10 Outdoor Woodworking Projects for Beginners

You don't have to be an expert woodworker or own specialty tools to take on one of these 40 outdoor woodworking projects for beginners. Every one of the simple projects included here features step-by-step plans and tips for success.

Easy Timber Bench

If you have some experience with power tools, you’ll have this timber bench built in just a few hours, though staining it will take a couple of hours more. All materials are readily available at home centers.

Modern-Style Birdhouse

Make this minimalist birdhouse on a Saturday morning, and learn some tricks to cutting and matching tough angles in the process. There’s a video tutorial to take you through the project step-by-step!

Raised Planter

This sturdy, easy-to-build planter is perfect for a vegetable garden or flower bed. It can go anywhere around your home — in the backyard, on the patio or deck, on the front porch, you name it! Get the full plans here.

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Mixed-Medium Garden Trellis

Climbing plants like vines and roses lend a lot of charm to an ordinary garden, especially when they're winding up a trellis as stunning as this one. And its character just grows richer as the wood turns gray and the copper develops a beautiful green patina. Click here to get the plans.

Garden Closet

If you don’t have room in your yard for a large, freestanding shed, you can still create plenty of space for garden tools with a shed attached to the back or side of the house. This garden closet project is easy to build, even for a beginner.

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Patio Garden Pond and Planter

This patio pond in a wooden container holds regular and water plants. With a paint-on rubber lining that's ultra-stretchy and UV resistant, it will last for years with little maintenance. Get the full details on how to build this patio garden pond planter here.

tailgating Boards

This classic backyard game is easy and inexpensive to make yourself. And with legs that fold up, it’s easy to tote along for tailgating, camping and more. Watch the video tutorial for a quick how-to!

Pedestal Picnic Table

If you'd like a more refined picnic table, one that will fit right in at a dinner party for adults or an afternoon barbecue with the kids, here's the design for you. The Craftsman style is timeless — and no one has to sit with a table leg in their way. Learn how to make this table yourself, with no nails or screws visible on top.

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Stripped-Down Window Planter

This window box planter is so easy to make — it's all curves and circles. The ingenious design, besides being easy to build, also means it resists rot far better than traditional window boxes. Learn how to build this wooden planter box alternative here.

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Planter Trellis Combo

Create a living privacy screen. These plans feature a simple planter and trellis planter made with bamboo. You can do it in a weekend for about $100.