DIY Scrap Wood Candle Holder

Make an easy DIY scrap wood candle holder from 2×2 boards to make a centerpiece and decorate to match any style.

DIY scrap wood candle holder with text overlay

I am forever trying ways to use up all the pieces of scrap wood I collect after every project.

Typically, I don’t save any pieces smaller than 6″ because they aren’t safe to cut a miter saw, but I had a few pieces of 2x2s left.

Playing around with them, I figured why not put them together and make a candle holder.

It can be decorated in so many different ways – colors, decor – think – red or green with glitter for Christmas, simple wood tones for Farmhouse style or coastal like I did using my daughter’s seashell collection.

close up of DIY scrap wood candle holder with shells

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Material Needed

How to Make the Candle Holder

Step 1 – Make Cuts/ Gather Material

  • Gather the scrap 2″x 2″ lumber pieces and figure out the configuration..

Tip – Once you have the final configuration, take a picture so you remember exactly how you wanted it.

2x2 scraps to build the scrap wood candle holder

Step 2 – Assemble

Glue wood scraps together using wood glue. I glued them one by one – clamping them and letting them dry overnight. Takes patience but I only had a few small clamps.

Clamping wood scraps to make scrap wood candle holder

Step 3 – Drill holes on the top of each 2″x2″ pillar using a 7/8″ drill bit. I obviously did this after it was painted but I would definitely do this earlier if I ever did this again! Be sure to make the holes at least an inch deep.

Making holes in DIY scrap wood candle holder

Step 4 – Paint with your favorite color. I picked the aqua because I was going for a coastal feel. color is very aptly named Seaside Manor by Clark +Kensington. I used this for the stripes on my outdoor coffee table  too.

Painting the aqua coastal DIY scrap wood candle holder

Step 5 – Glue sea shells using hot glue onto the candle holder. I glued them on in a diagonal pattern but you could do this however you wish!

glueing shells to the DIY coastal candle holder

Step 6 – Add Candles and enjoy!

DIY scrap wood candle holder with candles.

I love how it looks!

This can be used indoors too with any coastal decor or also make the perfect centerpiece at any coastal or beach themed event or wedding.

Oh, and let’s not forget that this basically turned out free!

Also, it can be customized in so many ways to suit whatever style you are looking for.

Anika's goal is to inspire and empower beginners with woodworking, DIY, home improvement, and home decor ideas.
She wants everyone to unlock their creative potential and experience the feeling that comes with making something. Nothing feels better better than seeing something and saying "I can make that!"

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33 Comments

  1. I love this idea. It’s a perfect center piece, and a great way to use shell collections. Thanks for sharing on Sunday’s Best.

  2. So in love with this project. I’m all about tropical and beachy things, so this totally speaks to me. Thanks for sharing this candle holder on Merry Monday. Pinned.

  3. I love how you could customize this for any room! Thanks for sharing at To Grandma’s House We Go DIY, Crafts, Recipes and More Wednesday Link Party! Pinned it to Pinterest! Hope to have you join the party next week!

  4. Jann Olson says:

    Such a fun and easy project with a great beachy vibe! Thanks for sharing it with SYC.
    hugs,
    Jann

  5. Karen Ching says:

    This is such a brilliant idea! Instead of throwing these scraps, didn’t know we could still come up with something this beautiful and so creative. Thanks for sharing this idea 🙂 Love lots, xoxo

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