Beginner Woodworking Projects You Can Do for Under $200

Woodworking is one of the most rewarding hobbies you can take on. It’s a great way to make beautiful pieces you can use in your home, and it helps relieve stress by forcing you to focus on one task. Plus, it’s one of the most cost-effective hobbies since you can make most items with materials that cost under a few hundred dollars.

In this post, we’ll cover some of the best woodworking projects to do for under $200. We’ll guide you through each step, from selecting the proper materials to the tools you’ll need to put it all together. So get ready to take on a new project and start unleashing your inner woodworker.

Supplies

Remember to consider the tools you will need when starting a woodworking project. You should have a few common tools, such as hammers, sanders, saws, drills, chisels, and screwdrivers. Other items, such as a miter saw, jigsaw, or router, will come in handy depending on the projects you plan to make. You will need a solid work surface, so consider purchasing a folding work table for easy setup and portability. 

Project Ideas

Once your toolkit is ready, you can explore different types of projects. Several easy-to-make items do not require lots of expensive materials or techniques.

Birdhouse

One of the easiest beginner woodworking projects you can take on is building a birdhouse. You can assemble a functional birdhouse for very little money with just some basic materials like plywood, screws, and paint. You will also need a drill, jigsaw, and screwdriver. You can add personal touches like engraving designs on the side of the house or using colorful paints and stains.

DIY Art Frame

Building a DIY art frame is a great option if you want to show off your art pieces in style but don’t want to break the bank. All you will need is some wood and picture frame hardware which you can find at most home improvement stores for around $10 – $20. With just these two items, you can create stylish frames that would cost hundreds if bought from a store. 

Serving Tray

A serving tray is a great beginner woodworking project that is both beautiful and practical. This project only takes an afternoon to complete using just a few pieces of hardwood, glue, and clamps. You can use this tray for serving food or displaying decorative items around your home or office.

Coffee Table

Coffee tables are often expensive if you purchase them from furniture stores, but with some basic materials and tools, you can make one yourself at home for less than $150. You will need lumber, sandpaper, screws, stain, and an optional drawer for extra storage space. This project does require some skill, as it will involve cutting wood and carefully sanding all surfaces before staining.

How To Find Affordable Materials

There are many ways to find materials at a reasonable price. Reclaimed wood is budget-friendly and adds a unique character to any project. You can also try salvage yards or secondhand stores for old lumber that you can repurpose into something incredible. Don’t forget to shop at your local hardware store or home improvement center for cheaper options like hardwoods and plywood sheets.

Tips for Your Next Project

Getting started on your woodworking project is easy. All you need is imagination and dedication. Once you have your materials ready, you can create a plan to stay organized throughout the process. This trick will help with efficiency and accuracy when completing your project. Don’t forget to write down your measurements before cutting down any lumber so that everything fits together properly. 

It is best to sand down the pieces to give them a smooth finish to finish off your project. You can apply stains or paints depending on what look you are going for. In addition to providing an aesthetically pleasing look to the piece, these can protect from moisture and humidity damage. Ensure the wood type and stain combination are compatible before applying them to your project. 

Woodworking is a great hobby to add to your repertoire of skills. With a bit of time and dedication, you can create beautiful pieces for your home and have a lot of fun in the process. Planning out your project and purchasing the proper materials and tools are essential to achieve desired results. There are many beginner woodworking projects that you can do for under $200. Whether you’re looking to create something simple, like a picture frame, or something more complex, you can find the supplies and equipment you need to get the job done. With the right attitude and a bit of patience, you can start creating amazing pieces of work with wood and reap the rewards of a fulfilling hobby.