Forget what you think you know about woodworking. You don’t need a massive workshop, decades of experience, or thousands of dollars in tools to start making money with wood. Some of the most profitable woodworking crafts can be made with basic tools in your garage or even on your kitchen table.
The woodworking side hustle market is exploding. People crave handmade, personalized items that mass-produced furniture can’t deliver. Beginners often have an advantage because they focus on simple, clean designs that sell like hotcakes.
Here’s what makes a woodworking craft worth your time: low material costs, reasonable time investment, and strong market demand. The 19 crafts below tick all those boxes.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links, meaning if you sign up through my link, I may get compensated at no extra cost. For full disclosure, read here.
Zoombuks: It is a rewards platform that allows users to earn points (called Zoombucks) by completing various tasks such as taking surveys, watching videos, and signing up for offers. These points can be redeemed for rewards, such as gift cards to popular retailers (Amazon, Walmart, etc.) or PayPal cash. Sign up with Zoombuks and start earning now
Survey Junkie: It is the best survey site that provides high-paying surveys. This survey site has got 4 ⭐ratings on Trustpilot. Sign up with Survey Junkie here.
PineCone Research: You can sign up with PineCone Research to earn extra dollars to increase your savings. Sign up with Pinecone Research here
InboxDollars is a versatile app that lets you earn money by scanning barcodes, completing surveys, watching videos, and more.
Woodworking Crafts That Make Money
Essential Tools for Under $200
You don’t need a workshop that looks like a magazine. Here’s what matters:
Core Tools ($150-200 total):
- Circular saw or miter saw (used ones work fine)
- Drill with bits
- Sandpaper (120, 220, 320 grit)
- Wood glue and clamps (at least 4)
- Measuring tape, pencil, safety glasses
Buy Later:
- Router (transforms your profit potential)
- Orbital sander (saves massive time)
- Kreg pocket hole jig (makes everything stronger)
Start with core tools. Buy upgrades when you’re making consistent sales.
Space Requirements
Garage or Basement: Ideal with room for a workbench and storage.
Spare Room: Works with a folding workbench and good ventilation.
Apartment: Focus on smaller items. Use a portable bench and sand outdoors.
Material Sources
- Home Depot/Lowe’s: Standard lumber, expensive hardwoods
- Local lumber yards: Better prices on quality wood
- Facebook Marketplace: Deals on reclaimed wood
- Habitat ReStore: Cheap materials goldmine
- Craigslist: People tearing down decks and fences
The 19 Profitable Woodworking Crafts That Make Money
These are your bread and butter. Simple to make, quick to sell, perfect for building confidence.
1. Wooden Phone Stands
Materials: Scrap wood, sandpaper, finish
Time: 30 minutes each
Sell Price: $15-25
Phone stands are the perfect gateway project. They need minimal materials, often just scraps, and basic tools.
The key is creating a stable base with the right angle (60-70 degrees) for comfortable viewing.
You can create endless design variations. Add cable management slots, create foldable versions, or incorporate charging features.
Personalization is huge, engrave names, logos, or quotes. Business professionals appreciate custom stands featuring their company logos.
Batch production is your friend. Cut 10 stands at a time, sand them together, and finish in batches. Danish oil works great and dries quickly. Market to home office workers, graduates, and tech enthusiasts.
Materials cost $2-5, selling for $15-25. Once you nail the design, you can produce 8-10 per day. Many woodworkers use phone stands to build their customer base and then upsell to larger projects.
2. Cutting Boards
Materials: Hardwood (maple, walnut, cherry)
Time: 2-3 hours each
Sell Price: $30-80
Cutting boards are one of those rare woodworking projects that are both practical and profitable. They’re a staple in every kitchen, and most people own more than one. That’s a built-in market just waiting for smart makers to tap into.
The type of wood you use plays a significant role in determining the amount you can charge. Maple is a budget-friendly, food-safe option that’s always in demand. Walnut, on the other hand, is rich, dark, and lets you charge premium prices.
Cherry is another great pick, it ages beautifully and adds character over time. If you want to take it up a notch, try making end-grain boards.
They’re tougher to build, but they can sell for two to three times more than standard face-grain boards.
Size also affects your profit margins. Smaller boards (around 8″x 10″) are cheaper to make, but they also bring in less per piece.
Larger ones (like 12″x18″) cost more in materials but often give you better return per board, especially if you’re targeting higher-end buyers.
To make the process more efficient, batch everything. Mill all your lumber at once, then work through the stages of cutting, gluing, sanding, and finishing.
