39 Kreg Jig Project Ideas for Beginners
A Kreg Jig makes building furniture extremely easy for newbie woodworkers! Here are 39 easy beginner-friendly Kreg Jig project ideas to inspire you!
You will also love these easy scrap wood project ideas and these amazing 2×4 project ideas.
The Kreg Jig has a special place in my woodworking life.
It was the very first “tool” I bought when I discovered the world of woodworking.
For the longest time, the K4 and the power drill are the only 2 things I had. I would get the lumber cut at the hardware store and those gentlemen were patient enough to let me go dictate my entire cut list.
Then I would bring it home and put it all together. That is how I built the first table and chair set and my workbench.
I don’t think I would be doing what I do if it wasn’t for the world of pocket holes and how it makes it easy to make strong and durable joints without having to use advanced tools.
***This post is sponsored by Kreg Jig. Thank you for supporting the brands that make this website possible.***
Which Kreg Jig to Buy
If you are confused about which one to buy, here are a few of my favorites –
- Kreg 320 – It is a new beginner-friendly and budget-friendly pocket hole jig. I love how versatile it is and can be used in so many configurations. See my full video on all its features.
- The K4 – This is the one I bought 8 years ago and is still going strong. I use it all the time for all my pocket hole needs on my projects.
- The K5 – Basically the K4 with a few more bells and whistles like a swiveling dust collection, extension wings that help hold a wider material level and some extra hidden storage.
No matter which one you pick, you are going to love how easy it will make building furniture – big or small.
RELATED: See my list of 7 beginner woodworking tools
Also, check out all my favorite Kreg Accessories to help you with building using pocket holes and more!
How to use a Kreg Jig
I wrote a full article on everything you need to know about a Kreg Jig a couple of years ago – including a video tutorial.
Take a look at how to use a Kreg Jig
Also, read up on the 10 Pocket hole tips and tricks to build like a pro
And be sure to let me know if you have any questions.
Kreg Jig Project Ideas
Now let’s talk about all the projects you can make using a Kreg Jig.
Below are some really easy beginner-friendly projects you can make with any Kreg Jig you might have!
PLUS, almost all of these need only simple basic tools.
AND guess what – they make really great gift ideas too!
Project plans are available for all of the projects below. Some are available on BuildSomething.com. All others are available in my woodworking plans library.
Simple beginner projects
- DIY Step Stool – This easy step stool can be made from scrap wood and can be finished with a unique modern or rustic look – your choice!
- DIY Wood Tray Using Only 3 Tools – A simple project but looks like you made it using fancy woodworking skills! Get the free plans on BuildSomething.com
- Storage Bins with Dividers – This easy project can be used in so many ways! Store vegetables, toys, books… the list goes on!
- Corner Storage Bins – Using up those corners is so important! These corner storage bins are an easy and quick build!
- Tiered Plant Using Scrap Wood – If you have scrap wood and love plants, this plant stand can be whipped up in under an hour!
- Simple Wall Shelf – A quick and simple project but looks amazing on the wall!
- Lap Desk with Epoxy Resin Top – You definitely need one of these for those work from bed days… or of course, for breakfast in bed 🙂
- Under Bed Shoe Organizer – Because you can never have too many shoes or too much storage. Get the free plans at BuildSomething.com
Easy Small furniture using a Kreg Jig
I have already mentioned how Kreg Jig makes it easy to build furniture. These furniture projects are really simple and can be easily made in a weekend.
- Modern Bookshelf – Made from structural lumber, this easy shelf makes a great display! Get the free plans at BuildSomething.com
- Industrial Farmhouse Bench – Again made from 1×12 boards but a touch of industrial look.
- Upholstered X-Bench Using 2X4 Boards – One of my most popular projects! This bench is easy to make but the X-legs give it a special look.
- Rustic X-Leg Console Table – based on the upholstered X-leg bench above. Get the free plans on BuildSomething.com
- Upholstered Storage Ottoman – This is hands down the favorite and most used project in my home. A nice place to put up your feet and lots of storage too!
- Bar Cart from Old Drawers – If you have old drawers, you can easily turn them into a cart with a few 2x2s and pocket holes.
