Build Stuff With Wood : Make Awesome Projects With Basic Tools

Your hands-on invitation to get building! This is the perfect resource for the beginner, the budget-conscious DIYer, and anyone looking to experience the satisfaction of creating with their hands.

Expert woodworker Asa Christiana walks readers through 14 projects that can be built using basic, accessible tools―the essentials you likely already own or can easily acquire.

Learn simple techniques for measuring, cutting, assembling, and finishing wood, making woodworking approachable whether you're working in a garage, a small apartment, or a vibrant community maker space.

With a foreword by actor, humorist, and master woodworker Nick Offerman, the book also captures the deeper reward of woodworking―the satisfaction of making something real with your own hands.

Projects include clever storage solutions, sturdy furniture pieces, rustic décor, and unique gifts.

Key Features:

• Beginner-Friendly Approach: This book is tailored for those with little to no experience in woodworking. It emphasizes starting with a few portable power tools, such as a cordless drill and jigsaw, allowing you to dive right into the craft without feeling overwhelmed.
• Skill Development: As you progress through the projects, you’ll learn how to enhance your toolkit with essential tools like a small router and doweling jig. These additions unlock new techniques and joinery options, expanding your woodworking capabilities.
• Clear Instructions: Step-by-step guidance, accompanied by detailed full-color photos, ensures that you can follow along easily and successfully complete each project, regardless of your skill level.
• Empowerment Through Craft: Discover the joy of woodworking, instilling creativity, and fostering a sense of accomplishment with each completed project.

Asa Christiana is a longtime editor of Fine Woodworking magazine and the author of several woodworking books, including Build Stuff with Wood. A former chief editor of the magazine, he has written dozens of articles and is known for making woodworking accessible to beginners while still inspiring experienced makers. Based in Portland, Oregon, he works as a writer, editor, photographer, and teacher.

 

Nick Offerman is an actor, humorist, and bestselling author known for his role as Ron Swanson on Parks and Recreation. A lifelong woodworker and proprietor of Offerman Woodshop, he brings a deep appreciation for craftsmanship to his writing, which blends humor with reflections on work, creativity, and living well.