Use templates to keep shapes consistent. Don’t skip the details; a router with a roundover bit will give your boards clean, smooth edges that look professional.
Finish with food-safe oils, such as mineral oil or a beeswax blend, to ensure they’re kitchen-ready.
Want to double your profits? Personalization is where it’s at. Add laser-engraved names, monograms, or hand-carved initials.
That simple touch can turn a $30 cutting board into a $60 custom gift. Wedding and housewarming gifts? Those are hot-selling categories that buyers will happily pay extra for
3. Coasters
Materials: Hardwood scraps, felt pads
Time: 1 hour for a set of 4
Sell Price: $20-35 per set
Coasters are one of the easiest and most profitable ways to turn scrap wood into a source of cash. They’re quick to make, easy to batch, and customers love buying them, especially as gifts.
If you want them to stand out, mix different wood species in one set. It adds visual appeal and gives you a reason to charge more. Using reclaimed wood?
Even better. Buyers love the idea of something with a story, and they’re often happy to pay a premium for it. While standard 4-inch square coasters work fine, 3.5-inch circles tend to look more polished and high-end.
Efficiency matters here. Cut your blanks all at once—say, 50 at a time—then move through sanding and finishing in batches.
Danish oil gives them a warm, finished look without much fuss.
Don’t forget felt pads on the bottom—they keep surfaces safe and instantly make your coasters feel more “finished.”
Want to increase perceived value? Packaging is key. Put sets in simple kraft boxes, line them with tissue paper, and suddenly you’ve turned $5 worth of scrap into a $25–$35 gift set.
Include care instructions and your business card, it adds a professional touch and makes it easy for satisfied customers to reorder. And trust me, many will.
4. Key Holders
Materials: Pine or cedar, hooks, stain
Time: 1-2 hours
Sell Price: $25-40
Everyone needs a spot to drop their keys, and that’s precisely why key holders sell so well.
They solve a real, everyday problem, and when you add a personal touch, they become meaningful gifts people are happy to pay for.
Consider the environment in which your customers live.
For small apartments, a simple wall-mounted board with three or four hooks is sufficient.
However, if you’re aiming for a higher price point, consider designing larger entryway organizers with extras like a mail slot or a small shelf.
These multi-functional pieces are perfect for families and make great housewarming gifts.
As for materials, you’ve got options. Pine is budget-friendly and takes stain beautifully. Cedar brings a natural aroma that people love near entryways, as well as reclaimed barn wood.
That’s a story in itself, and buyers often pay more for pieces that feel one-of-a-kind.
Just be sure to space the hooks properly, if they are too close together, the keys become a tangled mess.
Personalization is where you can shine. Think family names, house numbers, or classic quotes like “Home Sweet Home.” Whether you laser engrave, woodburn, or hand-paint the message, those small details add significant value.
Know your audience—this product is perfect for new homeowners, college students setting up their first place, or busy families trying to stay organized.
Partnering with real estate agents can lead to repeat orders for closing gifts. When selling in person at craft fairs, take the time to stage your display effectively.
Show how it looks with keys, sunglasses, or mail on it. Help buyers imagine it in their entryway, and they’ll be far more likely to buy.
5. Simple Picture Frames
Materials: Pine, miter joints, glass, backing
Time: 1 hour each
Sell Price: $20-50
Picture frames are one of those great woodworking projects that look simple, but getting them right takes real precision. They’re perfect if you’re looking to build your skills while making something that consistently sells.
Stick to popular sizes like 5″x7″, 8″x10″, and 11″x14″. These are easy to source, and they’re what most buyers are looking for.
Custom sizes can bring in more money, but be prepared to spend a bit more time searching for the right materials. Pine is a solid budget choice that stains nicely, while poplar is your go-to if you plan to paint.
The key to a pro-looking frame? Clean, tight miter joints. Reinforce them with splines or corner brackets for durability and a nice detail that buyers notice.
Ensure the glass fits snugly, without rattling, and use a simple, secure backing system so your customers can easily insert their photos.
When it comes to finishes, think about your target audience. Natural wood appeals to people with a classic or rustic style. Painted frames in modern, trending colors speak to younger or more design-focused buyers.
Distressed finishes? Perfect for the ever-popular farmhouse look.
There’s also a smart strategy in partnering with local photographers. They always need high-quality frames for client gifts or portfolio displays.
You can also target life milestones, such as new parents, recent graduates, and weddings, and offer bundles or bulk pricing for event photographers who order regularly.
