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  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • DIY Projects
    • DIY Furniture Plans
      • DIY Bed Plans
      • DIY Dresser Plans
      • DIY Nightstand Plans
      • DIY Desk Plans
      • DIY TV Stand Plans
      • Coffee and Side Table Plans
      • Tables
      • Shelves and Bookcase Plans
      • DIY Storage Trunk Plans
      • DIY Bench Plans
      • DIY Storage Cabinet Plans
      • DIY Bathroom Vanity Plans
      • Kids Projects and Furniture
    • DIY Scrap Wood Projects
    • DIY Workshop Projects
    • DIY Home Decor Projects
  • Getting Started
    • Cabinet Building
    • Woodworking Basics
    • Furniture Finishing Tips
    • Tool Guides & Reviews
  • Blog
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  • About
    • Work With Me
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • DIY Projects
    • DIY Furniture Plans
      • DIY Bed Plans
      • DIY Dresser Plans
      • DIY Nightstand Plans
      • DIY Desk Plans
      • DIY TV Stand Plans
      • Coffee and Side Table Plans
      • Tables
      • Shelves and Bookcase Plans
      • DIY Storage Trunk Plans
      • DIY Bench Plans
      • DIY Storage Cabinet Plans
      • DIY Bathroom Vanity Plans
      • Kids Projects and Furniture
    • DIY Scrap Wood Projects
    • DIY Workshop Projects
    • DIY Home Decor Projects
  • Getting Started
    • Cabinet Building
    • Woodworking Basics
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DIY Basics–Tips & Tools

Looking for help getting started with DIY and woodworking, but don’t know where to go? I’ve got you, friend! Let’s dive in together.

When I first started woodworking over a decade ago, I had NO IDEA what I was doing. But that’s how everyone starts something new! So if you feel a little lost, don’t worry.

We’ve all been there (if we are honest). Over the years, I’ve slowly taught myself…by lots of trial and lots more error.

And now, I’m determined to share everything I’ve learned WITH YOU so you don’t have to make the same mistakes I did.

If you’re brand new to DIY and woodworking, here’s where I’d start:

Getting Started:

Understanding Wood Sizing
How to Buy Lumber
How to Read a Tape Measure
How to Use a Square
How to Sand Wood

Next, let’s talk about tools. When you’re first starting out, you don’t want to buy every tool…just yet!

You want to buy the ones that will give you the best return on your investment and the most versatile ones that can help you get started.

Here are the top 5 best tools I recommend getting started with.

After that, a you may consider adding few handy jigs and accessories to help customize your future builds. Those can be found in my list of must have tools to build cabinets and furniture.

Now that you have your tools and a basic understanding of lumber, you’re ready to tackle some simple beginner projects.

I always recommend starting with something small to help you get a feel for your tools and some practice measuring, cutting, and assembling. You can find my list of top beginner projects to start with here.

When you’re ready for the next step, here are some additional resources to check out as well.

Choosing Your Materials

Understanding Wood Sizing
How to Buy Lumber
How to Choose the Right Plywood

Let’s Talk About Tools:

How to Cut Angles on a Miter Saw
cutting plywood with a circular saw
How to Use Plywood Cutting Guides
How to Use a Pocket Hole Jig
Which Kreg Jig is the Best?
What’s the Difference in 16 vs 18 Gauge Nailers
How to Use a Dowel Jig
Basic Guide to Routers
Drill vs Driver vs Impact Wrench

Check out more tool tips and reviews here!

Building & Installing Drawers

Building drawers can seem intimidating, but they’re a common addition to cabinets and furniture. So learning how to build and install drawer boxes will open up a whole new set of projects you can feel confident tackling!

If you aren’t sure where to start with building drawers, here are some posts to help!

How to Measure for Drawer Boxes
How to Build a Drawer Box
How to Install Drawer Boxes & Slides
How to Install Drawer Fronts

Building & Installing Cabinet Doors

Doors are a common addition to furniture and cabinet projects. Here you’ll learn how to size them, build them, and install them!

How to Determine Cabinet Door Size
How to Build Cabinet Doors
How to Install Cabinet Hinges

Cabinet & Furniture Basics:

If you think about cabinets and furniture projects, they’re mostly just assembling boxes together and adding some details like drawers (which are also just more boxes), doors, or shelves. Don’t overthink it.

Here are some basic building blocks to get you started.

How to Build Cabinet Boxes
DIY Storage Desk Plywood Drawers
How to Build Drawers
How to Build Cabinet Doors
10 Tools for Cabinet Building
How to Install Cabinet Hinges
How to Add Adjustable Shelves

Check out more cabinet building posts here!

Woodworking Tips:

How to Cover Plywood Edges
5 Secrets to Professional Looking DIY Projects
How to Draw ANY Size Circle
How & Why to Square Board Edges
How to Cut Crown Molding

Check out more woodworking tips here!

Browse by Category:

Woodworking
Finishing Tips
Cabinet Building
Tools Guides

I’m always adding more info to here so check back often and be sure to subscribe to the newsletter to be the first to know when new projects and tips are added!

Hi! I'm Shara, the designer, maker, and videographer behind Woodshop Diaries. Let's get building, friends :)

Learn more →

Woodworking Tips & Guides

  • How to make simple Shaker style cabinet doors!!
    DIY Simple Shaker Cabinet Doors
  • 5 Tools To Get Started Woodworking
  • DIY Kitchen Cabinets–From Only Plywood
  • How to Square Board Edges and Make Your Own 2x2s

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Tips to Take Your Projects to the Next Level

--5 Secrets to Professional Looking DIY Furniture

--How to Properly Paint Wood Furniture

--How to EASILY Cover Plywood Edges

--How to Sand Wood

--10 Must Have Tools for Furniture and Cabinet Building

Printable Building Plans

Check out our shop to browse printable PDF building plans!

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