How I Turned Scrap Wood Into a Profitable Side Hustle
A few months ago, I had a pile of leftover wood in my workshop. Instead of tossing it, I asked myself:
💭 “Could I actually make money from these scraps?”
So, I built a few simple, small wood projects and listed them online. Within 48 hours, I sold my first five pieces—and within a weekend, I had made over $500!
I was hooked.
It turns out, small woodworking projects are some of the easiest and fastest-selling crafts on platforms like Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, and local craft fairs.
So, if you’re wondering what woodworking projects sell best, I’ll show you seven top-selling ideas—and exactly how to price and market them for maximum profit.
🚀 Want access to 16,000+ step-by-step woodworking plans?
Ted’s Woodworking has the biggest collection of profitable woodworking projects online.
👉 Get instant access here!
📌 Why Small Wood Projects Sell So Well
✔ Easy to Make – Most can be completed in under an hour.
✔ Cheap Materials – Many can be made with scrap wood.
✔ High Demand – Handmade wood items are trending on Etsy & Pinterest.
✔ Customizable – Buyers love engraved and personalized wood crafts.
✔ Great for Beginners – No advanced tools or skills required.
📌 Further Reading:
👉 Best Wood Types for Small Woodworking Projects
📌 7 Best-Selling Small Woodworking Projects
1️⃣ Rustic Wooden Phone Stand
✅ Why it Sells: Functional, stylish, and everyone owns a phone!
✅ Materials Needed: Scrap wood, sandpaper, wood stain.
✅ Estimated Price: $15–$35 each.
✅ Where to Sell: Etsy, craft fairs, Facebook Marketplace.
📌 Further Reading:
👉 How to Sell on Etsy Successfully
2️⃣ Handmade Wooden Coasters
✅ Why it Sells: Great for gifting, easy to make in bulk.
✅ Materials Needed: Small wood slices, resin (optional), wood burner.
✅ Estimated Price: $10–$25 per set.
✅ Where to Sell: Etsy, Instagram Shops, craft fairs.
📌 Further Reading:
👉 Best Wood Finishes for Handmade Coasters
3️⃣ Reclaimed Wood Wall Art
✅ Why it Sells: Custom home decor is booming on Pinterest & Etsy.
✅ Materials Needed: Reclaimed wood, nails, wood stain.
✅ Estimated Price: $30–$100+ depending on size.
✅ Where to Sell: Instagram, Pinterest, local home decor shops.
📌 Further Reading:
👉 How to Market Handmade Wood Decor Online
4️⃣ Wooden Candle Holders
✅ Why it Sells: Perfect for home decor & gifts.
✅ Materials Needed: Scrap wood, drill, sandpaper.
✅ Estimated Price: $10–$40 per set.
✅ Where to Sell: Etsy, local craft fairs, online marketplaces.
📌 Further Reading:
👉 The Best-Selling Handmade Home Decor on Etsy
5️⃣ DIY Wooden Key Holders
✅ Why it Sells: Simple, functional, and trendy.
✅ Materials Needed: Scrap wood, hooks, paint/stain.
✅ Estimated Price: $15–$50.
✅ Where to Sell: Etsy, home decor stores, craft fairs.
📌 Further Reading:
👉 How to Price Handmade Crafts for Profit
6️⃣ Wooden Jewelry Organizer
✅ Why it Sells: Organized storage = BIG market demand.
✅ Materials Needed: Small wood board, nails/hooks.
✅ Estimated Price: $25–$75.
✅ Where to Sell: Etsy, Pinterest, Instagram Shops.
📌 Further Reading:
👉 Top Handmade Jewelry Organizers That Sell Best
7️⃣ Handmade Wooden Bookmarks
✅ Why it Sells: Cheap, easy to make, and loved by book lovers.
✅ Materials Needed: Thin wood slices, wood burner, decorative tassels.
✅ Estimated Price: $8–$20 each.
✅ Where to Sell: Etsy, bookshops, craft fairs.
📌 Further Reading:
👉 Selling Personalized Wooden Items Online
📌 Where to Sell Your Small Wood Projects
✔ Etsy (Best for handmade & personalized items).
✔ Facebook Marketplace (Great for quick local sales).
✔ Pinterest & Instagram (For viral woodworking projects).
✔ Local Craft Fairs (Holiday shopping season = big sales!).
📌 Further Reading:
👉 How to Set Up a Successful Etsy Shop
📌 Final Thoughts: Start Selling Today!
These 7 small woodworking projects are some of the best-selling, easiest-to-make, and most profitable. Whether you’re looking for a side hustle or full-time woodworking business, these ideas will help you get started.
🚀 Want more step-by-step plans?
Ted’s Woodworking has over 16,000+ woodworking project blueprints to help you build and sell profitable wood crafts.
👉 Get instant access here!
🔥 Which project will you try first? Let me know in the comments! 👇