6. Floating Shelves
Materials: Hardwood, hidden brackets
Time: 2-3 hours each
Sell Price: $40-80
Floating shelves are a big hit right now—and for good reason. They tap into the minimalist design trend while offering a smart storage solution. With clean lines and no visible hardware, they make rooms feel more open and modern.
If you want that authentic “floating” look, hidden brackets are a must. The best ones fit into routed channels on the back of the shelf, creating a sleek, seamless finish that customers desire.
Don’t skimp here, investing in quality hidden bracket systems pays off in both safety and appearance.
Material choice matters too. Pine is affordable and works great for shorter shelves, but it can sag over time if the shelf is too long.
For larger builds, opt for hardwoods like maple or oak, they hold up better and lend your shelves a more premium feel. As for thickness, 1.5″ to 2″ is the sweet spot: thick enough to look substantial, but still sleek.
Shelf length also affects your margins. Short shelves (18″–24″) are ideal for tight spaces but typically yield lower profits.
Medium-length shelves (30″–36″) tend to hit the best balance between material cost, labor, and pricing. Go even longer 48″ or more, and you can charge premium prices, but only if you get the installation just right.
These shelves are especially popular with apartment dwellers, home organizers, and fans of clean, modern design.
Want to boost sales? Post styling ideas on Instagram or Pinterest, showing your shelves in real homes makes them feel more desirable and inspires buyers to hit “add to cart.”
7. Wooden Signs with Sayings
Materials: Pine, paint, stencils
Time: 2-4 hours
Sell Price: $35-75
Wooden signs are a social media favorite—and a serious moneymaker. They blend simple woodworking with creative design, making them perfect for customers looking to add a personal touch to their space.
What really drives sales? Trends. Farmhouse-style signs with distressed finishes are huge in rural areas, while clean, minimalist designs tend to attract urban shoppers. Don’t overlook seasonal signs either—things like holiday quotes or spring themes keep people coming back throughout the year.
Pine is a go-to material. It’s affordable, sands smooth, and takes paint beautifully. If you want that true farmhouse vibe, go with wood that’s been distressed or aged. Reclaimed wood adds unique character, and customers love knowing their sign has a story. Want something more rustic and durable? Wood burning is a great option that holds up over time and adds texture.
When it comes to lettering, you’ve got a few solid choices. Stencils keep things consistent and quick. Vinyl decals are great for crisp, clean lines. But if you’re looking to charge premium prices, nothing beats hand-painted letters or detailed wood-burned text.
Size impacts profit margins, too. Minor signs (around 6″x12″) are cute and perfect for tight spaces, but they don’t bring in much profit. Medium signs (12″x18″) tend to hit the sweet spot for effort vs. return. Large signs (18″x24″ and up) are statement pieces—perfect for entryways or living rooms—and they can fetch top dollar.
Some sayings never go out of style. “Home Sweet Home,” “Live Laugh Love,” or custom family name signs are always popular.
8. Jewelry Boxes
Materials: Hardwood, hinges, felt lining
Time: 4-6 hours
Sell Price: $60-120
Jewelry boxes blend functionality with premium pricing. They’re personal, meaningful, and customers pay higher prices for quality craftsmanship.
Simple rectangular boxes are ideal for beginners. Add compartments, ring rolls, and necklace hooks for a premium price. Mirror installation creates a luxurious appeal.
Pine keeps costs low but limits appeal. Maple provides clean aesthetics. Walnut and cherry command premium prices. Exotic woods create conversation pieces.
Invest in quality hinges—cheap ones fail quickly. Soft-close mechanisms add a luxury feel. Magnetic catches provide clean closure.
Felt lining protects jewelry and feels luxurious. Offer color choices. Compartment dividers organize different jewelry types.
Target graduations, sweet sixteen parties, weddings, and Mother’s Day. Partner with jewelry stores. Create social media content showing beautiful jewelry displays.
9. Spice Racks
Materials: Pine or maple, small jars
Time: 3-4 hours
Sell Price: $45-85
Spice racks are a great way to combine woodworking with everyday function. They tap into the kitchen organization trend and let you create something that’s both useful and beautiful, something your customers will use every single day.
There’s a style for every space. Wall-mounted racks help free up counter space. Countertop carousels keep spices within reach and are great for daily cooks.
Drawer inserts are ideal for people who want a tidy, hidden storage solution. Each type serves a different need, so offering variety can expand your customer base.
When it comes to materials, pine is affordable but can warp over time, especially in humid kitchens.
