There are so many wonderful items you can make for your garden using scrap lumber and basic tools. Beginner projects include birdhouses, flower containers, trellis, and benches.
If you prefer not to use power tools, see what you can make without power tools here.
Getting Comfortable with Power Tools
You’ve got this.
I’ve met a lot of people who would love to try building small garden projects with wood but hesitate because they have never learned how to operate power tools.
If this is you, read How to Get Comfortable with Power Tools first. From there, some lessons from a pro are highly recommended. Home improvement stores often offer these classes. This will give you the confidence you need.
As I learned to use my big saw (sliding dual-bevel compound miter saw), I not only gained the skills and confidence to safely operate the saw and troubleshoot problems, but I also realized that most people you see using power tools are reckless. And that’s nuts. Using a tool safely and properly is not only easier but more efficient. And calming.
I suggest deciding which projects you want to make first, see which tools are required, and go from there. Learn what you need to know on an as-needed basis.
If you don’t have scrap wood on hand—check with neighbors and local Facebook listings. It’s amazing how much lumber is sitting in storage just waiting to be used!
Tools: Start With the Basics
While it’s nice to have a workshop with all the basic tools, often you can get by with just a few basics to start.
If you’re using new lumber for projects and don’t have a power saw, see if you can get all of the cuts done at the home improvement store where you buy it. I used to do this until I bought my miter saw.
From there, you’ll probably want a drill (for drilling holes and driving screws) and a loop orbital sander.
If you fall in love with building from wood, you can always add more tools to the wish list.
Yard sales and thrift shops are a good place to find deals.
DIY Wood Garden Projects
Raised Garden Beds
- Free plans for Raised Garden Beds
Ready to build a raised garden bed? These free plans for beginners offer several designs in various shapes, sizes, and heights to suit a variety of growing spaces. - Protective Screens to Keep Pests Out of Garden Beds
If you need to keep animals like squirrels out of your raised garden beds or want to slow down pests like cabbage moths, these multi-purpose protective screens are a good addition to the garden.
Repurpose with a Purpose
- 12+ Ideas for using Doors and Windows in the Garden
Hold the door! Save that window! There are countless creative uses for old doors and windows in the garden. Have a look at these ideas for turning them into arbors, art, and decor. - Make a Custom Screen Door for Patios and Porches
If you need a screen door in an unusual size, you may need to make your own. This shows how I made a custom door with basic woodworking supplies. - Make a Mini Greenhouse from Old Windows
With some recycled house windows, you can make your own mini greenhouse for the garden. These step-by-step instructions show a smart way to make a sturdy structure that will last for years. - Build a Lean-to Greenhouse
Lean-to greenhouses offer a budget-friendly alternative to stand-alone greenhouses. Built next to an existing structure, you get space to cultivate plants while saving on building costs.
Vertical Interest
- 20+ Arbor, Trellis, & Obelisk Ideas
These arbor and trellis ideas show ways to grow plants, add privacy, and provide overhead shade in your garden or patio. Rose arbors are the classic choice, but there are many other planting options as well. - DIY Outdoor Plant Shelf
This DIY outdoor plant shelf is a simple building project. Made from 2×4 lumber, you can build it in hour. Dress it up with burlap fabric and display your houseplants or flowering annuals outdoors on a wall for the summer. - DIY Trellis for Climbing Fruits & Veggies
What do zucchini, squash, cucumbers, and melon plants all have in common? They grow as vines and can take up a lot of garden space. Adding special trellis not only creates vertical growing space but the plants also benefit from additional air flow and avoid getting damaged (or munched on by pests) on the ground. - How to Make a Wood Tomato Cage
This DIY tomato cage is easy to build and provides excellent support for growing tomato vines while preventing the tender stems from breaking. They are a budget-friendly alternative to metal and plastic tomato supports. - How to Make a Wood Obelisk
Use these free plans to build a garden obelisk from wood. Painted in a bold colour, they are both a garden accent and perfect for supporting climbing vines. - Create a Staircase Plant Stand
This staircase plant stand is inexpensive, easy-to-build, provides a lot of vertical growing space, and works both in the home and garden. Made from ready-made stringers from a home improvement store, you can build it in an afternoon. - How to Build a Decorative Garden Ladder
Use these instructions to build a simple painter’s style ladder to use as decor in your garden. Made from 1×3 lumber, you can get the cuts done at the home improvement store and make it in an afternoon.
Crafty & Whimsical
- 25+ Creative Ways to Upcycle Xmas Trees
If you want to upcycle or recycle your Christmas tree after the holidays, there are all sorts of crafts and decorations to make from the wood, branches, and twigs for your home and garden. - DIY Garden Sign Tutorial
Grab an old board—the more rustic, the better—and make yourself a thrifty, one-of-a-kind sign for your garden. This one has rope lettering for extra charm. - DIY Optical Illusion Garden Mirror
Turn a plain mirror into an optical illusion using these step-by-step instructions. Create your own door to a secret world.
Contain Yourself
Creative and useful wood projects you can make for your garden including planters, trugs, arbors, raised beds, screen door, birdhouses, benches, tables, and more!
- How to Make a Wood Garden Trug
This DIY garden trug made from scrap wood as a decorative planter or to carry tools while working in the garden. It’s a good beginner woodworking project requiring basic tools.
Bird & Bug Houses
- Free DIY Nesting Box Plans
Nesting boxes, or birdhouses as they are often called, provide shelter for mated birds to raise their offspring. But it’s not one size fits all: each bird species has different housing needs. Check out the plans provided here and build to suit your favorite backyard birds. - Make a Privacy Screen with Built-in Bug Hotel
This DIY outdoor privacy screen is freestanding and can be built in an afternoon. I added some decorative and functional bug hotels to display favorite natural treasures from the garden. - DIY Bee House Using Scrap Lumber
Use this tutorial to make a simple bee house for wood-nesting bees in your garden. It uses leftover scraps of untreated 2x4s for an eco-friendly way to help native bees. - Create a Wildlife-Friendly Fence with Old Branches & Trimmings
Hang onto old tree branches and shrub cuttings and create a dead hedge or hedgerow. It’s both a low-cost privacy barrier plus habitat and nourishment for countless creatures.
Easy Furniture
- Build a DIY Workbench
If you’re going to build stuff, you need a good workbench. - DIY Garden Tool Shed
Want to keep your garden tools sorted and ready to go? This DIY tool shed on wheels takes a couple of hours to build and can be customized to suit your needs. It is intended for use in a sheltered location like a shed, workshop, covered patio, or garage.
This should give you a good start!
Resources
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25 Garden Art Projects & Ideas
by Melissa J. Will
Grab the top garden art DIY projects and tips from Empress of Dirt
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~Melissa the Empress of Dirt ♛