Woodworking Plans: Free Ideas and 16,000-Plan Library
Affiliate disclosure: Some links on this page are affiliate links. If you buy TedsWoodworking through them, Ted Wood Plans may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. TedsWoodworking is made by Ted McGrath, who is not affiliated with Ted Wood Plans or with me, Teddy Woodward. Full disclosure.
The quickest way to find a good woodworking plan is to match it to your tools and skill level. Start with a free, simple project from the list below. If you want a large, searchable library with cut lists, TedsWoodworking is a paid option. Its vendor says it has more than 16,000 plans, sold as a one-time or a monthly purchase. Below I cover what's in it, according to the vendor, and who should skip it.
Free project ideas to start with
I've been writing about wood, finishes, and tools on this site for years. The questions I get most are about what to build first. Here are projects that use the lumber and finishes we already cover:
- A 2x4 bench or sawhorse pair. Read actual 2x4 sizes first so your cut list is correct.
- An acacia or walnut cutting board. Then finish it with the right oil for walnut or for acacia.
- An outdoor planter box finished with timber oil.
- A live-edge shelf or coffee table. See how to finish a live-edge slab.
- Items that sell at craft fairs. See my list of projects that sell well on Etsy.
Free plans are fine for one-off builds. Where they fall short is consistency. Many skip the materials list, mix up nominal and actual sizes, or leave out joinery details. That's the gap a paid library is trying to fill.
What's in the TedsWoodworking library (per the vendor)
These are the vendor's own descriptions. I haven't independently checked the plan count or every plan:
- 16,000+ woodworking plans covering furniture, outdoor projects, storage, toys, sheds, and small crafts.
- Step-by-step instructions with cut lists and materials lists.
- A members area you can search by category and difficulty.
- Bonuses: a DWG/CAD viewer, about 150 woodworking videos, a guide to starting a woodworking business, and extra woodworking guides.
- 60-day money-back guarantee, handled through ClickBank (the retailer that processes the order).
Browse the TedsWoodworking library (check current price) →
Price options (as stated by the vendor)
When I checked, the vendor listed two options: about $67 as a one-time payment for lifetime access, or $39 per month as a membership. Prices and terms change, so check the current price on the vendor page before you buy. Also read the order page carefully to see whether you're choosing a one-time or a recurring charge.
Who it's for
- Beginners who want a printed plan with a cut list instead of pausing a video every 30 seconds.
- Hobbyists who build several projects a year and want a lot of ideas in one place.
- People testing small-batch projects to sell, who want plenty of designs to try.
Who should skip it
- Advanced makers who design their own pieces in SketchUp or Fusion.
- Anyone who only needs one plan. A single free or paid plan will cost less.
- Anyone who doesn't want to deal with a large library of mixed quality. Big collections vary, so pick plans and check the dimensions before you cut.
FAQ
Is TedsWoodworking made by Ted Wood Plans?
No. TedsWoodworking is a third-party product by Ted McGrath. Ted Wood Plans is an independent blog, and we earn a commission if you buy through our links.
Is it a one-time payment or a subscription?
The vendor lists both: a one-time lifetime option (about $67) and a monthly membership (about $39 per month). Check the current terms on the order page.
Can I get a refund?
The vendor says there is a 60-day money-back guarantee, processed through ClickBank. Refund requests go to ClickBank, not to Ted Wood Plans.
Are the plans good for beginners?
The vendor says the library can be filtered by difficulty. Start with a simple 2x4 or cutting-board project, and check the plan's dimensions against your actual lumber.
This page contains affiliate links. If you buy through them, Ted Wood Plans may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Affiliate disclosure.