Springtime Woodwork Projects

Springtime is upon us, and what better time than to begin woodworking projects that can make a change in your garden or outside space. From fun games to decorative planters and practical benches, we take a closer look at some of the fun projects that you could enjoy doing as the days get longer and, with a bit of luck, warmer and drier!

Prepping for success

Of course, when it comes to woodwork projects, you will perhaps be looking to update or buy some new equipment. You could certainly benefit from a chat with leading woodworking machinery suppliers such as Calderbrook Woodworking Machinery about their range of new, used and refurbished equipment to get you ready.

Whether you are looking to make for yourself or as a unique gift for a loved one, it’s time to rip out the bandsaw, source some sustainable wood and get going. So let’s take a look at just some of the great ideas that you could tackle. They don’t all need an expert carpenter and can be fun for novices and professionals and make use of some of your woodworking tools.

1 A cornhole game (bean bag toss)

What better fun than a good old fashioned game that reminds you of school sports day, or cubs and brownies game nights, to make a good old fashioned game of bag toss. It’s simple to make and can be as plain or decorative as you choose. Simply get your bandsaw to work to cut the playing board. It needs a hole at the furthest end and should be raised so the bag can fall through. Use your imagination to make it unique, perhaps by adding scoring zones with the top score in the hole. It will get you competing against yourself you can have great fun when friends come round.

2 Build a bootscraper

Springtime and even summer in the UK can be wet, so the ground can still be soggy even if you wait for a dry day to venture out. Why not have a go at a simple timber boot scraper to save you from transferring mud everywhere as you take your boots off. This idea is practical and easy to make using a simple slatted design, and a table or band saw. You could incorporate a handy brush with some designs if you want to get fancy.

3 A garden bench

This can be as fancy or as plain as you want, but having plenty of seating is great for you to enjoy your garden from all angles, and it certainly comes in handy to celebrate the long warm summer days ahead, so building it now spring is on the way will ensure you make the most of it. A simple design can see a beginner with a table saw, 20 feet of wood, a few screws and glue create a simple bench in a few short hours. For the more adventurous, why not make a more complex design and include some fancy curves cut on your bandsaw? You could even make a matching planter to give that added wow!

4 Wildbird stations

If you fancy another small project, bird boxes, feeding tables and birdbaths are a great way to bring wild birds into your garden. A table or bandsaw will get the job done, and a mitre saw will make it easier to get perfectly jointed angles.

Of course, with any wood that will remain outside and look good all year round, you will want to preserve it by using a good quality outdoor wood paint or varnish to protect it against the elements.

Now is a great time to put your woodworking power tools to action, add a power drill, a paintbrush and some wood preserver and have fun with some springtime woodworking creations.