How To Start A Woodworking Side Hustle [9 Popular Ways]

Starting a woodworking side hustle can be a great way to earn extra income while doing something you love.

Woodworking is the art of building or crafting items out of wood and has many benefits, including being therapeutic and creative.

A woodworking side hustle might be the perfect solution for you! In this blog, we will explore the ins and outs of starting a successful woodworking business on the side while maintaining a steady income.

From identifying popular projects to determining fair pricing, we will provide valuable tips and guidance every step of the way.

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Table of Contents

Woodworking Side Hustle

Woodworking is the craft of creating items out of wood, and starting a woodworking side hustle can supplement your income by selling your creations or services.

What is Woodworking?

Woodworking is the art of crafting and creating items from wood, ranging from small household décor to large furniture pieces.

This age-old skill combines traditional techniques with modern tools and machinery, resulting in functional yet breathtaking masterpieces that not only enhance aesthetics but also provide value to customers.

In addition to providing a creative outlet for those passionate about working with their hands, woodworking offers numerous benefits such as improved mental well-being and the satisfaction of transforming raw materials into refined finished products.

For individuals seeking a side hustle or an alternate source of income, woodworking presents various opportunities for monetization while honing valuable skills like problem-solving, design thinking, and attention to detail.

How a Side Hustle Can Supplement Your Income

A woodworking side hustle can be an excellent way to supplement your income and potentially turn your passion into a profitable venture. For example, we’ve seen before how making $100 a day with a side hustle can dramatically improve your finances.

With most people having access to online platforms such as Etsy, Amazon Handmade, or local Facebook Marketplace groups, selling handcrafted wooden items has become easier than ever before.

Depending on the complexity of the projects you choose and how well you promote them, extra money from a woodworking side business can range anywhere from a few hundred dollars per month to several thousand over time.

There are several different types of woodworking side hustles to consider, ranging from creating custom furniture pieces to selling woodcrafts online or teaching woodworking lessons.

Smaller projects like picture frames or cutting boards may yield profits faster due to lower material costs and quicker production times compared to larger undertakings like custom furniture making.

Benefits Of Starting a Woodworking Side Hustle

One of the primary benefits of starting a woodworking side hustle is the potential to generate additional income.

Whether you’re looking to pay off debt, save for a vacation or supplement your regular salary, turning your passion for woodworking into a profitable venture can help achieve these goals.

In addition to financial rewards, a woodworking side business also provides an opportunity to develop new skills and showcase creative talents.

Crafting unique wood projects such as wooden toys or custom furniture pieces can enhance both technical proficiency and design aesthetics while offering immense satisfaction from creating something from scratch.

Woodworking Side Hustles

There are various types of woodworking side hustles, including custom furniture making, offering woodworking lessons and workshops, repairing and renovating services, as well as creating and selling woodcrafts and home décor and many more.

Custom Furniture Making

Custom furniture making can be a lucrative business for those with woodworking skills. From dining room tables to bookcases, custom-made furniture allows customers to own unique pieces that fit their specific needs and style.

Custom furniture makers also have the opportunity to showcase their creativity by incorporating different materials, colors and textures into their designs. While custom furniture requires more time and effort than mass-produced items, it can command higher prices due to its uniqueness and quality craftsmanship.

It is possible to make up to $15K per year from your woodworking shop.

Woodworking Lessons And Workshops

One great way to turn your woodworking skills into a profitable side hustle is by offering lessons and workshops. This could include teaching basic woodworking skills, such as how to use different tools or techniques for carving and shaping wood.

You could also offer specialized classes of creating woodworking projects such as making floating shelves or making wooden toys.

To start offering woodworking lessons and workshops, you’ll need a dedicated space with enough room for participants and supplies. This could be in your own workshop or garage, but it might also mean renting a studio space if you don’t have enough room at home.

By sharing your love of woodworking through teaching others, you can not only help others learn new skills but also make money and grow your business in the process.

Repair And Renovation Services

Repair and renovation services are a way to make money in the woodworking side hustle market. Whether it’s restoring antique furniture or repairing broken wooden items, there is always a demand for skilled woodworkers to breathe new life into old pieces.