- Upholstered Headboard with Nail Head Trim – Making a headboard might sound intimidating but it is surprisingly simple and involves just a few pocket holes.
- DIY nightstand with hidden compartment – A simple nightstand with clean lines and a hidden compartment. What will you keep in it?
DIY Outdoor furniture using a Kreg Jig
Outdoor furniture is really easy to build and uses a lot of structural lumber – 2×2, 2×4, 2×6, etc.
Important – These joints require the 2-1/2″ pocket hole screws. Be sure to use Blue-Kote Weather Resistant Pocket Hole Screws for these projects!
- DIY Outdoor Bar / Potting Bench – Build a simple gathering area for your next party with this outdoor bar that uses only $70 in lumber. Or you can use it as a potting bench!
- Simple $20 Outdoor Dining Table – Built using 2×4’s and 2×6’s, this outdoor dining table is a quick and easy build for beginners!
- Easy $15 Outdoor Coffee Table – Another quick and easy build. And who doesn’t like the $15 price tag?
- Patio Table with Fire Pit – This is very similar to the outdoor dining table but a simple addition makes it a cozy spot for fall evenings or summer nights. And let’s not forget – s’ mores!
- 2X4 Indoor/Outdoor Bench – This is a version of the upholstered version but can be used indoors or outdoors!
- Tiered Raised Garden Bed – A simple project that helps you plant a garden no matter how much backyard space you have.
- Lattice Planter Box – a simple planter box with a pretty added lattice pattern. Can you guess what that is made from?
- Towel Rack with Shelves – Can be used indoors or outdoors. But I especially love it next to our pool! Get the free plans at BuildSomething.com
Easy Project Ideas for Kids rooms
- Easy Kids Table and Chairs Set – This was the first project I even built with my Kreg Jig and my son uses it till today!
- Kids Table with Storage – A version of the simple table but with hidden storage… because we could all use some!
- DIY Kids Art Station – This 5-in-1 art station will keep the kiddos busy for hours! Get the free plans at BuildSomething.com
- DIY Toy Organizer – There are so many types of toys and books that need organizing in a kid’s room. This takes care of everything – at least we think so.
- Kids Bedside Table with Book Storage – Bedtime storytime can get out of hand with all the books. This simple bedside table solves that problem.
Slightly larger Kreg Jig Projects
If you want to try your hand at larger projects, these are slightly more involved projects but are still extremely easy.
They might take a bit longer than a weekend to make but result in useful and functional projects.
- Easy DIY Nightstand with Drawers – Building a box is the basis of all woodworking. This in just 3 boxes with a little stand! Get the free plans on BuildSomething.com
- Entryway Bench with Storage – One plywood and some hardware makes a bench with lots of storage for your shoes or bags!
- X-Leg Accent Table – A simple box with a drawer but with X-legs.
- Pottery Barn Inspired Nightstand – The name says it all.
- DIY Modern Farmhouse Desk – This is the desk I use everyday! Built with plywood and a 2×2 frame from the legs, it has lots of storage!
- DIY Craft Closet Organizer – a simple reach-in closet converted into a well organized closet with shelves and drawers. Get the free plans on BuildSomething.com
- Mirrored Console Table – A simple console table but with mirrored drawers.
- Table Saw Stand with Folding Out feed Table – It is the perfect addition to a small workshop.
- End Table With Charging Station – No more cords in the living room. This end table has a hidden charging station with room for multiple power points and usb outlets.
- Sliding Barn Door Cabinet With Drawers – Lots of storage in this one – drawers and shelves and a barn door with DIY barn door hardware. Get the free plans at BuildSomething.com.
Which of these are the most exciting to you?
Which one will you build?
If you build it, I would love to see! Feel free to email photos to me at anika@anikasdiylife.com or tag me on Instagram @anikasdiylife for a chance to be featured on social media! I can’t wait to see what you build!
Need more Easy project ideas?
- 30 Absolutely Simple and Easy Beginner Woodworking Projects
- 30 Easy DIY Bench Ideas You Can Build Today!
- DIY Floating Ladder Shelf
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!"