Maple is a better option if you want durability, it resists moisture and takes stains well. Whatever wood you choose, a food-safe finish is a must.
Want to increase your price point? Include empty jars with the rack. Standard-size spice jars make refills easy, and a full set feels more complete. Add chalkboard or custom labels for a personal touch that buyers love.
Size also plays a role in pricing. Small racks that hold 6–8 jars are ideal for apartments or starter kitchens, but they offer slimmer margins. Medium racks (12–16 jars) are suitable for most households, offering the best balance of time and profit. Larger racks with 20 or more jars are ideal for serious home cooks and can command premium prices.
Your best customers? People who love to cook or are shopping for thoughtful, practical gifts. Team up with kitchen stores, local cooking schools, or food bloggers. And don’t forget content—show off your spice racks in action with neat, labeled jars to inspire buyers and drive sales.
10. Coffee Tables (Simple Designs)
Materials: Pine or plywood, hairpin legs
Time: 6-8 hours
Sell Price: $150-300
Coffee tables are a great way to step into furniture making without diving into complicated joinery. They’re one of the few beginner-friendly builds that can still sell for a high price, and they instantly boost your credibility as a maker.
Hairpin legs are a game-changer. They’re easy to install, look stylish, and let you skip complex joinery altogether. Want to reach a different crowd?
Farmhouse-style tables with a simple apron and straight legs have strong appeal, especially in suburban and rural markets.
To keep costs down without sacrificing style, use pine plywood with edge banding, it gives a clean, finished look. For a more authentic, solid-wood feel, glue up pine boards. Reclaimed wood is also a great option, adding character that customers will happily pay extra for.
Size matters based on your audience. Smaller tables (24″ x36″) are ideal for apartments or small living rooms. Standard sizes (around 30″x48″) fit most homes and offer the best mix of effort and profit.
Larger builds (36″x60″) look impressive and sell for more, but they require more time and materials.
Build smart: always pre-drill your holes and use pocket screws for extra strength. If you’re shipping or delivering locally, consider knock-down construction, tables that come apart and reassemble easily.
11. Custom Cornhole Boards
Materials: Plywood, 2x4s, paint
Time: 6-8 hours per set
Sell Price: $120-200
Cornhole boards tap into America’s fastest-growing backyard game. They’re technical enough to showcase skills but manageable for completion over the weekend.
Boards must be 24″x48″ with 6-inch holes centered 9 inches from the top. Meeting tournament standards justifies higher prices and creates customer confidence.
Use 1/2″ plywood for the playing surface with 2×4 frame construction. Reinforce corners with brackets, and sand surfaces to prevent bags from catching.
Team logos, family names, and custom artwork transform bare boards into personalized treasures. Consider sublimation printing, vinyl decals, or hand-painted designs for a unique look.
Marine-grade plywood resists moisture. Quality exterior paint protects against UV damage. Consider fold-up designs for storage.
Target sports enthusiasts, tailgaters, and event planners. Partner with local sports teams and bars. Create social media content showing exciting games.
12. Wooden Toys
Materials: Pine, non-toxic finish
Time: 2-5 hours each
Sell Price: $25-60
Wooden toys represent the intersection of nostalgia, safety concerns, and premium pricing. Parents increasingly seek alternatives to plastic toys.
All surfaces must be smooth with rounded edges. No small parts that create choking hazards. Use only non-toxic finishes approved for children’s toys.
Wooden blocks, pull-along animals, puzzles, and simple cars appeal to multiple generations. Consider educational elements, such as alphabet blocks or shape sorters.
Pine is economical but may dent. Maple provides durability and a smooth finish. Avoid exotic woods that may cause allergic reactions.
Food-safe finishes like shellac provide protection. Avoid any finishes containing toxic chemicals. Consider leaving some toys unfinished for a natural feel.
Target conscious parents, grandparents, and gift-buyers. Partner with pediatricians and daycare centers. Create content showing children playing with your toys.
13. Garden Planters
Materials: Cedar, drainage materials
Time: 3-5 hours
Sell Price: $60-150
Garden planters capitalize on growing interest in home gardening and outdoor living. They combine functional design with weather resistance.
Cedar naturally resists rot and insects while aging beautifully. Redwood offers similar benefits but at a higher cost. Pressure-treated pine is economical but may leach chemicals.
Drill adequate drainage holes. Consider raised feet to prevent ground contact. Include drainage layers. Proper drainage extends the life of the planters and ensures plant success.
Small planters (12″x12″) work for herbs and apartments. Medium planters (18″x36″) serve most gardens. Large planters (24″x48″) accommodate ambitious gardeners.
