Woodworking is an activity that many enthusiasts enjoy, from beginner hobbyists to master artisans. This skill enables people to build a variety of items from scratch that are customizable to their needs, saving countless amounts of money compared to purchasing pre-made items.
Individuals who are just starting their woodworking journey should start with DIY backyard woodworking projects specifically for beginners. When you’re ready to move on to more challenging projects, the list below includes woodworking free plans that detail woodworking plans suitable for a variety of levels.
This list features links to detailed instructions that include step-by-step directions and helpful diagrams for building workbenches, bookcases, sheds, picnic tables, birdhouses, and more.
Read on to find inspiration from 12 free woodworking plans and projects here:
- Free Workbench Woodworking Plan
- Free Bookcase Plan
- Free Coffee Table Plan
- Free Picnic Table Plan
- Free Shed Plan
- Free Doghouse Plan
- Free Wine Rack Plan
- Free Desk Plan
- Free Home Bar Plans
- Free Adirondack Chair Plan
- Free Birdhouse Plan
- Free Bunk Bed Plan
01. Free Workbench Woodworking Plan
The first commonsense project for any aspiring woodworker is creating a suitable workspace for future woodworking plans. A high-quality workbench is essential for woodworking success and an ideal first project to build something functional from scratch.
This free plan provides detailed instructions to build a practical and straightforward wooden workbench. This free woodworking plan is suitable for beginners and results in an incredibly strong bench that can stand up to the toughest jobs.
DIYers can customize this plan to build the ideal workspace to continue additional woodworking plans in the future. The time and energy invested in building a sturdy workbench will reap numerous benefits for years to come.
Find the full plan here: Family Handyman’s Workbench Plan
Check out some more workbench plan here: Free DIY Workbench Plans & Designs
02. Free Bookcase Plan
A bookcase is a relatively simple yet highly functional item that also presents an ideal woodworking project for a beginner. This project features low-cost materials, limiting the risk of loss in the event of mistakes.
This free plan provides detailed directions on building a traditional bookcase that can increase the appeal of any room. However, there are several ways to customize these free plans to create a unique piece that suits different styles and purposes. Of course, painting and wood stain products can help create a piece that’s perfect for your decor.
Building a bookcase is an ideal way to create custom furniture for your house to cherish for generations. This classic piece is simple to make but provides unrivaled functionality and decorative value, remaining a staple project for aspiring woodworkers of all levels.
Find the full plan here: The Spruce Crafts Bookcase Plans
Some more creative bookcase ideas: Free Diy Bookshelf & Bookcase Plans
03. Free Coffee Table Plan
Another timeless piece of furniture, a classic coffee table is an essential piece of home furnishing and favorite woodworking plan for beginners and experts. Coffee tables provide vital centerpieces for gathering areas in a home, and building your own allows you to customize yours to best emphasize your style.
This free plan explains how to build a traditional rustic style coffee table that even includes a bookshelf for storage of just about anything, and woodworkers of all levels will find the included diagrams exceptionally helpful.
DIYers can also customize the complexity of these free plans by adding or removing shelving or alter the style to include more contemporary features.
Whatever your preference for coffee table style, the completion of this classic free woodworking plan can provide an essential statement piece to showcase in your home for years to come.
Find the full plan here: Ana White’s Coffee Table Plans
Here are some more coffee table ideas: Free DIY Coffee Table Plans for Any Style or Home
04. Free Picnic Table Plan
Every backyard could benefit from a picnic table that encourages outdoor family gatherings during fair weather. Although a more sizable piece than a small coffee table, this free woodworking plan can be relatively straightforward and enjoyable to build.
This free plan provides instructions on how to build a basic picnic table with a simple and timeless design that is even accessible to ambitious beginners. While this free woodworking plan requires a relatively significant investment of time and materials, it can also become a fun activity for families to build together in anticipation of future use.
Building a sturdy picnic table allows families to take full advantage of the outdoor space at their home.
A DIY table can offer a unique bonding experience that does not accompany buying pre-made furniture for families interested in outdoor recreation.
Find the full plan here: DIY Diva’s Free Picnic Table Plan
Related article: Free DIY Picnic Table Plans for Every Level of DIY Experience
05. Free Shed Plan
A tool shed is an even larger outdoor project that can still be tackled by a confident beginner willing to work on a longer-term plan. However, the result is well worth the effort, and this free woodworking plan can provide a custom space to store anything you could need in your yard.
This free plan breaks down a seemingly complicated build into simple steps to create a sizable basic shed suitable for a variety of outdoor uses that DIYers can further customize to suit their needs.
Any homeowner who dreamt of building their own storage space for garden tools or lawn equipment can now learn how to do so with easy-to-follow instructions.
A good plan can break down intimidating free woodworking plans for any level to understand. A backyard shed is also an excellent transitional project for woodworkers interested in building larger items, like garages.
Find the full plan here: DIY Garden Plans Free Shed Plan
06. Free Doghouse Plan
There are free woodworking plans and projects available to benefit every member of the family, even the furry ones. Building a custom doghouse for man’s best friend is a rewarding project that any handyman can complete in a day for a limited amount of money.
This free plan features a simple doghouse that will look great in any backyard while providing shelter for your pet when he plays outside. The free woodworking plan provides detailed instructions and diagrams that even beginner woodworkers will find easy to understand.
Before beginning to build a doghouse, it is essential to measure the materials to ensure that the building is a suitable size for your dog.
Dog houses are easily customizable to fit different breeds and may include special features such as a deck and nameplate for the most spoiled pooch.
