Free summer bucket list sign up

Easy Scrap Wood Projects That Sell (Beginner Friendly!)

ByChas Greener Updated on When you buy through our links, we may earn a commission.

Share it with others!

Did you know you can turn that pile of dusty scrap wood in your garage into extra cash? I created a simple [Wood Block Snowman Family] project, and with a little imagination, I turned it into a rotating seasonal decoration that sold immediately! Even better, I turned my hobby into a bit of extra spending money.

Turn trash into cash! Here are 15+ easy scrap wood projects that sell, including my viral 4-in-1 seasonal blocks, rustic signs, and upcycled serving trays.
Jump to Steps Jump to Video Print How-to Instructions

Quick Answer: What are the best wood projects to sell?

The most profitable scrap wood projects are small, functional, and require minimal materials. Top sellers include:

✨ SUMMARIZE & SAVE THIS CONTENT ON:
ChatGPTGoogle AIPerplexityGrok
⭐ Add as a Preferred Source on Google
  • Seasonal Decor: Reversible blocks (Snowmen/Pumpkins) allow year-round use.
  • Rustic Signs: Welcome signs and “Love” marquees are always in demand.
  • Candle Holders: Made from birch logs or 4×4 scraps.
  • Garden Art: Wooden scarecrows and lighthouse pots.

Whether you are a beginner looking to practice your skills or a crafter wanting to start a side hustle, scrap wood projects are the perfect entry point. If you love [Seasonal DIYs] or are looking for more [Easy Upcycling Projects], these simple builds are perfect for you. In this post, I’m sharing my famous 4-in-1 blocks plus 15 other ideas to get you started.

Scrap Wood Projects That Sell Video

Where to Find Free (or Cheap) Scrap Wood

Before you start building, you need materials. Here is where I find my wood for free:

  • Big Box Stores: Check the “cull bin” at Home Depot or Lowes for discounted cuts. They will also sometimes cut wood for you for free!
  • Online Marketplaces: Check “Freecycle,” Nextdoor.com, or Facebook Marketplace for people giving away pallets or construction scraps.
  • Construction Sites: Always ask permission first, but many job sites are happy to let you take scrap lumber from their dumpster.

Project 1: The 4-in-1 Seasonal Decor Blocks

(This is my #1 best-seller because customers can leave it out all year long!)

Since it was past spring, I tried to create some rabbit ears, but didn't love the way they turned out. I told the person who bought my scrap wood project that I was planning on buying rabbit head bands for them, and she loved that idea.
For the summer I created firecrackers.
For fall, they turn into pumpkins.
You can find my original Snowman Family Project here. I really loved this little project and at the same time, I can only keep so many projects that I make. You can start with any scrap wood that you want.

The Concept

Instead of storing four different holiday decorations, I painted one set of wood blocks to feature a different design on each of the four sides.

  • Winter: Snowmen faces.
  • Spring: Bunnies and Chicks.
  • Summer: Red, White, and Blue Firecrackers.
  • Fall: Pumpkins.

Materials Needed

  • Scrap 4×4 Wood Blocks (cut to varying heights)
  • Acrylic Paints (White, Orange, Blue, Yellow)
  • Painter’s TapeVelcro Dots (for attaching removable accessories)
  • Accessories: Rope, ribbon, or faux stems.

Instructions

I wiped them off and then painted them all with White Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint and let that dry completely.
I tied a scarf around each snowman.
I drew a snowman face on each post with permanent markers. You could also use paint.
Depending on where you are putting these snowmen you might want to put a sealer them. I love how they turned out!
I rotated the scrap wood to one side (all of the snowmen are facing to the left). I used blue painters tape to keep the corners white. I painted 2 of the scrap wood pieces with Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint in the color sunshine and left 2 of them white. Once I was done painting, I peeled of the painters tape.
Once the paint dried, I used permanent marker to paint on bunny and chick faces.
Since it was past spring, I tried to create some rabbit ears, but didn't love the way they turned out. I told the person who bought my scrap wood project that I was planning on buying rabbit head bands for them, and she loved that idea.
I rotated all of the scrap wood again so now the snowmen were facing down. I placed painters tape on the sides to keep the edges white. I painted the top with and bottom with Folk Art Home Decor Chalk paint and used the colors imperial, and nautical.
While the back was drying, I added peel and stick Velco dots. I cut a piece of nautical rope and hot glued it to one of the Velcro pieces. This would allow me to keep the rope on while it was summer and fall, but remove it for winter and spring.
For the summer I created firecrackers.
On the last side I again used painters tape to keep the edges white. I painted this side with Apple Barrel Orange paint.
For fall, they turn into pumpkins.
  1. Cut & Clean: Cut your 4×4 post into 3 or 4 pieces of varying heights. Sand any rough edges.
  2. Side 1 (Winter): Paint the blocks white. Use a permanent marker to draw Snowman eyes, mouths, and carrot noses.
  3. Side 2 (Spring): Rotate the blocks. Paint them soft yellow or white. Draw bunny ears and whiskers.
  4. Side 3 (Summer): Paint the blocks red, white, and blue. I used Velcro dots to attach a piece of rope as a “fuse” for the firecracker look (which can be removed later!).
  5. Side 4 (Fall): Paint the blocks orange. Use a brown marker to draw vertical lines for pumpkin ridges.
  6. Sell It: List this as “Space-Saving Year-Round Decor.” My customers loved that they didn’t have to pack it away in a box after Christmas!

