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Beginner woodworking

Build something useful. Start small, start safe.

Plain-English guides to woodworking for beginners: shop safety, the tools you really need, choosing and buying wood, simple joints, sanding and finishing, and first projects you'll actually use.

Price your lumber Lumber sizes chart

Simple bookshelfCut list

  • Sides1x102 at 36 in
  • Shelves1x104 at 28½ in
  • Back¼ in plywood30 by 36 in
  • FastenersScrews, glue1¼ in

Buy three 1x10s, 8 ftAbout $66

An example. Lumber prices vary a lot by species, region and store.

Start with one of these

CalculatorBoard feetLumber and cost. ChartLumber sizesNominal vs. actual. ChecklistFirst ProjectsSixteen safe steps.

15 woodworking guides

Getting started

Wood

Joining and finishing

First projects

Free download, no email needed

The Beginner Woodworking Workbook

Check off a shop safety list, track the tools you have and need, plan a project, write a cut list and record your finishes.

Get the free PDFSee the First Projects checklist

Coming soon

Plan it, then build it

Little Birch Workshop Planner: printable project plan sheets, cut list templates, a tool inventory, a finishing log and a shop safety checklist for every project.

$8 once. Yours to keep. 30-day refund.

See what's in the planner