35 Simple and Creative Scrap Wood Projects
Looking for creative and easy scrap wood projects? Here are fun and practical small wood project ideas for home decor, organization, and gifts!
Every time I complete a woodworking project, my scrap wood pile seems to grow bigger and bigger! It’s almost like—the bigger the project, the bigger the pile of scrap wood!
Instead of letting those small wood pieces pile up, why not turn them into projects that are useful, stylish, and even gift-worthy?
These DIY scrap wood projects are not only quick and easy (hello, instant gratification!), but they also make fantastic home decor, organization solutions, and handmade gifts.
First things first – I built a scrap wood organizer from scrap wood. But to make sure I don’t overflow the cart, I still need to keep tackling my ever-growing stash.
I have built many projects over the years, and I suspect I will keep making more!
Below are some things to make with scrap wood that you can try, too! Most of them also have printable plans that you can download and take with you to your workshop.
Kitchen Projects
1. Cutting Board Stand
The DIY cutting board stand is a quick and easy project to keep your kitchen neat and your boards within reach. No more cutting board Jenga! I made it with mahogany boards, but you can make it with any scrap wood and customize it with stain or paint to match your decor – simple, functional, and beginner-friendly!
Get the plans: DIY Cutting Board Stand
2. DIY Spice Rack/ Bottle Organizer
Keep your spices and small bottles neatly arranged with this simple criss-cross organizer. Using only a few scrap wood pieces, you can create a stylish and functional rack that looks straight out of a high-end catalog. Whether you use it in the kitchen, bathroom, or craft room, this project is both practical and visually appealing.
Get the plans: DIY Spice Rack / Small Bottle Organizer
3. Scrap Plywood Lazy Susan
Can you believe this beauty is made from leftover plywood cut offs?! This lazy susan is currently my favorite scrap wood project!
4. DIY Coffee Filter Holder
Tired of flimsy coffee filter boxes cluttering your counter? This DIY coffee filter holder is a quick and practical project using scrap plywood.
See how to make: DIY Coffee filter holder
Home Office Projects
5. DIY Laptop Stand for Desk
A laptop stand is a must for an ergonomic workspace. Made from just a few pieces of scrap wood, this DIY laptop stand can be customized to match your desk setup.
Whether you stain, paint, or leave it natural, this stand helps reduce neck strain while adding a sleek touch to your workstation. Best of all, it takes only a few minutes to build!
Get the plans: DIY laptop stand
6. DIY Footrest Under Desk
If you spend long hours at your desk, a footrest can make a huge difference in comfort. This easy 30-minute project uses scrap wood to create an ergonomic footrest that helps reduce leg strain.
It is one of the most popular DIY gift ideas from my site!
Get the plans: DIY Footrest
7. DIY Lap Desk
Work from anywhere with this simple lap desk made from scrap wood. It provides a stable surface for laptops, notebooks, or snacks while sitting on a couch or bed. You can customize the size and finish to match your decor.
Get the plans: DIY Lap Desk
8. DIY Wall Desk Organizer for Kids
The DIY kids’ desk organizer is a simple and practical way to keep school supplies neatly arranged while repurposing scrap wood. It is perfect for storing homework paperwork and folders, pencils, markers, scissors, and other essentials, making it easy for kids to grab what they need.
See how to build: DIY kids desk organizer
9. Mason Jar Organizer
Need a stylish way to store small items? This mason jar organizer combines scrap wood with repurposed jars for a functional and rustic touch. Perfect for organizing office supplies, craft tools, or kitchen utensils, this project is easy to make and customize
See how to build: DIY Mason Jar Organizer
10. Phone and Picture Holder
The DIY phone holder & photo display is a simple and functional project that makes a great desk or nightstand accessory. Made from scrap wood, it holds your phone upright while also displaying a favorite photo or inspirational quote. Whether as a gift or a personal project, it’s a stylish way to repurpose leftover wood!
Get the plans: DIY phone holder & photo display
11. Ruler Pencil Holder
This is a super easy project made from a few pieces of 1″ x 4″. We made this pencil holder as teacher gifts and covered it with rulers. You can absolutely make it and cover it with anything else you like – like crayons or popsicle sticks.
