Every woodworker has lots of scrap wood leftover from each woodworking project and you don't know what to do with it! Here are some easy scrap wood projects that you can make quickly and easily and use up your pile!
There are two kinds of woodworkers- the kind who saves all of their scraps and the kind who lies about not doing it.
Everyone saves scrap wood because you think to yourself, "who knows, it could come in handy." That's not a bad idea, but you can end up letting your scrap wood collection get out of hand.
There are lots of things you can do with scrap wood, including saving yourself money or trips to the store on future projects and allowing you to work on your projects with wood you already have.
But there's also lots of scrap wood projects that sell really well if you're looking to make money.
Keep reading to find some great DIY scrap wood project ideas that you can make and use leftover wooden pieces you've been looking to clear out!
Looking for scrap wood projects that sell? Be sure to check out our list of the best woodworking projects to make and sell!
What to do with scrap wood
"What can I do with 2x4 scraps????"
There's tons of easy small wood projects that you can do with scrap wood of all sizes, ranging from specific builds to art projects.
We have built everything from DIY wooden toys to DIY outdoor planters using scrap wood. Heck, we've even made hanging wall planters that fit test tubes for plant propagation out of scrap plywood!
You can use scrap wood to find a piece you're missing, or build and entire project out of scrap wood or build things to sell online. There's lots of DIY wood projects that can be made from pieces of scrap, so let's take a look!
Make sure to build our rolling scrap wood organizer to help keep up with your scraps!
DIY scrap wood project ideas
Here's our list of some of the best DIY scrap wood projects that you can build when you're bored. These free scrap wood project ideas are perfect for using up your scrap wood pile and making cool things!
Many of these DIY projects use everything from small scraps to larger pieces and can be used in lots of ways.
Let's take a look at the list of our best easy DIY scrap wood projects ideas!
Easy scrap wood projects to use up your pile!
This list of easy DIY scrap wood projects is a great way to help you use up your scrap wood pile! Every woodworker creates tons of leftover pieces with every project they build, and you don't want to throw them away. Here are some great projects you can build using scrap wood in your pile!
These small wooden tabletop Christmas trees are a great way to use scrap wood AND scrap wrapping paper!
Use a few scrap pieces of wood to cut out your child's name and route out a board to make a unique puzzle!
A wooden toy treehouse is a great way to use scraps because it uses plywood and different sizes of dowels!
This simple cross idea is a great way to use scraps, especially of hardwoods or interesting grains.
Lots of ½" scraps? Built this tiered serving platter or make it as a fruit stand!
If you have a nice thick piece of hardwood, cut off a chunk, attach ropes and use it as a hanging planter!
Use up scrap strips of plywood and organize your spices at the same time with this spice drawer organizer!
This stool is great for resting your feet, sitting at a vanity or using as a plant stand!
Got cats? These steps are made from scrap 2x4 lumber and twine and allow cats to easily climb up to an upper shelf.
Need a nightstand in a small space? Here's how to build an ultra slim wall mounted nightstand.
You could make these wooden snowflakes from wooden slats of different sizes, depending on the scrap wood you had on hand!
Cut some angles on the corners of wood and add paint to create a great holiday project!
If you have lots of different strips of plywood, cut them down in descending size order to make a Christmas tree!
Make a picnic table for your local squirrels and use up scraps at the same time!
Make some custom coasters for friends and family this year for the holidays!
Put your feet up after a long day of working on scrap wood projects with this foot rest from 2x2 boards!
Getting married soon? Count down to the big day with these blocks!
Welcome everyone with a small planter shaped like a chair and drop in a small potted plant!
Create a spot for your coffee and remote as you watch TV by building this couch arm cup holder with scraps!
Stain strips of scrap wood different colors and paint on a design close to someone's heart with this scrap wood art piece!
Who doesn't want a cool plant stand made of small strips of leftover scrap wood?!
Build a house for your plant with a wood house plant stand made entirely from scrap wood!
Make a scrap wood wreath with all sizes and thicknesses of wood with this scrap wood wreath!
Display small plants with this cool angled tabletop plant stand!
You only need a foot or so of lumber to make a beautiful base for modern address numbers.
Got scrap plywood? Here's how to turn it into a wall mounted test tube planter!
Even the smallest of scrap pieces can be made useful with a few knobs as hooks!
What can you do with leftover lumber?
If you've gone through your mountain of leftover lumber scraps, built all the scrap wood projects on this list, and you STILL have leftovers, there's a couple of things you can do with them.
You can always use scrap wood in a bonfire, as long as it isn't treated, painted or stained. Scraps burn just as good as any other wood!
We also use scrap wood as a way to prop up projects while staining or painting.
You can also make scrap wood art projects by cutting different scraps to different incremental lengths and gluing them to a board to create a cool 3D art piece. Add an hombre paint effect for a cool look!
And finally, if you still have leftover scrap wood, it is ok to throw it away. I know, that 1" x ½" x ¾" piece of poplar COULD come in handy one day, but it is alright to throw pieces away from time to time.
Basic woodworking information for every project
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Hey there, I'm Sean, the woodworking enthusiast and builder behind CharlestonCrafted.com! Since 2012, I've been sharing the magic of turning raw materials into beautiful creations. I love teaching others the art and satisfaction of woodworking and DIY. I try to inspire fellow crafters to make something extraordinary out of nothing at all.
