glitter, crystals, flowers and more to add an extra touch.
Additionally, picture frames are another type of item that can be sold year-round so they can be a way to draw customers into your business.
6. Wooden Utensils
Wooden utensils are used in rustic home decor and wedding decor, so there is always demand for these items, especially since they conduct heat better than metal utensils. You can create wooden utensils that can be used for a variety of occasions, such as spoons, forks, and knives.
7. Wooden Cutting Board
Projects such as a wooden cutting board can be a useful way to upcycle wooden pallets to create functional pieces for the kitchen. Wood pallets can be turned into wood slices that you can finesse into a cutting board without needing a lot of complex tools. You could also add extra touches such an engraving initials or phrases as a way to personalize these items as a gift option.
8. Scrap Wood Wall Art
Wall art is always a popular type of product to sell, especially if you can make it sustainable. Wall art made of scrap wood lets you express your creativity with materials such as wood to create gorgeous pieces of artistry that customers can hang in their homes.
9. Wooden Serving Tray
Another way to use a wood board is to rework it into a wood serving tray. It’s one of the simpler woodworking ideas that have the potential to make you profits since it does not require as much time and effort as other wood items might.
10. Wooden Bench
Using materials such as pallet wood and pressure treated wood, you can create larger woodworking projects such as a wooden bench. It’s the perfect addition to patios and gardens, and you can create interesting shapes and designs for your bench depending on your level of skill or craft simple wooden benches.
More of the Most Profitable Woodworking Projects
If you’re looking for profitable projects that can be made using basic woodworking tools, here are some more ideas to consider for your business.
11. Raised Garden Beds
Wood can be an excellent material to use for garden decor since it adds. Functional yet charming look. You can create raised garden beds and planters using materials such as wooden boxes.
12. Rustic Wooden Sign
For a more decorative woodworking project, you can create rustic wooden signs with text and other embellishments. These types of signs can be a signature pieces in the dining room for customers or can be gifted to loved ones, so they are a product you can sell all year to grow your business.
13. Console Tables
Larger home decor pieces like console tables with wooden shelves are another woodworking project to consider. They can take a considerably long time to make but can also be very profitable at craft fairs and other locations.
14. Wooden Coat Rack
Coat racks are another functional home item that can be made from wood since they add a bit of rustic charm to the home. These are great home accessories that don’t require as much woodworking skill, and you can add unique touches, such as wrought iron hangers, to add to the beauty.
15. Wooden Business Card Holders
Wooden business card holders are a great addition to an office, and they are smaller and easier to make. You could make ornate card holders using storage boxes and other materials to add a chic yet professional flair to an office.
16. Jewelry Organizer
Like coat hangers, jewelry organizers are relatively simple to make and are a lovely addition to a dressing table. You can create smaller organizers to hang necklaces or create larger boxes that have separate sections for items such as earrings and rings.
17. Sofa Arm Table
For a smaller home decor item using woodworking, consider making a sofa arm table. These are not very large tables, and they should ideally be big enough for putting a drink and maybe a small bowl for maximum comfort.
18. Picnic Table
Another garden decor item you could make from wood is a picnic table. Picnic tables are also useful for pet owners since they have their own space under the table, and they are perfect for hosting outdoor events such as summer parties,
19. Kitchen Table
A wooden kitchen table is the perfect addition for those seeking a shabby chic look or rustic item for their home. You can make large and small kitchen tables that are great for cozy dinners or large parties that families will remember forever.
20. Coffee Mugs
Coffee mugs are a functional item that get used constantly, which is why a wooden mug can be so useful to make and sell. There are many options for creating coffee mugs, from simple designs to more complex artistic pieces, and there is always demand for these items.
21. Bathtub caddy
If you are seeking to make something that it is a little more unique, wooden items such as bathtub caddies should be a consideration. Wood bathtub caddies are not always seen in the market so they can be an excellent way to draw customers in while offering something that is truly different.
22. Wooden egg holders
Another niche item that you could make with wood are egg holders. Like the bathtub caddies, these are not widely seen in the market, making them truly special. Egg holders are a useful addition to the kitchen while adding an earthy and rustic twist in kitchen decor.
More Great Woodworking Projects to Sell
Here are some more profitable wood-burning project ideas for your handmade woodworking business, each with its unique appeal and marketability:
23. Customizable Wooden Garden Markers
Create wooden garden markers that can be personalized with the names of different plants or herbs. These functional yet charming markers add a personal touch to any garden and can be a hit with gardening enthusiasts.
24. Handcrafted Wooden Bread Boxes
Offer beautifully crafted wooden bread boxes that keep bread fresh while adding a rustic charm to kitchen counters. These can be customized with intricate wood-burning designs to appeal to customers looking for unique kitchen storage solutions.
25. Wooden Laptop Stands
Design and build ergonomic wooden laptop stands. These are not only practical but can be customized with unique patterns or motivational quotes, making them a great gift for students or professionals.
26. Artistic Wooden Vases
Create stunning wooden vases with intricate designs and patterns, perfect for adding a touch of elegance to home decor. These can be popular among customers seeking unique centerpieces for their homes or as gifts.
