The intricate works on wood carried out by skilled woodworkers, the quality and elegance it brings to a certain space, and how it amplifies the surrounding objects in a beautiful home or office space have always made wood projects high in demand across the globe.
Woodworking is an ancient trade that has been around for centuries. It is a passion many people share and can be a great hobby for those who enjoy working with their hands. These projects can be simple or complex, and they can be created for a variety of purposes.
Woodworking projects that sell can well online be a great way to make some extra money. If you have some basic woodworking skills, there are a number of wood projects that sell well. From simple items like picture frames and jewelry boxes to larger pieces like furniture and cabinets, there is a wide range of profitable woodworking projects out there.
In order to find woodworking projects that sell, it is important to do some research and see what is popular in the market. In this blog, we will discuss some of the most profitable woodworking projects that sell well online and what you need to have to get started!
Are Woodworking Projects Profitable?
The global market for wood products is rapidly growing, standing at $690.04 billion in 2022, with a compound annual growth rate of 9.3%. This also means that the demand for wood products and skilled woodworkers is high. So how can you leverage this opportunity?
Many wood projects do not require a high level of expertise. Handcrafted or handmade wood items sell well online as they have always been in demand due to their unique look and finish. However, if you have worked on multiple kinds of wood projects and have the level of expertise to sell complex and simple wood products, then this might be easier for you.
Wood projects that sell well online might differ from what moves well offline or in a brick-and-mortar setup. Before getting into the business of selling wood products online, here are some pros and cons that you need to look into to run a smooth online business.
Pros
- You have a larger audience to sell to than if you were selling in person or through a brick-and-mortar store.
- Online stores are open 24/7, so customers can purchase wood projects conveniently.
- You can automate many aspects of your business, such as shipping and payments.
- Selling online gives you the ability to sell customized or one-of-a-kind items.
- Online stores typically have lower overhead costs than brick-and-mortar stores, so selling wood projects online can be more profitable.
- Online stores can reach a global market, so you have the potential to sell wood projects to customers anywhere in the world.
Cons
- You have to put in more effort to market your products and reach your target audience.
- You also have to be more careful about pricing your products competitively since there is more competition online.
- If a customer is unsatisfied with a purchase, they may return the product for a refund which might lead to additional expenses for shipping the product back.
When it comes to selling wood projects online, the pros are definitely a lot more. If you are worried about creating a website or designing one, then there are plenty of options that can help ease the process. An eCommerce platform such as Shopify can help you kick-start your eCommerce website idea effortlessly. Moreover, you can use the built-in themes or any page builder to build your website pages the way you want in order to attract the attention of your prospective customers.
Shopify Stores For Woodworking Project Inspiration in 2023
If you are looking for some inspiration for your online wood projects store and the kind of wood products that you can sell online, then here are a few websites to look into:
Infinite Abyss
This Shopify store features handcrafted wood projects such as serving trays and shelves. You can even customize products and choose the finish and the scallops from many options. Infinite Abyss also offers a DIY guide called Wood Pallet Wonders for customers interested in crafting their own wood projects.
When it comes to the website design, it features a simple and elegant look and feel with real-life photographs of their products on a white background to accentuate the product photographs. It also offers an easy navigational menu for shopping and browsing through its website.
Old World Kitchen
This elegant kitchenware brand is also a Shopify store that focuses on bringing to light the rustic elegance of wooden kitchenware and serveware. Each product design highlights the vintage style that is consistent across all their products. The website also features a rustic and elegant design with a centered-navigation menu on its homepage.
Old World Kitchen offers hand-carved products that highlight the woodworker’s skills. All the more, this brand moved from Etsy to Shopify, and this migration helped them scale up its business and boost its conversion rate. This is a good story to understand the relevance of choosing a good eCommerce platform.
You can read more about their story here - An eCommerce Migration Story on Shopify.
Fyrn
If your expertise when it comes to wood projects is furniture, then this could be for you. Fyrn is an environmentally conscious furniture brand that sells wooden furniture, such as chairs, through their website to the global market. Fyrn has a limited variety of products but offers a wide collection with a scope of customization. The product listings stand out from their background with contrasting images of the products as well as with their bold font.
For customers who want to feel the wood and decide the finish of the furniture they want before making the purchase, Fyrn offers a design kit with wood, metal, and optional leather upholstery options for a home trial.
Overall the profitability of your wood projects to be a success online depends on a number of factors, including the type of woodworking project, the market for the finished product, the skill level, and the time invested in the project. Some woodworking projects may be more profitable than others, but overall it is possible to profit from them online if they are well-planned and executed. Don’t forget to market your store and products properly to maximize the results and turn your store into a successful one.
