There's a special satisfaction in making something with your own hands from materials with a previous life. Reclaimed wood is an ideal medium for DIY furniture projects: it has built-in character, it does not require a perfectly flat surface to look good, and the imperfections that would be flaws in fine cabinetry become features in rustic pieces. Best of all, you can start with simple projects and build skills gradually.
This guide presents five beginner-friendly furniture projects that use reclaimed lumber. Each project requires only basic tools and can be completed in a weekend.
Tools You Will Need
Before diving into projects, gather a basic toolkit:
- Tape measure and pencil for measuring and marking
- Speed square for marking square cuts
- Circular saw or miter saw for cutting boards to length
- Drill and bits for screws and pilot holes
- Sandpaper in 80, 120, and 220 grit, or a small orbital sander
- Wood screws in various lengths
- Wood glue for additional joint strength
- Safety glasses, hearing protection, and a dust mask
- Clamps of various sizes
- Brush or rag for applying finish
- Finish — boiled linseed oil, beeswax, hardwax oil, or polyurethane
A jigsaw is helpful for curved cuts but not essential. A pocket hole jig (such as a Kreg jig) makes joinery much easier and is a worthwhile investment for furniture builders.
Project 1: Floating Shelf
A floating shelf is the perfect first project. It requires minimal cutting, simple finishing, and produces a satisfying result that looks great on any wall.
Materials:
- One reclaimed board, 2 inches thick by 6 to 10 inches wide by your desired length (24 to 48 inches typical)
- Heavy-duty floating shelf brackets
- Wall anchors appropriate for your wall type
Steps:
1. Cut the board to your desired length.
2. Sand lightly with 120 grit, then 220 grit. Preserve some character marks.
3. Apply two coats of finish.
4. Drill mounting holes in the back of the shelf according to the bracket specifications.
5. Mount brackets to the wall, leveled and at the proper spacing.
6. Slide the shelf onto the brackets.
Total time: 2 to 3 hours plus finish drying time.
Project 2: Rustic Side Table
A simple side table makes a great accent piece next to a sofa or bed.
Materials:
- One reclaimed board for the top, 1.5 to 2 inches thick by 14 to 18 inches square (or assemble from narrower boards)
- Four reclaimed 2x2 or 4x4 timbers for legs, 22 to 24 inches long
- Two reclaimed 1x4 boards for skirts, cut to fit between the legs
- Wood screws and glue
Steps:
1. Cut all pieces to size and sand each piece smooth.
2. Lay out the legs at the four corners of the tabletop. Cut skirts to fit between the legs, accounting for the leg thickness.
3. Attach skirts to the legs with screws and glue, creating a rectangular frame.
4. Place the tabletop on top of the frame and attach with screws driven up through the skirts into the underside of the top.
5. Apply finish.
Total time: 4 to 6 hours plus finish drying time.
Project 3: Wall-Mounted Coat Rack
A coat rack is a simple, useful project that can be customized to your space.
Materials:
- One reclaimed board, 1 to 1.5 inches thick by 4 to 8 inches wide by 24 to 48 inches long
- Three to six coat hooks (these can be modern brass hooks, vintage cast iron, or repurposed hardware)
- Mounting screws
Steps:
1. Cut the board to length and sand lightly.
2. Apply a coat of finish.
3. Mark the positions of the hooks, evenly spaced along the length.
4. Drill pilot holes and attach hooks.
5. Mount the board to the wall with screws driven through the board into wall studs or anchors. Position holes so they will be hidden by the hooks themselves if possible.
Total time: 2 to 3 hours plus finish drying time.
Project 4: Bench
A simple bench can serve as seating in an entryway, at the foot of a bed, or on a porch.
Materials:
- Three reclaimed 2x6 or 2x8 boards for the seat, cut to 36 to 48 inches long
- Four reclaimed 4x4 timbers for legs, 16 to 18 inches long
- Two reclaimed 2x4 boards for stretchers, cut to fit between the legs
- Wood screws and glue
Steps:
1. Cut all pieces to size.
2. Sand each piece, paying particular attention to the seat boards.
3. Arrange the three seat boards side by side, with a small gap between each (1/8 inch is typical for outdoor benches; closer for indoor).
4. Attach two cross-pieces to the underside of the seat to hold the boards together. Use the stretchers if the bench is short, or cut shorter pieces for crossing.
5. Attach legs to the corners of the seat assembly, with the cross-pieces (or new short pieces) tying the legs together near the bottom for stability.
6. Apply finish.
Total time: 6 to 8 hours plus finish drying time.
Project 5: Picture Frame
This small project makes a great gift and uses small pieces of reclaimed lumber that might otherwise go to waste.
Materials:
- Reclaimed strip about 1 inch thick by 2 to 3 inches wide
- A piece of glass (an old picture frame is a good source)
- A backing board (cardboard or thin plywood)
- Small finishing nails or brads
- Picture hanging hardware
Steps:
1. Cut four strips at 45-degree miters to make a rectangle slightly larger than your photo. The interior dimensions should be slightly smaller than the glass and photo, so the photo is held in place by the back of the frame.
2. Apply glue to the mitered ends and clamp the frame square. Reinforce with finishing nails or brads.
3. Sand and finish the frame.
4. Insert glass, photo, and backing.
5. Attach hanging hardware to the back.
Total time: 2 to 4 hours plus finish drying time.
Tips for Successful DIY Reclaimed Projects
A few general tips for working with reclaimed wood:
- Start with extra material. Reclaimed boards may have hidden defects. Buy 25 to 30% more than your project requires.
- Check for hidden nails. Use a metal detector or magnet before cutting to avoid damaging blades.
- Embrace imperfection. The character of reclaimed wood is the point. Don't try to sand out every mark.
- Practice on scraps first. If you are trying a new technique, practice on scrap pieces before working on your project.
- Wear appropriate safety gear. Reclaimed wood can contain dust, splinters, old paint residue, and other hazards. Use safety glasses, dust masks, and gloves.
- Take your time. DIY projects with reclaimed material are about the process as much as the product.
Sourcing Material
For DIY projects, our yard offers a "shorts and remnants" section with smaller pieces at reduced prices. These are perfect for first projects and small builds. Stop by during business hours and our team can help you find suitable boards for your project ideas. We are always happy to talk DIY with customers — there is something wonderful about turning what might have been waste into a piece of furniture you will use for years.