Whether you’re a seasoned woodworker or a beginner with a garage full of ideas and ambition, you’ve likely asked yourself: What actually sells? Craft fairs, Etsy shops, and Facebook Marketplace are full of wooden creations — but not all builds are created equal when it comes to profit. So, let’s get to the heart of the matter: What wooden projects fly off the table, turn the best profit, follow the latest trends, and where’s the best place to sell them?
Let’s break it down so you can turn sawdust into sales.
What Wood Project Sells the Most?
Drumroll, please… the simple, stylish, functional items win every time. While there’s no single item that dominates every market, cutting boards consistently rank as one of the best-selling wood projects across both online marketplaces and in-person craft fairs.
Why? They’re:
- Easy to make in batches
- Low on materials cost
- Always in demand
- Perfect for gifting
- Easy to customize
Live edge boards, personalized engravings, and even epoxy inlays make your cutting boards stand out. A well-made board priced between $40–$80 can move fast at any event.
Other top-selling wood projects include:
- Wooden phone stands and tablet holders
- Rustic wall shelves
- Wine caddies
- Decorative signs with farmhouse-style lettering
- Wooden toys (like cars, puzzles, and stacking blocks)
When in doubt, ask: Does this solve a problem or add charm to someone’s home? If it checks both boxes, it’s a winner.
What Wood Builds Are Most Profitable?
Profitability comes down to three things: time investment, material cost, and price point.
Here are a few of the most profitable small-to-medium wood projects you can build:
1. Floating Shelves
Simple to build, stylish, and highly profitable. These can be made from pine or reclaimed wood, finished with stains or paints, and sold at prices far above material cost. A set of two can easily fetch $60–$100.
2. Customized Home Décor Signs
Using a CNC machine or even stencils and a steady hand, you can turn scrap wood into farmhouse signs that sell for $30–$50 apiece. Bonus if you offer personalization.
3. Keepsake Boxes & Jewelry Boxes
Small boxes with dovetail or finger joints show off your craftsmanship. Add a soft lining, fancy hinge, or unique wood grain, and people will happily pay $60+ for what cost you $10 in materials.
4. Pet Furniture & Feeders
Rustic dog bowl holders, cat shelves, or even elevated pet beds are skyrocketing in popularity. These builds are often bought by passionate pet owners who are happy to pay for handmade quality.
5. Outdoor Furniture Kits
While it’s a bit more of a commitment, DIY outdoor furniture kits — like Adirondack chairs in pieces with instructions—let customers enjoy the satisfaction of assembly while you handle the cuts and plans. These can go for $150+ and require less finishing on your part.
Tip for maximizing profit: Batch your builds. Making 10 signs takes less than 10x the time of making one. Efficient use of shop time is a profit multiplier.
What Is the Latest Trend in Woodworking?
Woodworking trends shift just like fashion — but right now, minimalist meets natural is ruling the market.
🔥 Top Woodworking Trends in 2025:
- Live edge wood mixed with epoxy (tables, trays, coasters)
- Japanese-inspired joinery and clean lines
- Charred wood finishes (Shou Sugi Ban)
- Rustic-modern hybrids – Think barnwood combined with black pipe or steel hardware
- Multi-functional pieces – Foldable desks, hidden storage, convertible furniture
- Sustainably sourced or reclaimed materials – People want eco-conscious design
And let’s not forget personalization. Whether it’s a family name carved into a board or GPS coordinates burned into a plaque, the ability to make your work “theirs” adds serious emotional (and dollar) value.
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What Is the Best Website to Sell Wood Crafts?
If you’re aiming to sell beyond the booth and reach a wider audience, you’ve got options. Here are the best websites for selling handmade wood projects, ranked by reach and woodworker-friendliness.
1. Etsy
Still the king of handmade. Etsy is packed with buyers specifically looking for handmade, rustic, and personalized wood items. While they do take a cut (listing fees + ~6.5% transaction fee), it’s a strong platform for visibility and sales.
2. Facebook Marketplace
Ideal for local sales with zero listing fees. You can sell larger furniture, home décor, or offer custom builds without shipping costs.
3. Shopify
Great if you’re ready to create a branded online store. It’s more work up front but gives you full control of your shop and marketing. Best for scaling.
4. Amazon Handmade
A lesser-known option with high traffic, but application is required, and the competition is steep. Still, it’s worth exploring if you’ve got production down pat.
5. Your Own Website
If you’re looking to grow a loyal audience and keep full control, nothing beats your own domain. With tools like WooCommerce or Squarespace, you can build a beautiful e-commerce store and tie it into your blog content and email list.
✅ ** Conclusion:
You don’t need a massive shop or exotic hardwoods to make real money in woodworking. Focus on proven winners like cutting boards that sell, small wood projects that make big profits, or even niche items like wooden wall art. Add value with trending styles like custom coffee tables or modern rustic rocking chair plans. And when you’re ready to go beyond the craft fair, learn how to sell wood projects from your very own website to grow your brand and your income. No matter where you’re starting, Sawdust Smarty is here to help you build smarter, sell better, and turn your passion into a profitable venture.