5 Projects to Build With Leftover Lumber

5 Projects to Build With Leftover Lumber

Many adventurous DIY enthusiasts find themselves with one never-ending problem: wood scraps! If you're wading through piles of leftover wood from projects long gone, we at Shop-O-Rama can help you turn those scraps into the perfect home decor with these top five projects.

1. Cutting & Serving Boards

Cutting and serving boards are easy projects! Not only are they practical, but they also make great gifts for every occasion. With leftover wood pieces, you can create custom boards in various shapes and sizes, whether prepping fruits and veggies or serving your favorite cheeses to party guests.

Here are some of the best DIY ideas:

• Create cutting boards for designated tasks, such as meat prep or fruits and veggies, and label each board accordingly.
• Incorporate a juice groove around the edges of cutting boards to catch excess liquid from fruits or meats.
• Experiment with different wood combinations and stains for a board with unique character.
• Using a wood-burning tool, personalize cutting or serving boards by engraving names, initials, or meaningful quotes.
• Make oversized serving boards for entertaining or presentation purposes, such as serving charcuterie or cheese platters.

Instructions:

1. Dig through your leftover lumber collection and find workable pieces for your cutting board.
2. Cut the lumber to size using a saw, ensuring smooth and even edges.
3. Sand the surfaces of the boards to remove any roughness to achieve a smooth finish.
4. Apply a food-safe finish, such as mineral oil or beeswax, to seal and protect the wood.
5. Optional: Add a handle or decorative elements for a personalized touch.

2. Floating Shelves

Floating shelves are a trendy and functional addition to any home decor style. They provide extra storage space and effortless visual interest. Using leftover lumber, you can easily create simple DIY floating shelves to show off a collection of books, plants, or even your favorite mug collection.

Try these simple ideas:

• Design corner floating shelves to maximize space in smaller rooms or awkward corners.
• Combine floating shelves with hanging planters for a unique display of greenery.
• Install floating shelves with built-in LED lighting for an ambient evening glow.
• Create asymmetrical floating shelves for a modern and artistic vibe.
• Incorporate hidden drawers or compartments within floating shelves for discreet storage.
• Make a DIY floating shelf bookcase to keep your floor space free and clear. This will prevent the need to anchor heavy floor units if you have small children.

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut the lumber to the required length for your shelves.
2. Sand all edges and surfaces of the boards for a smooth finish.
3. Install floating shelf brackets or hidden mounting hardware onto the back of the boards.
4. Use a level to ensure the shelves are properly aligned before securing them to the wall.
5. Optional: Stain or paint the shelves to match your existing decor.
6. Add small side pieces for keeping books in place.

3. Holiday Ornaments

Bring some rustic DIY charm to your holiday decor by repurposing leftover lumber into festive ornaments! These eco-friendly and family-friendly DIY ornaments add a personalized touch to your Christmas tree or holiday displays.

Here are some ideas we love:

• Make miniature cabins using small pieces of lumber, complete with painted windows and doors.
• Take some lengths of leftover cedar or pine to make simple hanging ornaments. Paint or stencil on family names, pet names, or your favorite inspirational words.
• Create wood slice ornaments by cutting thin slices from branches or logs and decorating them with hand-painted designs, stencils, or wood-burned patterns.
• Make personalized photo ornaments by affixing small photo prints to wooden discs or squares and then sealing them with a clear varnish for durability.
• Craft whimsical animal-shaped ornaments, such as bears, deer, or owls, using scraps of lumber and adding details with paint or wood burning.
• Design festive word ornaments spelling out holiday greetings or sentiments like "Joy," "Peace," or "Merry & Bright," using different types of wood for contrast.

Instructions:

• Gather leftover lumber scraps and decide on the ornaments you want to create. Options include traditional shapes like stars and snowflakes, or custom designs like reindeer or Christmas trees.
• Using a saw, carefully cut the lumber into small pieces or shapes, ensuring they are suitable for hanging on a tree.
• Sand the edges and surfaces of the ornaments to create a smooth finish, paying attention to any sharp corners or rough areas.
• Decorate the ornaments with festive designs, drill holes for hanging with twine, or attach embellishments like jingle bells or ribbons.
• Once the ornaments are complete, allow them to dry before hanging them on your tree or using them to adorn wreaths, garlands, or gift packages.

4. Chalkboards

One of the most versatile home decor additions, chalkboards are fun and practical for writing notes, grocery lists, kitchen menus, inspirational messages, and even spelling practice with the kids! These amazing DIY lumber projects can be hung in kitchens, offices, bedrooms, or entryways, providing practicality and style to any space.

Here are some ideas to get you started:

• Make a framed chalkboard with a ledge along the bottom to hold chalk and erasers.
• Create a chalkboard wall calendar with sections for each day of the week or month.
• Install a chalkboard panel inside cabinet doors for grocery lists or recipe notes.
• Design a chalkboard menu board for meal planning or restaurant-style menus at home.
• Craft a chalkboard door for use in children's rooms or play areas.

Instructions:

1. Cut the lumber to the desired size for your chalkboard, ensuring it is large enough to accommodate your needs.
2. Sand the board's surface to create a smooth and even writing surface.
3. Paint the board with chalkboard paint, following the manufacturer's instructions for application and drying time.
4. Once the paint is dry, prep your chalkboard by rubbing the whole surface with a piece of chalk and then wiping it off with a dry cloth.
5. You can optionally frame the chalkboard with additional lumber or decorative molding before hanging it on the wall for a finished look.

5. Spice Racks

Keep your kitchen stylishly organized with custom spice racks made from leftover lumber. These perfect DIY projects provide convenient storage solutions for any kitchen.

Try these ideas for your next DIY lumber project:

• Create a drawer spice rack to maximize space and keep your spices easily accessible. This option is great for kitchens with limited wall or counter space.
• Utilize the inside of cupboard doors or walls to mount spice racks, freeing up valuable countertop space.
• Design a wall-mounted spice rack to create a statement piece in your kitchen. Arrange shelves or cubbies in a visually appealing pattern and secure them to the wall.

Instructions:

1. Measure and cut the lumber to the appropriate dimensions for your chosen spice rack design, accounting for the size and quantity of spice jars you need to accommodate.
2. Assemble the pieces to create the frame and shelves of the spice rack, using wood glue and nails to secure them in place. Ensure the shelves are spaced evenly to accommodate the height of the spice jars.
3. Sand the surfaces of the spice rack to smooth out any rough edges, and prepare the wood for any staining or painting you'll be doing.
4. Mount the spice rack to the desired location using screws or brackets, ensuring it is securely attached and leveled. For wall-mounted racks, use anchors to support the weight of the spices and prevent the rack from pulling away from the wall over time.

Need more ideas? Follow us online for great DIY tips you won't find anywhere else. We at Shop-O-Rama know you have what it takes to make great projects happen, and we're here to help every step of the way.