Weekend Woodworking: 5 Projects You Can Finish in a Day

## You Don't Need a Full Workshop The biggest barrier to woodworking isn't skill — it's the belief that you need a $10,000 workshop to make anything useful. In reality, a circular saw, a drill, some sandpaper, and a trip to Home Depot are all you need for these five projects. ## Project 1: Floating Shelves (2 Hours) **Materials:** 1x8 pine board, wood stain, floating shelf brackets, screws **Tools:** Saw, drill, sander, level Cut your board to desired lengths (24", 36", or 48"), sand smooth, apply stain and polyurethane, then mount with concealed brackets. Three shelves in a row create a stunning display for books, plants, or decor. **Cost:** $30–$50 per shelf ## Project 2: Outdoor Planter Box (3 Hours) **Materials:** Cedar fence pickets (6), deck screws, landscape fabric **Tools:** Circular saw, drill, tape measure Cedar fence pickets cost $3–$4 each and are naturally rot-resistant. Cut and assemble into a simple box, line with landscape fabric, and fill with soil. Makes a gorgeous herb garden or flower display. **Cost:** $25–$40 [This Old House](https://www.thisoldhouse.com/woodworking) has free plans for dozens of variations on this classic project. ## Project 3: Simple Workbench (4 Hours) **Materials:** 2x4 studs (8), 3/4" plywood sheet, wood screws, wood glue **Tools:** Circular saw, drill, speed square, clamps A sturdy workbench is the foundation of every workshop. Build a simple 2x4 frame, top with plywood, and add a lower shelf for storage. Standard dimensions are 60"L x 24"D x 34"H. **Cost:** $60–$80 ## Project 4: Entryway Coat Rack (1.5 Hours) **Materials:** 1x6 board (4 feet), coat hooks (5), wall anchors **Tools:** Drill, sander, level Sand and finish a pine or oak board, space hooks evenly, and mount at 60" height. Add a small shelf on top for keys and wallet. This is the perfect first project for absolute beginners. **Cost:** $20–$35 ## Project 5: Cornhole Boards (4 Hours) **Materials:** 2x4 studs (4), 1/2" plywood sheets (2), carriage bolts, paint **Tools:** Circular saw, drill, jigsaw (for the hole), sandpaper Regulation cornhole boards are 24" x 48" with a 6" hole centered 9" from the top. Build the frame from 2x4s, top with plywood, cut the hole, paint, and add folding legs. Perfect for backyard parties. **Cost:** $40–$60 per set According to [Fine Woodworking](https://www.finewoodworking.com/), cornhole boards are one of the most satisfying beginner projects because they're immediately usable and make great gifts. ## Tips for Success - **Measure twice, cut once** — The oldest woodworking advice exists for a reason - **Pre-drill screw holes** — Prevents splitting, especially near board edges - **Sand between finish coats** — 220-grit between stain and polyurethane coats creates a glass-smooth surface - **Use clamps** — Clamps are your third and fourth hands; you can never have too many Browse our [power tools collection](/category/power-tools) for drills, saws, and sanders to tackle these projects. Visit our [blog](/blog) for more DIY inspiration and tool guides.