Get the plans: DIY Ruler Pencil Holder
12. DIY Modern Pencil Holder
This pencil holder is a sleek and functional project with its clean lines and minimalist design. The combination of wood and plexiglass makes it a unique piece that can be customized with different finishes. It’s a quick, beginner-friendly build that’s both stylish and practical!
Get the details: DIY Modern Pencil Holder
Storage and Organization
13. DIY Mail Organizer
This handy mail organizer is a great way to keep incoming letters, bills, and documents tidy. Made from small wood scraps, this project is perfect for beginners and can even be built without power tools. It’s a quick and practical addition to any entryway or office.
Get the plans: DIY Mail Organizer
14. Easy DIY Storage Bins
These stackable storage bins are incredibly versatile – they make great storage for toys, pantry items, or craft supplies. Built with scrap plywood or other leftover materials, you can build as many as you need to keep your space organized. The best part? They take under an hour to make!
Get the plans: DIY Divided bins
15. DIY Dog Bowl Stand
This DIY dog bowl stand is a practical and stylish way to use up scrap wood while creating something useful for your furry friend.
This raised stand helps improve your pet’s posture during mealtime and adds a sleek, modern touch to your home. Built using small pieces of 2×2 lumber, it’s an easy beginner-friendly project that can be customized to fit any size pet bowl.
Get the plans: DIY dog bowl stand
Outdoor Projects
16. DIY Solar Light Post
Transform leftover 4×4 post scraps into a beautiful solar light stand. This project is perfect for adding character to your garden, patio, or pathway lighting. Simply drill a hole to fit a solar-powered light and finish it with paint or stain for a stylish outdoor accent.
See the full tutorial: DIY Solar Light Stand
17. DIY Wall Mounted Bottle Opener
The wall-mounted bottle opener is a quick and easy project that’s perfect for any kitchen, bar, or patio. I added copper accents to mine, but you can customize it with stain, paint, or fun accents for a unique, handmade gift!
Get the plans: DIY Wall-Mounter Bottle Opener
18. DIY Ring Toss Game
Turn leftover 2×4 scraps into a fun outdoor game that the whole family will love! This ring toss game is easy to make and can be customized with paint or stain.
Get the plans: DIY Ring Toss Game
Home Decor
19. DIY Wood Wall Clock Using Scrap Plywood
This unique DIY wall clock is a great way to use up scrap plywood. It needs a few simple cuts and a jigsaw. You can stain, paint, or even burn designs into the wood for a custom look. Attach a clock mechanism, and you’ve got a functional decor piece made entirely from scraps!
See how to build: DIY Plywood Wall Clock
20. DIY Scrap Wood Table Runner
This wood table runner is not only decorative, but it’s also functional. It acts as an insulator protecting your tabletop from hot pots and pans. I used up a whole bunch of 1×2 and 2×2 scraps to make this project. It can be customized in any length or color you want. Bonus: You can add a plywood backing and hang it up as wall art, too!
Get the tutorial: DIY Scrap Wood Table Runner
21. DIY Tiered Plant Stand
This easy, tiered plant stand is a fun and easy way to show off your favorite plants while using up scrap wood. With a simple modern design, it adds height and dimension to any space, making it perfect for small patios, balconies, or indoor corners. It is a quick afternoon build!
Get the plans: DIY tiered Plant Stand
22. DIY Wood Vase
This wood vase is super easy to make. All you need are a few pieces of wood of the same size. You can make it in any size to fit your needs – whether a small bud vase or a tall statement piece. It is a blank canvas to customize with paint, stain, or engraved patterns.
Get the plans: DIY Wood Vases
23. DIY Candle Holder Centerpiece
This is a simple and fun way to turn scrap wood into a stylish centerpiece. The candle holder is made from a bunch of scrap of 2″ x 2″ boards and is the easiest project ever.ou can customize it to match any decor—keep it modern with a sleek stain, go rustic with a distressed finish, or add seashells for a beachy vibe.
