Hey, it’s PapPap here.
Back in my day, we built things with our hands — not just bought them online with a click. But I get it, life gets busy. That’s why today I’m giving you 5 easy woodworking projects that you can start and finish in a single day. No excuses. Whether you’re building for your family, friends, or just to prove you still got it, these quick DIYs will give you that sweet feeling of “I made this.” 👊
1. The Classic DIY Chessboard: Fancy but Simple
This one looks like you spent hours — but really, it’s just smart gluing. You’ll need two types of contrasting wood: I used walnut and maple. Cut them into strips (about 2 inches wide), then glue them side by side to create a striped panel.
Once dry, slice the whole panel into new strips, flip every other one, and glue again. Boom — checkerboard! Finish it off by gluing the board to a piece of plywood, trimming the edges, and adding a mitered border if you’re feeling fancy.
🧠 PapPap Tip: Make the board thinner on purpose. Wood expands with the seasons, and thinner boards reduce cracking.
✅ Skills you’ll practice: measuring, gluing, edge-aligning, sanding
🎁 Who it’s great for: chess lovers, game night families, or that uncle who thinks he’s a grandmaster
2. The Candle That Smells Like You (Literally)
Sick of flowery candles that all smell the same? Make your own. I started by chopping up unscented store candles for wax. Melt them in a pot (camp stove works great), then pour into a jar and add custom “scents.” I used gunpowder and Worcestershire sauce… not kidding.
Pour the wax in layers, adding the scent bit by bit. Let it cool between layers. Add back the saved wick and you’re done.
🧠 PapPap Tip: Stick to safer scents unless you want your gift to explode. Ask me how I know. 😂
✅ Skills you’ll practice: melting, scent layering, wick placement
🎁 Who it’s great for: the person who has everything — except a candle that smells like a BBQ.
3. Wooden Beer Caddy: Practical, Sturdy, and Manly
This one’s a favorite. Cut some half-inch Baltic birch plywood into a base, sides, and handle. Make sure your favorite bottles fit — I used different sizes to be safe. The center divider is both the handle and the support for interior slots.
Add finger holes using a Forstner bit, smooth the edges, glue it all up, and nail it together. Finish with a bottle opener and you’ve got a gift that’s always invited to the party 🍻
🧠 PapPap Tip: Pre-sand your parts before assembly. It’s easier and saves you a headache later.
✅ Skills you’ll practice: measurement, joinery, simple shaping
🎁 Who it’s great for: beer lovers, BBQ hosts, or that buddy who always borrows your cooler
4. Sword & Shield for the Grandkids (or Yourself 😉)
Forget plastic toys. Make a real wooden sword and shield for some epic backyard battles. I used decorative trim molding for the sword — it has a nice profile. Run it through the planer, glue two sides together, and sand it to shape.
The shield? Just trace a shape on thin plywood, cut it out, and paint it with stencils. Add leather straps to the back for a real warrior grip.
🧠 PapPap Tip: Customize the shield with your grandkid’s name. Makes you a hero for life.
✅ Skills you’ll practice: shaping, layering, basic carving
🎁 Who it’s great for: grandkids, cosplay fans, or dads reliving their knight phase 🛡️⚔️
5. Cutting Board: The 10-Minute Hero Gift
Need a last-minute gift? Grab a hardwood plank, sketch a free-form shape with a pencil (I used a bourbon shot glass to trace the handle), and cut it out. Drill a hole in the handle, smooth the edges, and round them off with a router.
You don’t need fancy joinery — just make it look handmade (because it is). Add a little oil, and you’ve got a kitchen-worthy cutting board that looks way more thoughtful than a gift card.
🧠 PapPap Tip: Tell them it took you all day. Let the sanding dust on your shirt be the proof.
✅ Skills you’ll practice: shaping, edge rounding, finishing
🎁 Who it’s great for: moms, partners, neighbors, or anyone who eats
🚪 Final Thoughts from PapPap
Listen — these easy woodworking projects aren’t just about saving money or giving gifts. They’re about keeping the spirit of doing it yourself alive. We’ve gotten too used to replacing things, not making them.
Pick a project. Make it your own. And remember: you don’t have to be a pro — you just have to start.
🧰 Want to See Exactly How It’s Done?
Sometimes it’s easier to watch than to read — I get that. So if you want to follow along with every step, joke, and glue mishap, go ahead and check out the full video.
❓ FAQ
1. What tools do I need for these projects?
Most of them can be done with a table saw, sander, clamps, glue, and a bit of patience.
2. Can I do these easy woodworking projects with kids?
Yes — especially the sword, shield, and cutting board. Just supervise and skip sharp tools.
3. Do I need fancy wood?
Nope. Use what you’ve got. But hardwoods like maple, walnut, or birch look and hold up better.