Repairing and renovating items can be more cost-effective than buying new ones, making it an attractive option for customers looking to save money while still maintaining the quality of their possessions.

Developing skills and identifying an ideal customer base are crucial steps when starting a woodworking business. For those considering offering repair and renovation services as part of their side hustle, attending workshops or apprenticeships on restoration techniques can enhance their skill set.

Attracting clientele through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook with before-and-after photos showcasing restored furniture may also resonate well with potential patrons looking for customized solutions for their cherished belongings.

Create and Sell Woodworking projects

Creating and selling woodworking projects can be a lucrative woodworking side hustle. Popular items include wall art, picture frames, floating shelves, planter boxes, and even custom signs.

These items are in high demand at craft fairs or through online platforms such as Etsy or Facebook Marketplace. Additionally, laser engraving machines can be used to add personalization to wooden items like cutting boards or utensils for an added touch.

When it comes to selling woodworking projects, researching the costs of similar handmade goods on sites like Amazon can give you an idea of what price point is fair and competitive in the market.

Flip Furniture

Another excellent approach to generate money while woodworking is by flipping furniture. Furniture may be purchased online, at yard sales, and secondhand shops.

You may buy a piece of furniture, sand it down, give it a new finish, and then sell it for more money.

If you’re searching for a more hands-on woodworking project, this is a fantastic choice.

However, compared to other methods, this one can be more hit or miss. It might occasionally be challenging to obtain items that can sell for a profit because you’ll be depending on others to source your inventory.

With furniture flipping, you may earn an additional $1,000 per month or more.

Start a Woodworking YouTube Channel

Starting a woodworking-related YouTube channel is another option to earn money through content creation while woodworking.

Similar to beginning a blog, it may take some time for your channel to take off and start bringing in some money, but the wait will be well worth it.

You can make money from your woodworking YouTube channel in a variety of methods, but some of the more popular ones are display advertisements, affiliate marketing, and selling goods or courses.

You must first make interesting videos regarding woodworking subjects that will appeal to your audience. For instance, you may demonstrate how to build a number of do-it-yourself items including picture frames, coffee cup racks, and bird feeders.

As your channel expands, you may start to diversify and make videos on more complex subjects, such as how to use various power tools, what kinds of wood to use for certain projects, etc.

Woodworking Projects that sell

If your primary objective is to make a profit from woodworking, you need to know which wood projects to construct and sell. Having said that, here are some of the most profitable woodworking projects to create and sell right now.

Wooden Coasters

Coasters may be almost any size and form, which means you have a lot of creative freedom with little to no constraints! If you’re new to woodworking, coasters are a terrific place to start; they also sell well!

Coasters are something that the majority of your potential clients can use in their daily life, thus they’re frequently acquired as a long-term investment.

You may cover your coasters in epoxy resin, treat them with wood stain and varnish, and try adding distinctive designs or stencils to their surfaces to make them unique and lasting.

Kitchen wood products

When it comes to wooden kitchen goods, the choices are, to put it simply, unlimited. You may look for something more specialized, like intricate wooden kitchenware, or keep it basic with a wooden cutting board and wooden coasters.

There are many different wooden tools you can construct, including forks, spoons, chopsticks, salad mixers, bowls, cups, spatulas, egg flippers, and even chopping blocks. The wonderful thing about wooden utensils is that they may be used for cooking, dining, or simply for show.

Due to the fact that they complement almost any kitchen design, they are really popular right now and frequently sell out!

Wooden signs

Handmade wooden signs come in a variety of forms and sizes, and they may be used both indoors and outdoors.

As a result, wooden signs are an exceedingly profitable woodworking project to begin with. Wooden signs are an excellent place to start if you want to convert your carpentry hobby into a side hustle.

You could find wooden signs at weddings and celebrations as welcome and directional signage, as well as in and around people’s houses as décor (consider offering customized signs incorporating a family’s last name, for example). Nothing makes a home seem nicer than a few well-made wall signs.