Basic Tools and Machinery Needed For Woodworking Projects
If you are new to woodworking projects, you should know that the tools and machinery you would need to build the products you want to sell online would depend on the complexity level of making them. However, there are a set of basic woodworking tools that you can purchase for a total initial investment of $500. Remember, the investment will increase with the increase in production and the complexity of the products you make. So, here is a list of essential tools and machinery for kickstarting your woodworking projects and an estimated value of each of them:
Saws
Saws are important in woodworking because they allow for precise cuts to be made in the wood. This is important for ensuring that the final product is of the highest quality possible, and its main purpose is to cut wood. There are many different types of saws available, each designed for a specific purpose. The most common saws used in woodworking are the hand saw, circular saw, and jigsaw cutter. The price range of saws starts at $100 and can go up to $800 depending on their features and the level of expertise required to handle them.
Power Drills
A power drill allows for precise and quick drilling of holes in wood. This is especially important when making joints or assembling furniture, as accurate drilling is essential for a tight fit. A power drill also allows for using larger drill bits than a hand drill, which is useful for making larger holes. Basic power drills start at $20, and professional ones can go up to $3000.
Wood Planers
Wood planers are important in woodworking because they enable workers to create consistent, level, and smooth finishes on wood surfaces. Planers can also help ensure accuracy when creating joints or cutting complex shapes. Basic planer blades are available from $20. Professional planer machines can cost above $1000. Check out this video below to learn more about using power machines such as wood planers.
Hammers and Mallets
Hammers and mallets are used to drive nails, chisels, and other tools into the wood. They are also used to shape wood by striking it with the head of the hammer or mallet. Both tools are essential for any woodworker, and the type of hammer or mallet you use will depend on your job. These tools are fairly cheap, and you can get them at $10 and above.
Sanders
Sanders is used in woodworking to remove small amounts of material from the surface of a piece of wood and for final wood processing. This can be used to smoothen the wood surface or create a specific shape or finish. They come in various shapes and sizes and can be operated by hand or machine. The price of a quality sander machine starts from $99.
Is Starting An Online Business Ideal For Offline Woodworking Businesses?
There are a number of reasons why starting an online business is good for offline businesses and why Shopify is ideal for any woodworking business out there.
- Shopify offers a comprehensive and easy-to-use platform that makes it simple to create and manage an online store.
- Shopify provides several features and tools specifically designed to help businesses succeed online, such as powerful marketing and SEO tools, a built-in blog, and support for multiple payment methods.
- Shopify is extremely reliable and secure, providing peace of mind for businesses selling products online.
So if you are looking to move your wood project business from offline to online, then head to Shopify to sell your wood projects online.
Read more: 100 Shopify Stores Examples to Inspire You Launch New Business
15+ Wood Projects In Demand To Sell Online
Here is a list of wood projects that sells online and is in demand for you to do a profitable business out of woodworking:
1. Wooden Picture Frames
Picture frames are among the most lucrative woodworking projects to create and market. First off, any form of wood can be used to create elegant photo frames.
Not much wood is needed to make picture frames as opposed to the numerous huge planks of wood used to build furniture and cabinets. They are also very durable and always in demand. You can bring your creative quirks and paint or carve intricate designs on the frame to make it look unique. Wooden picture frames had a constant demand from all across the globe and you can easily understand this through the graph below from Google Trends.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Picture Frame
2. Coffee Tables
Wooden coffee tables are relatively easy to produce and ship, meaning they have low production costs associated with selling them online. One can be found in every house, and most families have two or more. When they can afford a better coffee table, people are likewise happy to replace their old ones. Coffee tables are, therefore, among the top wood craft products to sell. However, you must come up with designs, shapes, and colors that stand out from the others.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Coffee Table
3. Wooden Bottle Holders and Openers
People who enjoy wine and other bottled drinks often want a nice way to store and display their bottles, and wooden bottle holders and openers are a stylish and functional option.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Bottle Opener
Wooden products are of high quality and last longer than other materials. Because they don't take a lot of time to make, wooden bottle openers and holders make excellent wood projects that sell. They are also easy to pack and mail to your buyer. You can even provide customization options for these products by carving the customer's name or quote they would like to have for maximum personalization.
4. Wooden Serving Bowls
Dishes served in wooden bowls always look fresh, and as they are durable and eco-friendly, they tend to last long. You can make wooden serving bowls to sell online using a variety of different woods, including bamboo, teak, and cherry. Hardwood is the most common wood used for serving bowls. They help in keeping the food fresh and moist. Based on the data from Google Trends, people are looking to purchase wooden serving bowls online throughout the year.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Serving Bowls
5. Wooden Toys
Wooden toys are classic and timeless, and there's something special about a hand-crafted toy that you can't find in mass-produced ones. Parents all across the world are looking for toys that are interesting and fun but also safe and toxin-free.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Toys
From small and big doll houses to rocking horses and building blocks, you have a variety of wooden toys to offer your customers. Ensure you use high-quality materials and follow safety regulations for making kid-friendly toys. Check out Happy Little Folks, a Shopify merchant who sells wooden blocks and toys for children for inspiration.