27. Personalized Wooden Pet Bowls
Craft personalized pet bowls with the names of pets burned into the wood. This can be an attractive product for pet owners looking to pamper their furry friends with something special.
28. Wooden Smartphone Docks
Offer handcrafted wooden docks for smartphones, which can be customized with personal messages or artistic designs. These are practical and stylish accessories for tech-savvy customers.
29. Customized Wooden Bookends
Design and create unique wooden bookends that can be customized with quotes, names, or intricate patterns. These are perfect for book lovers looking to add a personal touch to their bookshelves.
30. Decorative Wooden Trinket Boxes
Handcraft wooden trinket boxes with ornate designs, perfect for storing jewelry or small keepsakes. These can appeal to customers seeking elegant storage options for their precious items.
31. Wooden Herb Crushing Bowls
Produce handcrafted wooden bowls designed for crushing herbs, with an option for customers to have them personalized with specific herb names or patterns. These can be a hit with cooking enthusiasts and herbalists.
32. Custom Wooden Lamp Bases
Create unique wooden lamp bases that can be customized with different designs and patterns. These can add a warm and personalized touch to home lighting solutions.
33. Wooden Cheese Spreaders
Offer a set of wooden cheese spreaders, each with unique wood-burning designs. These can be popular for customers who entertain guests and look for unique tableware.
FAQs: Woodworking Projects to Sell
How Can You Make Money Fast With Woodworking?
If you are looking for an easy woodworking project to take your woodworking hobby to the next level, you can make money quickly with woodworking, especially if you make home decor items such as tables.
What Wooden Items Sell the Best?
There are many wood projects that sell well, as customers are always looking for them. However, home decor items such as tables and wall art sell the best.
What Supplies Do You Need to Make Woodworking Projects That Sell?
To get started with woodworking projects, you will need a few different tools. Essential supplies for woodworking include wood planks, wood glue, natural wood stain color and power tools for techniques such as wood turning.
What Are the Most Profitable Woodworking Projects to Build and Sell?
There are many profitable items that you can make if you are interested in how to sell woodworking projects. The most profitable woodworking project to build and sell is wooden signs. Wooden signs can be used in a variety of different ways across homes and are a perfect fit for areas such as the dining room and the kitchen, which appeal to a wide customer base.
Conclusion
Embarking on a woodworking business journey is not just about crafting wooden pieces; it’s about realizing the potential for creativity, entrepreneurship, and self-fulfillment that this unique trade offers. What begins as a DIY woodworking project can indeed transform into a lucrative crafts business with the right approach, dedication, and a dash of passion.
The allure of woodworking as a business lies not only in the opportunity to make a profit but also in the joy of creating unique, handcrafted items that resonate with customers seeking authenticity and craftsmanship. The market for handmade goods crafted with care is on the rise, and woodworking entrepreneurs are in a prime position to cater to this demand.
One of the primary benefits of woodworking as a business is the boundless scope for creativity and innovation. Each wooden piece that emerges from a woodworker’s workshop is a testament to their craftsmanship, embodying a level of individuality and attention to detail that mass-produced items cannot replicate. This uniqueness is the key to attracting a niche market that values the beauty of bespoke creations.
Furthermore, woodworking offers versatility in the range of products that can be crafted. From elegant furniture pieces to charming home decor items and practical utensils, the options are vast. This versatility empowers woodworkers to adapt to evolving market trends and customer preferences, ensuring their business remains relevant and profitable.
Speaking of profitability, woodworking can be a highly lucrative endeavor. While the initial investment lies in acquiring quality tools and honing one’s skills, the ongoing cost of raw materials, primarily wood, is relatively low. This translates to healthy profit margins, especially when catering to a market that is willing to pay a premium for handcrafted wood products.
The scalability of a woodworking business is another significant advantage. One can start small, perhaps as a part-time venture, and gradually expand as demand grows. This flexibility allows entrepreneurs to manage their business according to their capacity and resources, making woodworking accessible to both novices and seasoned craftsmen.
Beyond financial gains, running a woodworking business offers a profound sense of self-fulfillment and job satisfaction. Transforming a plain piece of wood into a work of art or a functional masterpiece instills a deep sense of pride and accomplishment. Moreover, the meticulous nature of woodworking promotes focus, patience, and a strong work ethic, contributing positively to one’s mental well-being.
Woodworking can also serve as a therapeutic outlet for stress and anxiety. The process of creating something beautiful from scratch, step by step, can be meditative and soothing, offering a welcome escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life.
In essence, a woodworking business is not just a means of making money; it’s a pathway to crafting a lifestyle centered around passion and creativity. It allows individuals to do what they love, share their craftsmanship with others, and build a brand that resonates with customers seeking authenticity and quality.
As you embark on your woodworking business journey, remember that success is built on a foundation of essential steps: developing your woodworking skills, identifying your niche, creating a well-thought-out business plan, setting up a functional workspace, marketing your products effectively, and providing excellent customer service. Starting small and being patient are key, as success may not come overnight, but the journey itself can be incredibly rewarding.
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Image: Envato Elements, Depositphotos
These are all easy enough projects to make but they’re also mentioned on so many other sites you should try mentioning other projects that nobody has talked about