Wine Racks

Wine racks are among the most lucrative woodworking projects to sell. There is always a demand for a high-quality, visually pleasing wine rack, whether you are selling them directly to customers or producing boatloads of them for merchants.

To appeal to a wider target market, you may vary your product line by providing wine racks in a variety of sizes, styles, and finishes. Wine racks are a great woodworking project to make money on since they are very simple and affordable to make.

The market for them is fairly broad, regardless of whether you want a substantial rack with sophisticated styling or a straightforward countertop rack.

Jewelry Boxes

With the help of these units, you can easily arrange and store various jewelry pieces, including rings, necklaces, bracelets, and earrings, so that you always know where they are and can quickly reach them.

These crafts can be made into a “rack”, a tiny chest of drawers, a box, or more complex creations that incorporate mechanics and security measures for your belongings.

This is an extremely lucrative commercial woodworking product to produce and sell online (assuming you discover the correct market for them), whether you’d want to make high-end jewelry carriers or basic ones with unique patterns on their exteriors.

Picture Frame

Photo frames are a common household item that can be found in almost every home. Whether you’re making one for a family portrait or a one-of-a-kind design for a buddy, this is a terrific opportunity to demonstrate your carpentry abilities.

Planter Boxes

Another simple woodworking project, you may exhibit your planter boxes by filling them with succulents, stenciling or painting them, or simply leaving them as-is.

All you’re doing is building a box with drain holes at the bottom. If you want to be more imaginative, sell them with the plants already inside. People will appreciate the fact that this is a ready-to-give present!

Wooden Coffee Mugs

Most Americans seem to agree that coffee is a wonderful (if not somewhat vital) component of our everyday life, whether you like a freshly prepared cup in the morning or a pleasant little pick-me-up at lunch.

In light of this, why not sip it from a stylish wooden cup? Wooden cups are not only stylish in appearance and feel, but they may also be made in a sustainable manner!

You can construct a ton of different kinds of wooden cups. There are many different shapes, sizes, and patterns available for you to pick from while constructing these, whether you’re producing small espresso cups, sizable mugs, or standard-sized cappuccino cups.

These mugs frequently sell well as well, and with personalized engravings and designs, you can carve out your very own niche in the woodworking industry.

Exterior Wooden Tables

This is by far the largest of the woodworking projects we’ve explored thus far. Don’t be intimidated by the size, as tables are quite straightforward projects to both design and build, especially when compared to some of the smaller aforementioned ideas.

Furthermore, almost everyone requires a table or two in their daily lives, so why not try making one?

You may experiment with numerous designs for wooden tables. Whether it’s an outside picnic table, an interior dining table or a large banquet table. For just a few pieces, coffee tables, live edge wood furniture, and other wood projects can fetch thousands of dollars.

If you’ve never created a table before, we recommend starting with the fundamental construction and integrity of the table and working your way up to improving your design and beauty.

Starting Your Woodworking Side Hustle

To start your woodworking side hustle, you should identify your skills and interests, assess market demand and competition, develop a business plan with a budget, set up a workspace and invest in quality woodworking tools and materials, and promote your services.

Identifying Your Skills and Interests

Before starting your woodworking side hustle, it’s important to identify your skills and interests. This will help you determine which projects you can excel in and enjoy creating.

If woodworking is a hobby, you can easily turn it into a side hustle.

Do you have experience building furniture? Do you have a knack for turning scrap wood into beautiful home decor pieces? Take some time to reflect on what you’re good at and what brings you joy in the woodworking process.

For example, if you love making wooden toys for children, focus on creating a line of unique and customizable toys that parents would be willing to pay more for.

Remember that versatility is key when identifying your skills – try experimenting with different ideas until something clicks.

Assessing Market Demand And Competition

To ensure the success of your woodworking side hustle, it’s essential to assess market demand and competition. Researching current trends and popular items can give you an idea of what people are looking for and how you can fulfill that need.

For example, if custom furniture making is a popular service but there aren’t many options for creating unique shelving units or home decor pieces, consider focusing on those types of products.

Identifying your ideal customer base will also help you tailor your offerings to their needs and preferences.

