WOODWORKING

16 Outdoor Woodworking Projects for Beginners

You don’t have to be an expert woodworker or own specialty tools to take on one of these 40 outdoor woodworking projects for beginners. Every one of the simple projects included here features step-by-step plans and tips for success.

Easy Timber Bench

If you have some experience with power tools, you’ll have this timber bench built in just a few hours, though staining it may add a couple hours more. All materials are readily available at home centers.2 / 40

Modern-Style Birdhouse

Make this minimalist birdhouse on a Saturday morning, and learn some tricks to matching tough angles in the process. Plus, there’s a video tutorial to take you through the project, step-by-step!3 / 40

Raised Planter

This sturdy, easy-to-build planter is perfect for a vegetable garden or flower bed, and it can go anywhere around your home—in the backyard, on the patio or deck, on the front porch, you name it! Get the full, simple plans here.4

Mixed-Medium Garden Trellis

Climbing plants like vines and roses lend a lot of charm to an ordinary garden, especially when they’re winding up a trellis as stunning as this one. And its character just grows richer as the wood turns gray and the copper develops a beautiful green patina. Click here to get the plans.5 / 40

Garden Closet

If you don’t have room in your yard for a large, freestanding shed, you can still create plenty of space for garden tools with a shed attached to the back or side of the house. This garden closet project is easy to build, even for a beginner. If you’re an experienced builder, you can build this shed in a couple of weekends.6 / 40

Patio Garden Pond and Planter

This patio pond in a wooden container holds both water plants and regular plants. With a paint-on rubber lining that’s ultra-stretchy and UV resistant, it’ll last years with little maintenance. Get the full details on how to build this patio garden pond planter here.

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Cornhole Boards

This classic backyard game is easy and inexpensive to make yourself. And with legs that fold up, it’s easy to tote along for tailgating, camping and more. Plus, watch the video tutorial for a quick how-to!8 / 40

Pedestal Picnic Table

If you’d like a more refined picnic table, one that will fit right in at a dinner party for adults as well as at an afternoon barbecue with the kids, here’s the design for you. The Craftsman style is timeless and no one has to sit with a table leg in their way. Learn how to make this table yourself with no nails or screws visible in the top.9 / 40

Stripped-Down Window Planter

This window box planter is so easy to make—it’s all curves and circles. The ingenious design, besides being easy-to-build, also means it resists rot far better than traditional window boxes. Learn how to build this wooden planter box alternative here.

Planter Trellis Combo

Create a living privacy screen. These plans feature a simple planter and trellis made with bamboo. You can do it in a weekend for about $100.11 / 40

Stone-Top Patio Table

Fitting neatly into the smallest of backyards, this little DIY outdoor furniture patio table will hold your drinks, your latest vacation reading or even a delicious snack.

It takes a mere three hours from start to finish, and you only need basic tools and a miter saw to get the job done. Your choice of tile top will dictate the price. The table shown cost less than $30, but you’ve a wide variety to choose from for the top, including slate, granite, limestone, marble or decorative tile. Prices range from $5 to $20+.

Good skills with driving screws are required for this project, including using a counter-sink.12 / 40

Classic Wooden Cart

If you enjoy gardening but not making multiple trips to collect tools, fertilizer, flats of plants, mulch, a garden hose and a weed bucket, you’ll love this simple cart. It’s lightweight and easy to maneuver, but it works like a heavyweight. It’s easy to build with these step-by-step plans.

Tiered Plant Stand

Show off your gardening skills with this simple multi-level plant stand. It’s easy to build from seven 8-ft.-long 1x2s. In just a morning, you can build this handsome, durable plant stand, perfect for indoor use or outside on a deck or patio. Get the plans for this tiered plant stand here.14 / 40

Add Interest with a Garden Arbor

This timber garden arbor can be your place to get away for a quiet retreat or a nook to chat with friends. Get the plans here.15 / 40

Perfect Patio Chairs

If you’re looking for lightweight chairs that can be moved around easily, then look no further than these perfect patio chairs. These smartly cushioned chairs are extremely comfortable, and the arms are designed to be wide enough to rest your drink or a small snack plate.

And if you choose pine, this project will cost around $60, while cedar will increase the cost to $90.

Suitable for a beginner, this DIY outdoor furniture project only requires a little experience and basic tools. The instructions are detailed and include skills such as how to use a speed square to ensure that the legs are plumb.