More Easy Scrap Wood Projects to Sell

If blocks aren’t your style, here are other projects I have made that are perfect for craft fairs or online shops.

Rustic Wooden Candle Holders

It all started with a branch.  You'll want to let it dry out if you are going to seal it in the end. If not, you'll be okay to move ahead sooner.
I guessed at the size I wanted my candle holders to be and I sawed them to size.  After sawing them, I sanded the top and the bottom of the branches with a sanding block.
Using a 1 1/2 inch spade drill bit in our drill, we made indents for the candles.
Once you've made them, they're ready to be placed where you like.

We trimmed our trees in our back yard and made these, and you can easily make these from 4×4 scraps.

I found these wooden candle holders in the free pile at a thrift store and immediately grabbed them. I brought them home, gave them a little love, and now they have new life as coastal candle holders. They remind me of drift wood and hanging at the beach!
I realized the candle holders were not completely straight so putting taper candles in them might lead to a big mess down the road.

A couple of other options for inspiration include:

The Front Porch Welcome Sign

We had some scrap wood at home from re-roofing our gazebo. It's an inexpensive underlayment wood. I explained what I was creating to my husband and he helped me cut the wood into a long tall board.
I stained the wood with Folk Art Wood Tint in the color Walnut. It's water based, goes on easy, dries fast.
While the board was drying, I painted wooden welcome sign letters I got from the target dollar spot with Folk Art Wood Tint in the color Cascade.
Once both the board and the letters were dry, I used Elmer's Wood Glue to adhere the letters to the wood board.
Once the sign was dry, I put it on my front porch for display.

Tall, leaning porch signs are huge sellers. You only need one long board and some stencils. I made mine for a fraction of the cost of the store-bought ones.

Garden Scarecrow (Fence Post Craft)

I had a left over 4x4 piece of fence post from a snowman family project I did last winter. I already had all the materials for this project on hand. You could use a fence picket instead. I lightly sanded the wood, then wiped it clean to remove all of the dust.
I waited for the blue section to be dry. I then added painters tape and used Imperial Folk Art Home Decor Chalk Paint for the shirt section.
I hot glued on 2 buttons for eyes, and drew on a nose and mouth with permanent markers.
If you want to put him outside, add a coat of Folk Art Home Decor Varnish or Dishwasher Safe Mod Podge.

I love fall decor that can stay up from September through November. I turned a single fence post into a cute scarecrow for the garden.

Marquee “LOVE” Sign

2. Paint your Wood
3. Add Your Love Stickers
4. Add the picture to your Frame (if applicable)
Are you looking to make a DIY Love Sign? This is such an easy and adjustable project that can me made for so many occasions.

This light-up sign looks complicated, but it’s just scrap wood with holes drilled for battery-operated lights. It’s perfect for weddings or Valentine’s Day decor.

Simple Wooden Storage Box (Crate)

For the sides of this board we used a 1 x 4 pine board and measured it to 14 inches.
He cut that with our Dewalt Circular Saw.
We glued each edge with Elmer's Wood Glue that would be connecting together.
Here is where I'm using ours - on our kitchen table. I love that it keeps our salt and pepper shakers, and napkins in there and I can pick it up to easily wipe up the table.

One of the easiest things to make with wood—and a huge seller for farmhouse decor—is a simple rustic box or crate. These are perfect for centerpieces, bathroom storage, or holding mason jars.

  • Materials: 1×4 lumber scraps or pallet wood, wood glue, and nails.
  • The Build: Measure your desired size (I like making them fit 3 mason jars perfectly). Cut a bottom piece and four side pieces. Glue and nail the sides to the bottom.
  • The Finish: Sand it down and add a dark walnut stain for that antique look. Add handles on the sides for extra flair!
  • You can find the full tutorial at [Amazingly Useful Wood Box DIY]

Cabinet Door Serving Tray

Once that was done I wiped the whole thing clean.
I got drawer handles at Lowes for $2 for each of them. We drilled a guide hole where the screws would go, and then screwed them into place.
Use them to treat yourself - makes a great gift. You can also use them at festive occasions. They are an extremely useful item all year around.

