If you’ve ever done woodworking, you’d know how enjoyable it can be. There is a certain satisfaction that comes from sanding the wood down till it’s smooth, carving creations out from your imagination and more. But did you know that building wood crafts can be a very profitable endeavor?
Some of the best selling woodcrafts are wooden toys, carved wall art, kitchen utensils, wooden toy boxes, and organizers! When choosing a project to work on, create items that are highly visible and will be displayed as a showpiece around the house. People are willing to pay for the rustic and natural touch that wooden items bring to an environment.
In this article, we’ll walk you through how to get started making wooden crafts as well as explain more about the most profitable woodworking projects to build and sell!
Basic Skills Necessary to Craft a Sellable Wood Craft
Know Your Wood
The wood is the center or main piece of your projects. As such, it is essential to know what wood you will be using in your project.
Some high-quality woods are going to cost more than others. Examples include Mahogany, Rosewood, and Teak. Examples of more affordable varieties include Plywood, Pine, and Poplar.
The softness and texture of the wood will also matter. Take time to research the types of wood. This will help you choose the best fit for your individual project.
Properly Using Your Tools
There are many different types of woodworking tools that you can use including hand planes, chisels, saws, and so on. Having the skills required to use each of these tools will give you an advantage.
If you know how to use a saw, then you will have an advantage because you will be able to cut your own wood to match your designs. Otherwise, you would have to pay someone else to do this for you. Using a saw only requires some basic training and you can further this training by watching tutorials and practicing.
An additional practice will make using the tools you possess significantly easier. Some training and practice will take you longer but mastering the use of your tools are entirely attainable. Mastering skills will give you increased flexibility on what you can do by increasing the number of techniques you can employ.
You should aim to know how to use the power tools that are essential to woodworkers. These include but are not limited to the circular saw, power drill, jigsaw, and orbital sander just to name a few. Your ability to master the use of these tools will increase your access to the most profitable woodworking projects to build and sell.
Learn When to Sharpen Your Tools
This is another truly essential skill for a woodworker. Woodworking experts cannot emphasize enough the fact that a properly sharpened tool will make all the difference in your woodworking projects. Additionally, working with dull tools can be dangerous.
Learn How to Measure, Mark and Cut Correctly
Another essential skill is to be able to correctly measure, mark and cut everything. If you are unable to properly measure, mark, and cut your work, your mistakes will lead to projects taking longer and being costlier.
Different Wood Craft Ideas That You Can Make
Here are some of the best woodcrafts that you can focus on when you’re starting out:
1. Toy Box
A simple toybox is perfect for a baby’s toys or a child’s toys. With the right tools and materials, this should be simple to construct. You can easily find instructions to suit your interests online. Turn this into a simple day project.
Depending on the size and the design of the project that you choose, the price of your toy box can range significantly. Some toy boxes range from $50 to $200, while others go as high as $400.
Tools and Materials:
- Wood
- Saw
- PVC Glue
- Sander (Different Grit Levels)
- Drills
- Clamps
- Square
- Tape Measure
Inspiration Idea at Build Something.
2. Toys
Wooden toys were the first toys, having been around longer than any other toy. The original wooden toys have been around since the 1700s, marketed in Europe by German toymakers. There are many wooden toys to make and sell that can net you between $10 and $100 each.
Tools and Materials:
- Wood
- Wood Paint
- Wood Glue
- Drill
- Sander
- Router
- Small Hammer
- Jigsaw
- Sabre Saw
- File
Inspiration Idea at A Beautiful Mess.
3. Wall Art
For a rustic vibe, natural wood wall décor makes a great addition to a room. It can give a home a stunning, natural feeling. Wall art such as this can sell on marketplaces such as Amazon and Etsy alone for between $20 and $500.
This will depend on how unique and personalized your craft is. The key to making wall art one of the most profitable woodworking projects to build and sell is to really make your work unique.
Tools and Materials:
- Wooden Laths
- Wood Stains
- Wood Glue
- Nail Gun
- Saw
- Tape Measure
Inspiration Idea at Crafted in Carhartt.
4. Kitchen Utensils
Wooden cooking utensils are quite popular. They are trendy among foodies and individuals who enjoy quality kitchenware. They do require additional care when being cleaned. Sealing the utensils properly after completion is essential.
You can sell them beginning at $5 per piece up to as much as $200 per set, making this perhaps one of the most profitable woodworking projects to build and sell.