Develop a Business Plan and Budget

Developing a clear business plan and budget is essential for any successful woodworking side hustle. This will help you outline your goals, identify your target audience, and determine how much money you need to invest to start your business.

Your business plan should include details about the types of products or services you offer, pricing strategies, marketing tactics, and methods for measuring success. Additionally, creating a detailed budget will help prevent overspending on tools and supplies that may not be necessary at the initial stage of your business.

By carefully planning ahead and sticking to a well-crafted strategy, you can increase the likelihood of long-term profitability for your woodworking side hustle.

Setting Up a Workspace

Creating a workspace is an essential step in starting a woodworking side hustle. It does not have to be extravagant but should be functional and meet your needs. A space as small as a corner of your basement, garage or even the backyard can serve as your workshop.

Investing in high-quality lighting for your workspace is also important since working with wood involves precision cuts that require good light conditions. Organization is equally vital when setting up the workshop; it saves time and energy searching for tools and accessories every time you start a project.

Finally, creating ventilation within the workspace must never be neglected. Consider installing fans or open windows to get rid of sawdust and other particles from the air which may cause harm to one’s health over time.

Investing in Quality Tools And Materials

To create high-quality woodworking projects, it’s important to invest in quality tools and materials.

Cheap or low-quality tools may produce inferior results and ultimately cost you more money in the long run, while subpar materials can compromise the overall appearance and durability of your project.

There are several unique woodworking equipment you may use to produce your crafts, but the following are some of the essentials: wood saws, wood glue, Hammers, Sanding blocks, Routers, Screwdrivers and Clamps.

By investing in quality tools and materials upfront, you’ll be able to increase the value of your finished product while also establishing yourself as an expert woodworker with higher prices to match.

As you grow your business, consider expanding into new types of wood or developing relationships with trusted suppliers who offer bulk discounts or other incentives for repeat customers.

Promoting Your Services

Once you have set up your workspace and acquired the necessary tools, it’s time to start promoting your woodworking services. One effective way is through social media platforms like Instagram or Facebook, where you can showcase your work and reach potential customers.

Attending craft fairs or local markets is another fantastic promotional opportunity that allows you to interact with potential customers in person. Networking with other woodworkers and collaborating with complementary businesses such as interior designers or furniture stores can also help expand your customer base.

Remember that high-quality photos of your work are essential for attracting clients, whether on social media, online marketplaces, or other promotional materials.

Challenges and Solutions For a Woodworking Side Hustle

Managing time effectively, dealing with customer demands, and expanding your knowledge are all challenges that come with a woodworking side hustle. However, there are solutions to overcome these obstacles and make your business successful.

Managing Time Effectively

One of the biggest challenges in starting a woodworking side hustle is managing your time effectively. Balancing your regular job or other responsibilities with your new woodworking projects can be daunting, but it’s essential to ensure that everything runs smoothly.

One way to do this is to create a schedule and stick to it. Set aside specific days or times for working on projects, responding to customer inquiries, and marketing/promoting your services.

You can also break down larger tasks into smaller ones and work on them gradually over several days or weeks. Another tip is to prioritize your most important tasks first thing in the morning when you have the most energy and focus.

Balancing Work and Personal Life

One of the biggest challenges when starting a woodworking side hustle is balancing work and personal life. It can be tempting to sacrifice all your free time in order to build your business, but this can quickly lead to burnout and negatively impact other aspects of your life.

To find balance, it’s important to set realistic goals and schedule dedicated time for both work and personal activities.

Consider delegating tasks or outsourcing certain aspects of the business if you find yourself struggling with too much workload.

Additionally, setting boundaries with clients and customers can help prevent overworking yourself outside of designated business hours.

Responding To Customer Demands

As with any business, woodworking side hustles require the ability to respond to customer demands. Whether it’s changing a design or delivering products within a specific timeframe, communication is key.

Creating a positive customer experience builds loyalty and helps generate positive reviews which can lead to more sales in the future.

It’s important to establish clear boundaries and expectations from the beginning of any project as well as provide regular updates during the process.

