As someone who’s absolutely obsessed with home decor and DIY crafts, I’m always looking for creative ways to reuse leftover materials, including wood scraps. If you’re anything like me, those small pieces left over from bigger projects are just begging to be transformed into something new and fun. That’s why I’m excited to share these cool 30 scrap wood projects that’ll inspire you to dive into your next wood craft project instead of tossing it. From quick afternoon crafts to weekend projects, these ideas are a fantastic way to give new life to those scraps while adding a personal, handmade touch to your space.
Top 30 Scrap Wood Projects
1. Rustic Picture Frames
Scrap wood is perfect for making picture frames —it’s such a simple project that can turn any simple photo into a piece of art! Each frame turns out unique, with its natural wood grain and little imperfections. If you want to make it extra special, try using your Cricut to cut a cute design or word to stick on the frame!
2. Wooden Coasters
Got small hardwood scraps? Turn them into beautiful coasters! Sand them smooth and add a coat of polyurethane for protection. Want a custom design? Use your Cricut to make stencil designs and paint patterns on each coaster—so many possibilities here!
3. Scrap Wood Wall Art
This is where you can let loose! There are so many things you can create, from geometric designs to abstract pieces using scrap wood in all different shapes and sizes. For an extra touch, use Cricut to cut out inspirational quotes or shapes you like to make it pop.
4. DIY Wooden Desk Organizer
My desk is usually a mess, so I think making a little organiser from scrap wood will be my next project lol. I just need to find the right piece of wood! A few simple cuts and some glue is all it takes. If you want to label each compartment, create a few custom labels.
5. Rustic Candle Holders
Chunky wood scraps make great candle holders! Especially if you make these boats like candles. If you don’t want to melt wax and keep it simple, another amazing option is to drill holes in different sizes to fit candles – like this project here. You could even use your Cricut to add decorative cutouts on the wood for a fancy glow effect.
Related: 21 Most Popular Halloween Crafts to Sell on Etsy
6. Wooden Plant Stands
Plant lovers, this one’s for you! Scrap wood is perfect for creating little elevated stands for plants. It’s a simple project, and looks so great!
Related: 29 Best Cricut YouTube Tutorials to Master Your Machine
7. Scrap Wood Serving Tray
A serving tray is super handy and makes a great gift! You can create patterns with various scraps and add dowel handles. To make it food-safe, finish it with food-grade oil (like this one from Amazon).
8. Wooden Wall Clock
Believe it or not, a wall clock is pretty simple to make! Start with a flat piece of scrap wood, add a clock mechanism, and get creative with the numbers. You can get the clock mechanism here on Amazon. You can use your Cricut to cut out numbers.
9. Scrap Wood Cutting Board
Cutting boards are classic, and they make amazing gifts. You can mix different hardwoods for a cool pattern or use just one piece, both will look cool. Just be sure to use food-safe finishes. For a personal touch, you can add custom messaging on it.
10. DIY Wooden Bookends
Bookends are such a fun way to add personality to a shelf. You can make simple designs as well as quirky, sculptural ones, depending on the wood shape you have. To elevate your design, you can paint or draw cool shapes on your bookends, like the mountains in the pin.
11. Wooden Toy Blocks
If you have kiddos around, wooden blocks are a fantastic project, even to make together. Sand them smooth and finish with a non-toxic sealant. Get this wood paint set from Amazon to paint your blocks. You can even personalize them with letters or cute designs cut on your Cricut!
12. Scrap Wood Birdhouse
Birdhouses are classic scrap wood projects that are easy to customize. You can experiment with different roof styles and even add little decorations. Use your Cricut to cut a “Welcome” sign or tiny flowers to stick around the entrance!
13. Wooden Key Holder
A key holder by the door is so practical. You can add small hooks and sometimes a little shelf. Quote stickers are perfect for this one as well!
14. DIY Wooden Coasters with Resin
For a bit of a challenge, try pairing wood scraps with resin for coasters. Arrange wood pieces with a gap in between, pour in colored resin, and you’ll have a beautiful set. Here is a cool kit from Amazon to help you get started!