6. Bedside Tables
Customers are much more willing to spend money on an additional bedside box if they think it will complement the bedroom's design and offer useful storage. Nowadays, everyone has a bedside table for storing things such as chargers, medicines, and other personal things. They are also used to keep bedside lamps and potted plants on them and have become a bedroom necessity. Like any other bedside tables, wooden bedside tables too are in great demand.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Besiden Tables
7. Wall Signs
Wooden wall signs make a great addition to any room in a home. They can be used to add a bit of decoration or to make a statement. Either way, handcrafted wooden wall signs add a rustic touch of charm to homes. They can be customized with different designs, colors, names, and sayings.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Wall Signs
8. Wooden Candle Holders
Wooden candle holders are a strong and safe replacement for environmentally harmful options. Most importantly, you can create wooden candle holders that match the indoor design and let the customers choose the wood and the finish for personalization.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Candle Holder
9. Coat Rack
Wooden coat racks are stylish and functional. They can be used for hanging coats, hats, umbrellas, and more. They are also sturdy and durable, which is important for keeping your coats in good condition. Moreover, they are used in both homes as well as offices. Come up with a unique coat rack design and market your product well to get your customer's attention. And in no time, you'll be a hit!
Google Trends Data on Wooden Coat Rack
10. Shelves
Wooden shelves can be used for various purposes, such as storing books, displaying knick-knacks, or holding a television. They are classic and can be used in any room in the house. They are usually made from hardwoods, such as oak or maple, which makes them durable and long-lasting.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Shelves
11. Wooden Utensils
Wooden spoons and utensils are great for cooking because they don't conduct heat and are gentle on cookware. They're also beautiful and add a touch of warmth to any kitchen. Moreover, they are durable and environment-friendly and can last a long time with proper care making them an all-time favorite for customers.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Utensils
12. Lampstands
Wooden lampstands are often very ornate and can really add a touch of luxury to your space. They provide a secure place for bedside or living room lamps. Lampstands that stand out from the common ones can help attract more customers to your store.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Lamps
13. Birdhouses
A wooden birdhouse is a charming addition to any yard or garden, and providing a safe and inviting home for feathered friends is a rewarding experience. While there are many different styles and designs of birdhouses available on the market, wooden birdhouses are the most preferred ones by bird owners.
Remember to keep them functional with ample space and utilities for food storage. Stone Bridge Collections features wood-based products, including wood birdhouses in different designs and with multiple functionalities.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Birdhouses
14. Planters
Wooden planters are a great way to display your plants and flowers and add a touch of nature to your home or office. They are also durable and easy to care for. They can be placed on the porch, decks, entryway, passages, or inside the house. Ensure the wooden planters you make are suited for their location for maximum appeal.
Woodchuck sells desktop planters and makes the deal all the more interesting by planting a tree for each sale. This environmentally conscious approach can prove beneficial in the modern business world. You can also sell potting tables, benches, and other accompanying products.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Planters
15. Wooden Serving Tray
Wooden serving trays are a classic way to serve food and drinks. You can use a combination of wooden and non-wooden materials for the serving tray handles to give them a modern look and attract customers interested in both wood-specific trays and customers looking for modern trays.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Serving Trays
16. Jewelry Organizer
The wood jewelry box or organizer is always in demand. They can be found in different styles, designs, and shapes to store different kinds of jewelry. Wooden jewelry boxes can be made from a variety of different woods, which gives each one a unique look and feel. The most popular woods used in these boxes are cherry, maple, and oak.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Jewelry Organizer
17. Storage Box
There is a growing demand for wooden storage boxes online. This is due to the increasing popularity of decluttering and the desire for a more sustainable lifestyle. Wooden storage boxes are a great way to declutter one's home and are also eco-friendly. Some people use wooden storage boxes to store their clothes, while others use them to store books, DVDs, or other items. Based on the demand, you can make wooden storage boxes that cater to multiple storage items.
Google Trends Data on Wooden Storage Box
Just keep in mind that you must include shipping and handling as you are planning to sell these items online. Handling the products is very important to preserve the product from harm during transport and keep shipping costs low, especially for larger and heavier items.
Read more: Best Small Business Ideas For Teenagers And How To Start One
Conclusion
People will continue to love the natural look and feel of wood and the unique grain patterns that make each piece of wood unique. There will always be a market for high-quality, well-made wood projects, so if you're considering starting a woodworking business, now is a great time to do it. And by starting an online store, you are able to reach your full potential and attract customers from all over the globe. Building your own eCommerce store for wood projects can also help you learn the latest trends in the business and grow as a brand. This article covers all the information you need to start your woodworking dreams and expand your business online!
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