Expanding Your Woodworking Knowledge And Skills

Expanding your woodworking skills and knowledge is vital to growing your side hustle into a profitable business.

It’s the only way you can turn a $1,000 a month side hustle into a $2,000 a month business.

One effective way of improving your skills is by taking woodworking classes or workshops, where you can learn new techniques from experienced professionals.

To develop expertise in different areas of the craft and offer more services to potential customers, consider taking courses on specialized topics such as carving, turning, or joinery.

Additionally, regularly practicing with new tools and experimenting with different types of wood can help you gain confidence and finesse in creating intricate pieces.

Dealing With Setbacks And Mistakes

Despite careful planning, setbacks and mistakes are bound to happen in any woodworking business. It’s important to have a plan for dealing with these issues, so they don’t derail your progress or damage your reputation.

One common setback is when projects don’t turn out the way you intended or when deliveries are delayed due to unforeseen circumstances. In those cases, it’s important to communicate honestly and proactively with customers about what happened and how you plan on rectifying the situation.

Mistakes can also happen during production, such as cutting a piece of wood too short or using the wrong kind of glue. While frustrating, these mistakes should be viewed as learning opportunities rather than roadblocks.

Pricing, Profitability, And Growth Strategies

This section will provide you with valuable insights on how to set fair pricing, calculate profitability, and implement growth strategies that can help take your woodworking side hustle to the next level.

Setting Fair And Competitive Pricing

Pricing your woodworking projects competitively is crucial to getting paid properly for the time spent while yet staying current with market demands. Start by researching similar items on platforms like Amazon, Ebay, or Etsy and analyzing their pricing structure.

According to the Harvard Business Review, the best model focuses not only on costs but also on customer value perception. If possible, offer different price tiers for various levels of craftsmanship or customization to cater to a broader market range.

Don’t be afraid to experiment with different pricing strategies and adjust them as necessary based on supply and demand.

Calculating Profitability and Tracking Expenses

To ensure the sustainability of your woodworking side hustle, it’s important to keep track of your expenses and calculate profitability. This will help you understand how much income you’re actually making and which areas need improvement.

One way to do this is by keeping a detailed record of all costs associated with each project, including materials, tools, and labor.

It’s also important to regularly assess your overall business expenses such as rent for workspace or booth rental fees at craft fairs in order to make necessary adjustments or cut unnecessary costs.

By consistently tracking expenses and calculating profitability on a per-project basis as well as for the broader business itself, you’ll be able to maximize profits while maintaining financial stability over time.

Strategies For Increasing Profit Margins

One strategy for increasing profit margins in your woodworking side hustle is to focus on creating high-quality custom pieces that command a premium price.

By developing your skills and expertise, you can offer unique designs and personalized services that set you apart from competitors.

Additionally, consider offering bundled packages or seasonal promotions to encourage repeat business and attract new customers. Research market trends and customer demand to identify the most profitable products and adjust pricing accordingly.

Expanding Your Business and Growing Your Customer Base

To expand your woodworking business and grow your customer base, there are several strategies to consider. One effective approach is using online platforms such as Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, or creating an online store to reach a wider audience beyond a local market.

High-quality photos and detailed descriptions of your products can attract potential customers browsing for unique handmade items.

It’s also essential to identify your ideal customer base and tailor marketing efforts towards their preferences.

Conclusion

In conclusion, starting a woodworking side hustle can be a great way to supplement your income or turn your passion into a profitable business.

By identifying your skills and interests, researching popular projects, assessing market demand and competition, investing in quality tools and materials, promoting your services, and managing potential challenges effectively, you can create beautiful custom pieces or sell woodworking projects that are built to last.

With dedication and hard work, it is possible for anyone to earn extra cash or make up to $15K per year from a woodworking side business.

Before you leave

If you’re tired of scams and want a real solution for making money online check out my no.1 recommendation.

It’s helped me earn over $300,000 in the last 12 months alone:

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(This is a 100% free training)

David Fortune

David Fortune has been the editor NoBSIMReviews.com since 2019. He is an expert at writing content on stock advisory services, side hustles, reviewing online business opportunities and many more topics. You can learn more about David on our about us page.

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