Use stainless steel hardware to prevent rust. Smooth all interior surfaces to prevent root damage. Protective finishes must be plant-safe.
Target gardening enthusiasts, urban farmers, and outdoor living advocates. Partner with garden centers and nurseries. Create content showing beautifully planted containers.
14. Bookends
Materials: Hardwood, creative shapes
Time: 2-3 hours per pair
Sell Price: $40-80
Bookends blend functionality with artistic expression, appealing to book lovers, professionals, and home decorators.
Simple geometric shapes work for modern interiors. Animal shapes appeal to children. Architectural elements create conversation pieces. Consider functional designs with pen holders.
Bookends must be heavy enough to support books without sliding. Dense hardwoods provide necessary weight. Consider adding weight through hidden chambers.
Dense hardwoods like maple, oak, or walnut provide necessary weight. Exotic woods create premium appeal. Consider laminated designs combining species.
Smooth sanding prevents book damage. Consider felt pads on contact surfaces. Hand-rubbed finishes create premium appeal.
Target book lovers, professionals, students, and home decorators. Partner with bookstores and libraries. Consider themed designs for different interests.
15. Wine Racks
Materials: Pine or cedar, dowels
Time: 4-6 hours
Sell Price: $50-120
Wine racks tap into the growing wine culture while offering practical storage solutions. They range from simple countertop designs to elaborate wall-mounted systems.
Simple countertop racks hold 6-12 bottles for casual wine drinkers. Wall-mounted racks save space. Floor-standing towers accommodate serious collectors. Modular designs allow expansion.
Dowel-based designs are beginner-friendly. Mortise and tenon joints create heirloom quality but require advanced skills. Consider hybrid approaches.
Pine is economical and takes stain well. Cedar provides natural aromatics. Hardwoods like oak or maple justify premium pricing.
Small racks (6-bottle) have thin margins. Medium racks (12-24 bottles) offer good profit potential. Large racks (containing 36 or more bottles) command high prices.
16. Holiday Decorations
Materials: Pine, paint, seasonal themes
Time: 1-3 hours each
Sell Price: $20-60
Holiday decorations create seasonal income spikes when customers make emotional purchases. They’re willing to pay premium prices for items they’ll use for weeks.
Start Christmas production in September. Halloween decorations are typically sold from late August through October. Easter items move from February through April. Create production schedules that align with buying patterns.
Simple wooden Christmas trees work for minimalist decorators. Elaborate nativity scenes appeal to traditional customers. Spooky Halloween characters attract families.
Use standard lumber sizes to minimize waste. Design templates for consistent reproduction. Batch production—make 20 Christmas trees at once rather than one at a time.
Marine-grade finishes protect against moisture. Stainless steel hardware prevents rust. Consider removable stakes for easy storage.
Create social media content showing decorations in beautiful settings, partner with event planners. Offer early-bird discounts for advance orders.
17. Outdoor Furniture
Materials: Cedar, weather-resistant hardware
Time: 8-12 hours
Sell Price: $200-500
Outdoor furniture represents the premium end of woodworking, commanding high prices while showcasing advanced skills. Spring and summer demand create seasonal opportunities.
Cedar naturally resists rot and insects. Teak offers premium durability but comes at a higher cost. Pressure-treated pine is economical but may leach chemicals.
Adirondack chairs are timeless. Simple benches work for multiple settings. Picnic tables serve families and events. Avoid complex joinery that may fail in adverse weather conditions.
Stainless steel screws resist corrosion. Galvanized hardware is economical but may stain. Avoid standard steel that will rust.
Design for easy transport and setup. Consider knock-down construction for shipping. Include detailed assembly instructions. Offer delivery and setup services.
Target homeowners, businesses, and event venues, partner with landscapers and patio designers. Create content showing furniture in beautiful outdoor settings.
18. Fire Pit Accessories
Materials: Hardwood, metal components
Time: 4-6 hours
Sell Price: $80-150
Fire pit accessories tap into the growing trend of outdoor living and backyard entertainment culture. They’re functional tools customers use regularly.
Log carriers with leather handles provide portable storage. Firewood racks keep logs organized. Bellows helps start fires. Poker sets manage burning logs. S’mores sticks create family fun.
Dense hardwoods, such as oak or maple, resist heat and provide exceptional durability. Avoid softwoods that may splinter. Attractive grain patterns justify higher prices.