See the full tutorial: DIY candle holder centerpiece
24. DIY Test Tube Bud Vases
This is a quick 10-minute project to display fresh or faux flowers using scrap wood. It is a fun and modern way to add a pop of color and pretty flowers to any wall!
See the full tutorial: DIY test tube bud vases
25. DIY Wood Wall Art
Making wall art is a fun and creative way to use up scrap wood while adding a unique touch to your space.
You can mix and match different wood pieces and patterns, paint them in bold colors, or keep it natural for a modern rustic vibe. It’s an easy, budget-friendly project that lets you create one-of-a-kind decor that fits your style!
See the tutorial: DIY wood wall art
26. DIY Bathroom Towel Hooks
Yes, you could attach hooks to the wall directly but adding a small piece of scrap wood is a simple way of elevating the look and design. Stain or paint these bathroom hooks to match your decor, and enjoy a quick, beginner-friendly project that adds both style and convenience!
See the full tutorial: DIY bathroom hooks
Gift Ideas
27. DIY Phone Amplifier
This passive Phone Amplifier is a fun and easy way to boost your phone’s sound—no electronics needed! Made from just a few pieces of scrap wood (I used plywood for the look of the edges) this simple project naturally amplifies your music. It makes a great addition to any desk!
Get the plans: DIY Phone Amplifier
28. DIY Book Stand
This is a simple and practical way to prop up your favorite book, tablet, or even a cookbook while you work or read. All it needs are a couple of pieces of the same sized board.
Get the plans: DIY Book Stand
29. Rotating Picture Frame
This Rotating Picture Frame is a fun and creative way to display multiple photos in one frame. Made from scrap wood, this project lets you flip between pictures with a simple spin, making it a unique and interactive decor piece.
Get the plans: DIY Rotating Picture Frame
30. Simple Modern Picture Frames
These picture frames are probably the easiest project you can make! It is just one piece of plywood that is stained or painted and plexiglass attached on top. The only thing to be careful about is to slowly drill the holes in the plexiglass to keep it from shattering.
Get the full tutorial: DIY Modern Picture Frames
31. Easy Jewelry Organizer
This jewelry holder is a must-have for any jewelry lover to display their favorite pieces and have them easy to reach. It is both a functional and decorative piece for any dresser or vanity.
See the tutorial: DIY Jewelry Stand
Seasonal and Holiday Projects
32. DIY Christmas Village
This Christmas Village is a fun and festive way to use up scrap wood while creating charming holiday decor. With just a few simple cuts, you can make these little wooden houses and customize them with paint, stain, or faux snow for a cozy, wintery feel.
It is perfect for displaying on a mantel, shelf, or as part of a holiday centerpiece.
See the tutorial: DIY Christmas Village
33. DIY Scrap Wood Light up Christmas Tree
This light-up Christmas decor is a fun and festive way to bring holiday cheer to your space without taking up floor space. Made from scrap wood, this project features a simple tree design with built-in LED lights for a cozy, glowing effect.
Get the full tutorial: DIY Light-up Christmas Wall Decor
34. DIY Woodblock Snowman
The wooden snowman is a fun and easy way to turn scrap wood into adorable winter decor. Made from leftover 4×4 wood blocks, this cute snowman can be customized with paint, fabric, and accessories to match your holiday style.
See full tutorial: DIY Wood Block Snowman
Also, see DIY Wood Block Pumpkins and DIY Wood Block Santa
35. DIY Plywood Pumpkins
These plywood pumpkins are a fun and easy way to add fall charm to your decor using scrap plywood. With just a few simple cuts, you can create custom pumpkins in any size and finish them with paint or stain to match your style. Use them on your porch, mantel, or as a centerpiece.
See the full tutorial: DIY Plywood Pumpkins
There are so many things you can make out of scrap wood, and these wood projects are just the beginning. I still have a pretty massive pile of scrap wood and a whole ton of ideas!
Which project are you excited to try first? Let me know, and be sure to follow my Scrap Wood Projects Pinterest Board for even more inspiration!
You might also like these scrap wood projects:
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.
Great ideas! Love how these projects turn scrap wood into something both beautiful and functional. The cutting board stand and lazy Susan are definitely must-tries!