Wood Project Plans & Materials

Workbench Plans

A workbench is the perfect starter project for anyone just getting into DIY. The project is simple enough that you can design your own bench - once you understand the basic joinery and construction.

Bookcase Plans

Seems like I never have enough bookcases in the house - but I've never been too keen on spending money for poor-quality bookshelves. Here are a few options.

Lumber Calculator

Perfect for calculating board feet, lumber dimensions, and plywood prices. Downloadable project calculator feaures three calculator tools: lumber calculator, board foot calculator, and plywood estimator.

Project Design

CAD software programs are fine - for those who can figure out how to use them. I'd just a soon sketch my project ideas out by hand. That's why I created this set of downloadable templates.

How to Build Anything

Perfect for people who like to custom-design their own wood projects. Explains the essentials of construction - starting with choosing the right tools, buying lumber, and assembly.

Woodworking Plans

Here's a quick overview of what you can find on the Web to help you build your next woodworking project. The big question to answer is whether you want to buy a plan or design your own.

Loft Bed Plans

Building a simple, functional loft bed might be one of the most money-saving projects you can take on. Most plans call for inexpensive 2x lumber that you can paint or leave unfinished.

Platform Bed Plans

Platform beds are not only simple and easy to build - they're an exponentially less expensive alternative to expensive, manufactured bed frames at a furniture store.

Sawhorse Plans

Most people have forgotten just how useful a sawhorse can be. And building your own will give you one of the most strong, sturdy, and dependable pieces of shop furniture you can own.

Graph Paper

Downloadable graph paper may be one of the best ideas to come along since the advent of computers. Print only the pages you need for a given project - without buying a pad.

Cabinet Levelers

Keeping cabinets up of the floor - even if it's only an inch - will go a long way to protect the wood.

Halloween Templates

Templates and diagrams make wood projects quick and easy. Here are my favorite downloads for use in the shop that will make your work easier and faster.

Playhouse Plans

Easy-to-build playhouse can be constructed with simple 2x4s and plywood. Basic design can easily be altered to fit whatever size of playhouse you want to build.

Wood Project Lumber

Check out the different kinds of boards I use with my wood projects..

Birdhouse Dimensions

It's important to make sure your birdhouse plans are designed for a specific bird species..

Potting Bench Plans

Once you start using a potting bench - you'll wonder how you ever got along without it. No more crouching down on the ground to fill containers, replant flowers, or clean out old clay pots.