27 Simple Scrap Wood Projects for Beginners
Check out these simple scrap wood projects and ideas to try! These easy small wood projects are perfect beginner woodworking projects too!
My scrap pile explodes every time I build a project!
It is almost like – bigger the project, the bigger the pile of scrap wood!
I have a huge pile of scrap wood in my workshop filled with lumber of random shapes and sizes and it is fun to come up with ideas and projects to use up that scrap wood efficiently.
Not only are these scrap wood projects super easy and quick to make (hello! instant gratification!), they also make perfect handmade gift ideas, home decor ideas or organization projects.
First things, first – I built a scrap wood organizer from scrap wood but I need to keep tackling my ever-growing pile of scrap wood to keep it under control.
Easy Scrap Wood Project Ideas
Like I mentioned above, scrap wood can be used to create excellent organization!
These scrap wood projects also make great simple woodworking project ideas for beginners.
Below are a few projects made using scrap wood. Click into the project to see all the details. Most of them also have printable plans that you can download and take with you to your workshop.
Make your workspace more ergonomic with this easy DIY laptop stand. It takes minutes to make and is SO useful!
2. DIY Wood Wall Clock Using Scrap Plywood
Put all those little pieces of scraps to work! This simple wall clock project needs only a Jigsaw and a few plywood scraps.
This easy 30-minute project adds an ergonomic footrest under your worktable.
A raised dog bowl stand with a simple and modern design. Build it with small scrap pieces of 2×2’s! If you don’t have enough, you just need 2 boards of 2x2s that cost under $5!
Got a few 4×4 posts laying around? Use them to add personality to simple solar lights!
6. DIY Lap Desk
It is a simple project using just a couple of boards. I gave it a fun finish but you could totally just paint or stain it!
This one is not only a great use of scrap wood, but it can also be built without any power tools if needed and makes a great project for a beginner! I also have a full video tutorial for you!
This is a super quick and easy project and can be used to organize so many things! I am currently using it as a desk organizer.
But it can also be used as a utensil organizer for picnics, barbecues, and parties.
9. DIY Spice rack/ bottle organizer
One of my favorite scrap wood projects, this criss-cross organizer is easy to make but looks like it came out of a high-end catalog!
An easy to make project in under an hour and can be used in so many ways!
I use it for storing vegetables in my pantry but it is also perfect for toy storage or craft supply storage… the list goes on and on. Plus – they are also stackable!
11. Homework or desk organizer
This homework organizer has literally been a lifesaver when it comes to keeping my daughter’s desk and homework organized. I also love that she can just take the bucket of markers with her where she needs it and put it right back (at least most of the time).
If your coffee filters drive you batty because of their flimsy box, make a quick version using scrap plywood!
A simple, modern design with one of my new favorite mediums – plexiglass.
14. DIY Wall mounted bottle opener –
This quick and easy project makes the perfect handmade gift!! It literally takes 15 minutes to build! I added copper accents to mine and I love how it turned out! I have also got you covered with a video tutorial!
It is perfect for the outdoors using scrap 2×4 pieces. We are having so much fun using it this summer!
DOWNLOAD MY COLLECTION OF 12 SCRAP WOOD PROJECT IDEAS
This is one of my favorite projects made from scrap wood. The design is completely customizable and can be as tall or as wide as you like!
My daughter (and mostly me) made it for Father’s day for my husband. It makes a perfect addition to any desk or nightstand to hold the phone and a picture or an inspirational quote!
This is a super easy project made from a few pieces of 1″ x 4″. We made this for the teachers and hence covered it with rulers. You can absolutely make it and cover it with anything else you like – like crayons or popsicle sticks…
19. Candleholder
Made from a bunch of scrap of 2″ x 2″ boards, this is the easiest project ever. I embellished this with seashells for a coastal theme but there are so many ways to embellish it!
A quick 10-minute project that adds color and pretty flowers to any wall!
Sometimes gluing pieces of scrap wood painted various colors makes for really pretty art!
This easy tiered plant stand made from scrap wood is a great afternoon project and adds a simple modern touch to the decor.
23. DIY Step Stool
This easy step stool is a perfect scrap wood project! Use multiple sizes of wood if needed! Also, can be used as a plant stand!
24. DIY Christmas village using scrap wood
This quick and easy project is perfect to use up little pieced of scrap wood and create gorgeous Christmas decor!
25. DIY Scrap wood Light up Christmas Tree
See how you can use scrap 1×3 boards, some mdf or plywood and add string lights to create gorgeous Christmas decor!
Use up little pieces of leftover 4×4 boards to make a cute snowman for your Christmas decor!
Can you believe this beauty is made from leftover plywood cut offs?! This lazy susan is currently my favorite scrap wood project!
28. DIY Scrap Wood Table Runner
This table runner made from scrap wood is not only decorative, but it’s also functional too. It acts as an insulator protecting your tabletop from hot pots and pans. It can be customized in any length or color you want.
So, which one of these is your favorite?
I still have a pretty massive pile of scrap wood and a whole ton of ideas!!
Follow my scrap wood projects Pinterest board for lots more ideas!
If you are looking to tackle larger projects, I have lots of fun woodworking project ideas for you and a whole library of woodworking plans!
Looking for more scrap wood projects?
- 20 projects to make with scrap 2×4 boards
- 27 projects using scrap plywood
- 21 Clever little things to do with scrap wood
- Over 50 creative scrap wood projects to make
- 21 Creative and Easy Pallet Wood Project Ideas
Don’t miss looking at my favorite woodworking tools.
Or my favorite tips and tricks for woodworking! You will not guess my #1 favorite thing!
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!"
Another idea for scrap wood: bird house/feeder! I’m going to be trying that myself!
Great idea!! Send me a picture of the one you make! I can probably add it to the list 🙂
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Great ideas. I will definitely use a few of these. I have some scrap plywood from a couple projects right now. Those will probably become shop jigs. A couple months back I used my scrap 2x’s to create a stool/stand for my wife. It was really simple. https://woodwork.cooperjason.com/diy-cascade-stand-made-with-scrap-lumber/
Great work Anika. I am a wood enthusiast myself. im goonna try the light sconce.