Cabinet doors are one of my favorite things to upcycle because they are usually made of high-quality solid wood. I found a lone cabinet door at the Habitat ReStore and turned it into a stunning farmhouse serving tray.

  • The Makeover: I cleaned it up, added a coat of paint, and attached two hardware pulls on the sides for handles.
  • Why it Sells: It’s sturdy, functional, and looks great on a coffee table or ottoman.
  • [Read the Full Tutorial: Cabinet Door Serving Trays]

Repurposed Thrift Store Autumn Sign

Here is the plaque in it's original form. I remember a lot of people having this picture in their home growing up.
Next I use a piece of painters tape to make a straight line across the bottom. I took my Plaid letter stencils and space them out on top of the sign to write the word "Autumn". I used a pencil to mark where the would go.
Old plaque to new autumn sign

Sometimes you find a piece of wood art at the thrift store where the wood is beautiful, but the painting on it… isn’t.

  • The Fix: I found an old wooden plaque, sanded it down (or painted over the old design), and used stencils to turn it into a beautiful “Autumn” sign.
  • The Profit: Custom seasonal signs are always top sellers on Facebook Marketplace because people love changing their decor for the season.
  • [Read the Full Tutorial: Old Plaque to New Autumn Sign]

Wall-Mounted Bottle Opener

To find the spot where your bottle opener will go, measure 2 inches from the top and ...
Use a drill and drill a pre-hole where your screw will go. This will make it easier to drill in your hole. We used a 3/32nd drill bit. After having your bottom hole ready - place the bottom bottle opener hole over the pre-drilled hole and drill into place using your 10 x 1 oval Phillips sheet metal screw.
We have updated our design by adding a washer to the nut screw. This holds the bucket a little more secure but still allows for a removable bucket.
We made 5 of these as end of the year gifts for our son's baseball coaches. We are planning on having the boys all sign them.

This is one of my top recommendations for “Gifts for Him.” Using just a small scrap of wood and a cheap metal opener hardware, you can make a functional piece for a patio, BBQ area, or man cave.

Wood Slice Coasters

Don’t throw away those tree branches or small log ends! Wood slice coasters are incredibly popular for weddings and rustic home decor.

  • The How-To: Slice a dry branch/log into 1/2 inch thick discs. Sand the surface smooth (keep the bark on for texture!). Seal them with a waterproof polyurethane so they can handle sweaty drinks.
  • Selling Tip: Tie a set of 4 together with twine and a sprig of greenery. They make instant gifts!

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best places to sell wood projects?

I have had the best luck with local pickup options because you don’t have to worry about shipping heavy wood items!
Local: Facebook Marketplace, Nextdoor, Craigslist, OfferUp.
Online: Etsy, eBay (best for smaller items like coasters).
In-Person: Craft Fairs, Holiday Bazaars, Farmers Markets.

What tools do I need for scrap wood projects?

You don’t need a fancy workshop! You can make almost all of these projects with:
Essentials: Hammer, nails, screws, ruler, and a pencil.
Finishing: Sanding block (or orbital sander), paint/stain, and wood glue.
Power Tools (Optional): A drill and a simple saw (circular or jigsaw) speed things up, but aren’t strictly necessary for small projects.

What is the best wood for beginners?

Pine: It is soft, easy to cut, and usually the cheapest option.
Poplar: A step up from pine; it has a smoother grain and takes stain beautifully.
Reclaimed Wood: Pallets and fence pickets are often free, but be sure to sand them well to avoid splinters!

More Quick Scrap Wood Ideas

Still have a pile of wood scraps? Here are a few more rapid-fire ideas you can try:

What can I make with 2×4 scraps?

  • Rustic Shelf: Cut a 2×4, stain it, and add brackets for a small wall shelf.
  • Bookends: Cut two blocks, sand them smooth, and paint them for heavy-duty bookends.
  • Garden Markers: Cut stakes and paint the names of your veggies on them.Step Stool: A sturdy little stool for kids to reach the sink.

Other Best-Selling Wood Ideas

If you are looking for more inspiration, these items are always popular at craft fairs:

  • Kitchen: Serving trays, cutting boards, wine racks, and spice racks.
  • Decor: Picture frames, blanket ladders, and lantern posts.
  • Garden: Bird feeders, planter boxes, and house number signs.

