Woodworking DIY projects for the home; How to make 2
6. Wooden Planter Boxes
Wooden planter boxes are a great way to add greenery to your home. You can make wooden planter boxes in various sizes and styles to suit your needs. Start by measuring the space where you want to install the planter boxes. Then, cut the wood to size and sand it. Finally, assemble the planter boxes using screws or nails.
Materials:
- 1x6 or 1x8 lumber (quantity depends on desired size of planter)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint (optional)
- Plastic liner (optional)
Tools:
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Steps:
- Determine the desired size of your planter box and cut the 1x6 or 1x8 lumber to the appropriate lengths using a circular saw or miter saw.
- Cut two side pieces and two end pieces for the planter box. The end pieces should be the same length as the side pieces.
- Use wood screws and wood glue to attach the end pieces to the side pieces, forming a rectangular box.
- Cut two pieces of lumber to the length of the planter box, minus the width of the side pieces. These will be used as braces to hold the planter box together.
- Attach the braces to the inside of the planter box using wood screws and wood glue.
- Sand the entire planter box to smooth out any rough spots or splinters.
- If desired, stain or paint the planter box to match your decor.
- Optional: Line the inside of the planter box with a plastic liner to protect the wood and prevent water damage.
7. Wooden Wine Rack
A wooden wine rack is a stylish and functional addition to any home. To make a wooden wine rack, start by measuring the space where you want to install the rack. Then, cut the wood to size and sand it. Finally, assemble the wine rack using screws or nails.
Materials:
- 1x4 or 1x6 lumber (quantity depends on desired size of wine rack)
- Wood screws
- Wood glue
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint (optional)
Tools:
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Steps:
- Determine the desired size of your wine rack and cut the 1x4 or 1x6 lumber to the appropriate lengths using a circular saw or miter saw. Cut enough pieces for the desired number of wine bottles you want to store.
- Cut two end pieces for the wine rack. The length of these pieces should be the same as the length of the wine rack, and the width should be the same as the width of the lumber.
- Use wood screws and wood glue to attach the wine rack pieces to the end pieces, forming a rectangular box.
- Cut two pieces of lumber to the height of the wine rack, minus the thickness of the end pieces. These will be used as braces to hold the wine rack together.
- Attach the braces to the inside of the wine rack using wood screws and wood glue.
- Sand the entire wine rack to smooth out any rough spots or splinters.
- If desired, stain or paint the wine rack to match your decor.
- Optional: Add additional layers to the wine rack to hold more bottles, making sure to secure each layer with wood screws and wood glue.
8. Wooden Coasters
Wooden coasters are a simple yet elegant addition to any home. You can create wooden coasters using scrap wood or driftwood. Start by cutting the wood to the desired size and shape. Then, sand the wood to create a smooth surface. Finally, paint or stain the wood and apply a protective coating to prevent water damage.
Materials:
- 1x4 lumber
- Sandpaper
- Clear polyurethane or sealant
- Cork or felt pads (optional)
Tools:
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill
- Hole saw or Forstner bit
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Steps:
- Cut the 1x4 lumber into pieces that are 4 inches long using a circular saw or miter saw.
- Sand the edges and surfaces of the wood to smooth out any rough spots or splinters.
- Use a hole saw or Forstner bit to cut a circle in the center of each coaster, about 1 inch in diameter.
- Sand the inside of the circle to smooth out any rough spots or splinters.
- Apply clear polyurethane or sealant to each coaster, following the manufacturer's instructions.
- Allow the polyurethane or sealant to dry completely before using the coasters.
- Optional: Attach cork or felt pads to the bottom of the coasters to prevent them from scratching or damaging your furniture.
9. Wooden Cutting Board
A wooden cutting board is a must-have for any home chef. To make a wooden cutting board, start by selecting a hardwood such as maple or cherry. Then, cut the wood to size and sand it. Finally, apply food-safe oil to protect the wood and enhance its natural beauty.
Materials:
- Hardwood lumber (maple, walnut, cherry, or similar)
- Mineral oil or butcher block conditioner
- Sandpaper
Tools:
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Planer (optional)
- Table saw or hand saw
- Router (optional)
- Drill
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Steps:
- Determine the desired size of your cutting board and cut the hardwood lumber to the appropriate length and width using a circular saw or miter saw. Make sure the lumber is at least 1 inch thick.
- Use a planer to smooth out any rough spots or uneven areas on the lumber, if necessary.
- Use a table saw or hand saw to cut the lumber into strips that are about 2-3 inches wide.
- Arrange the strips in a pattern that you like, making sure the grain runs in the same direction for each strip.
- Use a router or a hand plane to create a groove around the edge of the cutting board. This will catch any juices or liquids that may spill over the edge.
- Use a drill to create a hole in one corner of the cutting board. This will allow you to hang the cutting board when it's not in use.
- Sand the entire cutting board, including the edges and the groove, to smooth out any rough spots or splinters.
- Apply mineral oil or butcher block conditioner to the cutting board, following the manufacturer's instructions. This will help protect the wood and prevent it from drying out.
- Allow the cutting board to dry completely before using it for food preparation.
10. Wooden Picture Frames
Materials:
- Wood boards (1x2 or 1x3 lumber)
- Wood glue
- Wood screws
- Picture frame glass
- Picture frame backing
- Picture frame hangers
- Sandpaper
- Stain or paint (optional)
Tools:
- Circular saw or miter saw
- Drill
- Screwdriver
- Measuring tape
- Pencil
Steps:
- Determine the desired size of your picture frame and cut the wood boards to the appropriate lengths using a circular saw or miter saw. Cut two pieces for the top and bottom of the frame, and two pieces for the sides.
- Use wood glue to attach the corners of the frame together. Clamp the corners until the glue dries.
- Use wood screws to reinforce the corners of the frame.
- Cut a piece of picture frame glass to fit the size of the frame, and a piece of picture frame backing to fit the size of the glass.
- Attach the glass and backing to the frame using picture frame clips or tabs.
- Attach picture frame hangers to the back of the frame using wood screws.
- Sand the entire frame to smooth out any rough spots or splinters.
- If desired, stain or paint the frame to match your decor.
