What Wooden Items Sell Best?
Identifying best-selling products is the key to success—not just in woodworking, but in any business. These are the items that offer the highest return on your effort, allowing you to earn a worthwhile income from your craft.
This is particularly important in today's woodworking industry, as competition from factories and large-scale production is fierce. However, SNXDO handmade wooden products continue to occupy a place with their unique diversity and personal style.
Below is a curated list of wood project ideas that have consistently sold well. This list isn’t exhaustive—think of it as a source of inspiration. Each category represents types of woodcrafts that have historically performed well in the handmade market.
Many of these are small, simple to make, and highly profitable. Exploring small wood crafts is a great way to develop your own ideas within a lucrative niche.
Here are 10 wood project ideas that have remained best-sellers for years:
10 Best-Selling Wood Project Ideas
1. Children’s Wooden Toys
Wooden toys were once commonplace; now they’ve become a premium product. Stores often charge surprisingly high prices for well-made wooden toys. This niche is profitable for several reasons: they’re considered safer, more durable, and eco-friendly. However, be aware that in the U.S., children's toys must undergo safety testing—a process that can be costly and time-consuming for small-scale makers.
To minimize effort and expense, research which types of wooden toys are most popular. Choose a few designs, get them certified, and focus on selling those. You can always expand later.
2. Wooden Cribs and Cradles
Cribs are just one example of the high-demand market for children’s furniture. Parents are often willing to invest in custom-made, high-quality pieces for their kids. Baby cradles, in particular, can command high prices. Always prioritize safety, sturdiness, and material quality.
A smart strategy is to design furniture for self-assembly. This makes shipping easier and allows you to sell online more effectively.
3. Armchair/Couch Side Bookcases
Bookcases are always in demand, but adding a twist—like designing one specifically to fit beside a couch or armchair—can make your product stand out. These functional pieces offer convenient storage for books, devices, and other items, making them both practical and appealing.
4. Picture Frames
A timeless and versatile woodworking project. Picture frames can range from simple to highly elaborate, and they never go out of style. With clever design and good craftsmanship, you can sell them at various price points. Their small size and light weight also make them ideal for online sales and shipping.
5. Personalized cutting board
A carefully crafted personalized cutting board is far more than just a kitchen tool. Whether used for daily meal preparation, entertaining guests, or as a display artwork, a cutting board made of high-quality wood and engraved with exclusive marks can perfectly blend practicality and deep friendship. Design doesn't need to be complicated - superior materials, thoughtful customization, and exquisite craftsmanship are its true value.
6. Wooden Birdhouses
Outdoor woodworking projects are perennially popular. Birdhouses, in particular, have strong appeal. Garden lovers are often willing to pay a premium for attractive, functional birdhouses that attract wildlife. This is just one example of many outdoor projects—such as planters, benches, and trellises—that sell well.
7. Blanket Chests and Storage Pieces
Blanket chests are highly practical and fit beautifully in any home. They provide storage for blankets, pillows, linens, and more, and can even double as furniture, such as a coffee table with storage. Focus on quality construction and finish—simplicity in design is often an advantage.
8. Wooden Bowls (Serving and Fruit Bowls)
Working with a lathe opens up a world of possibilities. Wooden bowls are functional, attractive, and always in demand. While simplicity and natural grain often sell best, ensure you use food-safe finishes. Lathe work also allows you to produce other items like spoons, candle holders, and more.
A note on finishes: Some woodworkers argue that once solvent-based finishes fully cure, only the non-toxic resin remains. However, always verify safety standards and use approved products for items that contact food.
9. Wood Clocks
Clocks are functional decor items needed in every home. Wooden clocks carry a classic appeal and can be made in various styles—from modern desk clocks to traditional pendulum clocks. You can either build the entire mechanism from wood or use a purchased movement and focus on crafting a beautiful wooden casing.
10. Wooden Spoons and Ladles
Wooden kitchenware is making a comeback. Spoons and ladles are not only functional but also gentle on cookware. Using a lathe can speed up production, but these can also be made with hand tools. Their natural look and feel make them especially appealing to those seeking sustainable kitchen products.
Key Takeaways:
Local demand varies: Some items may sell better depending on your region.
Specialization helps: Consider focusing on a niche like children’s toys or outdoor furniture.
Profitability often lies in small, high-margin items that don’t require too much time.
Online sales can dramatically expand your market.
Your own skills and interests matter—work on projects you enjoy, and innovation will follow.
This list is meant to inspire. Each category can be adapted and expanded with your own creative ideas.
We’d love to hear about your best-selling wood projects—feel free to share in the comments below!