“Recycle it all, no matter how small!”
That’s the mantra we woodworkers swear by.
Whether you are a seasoned pro or a beginner, a pile of wood scraps is a familiar scene in every hardwood workshop after you buy lumber and put it to good use.
We can love or hate them, but we can’t throw them away, despite them taking up space. Wood scraps are too valuable for that.
If you, too, face this “Sophie’s Choice” situation, we have some tricks up our sleeves to help you.
Here are some cool woodworking projects you can make with leftover wood lying around the workshop.
Take a look at how just a bit of creativity can turn your wood scraps into something useful.
● Coasters – Woodworking is a craft that lets you try different things. If you hoard the scraps for a few months, you can make some attractive coasters with them. These coasters are super fun, as you can create endless patterns with them, and are also ideal for gifting.
Wooden coasters by @Straightedgewoodworks508
● Beer Tasting Tray – A beer flight or a tasting tray allows you to serve multiple beers. This way, guests can also sample a variety of flavors. The best part is you can create a project like this with just one board foot of lumber and a few tools. Scrap wood put to good use, eh?
● Key Hanger – A clever key hanger is something that you can quickly build in an hour with just a couple of contrasting wood stripes. The bevels should be placed to prevent the keys from falling. You don’t need a lot of materials to make a key hanger. But remember that you will hang this on the wall. So, choose some attractive wood leftovers for this project.
● Tool Tote – This is a great way to safely store your DIY trade tools. The bottom tray can be put together with glue and brads and is ideal for storing wrenches and hammers. Make sure that the wood fits snugly in the slot in the base, which features holes for the tin pliers, snips, and other essentials.
● Computer Shelf – A simplistic yet practical computer shelf will be an ideal addition to your desk. It can be built with a few scrap wood pieces and a nail gun. You can make your workspace more ergonomic with this one. And the best part is that it just takes minutes to build this.
● Birdhouse Planter – Whether or not you are a nature lover, a bespoke birdhouse planter is bound to entice anyone who comes across it. You only need some scrap wood pieces, finishing nails, and glue. You can use two or more hardwood varieties to create a distinguished look and feel. The roof tray can also hold some succulents to accentuate its look further.
● Footrest Under the Desk – This is another easy-to-make project with scrap wood. Our feet get fatigued when we sit for hours at our work desks. Here is a way to prevent that and also put your scrap wood to good use.
● Rustic Photo Frame – The farmhouse accents can have a very high price tag. But why spend an insane amount when you can build a beautiful rustic photo frame with scrap wood? All you have to do is take a few screws, some glue, and wood scraps and assemble them to get a picture-perfect wall hanging that offers lightweight durability and a bucolic charm. We bet you won’t be able to take your eyes off this one.
● Bookends – Want to break away and add character to your otherwise monotonous bookshelf? Here is a simple way to do that with scrap wood bookends. You can shape this project with just a sill and a saw. You can customize it further with different wood species, paint, or stain.
● Furniture Knobs & Pulls – You can make your own pulls and knobs and thus enhance your furniture with an exclusive look and feel. You can carve them with a knife or turn them using a lathe. Handmade pulls and knobs are a great way to make your cabinets, doors, and dressers stand out and get noticed.
Let's pledge to use the age-old 3R formula that we have been taught since school - Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, more often.
There is no better way to implement it than to grab hold of your scrap wood and solve a million and one problems around the house with it.
Not only will your talent for improvisation prevent the scrap wood pieces from getting wasted, but you can also save a few bucks.
Isn’t this a win-win situation?
Now that you know how to reuse old wood scraps, why not also stock up on some fresh lumber or try a cutting board wood kit and get started with a brand-new project?
Have something specific in mind?
Explore our premium collection of hardwood lumber and take your pick.
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