7 Best Woodworking Projects That sell Well
7 Best Woodworking Projects That Sell Well?
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If you’re wondering what you should make to earn extra income from your woodworking, here are 7 great woodworking projects that are always popular with buyers.
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Woodworking has always been a fulfilling craft, but in recent times it has also become a profitable side business for many wood craft makers.
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There has been a rise in handmade marketplaces, local craft fairs, and online selling platforms, so woodworking projects that combine function, beauty, and ideally affordability too, are in high demand.
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1. Cutting Boards
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Cutting boards are a classic project for both beginners and experienced woodworkers. They’re quick to make, require relatively little material, and appeal to almost everyone.
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You can keep them simple, or create high-end versions with hardwoods like maple, walnut, and cherry.
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Custom engraving or inlaid patterns also boost their appeal as personalized gifts. Anything you can do to make your cutting boards unique and to stand out from the crowd will help your business thrive.
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On Esty right now (2025) you can buy wooden cutting boards from $20 right up to $90 and beyond…
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Why not make and sell sets of cutting boards of different sizes? That way you maximise your profit for each customer.
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2. Shelves
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From floating shelves to rustic wall units, shelves are always in demand. They provide a practical solution for storage while doubling as stylish décor.
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Floating shelves are especially popular for modern homes, while reclaimed wood shelves attract buyers who love farmhouse or vintage looks.
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Since shelves can be built in various sizes, they’re easy to adapt to customer needs. If you can offer a bespoke service this will help you attract more buyers.
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3. Birdhouses and Feeders
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Birdhouses combine charm with functionality, making them a popular purchase for homeowners and garden lovers.
Simple box-style houses are easy to produce, but decorative designs can command higher prices.
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Bird feeders also sell well, especially if you craft them with unique features like squirrel guards or stained finishes.
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This type of project is a perfect mix of fun, creativity, and profit.
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I’ve created a special page just about birdhouses here which includes a guide to which birdhouses suit which birds and how to best position them. Go here to read it.
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4. Furniture Pieces (Small Scale)
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Large furniture can be time-consuming, but smaller pieces—like side tables, stools, or benches—are a great compromise. These items are practical, attractive, and relatively easy to transport.
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Rustic farmhouse benches or minimalist modern tables are especially trendy.
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Small furniture items also offer higher profit margins than smaller crafts, making them a favorite for serious sellers.
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On Etsy I have just seen a rustic bench ideal for an entrance hallway which has 3 drawers in it, and underneath the bench on the floor are shoes and boots in a row – demonstrating in a simple photo how very practical and useful this item is – and the price? $862… Made using reclaimed wood, wood and chestnut wood.
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Simpler benches are selling for upwards of $68, with quite a few around $300-$400.
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If you need woodworking plans or project inspiration go here.
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Serious about making money from your woodworking? This will help you.
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5. Wooden Toys
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There’s a growing market for safe, eco-friendly toys made from wood.
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Parents and grandparents often prefer natural toys over plastic, so items like building blocks, pull-along animals, or dollhouse furniture sell consistently.
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Toys can also be branded or themed, offering endless options to expand your product line. Children's names are an easy way to personalise your toys. What child doesn't want to see his or her name in print? Well, unless they hate their name...
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Safety is crucial here, so be sure to sand edges smooth and use non-toxic finishes.
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6. Home Décor Signs
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Wooden signs with engraved, carved, or painted messages are bestsellers in online marketplaces and craft shows.
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Whether it’s a farmhouse-style welcome sign, an inspirational quote, or a personalized family name plaque, buyers love custom décor pieces. People do love quotes – you could specialise in funny quotes, love quotes, religious quotes, spiritual quotes, uplifting quotes and so on.
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Signs are versatile, allowing you to use scrap wood and experiment with different finishes and lettering styles.
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7. Jewelry Boxes and Organizers
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Small wooden boxes for jewelry, keepsakes, or desk organization are timeless items that attract steady buyers.
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They’re functional, personal, and make wonderful gifts.
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You could create sets in different sizes: for example one for rings, another for earrings, another for necklaces. Photograph them in position on a table holding those items perhaps?
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Add touches like felt lining, intricate joinery, or custom engraving to increase their value and make yourself a higher profit.
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Even simple organizers for watches, glasses, or keys can sell quickly if designed with style and practicality in mind. People are always losing their keys – you can show them how they can always find their keys by having a beautiful wooden bowl by the door to keep them in. Maybe you could create a version that is on a stand…
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Demonstrate in your photos of all your pieces how it can be used to save people having to use their imagination. Good photos can really sell for you!
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Final Thoughts
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The best woodworking projects to sell are the ones that balance simplicity, functionality, and customer appeal.
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Start with smaller items like cutting boards, signs, or birdhouses, then move into more detailed pieces as your skills and reputation grow.
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People love to have their lives made easier so what problems can you solve for them?
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By focusing on projects that are both useful and beautiful, you’ll have no trouble finding eager buyers for your creations.
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