Tools and Materials:
- Wood
- Saw
- Sander
- Food-Safe Finish
Inspiration Idea at Nonagon Style.
5. Organizer
Some of the best selling wood crafts are handmade wood organizers for jewelry, electronics, and similar items. With the right wood and proper tools, there is nothing you cannot make an organizer for.
Wooden organizers can easily sell for between $30 and $200 depending on a number of factors. Consider the size, materials, quality, and utility of the organizer when marketing it to prospective customers.
Tools and Materials:
- Wood
- Wood Glue
- Clamps
- Wooden Dowel Pieces
- Drill
- Ruler
- Pencil
- Hand Saw
- Sandpaper
Inspiration Ideas at Tidbits and Curbly.
Promotion Ideas For Your Woodworking Crafts
Once you have some crafts made that you want to sell, good promotion is imperative. Here are some ways to reach your buyers in promoting your crafts for quick and effective sales.
- Advertise on Social Media
This is the easiest way to get started selling your homemade crafts. Facebook, Instagram, and similar social media platforms allow for you to sell items online. Upload clear, visible photos of your products with details and prices to your social media accounts.
This will allow you to reach out to potential customers quickly and effectively. You can transact quickly this way both locally and afar.
- Sell Products in Your Local Furniture Store
Local furniture stores in your area may be willing to buy your wood crafts for sale in their stores. This may be true about wooden furniture and other items for the home.
You may also consider selling your best selling wood crafts in a consignment shop or similar store where the process of selling is handled for you.
- Host Selling Parties in Your Home
Although this can be a more time-consuming method of advertising your wood crafts, it may also be the most enjoyable. Host a sale in your home, then put up flyers or posters in your local area to let friends, family, and other community members know beforehand.
This is a good way to let your local community know about your products. You can reach people that you would not otherwise reach by social media or other methods.
- Put Up an Ecommerce Website
As your inventory grows you will want to consider creating an ecommerce website or joining a marketplace to sell your products online. You will be able to reach more buyers online through a website or marketplace.
Some examples of marketplaces where you can sell your projects include Amazon, Etsy, eBay, and Alibaba.
How Much do you Need to Start a DIY Woodcraft Business?
Wood – To save money you can get started with plywood. Plywood is on the lower end both on the price and quality scale. Another option is to repurpose old furniture.
You may be able to turn old furniture that you find at garage sales or estate sales into new furniture and other items for sale.
|
Tools |
Description | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Hand Saw |
Depending on what type of saw you intend on using, expect to pay between $34 and $100 for a circular saw. A hand saw can range from between $7 and $57. As you expand your skill set, expect to expand your toolbox as well. |
$7-$57 |
| Wood Glue |
Wood glue is an absolute must have. You can buy wood glue in a variety of sizes ranging in price. |
$4-$200 |
| Nail Gun |
You can either choose to use a traditional hammer-and-nail combination or choose a nail gun instead. A nail gun will simplify your projects when used carefully and correctly The price can range for a nail gun, depending on brand and quality. Shop around to choose the one you prefer. |
$26-$270 |
| Sandpaper |
Sandpaper is useful in smoothing out and adding texture to your products. When it comes to designing wooden toys to make and sell, make sure that you have adequate sandpaper on hand. Prices for sandpaper can vary depending on where you purchase from and in what quantities. |
$6-$100 |
| Wood Staining | $2-$250 | |
| Clamps | There are many options to choose from depending on the type of project you are planning. Prices range depends on the size of the clamp you need. | $9-$300 |
| Hand Drills |
Hand drills will make it significantly easier to put your screws in the right place. Again, here, the price will vary quite substantially depending on the brand and quality of the product.
|
$40-$200 |
| Wood | To save money you can get started with plywood. Plywood is on the lower end both on the price and quality scale. Another option is to re-purpose old furniture. | – |
Wrapping Up
Building and selling woodcrafts can be an immensely profitable business. With some basic skills that you might have picked up at school, you’ll be on your way to creating woodcrafts that people would love to buy.
You don’t need a lot of money to start too. Just a few hundred dollars will get you everything you need to set up a shop.
What we love about this business idea is that it can be immensely enjoyable to make things even while you’re building your skills. So you’ll be able to stay the course even if the business doesn’t look too good at the start!
What do you think about making and selling woodcrafts? Let us know in the comments below!
