11 Impressive Projects You Can Make With Wood Scraps
Updated: Feb. 17, 2023Beginner or seasoned pro, what woodworker doesn't have a pile of wood scraps in their shop? Check out these really cool (and easy!) projects you can make with them.
Cedar Wood Scrap Bath Mat
We saw a cedar mat like this online for $35 and thought, “Hey, we can make a better one for less.” You can build one too, in three easy steps. All you need is is some scrap cedar and a few common power tools.
Scrap Wood End-Grain Coasters
One of my favorite parts of DIY and woodworking is trying different things. Hoarding the scraps from various projects goes with the territory. So every few months I need to clear out my pile and make something useful out of them. These end-grain coasters are fun because of the endless patterns you can create, and they make great gifts!
Contemporary Key Hanger
Build this clever key hanger in an hour with two strips of contrasting wood. Each set of keys has its own small fob which nests in between the spacers. Opposing bevels in the spacers and fobs keep your keys from falling on the floor. You don’t need much material and it’s going to hang on your wall, so feel free to splurge on some attractive wood and go for it!
Scrap Wood Catapult
If you’re anything like me, once a project is finished, there’s a lot of off-cut lumber left over. Throwing it away feels like a waste. Instead, use it to make this cool little catapult. Put it on your desk at work and annoy your coworkers, or give it to your kids. Since the only power tools we used are a jigsaw and a drill, this miniature catapult is easy for even a beginner to build!
Scrap Wood Cutting Board
This cutting board looks impressive, but it’s actually easy to make. Essentially, all you have to do is cut strips of wood and glue them together. We used walnut and maple scraps cut at increments of 1/8-in., but the variations are endless. We made four versions of this design and got smarter with each.
Scrap Wood Computer Shelf
Make this simple-yet-useful computer shelf for your desk with a few pieces of scrap wood and a nail gun. We built the one shown with a 1 ft. x 2 ft. piece of plywood and two pieces of a 1×3 board cut to 12-in. lengths. Then we used a brad nailer to attach the plywood to the boards.
Cottage Shelf with Branches
Need a quick, unique display shelf? Make this tree branch shelf from all-natural materials. Just cut the supports from branches, screw on a shelf, attach it to the wall and you’re done! It will add a touch of woodland whimsy to any room.
Flip-Down Wall-Mounted Coat Rack
This coat rack project is a useful piece in your home, and one you can personalize to your taste. We had some fun and used ebiara (red zebra wood), but all you need is any type of seven-inch-wide scrap pieces. The only difficult part of this project is cutting the angles into the pivoting parts. We used a hand saw and a homemade miter box, but a powered miter saw or a plastic store-bought miter box works great.
Industrial Bookends
Bookends are an easy way to break up space and add character to any bookcase. These industrial bookends are simple to build; you’ll only need a drill and saw. Personalize them to your taste with a different species of wood, stain or even paint. We used oak finished with a Golden Oak stain and black steel parts.
Wall-Mounted Wine Rack
This wall-mounted wine rack is easy to customize and simple to build. You can get it done in an afternoon with some scrap 2×6 board! Not only is it functional, it will look beautiful displayed on your kitchen or dining room wall.
Wood Scrap Puzzle Cube
Sometimes it’s fun to do a woodworking project that’s a little outside the box (or cube!). This wood puzzle cube only takes about an hour to build, and it’s way easier to build than it is to solve! Give it as a gift, or keep it as a stress-reliever.