Project plans

Each plan includes a tool list, cut list, time and cost estimates, and step-by-step instructions.

A heavy 19th-century wooden joiner's workbench with vises in a museum

Expert

Roubo-Style Workbench

A massive, laminated-top workbench with legs flush to the front edge, through-tenons, and a leg vise — built from construction lumber. About 84" × 22" × 34".

  • Time40–70 hours
  • Est. cost$250–$600
A simple painted wooden shelf unit with fixed shelves

Intermediate

Small Bookcase with Dado Joints

A sturdy 30" × 36" bookcase with shelves housed in router-cut dados, a plywood back, and a wall anchor. A great router project.

  • Time10–16 hours plus finishing
  • Est. cost$90–$200
An antique painted Shaker blanket chest with a lift lid and a drawer below

Expert

Dovetailed Blanket Chest

An heirloom chest with hand-cut through-dovetails, a mitered base, and a breadboard-end lid. Case 36" × 18" × 18".

  • Time35–60 hours over several weeks
  • Est. cost$150–$550
A small, plain wooden stool with straight legs on a wooden floor

Beginner

Simple Step Stool from One Board

A sturdy little stool cut from a single 1x12 pine board, assembled with glue and screws. About 9" tall with a 16" × 11 1/4" top.

  • Time3–5 hours plus finish drying time
  • Est. cost$25–$60
A historical watercolor rendering of a simple Shaker table with slender turned legs

Intermediate

Shaker-Style Side Table

A clean, timeless side table with tapered legs, mortise-and-tenon aprons, and a top that floats on wood buttons. 18" × 18" × 26" tall.

  • Time15–25 hours over several weekends
  • Est. cost$80–$200
A striped hardwood cutting board made of alternating light and dark wood strips

Beginner

Edge-Grain Hardwood Cutting Board

A beginner-friendly first project built from store-bought hardwood 1x2s — no ripping required. Finished size about 11" × 16".

  • Time1 weekend (4–6 hours of work, plus drying time)
  • Est. cost$40–$90