15. Scrap Wood Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener
A wall-mounted bottle opener is a fun addition to any kitchen or bar area. Here is a hilarious one with a basketball net! You can use a piece of scrap wood as the base and add a bottle opener attachment. You could even use Cricut designs to add “Cheers!” or something similar on top. And here is a funny dog’s shape cast iron wall mounted bottle opener you can use for this project.
16. Wooden Desk Lamp
A desk lamp is a bit more challenging, but totally worth it! The first thing you need to do is make an open wooden box that looks like a frame and is open on one side. Then, drill a hole in the top for the lamp.
17. DIY Wooden Utensil Holder
Use a solid wood piece as a base, add dividers with thinner wood scraps, and voilà—a new kitchen utensil holder!
18. Scrap Wood Planter Box
Perfect for larger scraps, planter boxes work well indoors and outdoors. Drill drainage holes, and try creating plant labels or designs with your Cricut to decorate the box.
19. Sofa Arm Tray
Ohh this is a genius one! If you’re looking for a simpler project, a sofa arm tray is a great option! It’s perfect for resting your drink or remote, and it’s super easy to make with scrap wood.
20. Mini Wooden Side Tables
Another fun project is making mini wooden side tables. These little tables are great for small spaces and can be customized with different wood stains or paint. They’re perfect for holding drinks or decor and are simple enough to craft with scrap wood!
21. DIY Wooden Jewelry Organizer
From earring holders to necklace displays, a jewelry organizer is a beautiful way to use wood scraps. Add hooks or create slots, and label sections with Cricut designs to make organizing easy and pretty.
22. Scrap Wood Floating Shelves
Scrap wood floating shelves are another awesome way to use up extra wood. These shelves can be installed in any room to display plants, books, or decor. I love how they give a modern, minimalist vibe while keeping things functional. You can customize them by adding decorative brackets or leaving them floating for a sleek look.
23. Wooden Business Card Holder
If you want a small, functional project, a wooden business card holder is perfect. It’s a simple, stylish way to organize your business cards at home or on your desk. Plus, you can customize it by engraving your logo or adding a pop of color with paint or stain, making it a perfect DIY gift for entrepreneurs or friends starting a new business.
Related: Where to Sell Jewelry Online – Best Sites You Should Consider
24. DIY Wooden Knife Block
For a more advanced DIY, try making a DIY wooden knife block. It’s a great way to showcase your woodworking skills and organize your kitchen. You can use scrap wood to create slots for your knives and personalize it by adding different wood types or stains for a beautiful, custom finish. It’s a fun project that will definitely impress your friends and family!
25. Scrap Wood Wall-Mounted Mail Organizer
Mount larger pieces of scrap wood for the back and smaller pieces as pockets to create a mail organiser. You can also add labels for each pocket for easy sorting! This one is perfect for mail, magazines, or any files you want!
26. Wooden Napkin Holder
If you’re looking for a simple, functional project, a wooden napkin holder is a great choice. It’s an easy DIY that can be made with just a few scrap pieces of wood, and it adds a touch of charm to your kitchen or dining area. This can also be a perfect gift for your mom or mother in law!
27. DIY Wooden Spice Rack
Build a spice rack to keep your kitchen organized! Create tiers or dividers with scraps, and use spice labels for each slot.
28. Scrap Wood Coat Rack
A coat rack is functional and decorative. Use hooks like these ones from Amazon and additional scrap pieces for a shelf.
29. DIY Cookbook Stand
If you love cooking, a DIY cookbook stand is a perfect scrap wood project to try. It’s a practical way to keep your recipes easily accessible while cooking, and it adds a rustic touch to your kitchen.
30. Scrap Wood Trivet
For a simple project, join small wood pieces to create a trivet for hot dishes. Arrange the wood in a geometric pattern, and use food-safe wood finishes.
Final Thoughts
With each of these projects, there’s an opportunity to turn basic scrap wood into something amazing and functional. And don’t forget, your Cricut machine can be your best friend in making each item unique. Whether it’s creating stencils, cutting vinyl designs, or engraving, the possibilities are endless when you bring Cricut into the mix.
So, next time you’re left with scrap wood from a project, don’t toss it! Look at it as a blank canvas waiting for your creativity. Each of these scrap wood projects can be a simple, budget-friendly way to craft something special for your home.
