Many successful online businesses started as hobbies. It’s amazing how entrepreneurs can turn something they love into a profitable business. The great news is that anyone can do the same if their hobbies are monetizable. One great example is woodworking.
You don’t have to be a pro to turn your wood projects into things people want to buy. Entrepreneurs can try many beginner-friendly ideas and find what they enjoy making.
This guide aims to inspire woodworkers with a rundown of the ten best-selling woodworking ideas in 2025.
Table of Contents
10 woodworking ideas that sell well and why
1. Wooden signs for the home (and beyond)
2. Pallet projects (charm from scrap)
3. Kitchenware
4. Furniture
5. Keepsake boxes (big or small)
6. Wooden frames to make art pop
7. Kids’ toys and blocks
8. Birdhouses and feeders
9. Planter boxes and pots
10. Wooden toys for adults
Rounding up
10 woodworking ideas that sell well and why
1. Wooden signs for the home (and beyond)
Wooden signs are one of the easiest woodworking projects to start with. They come in all shapes and sizes, and people use them for all sorts of things—both indoors and outdoors. You can make them using leftover wood and customize them based on your audience’s wants.
For example, many people like to make wooden signs with family names or favorite quotes in their homes by hand. They’re also a big hit at weddings and parties, where consumers use them for welcome signs or directions.
Pro tip: If you’re new to painting letters, use stencils or a vinyl-cutting machine.
- Skill level: Beginner
- Cost: Low (though it can get higher depending on materials)
2. Pallet projects (charm from scrap)
Shipping companies often use wooden pallets and throw them away later. While this is wasteful, snagging free pallets from them is a great source of wood—one man’s trash is another’s treasure, right?
With some disassembly, those pallet boards can transform into everything from coffee tables to planter boxes with a unique vibe. That eco-friendly vibe and “rustic chic” look have made pallet-wood creations a staple at farmers’ markets and online shops. Here are some easy wins you can make:
- Pallet coffee tables
- Planter boxes
- Wooden benches
- Business card holders
- Serving trays
- Bed platforms
- Decorative signs
- Chair or small benches
- Raised garden beds
Just remember: pallets can be rough. You’ll spend time sanding, checking for nails, and occasionally dealing with splits in the wood. But the low-cost (or no-cost) entry makes it worthwhile.
- Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
- Cost: Low
3. Kitchenware
Cutting boards, wooden utensils, and cheese boards all have a premium feel, especially if you use walnut or maple hardwood. A high-quality wooden cutting board can fetch a significant price, mainly because of its functional décor: it looks good in a kitchen but is also an everyday workhorse. Additionally, you can craft wooden coasters, serving trays, or wine racks.
What to watch out for: Food safety matters. Finish your boards and utensils with a non-toxic, food-grade oil or wax. Mineral oil or beeswax-based finishes are great options because they’re easy to apply and maintain the wood’s classic, rich luster.
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Costs: Moderate
4. Furniture
Jumping straight to tables and chairs can feel intimidating, but there’s room for beginners if they pick simpler designs. For instance, a small bench or end table is a perfect gateway into furniture making.
People are often willing to pay for something well-built and unique. So, if you can brand your pieces with a signature style (like a particular stain color or decorative inlay), your work can stand out in a crowded marketplace.
Shipping note: Once you venture into furniture, shipping costs and logistics become a real consideration—especially if you plan to sell online. Some woodworkers prefer local markets or offer pick-up options to avoid expensive freight fees. Others use flat-pack furniture if the design allows it (like IKEA style), which can help cut shipping rates.
- Skill level: Intermediate to advanced (though beginners can try with simpler designs)
- Cost: Moderate to high
5. Keepsake boxes (big or small)
Wooden boxes are more versatile than they seem. They’re a consistent seller, from basic storage crates to ornate jewelry boxes. You can even dive into niches, like handcrafted wooden urns—though it’s better to find a respectful and personal way to offer them. Another great idea is “money-saving” boxers, thanks to social media trends where people put money away weekly and share their progress online.
Why boxes are a favorite: They’re relatively simple (a few joints and a sturdy lid), though you can design them with hinges, locks, and decorative carvings. Plus, they can come in all kinds of sizes.
- Skill level: Beginner
- Cost: Low
6. Wooden frames to make art pop
Wooden picture frames are great for making and selling, especially with wall art. They’re pretty simple to build, and you can create them in different sizes and styles. You can also use leftover or reclaimed wood to keep costs low and add character to each piece—though you’ll need to master 45-degree cuts and a bit of sanding.
Marketing angle: People love frames for displaying photographs, certificates, or art prints. Pair them with complementary décor, like a mini shelf or a wooden sign, and you can encourage buyers to pick up multiple items from your storefront.
- Skill level: Beginner
- Costs: Low
7. Kids’ toys and blocks
Who doesn’t love a nostalgic wooden toy? Parents often gravitate toward wooden options over plastic for environmental or safety reasons, which means it can be a profitable market. Simple wooden blocks, cars, or pull toys can be big hits—especially if you go for bright, non-toxic paints or an earthy, minimalist finish.
Safety first: Make sure no loose parts could pose a choking hazard, and stick to child-safe finishes. Sand down every corner and edge carefully so splinters won’t make those little hands uncomfortable.
- Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
- Costs: Low
8. Birdhouses and feeders
Birdhouses might feel like something for the countryside, but there’s a consistent market for them, even in urban areas. While some people collect them for décor, many want to invite specific birds into their gardens. Nevertheless, birdhouses and feeders are amazing outdoor and indoor decorations.
Added tip: If you market your birdhouses as species-specific, you can corner a niche. For example, a “bluebird house” or “bat house” can attract people who are searching for them. The more specialized, the better your odds of charging a premium.
- Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
- Costs: Low to moderate
9. Planter boxes and pots
Indoor gardening and houseplants have been popular, which is great news if you’re thinking of crafting wooden planters. Thanks to this trend, even a simple rectangular box for herbs or succulents can sell well. But remember that people care about style and love pieces that can mesh with their décor—modern, rustic, boho, or otherwise.
Profit potential: Since these are often smaller, shipping is less of a headache than a full-size piece of furniture. Consider offering sets (small, medium, large) at discounted bundle prices to encourage multiple purchases.
- Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
- Costs: Low to moderate
10. Wooden toys for adults
Last but not least, consider branching out beyond kids’ toys into items like wooden chess boards, puzzle games, or 3D brain teasers. The best part is that they are quite profitable since many people want to avoid plastics and other harmful materials—wood is the perfect safe and non-toxic alternative.
Selling point: People appreciate artisan quality. They also love showing off unique pieces to friends. Suppose you can create a puzzle or game that’s aesthetically pleasing and sturdy. In that case, you might tap into a dedicated community of puzzle lovers looking for something more sophisticated than the usual plastic.
- Skill level: Intermediate
- Costs: Moderate
Rounding up
Woodworking is a great hobby that can easily turn into making a profit. Whether you’re turning pallet wood into art or meticulously building an ornate chess set, the key to success in woodworking (beyond skill) is understanding what people want to buy and how to present it to them. Start small, refine your craft, and don’t be afraid to share your journey as you grow. Sometimes, the story behind your piece is just as important to the buyer as the piece itself.