All tools must withstand heat without failure. Smooth surfaces prevent splinters. Proper proportions ensure a comfortable grip. Consider adding protective guards or insulated handles.
Leather wrapping provides comfort. Brass or stainless steel accents resist corrosion. Quality metal components justify premium pricing.
Target outdoor enthusiasts, families, and entertainers. Partner with camping supply stores. Create content showing cozy fire pit gatherings.
19. Custom Wedding Decor
Materials: Various, depending on the item
Time: 3-8 hours
Sell Price: $75-300
Custom wedding decor represents the premium end of personalized woodworking, where emotional value drives pricing and customers pay for unique pieces.
Rustic wedding signs welcome guests. Custom archways create ceremony backdrops. Unity candle holders symbolize union. Guest book alternatives, such as signing trees, create lasting memories.
A couple’s names, wedding dates, and meaningful quotes transform basic items into treasured keepsakes. Consider laser engraving for precision. Hand-burned designs add a rustic charm.
Couples book venues months in advance, creating predictable demand. Establish clear timelines and delivery dates. Build buffers for revisions. Wedding stress makes customers pay premium prices for reliability.
Rustic barn weddings favor reclaimed wood. Beach weddings need weather-resistant materials. Formal weddings require elegant designs. Garden weddings blend natural elements.
Wedding photos last forever, so appearance matters immensely. Flawless finishes and perfect proportions are essential. Consider venue conditions.
Target engaged couples, wedding planners, and venues, partner with wedding venues and photographers. Create content showing pieces in beautiful wedding settings.
The Business Side
Pricing That Works
The Reality Check Formula:
- Materials cost × 3 = minimum price
- Add your hourly rate (start at $25-30)
- Research comparable items online
- Test the market and adjust
Common Mistakes:
- Undervaluing your time
- Forgetting overhead costs
- Competing solely on price
- Not factoring in finishing supplies
Best Selling Platforms
Etsy: Great for unique items. Built-in audience but competitive.
Facebook Marketplace: Local sales, no shipping headaches, cash transactions.
Local Craft Fairs: Face-to-face selling, immediate feedback, relationship building.
Instagram: Build a following, showcase work, and direct message sales.
Nextdoor: Neighborhood sales, word-of-mouth potential.
Start with established platforms. Build your website later.
Building Repeat Customers
The secret to long-term success isn’t finding new customers, it’s keeping the ones you have.
Strategies That Work:
- Take progress photos and share them
- Offer maintenance services
- Create matching sets and collections
- Remember personal details
- Follow up after delivery
Scaling Your Side Hustle
When to Upgrade Tools
Upgrade When:
- Selling 10+ items per month consistently
- Time becomes more valuable than money
- Quality issues affect sales
- Turning down orders due to capacity
Smart Upgrade Path:
- Better sander (saves hours)
- Router table (expands possibilities)
- Table saw (precision and speed)
- Planer (material flexibility)
Product Lines vs. Custom Work
Product Lines: Efficient production, predictable costs, streamlined processes.
Custom Work: Higher margins, creative satisfaction, customer loyalty.
The Sweet Spot: Start with 3-5 standard items, then add custom options.
Time Management for Maximum Profit
Batch Production: Produce 10 cutting boards simultaneously, rather than one at a time.
Efficient Workflow: Cut all pieces first, then sand all pieces, then finish all pieces.
Prep Work: Spend Sunday preparing materials for the week.
Time Tracking: Know exactly how long each project takes.
Your Next Steps
Here’s what you need to do this week:
- Choose 3 items from the Quick Wins category
- Source materials for your first batch
- Set up your workspace (even if temporary)
- Make your first item (keep it simple)
- Take photos and list it for sale
Don’t overthink it. You don’t need the perfect workshop or master craftsman skills to make money. You need to start, learn, and improve.
Realistic Income Expectations:
- Month 1: $100-300 (learning curve)
- Month 3: $300-800 (finding rhythm)
- Month 6: $800-2000 (established products)
- Year 1: $1500-4000+ per month (depends on time invested)
The people making serious money in woodworking didn’t start with perfect skills or expensive tools. They began with basic projects, learned from mistakes, and gradually built their reputation.
Your first cutting board might be crooked. Your first phone stand might wobble. That’s not failure—that’s progress. The difference between dreamers and doers is that doers start with imperfect tools and skills, while dreamers wait for perfect conditions that never come.
Stop planning and start sawing. Your first customer is waiting.
15 self-employed work ideas for women
18 home business ideas you can start while working full time
25 companies that pay to proofread from home
Best work ideas proven to bring a steady income