Scrap Wood Projects That Sell Video

Wooden Snowman Family
Print

4-in-1 Seasonal Scrap Wood Blocks

Turn trash into cash! Here are 15+ easy scrap wood projects that sell, including my viral 4-in-1 seasonal blocks, rustic signs, and upcycled serving trays.
Active Time1 hour
dry time2 hours
Total Time3 hours
Course: Summer
Keyword: scrap wood projects that sell
Yield: 1 set of blocks
Author: Chas Greener
Cost: $10

Materials

  • 4 x4 Wood Post Scrap pieces
  • Acrylic Paints White, Orange, Yellow, Blue, Red
  • Permanent Markers Black, Orange, Brown
  • Velcro Dots
  • Rope for Firecracker fuse

Instructions

  • Cut: Cut your wood into 3 pieces of varying heights (e.g., 6″, 8″, 10″).
  • Paint: Paint one side of each block white (Snowman). Paint the opposite side orange (Pumpkin).
  • Detail: Use markers to draw faces on the Snowman side and ridge lines on the Pumpkin side.
  • Rotate: On the third side, paint yellow/white for Easter (draw bunny faces). On the fourth side, paint red/white/blue for 4th of July.
  • Accessory: Use Velcro dots to attach a small piece of rope to the top of the “Firecracker” side so it can be removed when the season changes.

Video

Turn trash into cash! Here are 15+ easy scrap wood projects that sell, including my viral 4-in-1 seasonal blocks, rustic signs, and upcycled serving trays.

I hope this list gives you the confidence to dig into that scrap pile and create something amazing (and profitable!). Which project are you going to try first? Let me know in the comments below!

Get my Summer ebook

Share it with others!

Free summer bucket list sign up

Chas Greener

Chas is a DIY expert and the founder of Chas’ Crazy Creations, bringing 30+ years of experience in upcycling and home improvement to millions of readers. A former dance professional turned digital strategist, she specializes in accessible, budget-friendly crafting. Beyond the blog, Chas is a motivational speaker and business consultant helping creators bridge the gap between traditional crafting and modern digital growth.

Similar Posts

28 Comments

  1. Chas, I do love that Lowes will cut your wood for you and give you scrap pieces. I have several in our garage, list waiting to be used in a project. Thanks for the reminder about using them.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Carol and I’m glad you like the tips.

      Reply

  2. These are amazing, Chas! You’re so clever and creative! I love how you can use one item for all four seasons. Pinned!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so very much Lynne, I love that you don’t have to store them too!

      Reply

  3. What a great scrap wood project, Chas! I love that you can use them for every season. I’ve done craft shows before, and these would definitely be popular! Thanks for showing how you made them. It was fun hopping with you again, my friend!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Rebecca, and I love that you could sell these at craft shows… a great idea and an additional tip!

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much Terrie, I’m thrilled you like them.

      Reply

    1. Thank you so much friend, I love that you don’t have to store them.

      Reply

  6. Chas, these are so cute! I love the idea that you could use the came decorations for four different holidays. The best thing about this for me would be that these would take up one quarter of the storage space instead of having all four of them! Storage for holiday decorations is always my problem! So, have you made these and sold them? Do you sell them at craft fairs, or online?

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much, Chloe, and yes you could make just one…. and leave any of them out all year round… no storage 🙂 Yes, I did sell these, and I have had good luck with Nextdoor and Facebook Marketplace.

      Reply

  7. Such a cute idea Chas! Something for every season! Fun stuff!

    Reply

  8. I love how there are so many different things you can use them for, one for each season. My favorite is the bunny. This is such a fun idea. Thanks for sharing it this month.

    Reply

    1. Thanks so much Andrea, and thanks for organizing our crafting hop! I’m so glad you like the project

      Reply

  9. Getting four seasons out of a project would make this one a keeper, and the fire work one is my fav. But I do understand about needing to sell or move on some projects. There’s only so much storage space!

    Reply

    1. Thanks Rachelle, and I love it for both reasons… no storage needed, and you can sell it if you just don’t have the space 🙂

      Reply

  10. Wood is SO expensive right now so we’re holding onto all of our scraps! These are so cute. Thanks for sharing this creative way to use them Chas!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Sara and yes I can believe it is like many other things. Good idea to hold onto your wood… and or maybe sell it 😉

      Reply

  11. Very creative, Chas, as always! Love how you made the firework fuse removable.

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Liberty, wonderful crafting with you

      Reply

  12. How clever Chas! I love the firecrackers for summer! Happy Memorial Day weekend! Blessings, Cecilia @My Thrift Store Addiction

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Cecilia! I’m so glad you like them

      Reply

  13. What a cool way to create a multi-purpose craft using wood scraps, Chas! You made each side adorable and I love that it’s interchangeable and perfect to use year-round!

    Reply

    1. Thank you so much Gail, I love that it can be kept out all year (no storage needed)

      Reply

  14. So clever and creative of you to get 4 seasons of cute decorations out of your scrap wood Chaz! I love the sweet faces of the bunnies and chicks, cute snowmen and fire crackers too! Happy to be crafting with you again. ♥

    Reply

    1. You are so sweet Mary, thank you so much for your kind words.

      Reply

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating