Top 5 Woodworking Projects that Sell
Whether you’re starting out as a woodworker or you’ve been in the business for years, having a successful company means making projects that sell. Always remember that you can create a wide variety of projects for your business, but it is vital to have some staples that will consistently sell and earn the profit your company needs to succeed.
This list will start with smaller projects, and work upwards toward the larger ones. Keep in mind that you do not necessarily need to build every single item on this list, but consider incorporating ones that make sense for your business and suit the needs of your customer base.
1. Stove Cover / Noodle Board
These items go by a few different names such as stove covers, noodle boards, cutting boards, etc. However, they are essentially a wooden cover that is fitted to and sits on top of a stove. They are commonly used by people who don’t use their stoves very often or just need extra storage space in their kitchen. Owners can put their kitchen utensils and appliances on top of them and move everything off of the stovetop using the built-in handles whenever needed, and then put everything back after the stovetop has cooled down.
Whatever you choose to call them, these projects are relatively simple to build, reasonably small, and because they don’t take up a lot of storage space you can build several at once and price them low enough that they become an easy purchase for many customers. When you advertise these products, let your customers know about their intended purpose, but advise them that they can serve multiple purposes such as serving trays, ottoman trays, and a versatile mobile surface.
2. End Tables
The second product that you should consider incorporating into your business is end tables. You can construct end tables in an infinite number of styles, and especially for woodworkers who are new to the business, this aspect can be very helpful. Regardless of your skill level, you can design end tables ranging from 12 inches square up to around 28 inches square. This variance will allow your tables to fit many different homes.
Another bonus of end tables is that you can opt to sell them individually or in pairs. For many customers, having the ability to buy a matching set of end tables or purchase them individually will offer more flexibility and provide more options to your customers. Remember that you can flex your creativity with this kind of product and use it as a chance to create something wholly unique and memorable for your customers without an enormous amount of extra work on your side.
3. Coffee Tables
As many veteran woodworkers will attest, coffee tables are often one of the best sellers for businesses. Similar to end tables, you can construct coffee tables in a wide variety of shapes and sizes, ranging from a very modern to a rustic farmhouse style. Coffee tables tend to be a bit larger than other products, but you can keep the construction simple by utilizing a lot of square cuts. Despite the simplicity of design, you can infuse a lot of personality and uniqueness into your tables based on the type of wood or ornamentation you use.
4. TV Stands / Console Units
The basic principles of designing coffee tables can be applied to many other similar products as well. Consider using the same square-cut techniques you use for your coffee tables to create TV stands or console tables. These types of products are not only relatively straightforward to build, but they also advertise themselves by being centerpieces of the room they occupy. Take this chance to design your products with unique features or stunning designs that will allow them to be statement pieces for your customers which will ideally lead to referrals and more product sales in the future.
A couple of key features to keep in mind when building these products are the specifics of when and where they will be used. For TV stands, make sure that the width of the unit will fit a wide variety of TVs and that you include a solid amount of storage underneath to accommodate home entertainment devices. For console tables, if you are designing one for kitchen use, ensure that the height matches the 32-42 inch standard of most kitchens for your customer’s ease of use.
5. Dog Kennels
While the first thing that comes to mind at the word dog kennel is a standard outdoor kind, the best option for consistent sales is actually an indoor dog kennel, especially if you can incorporate it with another piece of furniture. Think of these items as combo furniture pieces. They are a good opportunity to use your creativity to incorporate a dog kennel into other items such as TV stands, coffee tables, or other products.
Try to create many different variations of your products by introducing ideas like a divider for multiple dogs, windows, or other features to create comfortable spaces that your customers’ pets will enjoy. If you have a dog yourself, you can create the perfect advertising for your pieces by staging product photos with your pets to showcase their excellence and create an emotional pull for your customers.
No matter which of these products you choose to incorporate into your business, remember to put your own flair and your own brand into each item that you make. Take high-quality photos of each and every product, and you will be well on your way to growing your regular sales!