Find the full plan here: Lowes’s Free Doghouse Plan
07. Free Wine Rack Plan
A vital aspect of any wine-lovers home, this DIY wine rack also makes a great gift for any occasion. It is incredibly inexpensive and easy to build a great looking wine rack, making this free woodworking plan ideal for beginners.
This free plan provides instructions on how to build a classic wine rack that also features glass holders. The rack mounts easily on the wall and offers an elegant way of organizing and displaying wine bottles and glass.
Just be sure to use a detail sander to ensure smooth edges (and avoid splinters) on your new wine rack.
A wine rack is a small project that requires limited materials, but the customizable options for this item are limitless. With a little creativity, anyone can build a unique wine rack for their home, creating a beautiful and functional item ideal for decoration and gifting.
Find the full plan here: The Kurtz Corner’s Free Wine Rack Plan
08. Free Desk Plan
Even if you work from an office, everyone needs a home desk space where they can focus and create.
Building a DIY desk allows you to create a space that is uniquely yours with a free woodworking plan suitable for woodworkers of any level that produces an exceptionally functional piece you can enjoy for many years.
This free plan explains how to create a beautiful handmade desk that includes storage space and a chair space. This project is ideal for pieces destined to serve as a computer workspace with shelving suitable for printer storage, providing functionality in an appealing design.
Professionals in need of a desk for their workspace should consider building a handmade desk instead of purchasing one from the store.
They may be surprised to learn how easy this free woodworking plan is and may even enjoy designing and customizing their piece as their own.
Find the full plan here: Handmade Haven’s Free Desk Plan
Related article: DIY Router Table Plans for Free
09. Free Home Bar Plans
A more advanced woodworking project likely appealing to the same people who appreciate a handmade wine rack, a home bar is another free woodworking plan that individuals can complete at home. These bars can be as fancy as the homeowner wishes and can serve as a fantastic entertainment area.
This free plan details the instructions for building a simple outdoor bar that DIYers can easily modify for indoor use.
The project demonstrates that building a bar does not have to require complex skills or expensive materials. It also explains the building process in a manner that is accessible to all levels of experience.
Homeowners seeking to create a new entertainment space in their home should consider building a DIY home bar. Future guests will greatly appreciate their efforts, and the possibilities for bar customization may even rival the variety of drinks served there.
Find the full plan here: My Outdoor Plan’s Free Home Bar Plan
10. Free Adirondack Chair Plan
Adirondack chairs are staples of the American backyard. While it is easy to simply buy a chair from a local outdoor store, those models tend to be expensive. Building a custom chair can save a great deal of money and is a perfect free woodworking plan, even for a beginner.
This free plan includes a simple description of building a comfortable Adirondack chair that looks great around a fireplace or on a deck. Woodworkers will appreciate making something cozy that they can use to enjoy the outdoors every day.
An excellent handmade chair can contribute a source of great satisfaction and pride about building an item for practical daily use. Any individual who wishes to spend more time outside and utilize their outside living space can learn how to make a personalized Adirondack chair.
Find the full plan here: Build Something’s Free Adirondack Chair Plan
11. Free Birdhouse Plan
It is hard to fully enjoy the outdoors without the presence of wildlife such as birds. DIY birdhouses can help attract native birds to your backyard and provide a classic woodworking project enjoyed by individuals of all ages and levels.
This handmade item represents a unique decoration that can help customize an outdoor space with limited skills required to build it. Even children with basic hammer-and-nail experience can manage to construct a usable birdhouse.
This free plan provides instructions for building a basic birdhouse suitable for beginners and is easily customizable for more advanced woodworkers. This free woodworking plan is a quick and fun option ideal for individuals seeking a weekend activity.
Following these free plans to complete a simple project that helps nature and enhances your outdoor living space can provide a surprising amount of fun, especially if you never had the opportunity to build one as a child.
A DIY birdhouse represents an exceptional woodworking project for everyone that provides several benefits for both the builder and future feathered visitors.
Find the full plan here: Lowes’s Free Birdhouse Plan
12. Free Bunk Bed Plan
Many children dream of sharing bunk beds with their siblings, and building your DIY bunk bed can help you create a unique bedroom from your kids. Despite their size, bunk beds are a great beginner free woodworking plan that results in a piece that families can enjoy for generations.
This free plan demonstrates how to build a classic bunk bed setup that seems complicated but is surprisingly straightforward.
Anyone can benefit from the detailed instructions that explain the design and creation of this sleeping space that is ideal for maximizing space in a child’s bedroom.
If you don’t have children, a bunk bed also presents an ideal option for increasing guest bedroom capacity.
Regardless of who you build a bunk bed for, the project’s completion will leave any woodworker with a deep sense of accomplishment at creating something useful for others, no matter their skill level.
Find the full plan here: Ana White’s Free Bunk Bed Plan
Check out these DIY bed frame for more ideas: Free Plans for DIY Bed Frames
Final Thoughts: Free Woodworking Plans And Projects
There are free woodworking plans and projects for everyone available on nearly every subject imaginable. No matter what you may wish to build, there is likely a plan out there for you that will allow you to create custom items of your own.
Woodworkers of every level can enjoy completing fun DIY products that create beautiful and functional items for a variety of uses around the home. These free plans provide trusted designs that allow for years of continued use.
The investment of time and effort in handmade items is well worth it. Free woodworking plans allow individuals to create unique pieces with pride and save significant amounts of money compared to buying things from the store.
Anyone can find free woodworking plans that suit their skills and needs, whether that project creates a birdhouse, wine rack, or tool shed.
