If you want to become a better woodworker fast, you don’t need to build a fancy dining table, a $5,000 walnut dresser, or your in-laws’ “forever bookcase.”
You just need to build shop furniture.
Why? Because every shop project is like a low-pressure, high-learning workout for your woodworking muscles.
Here’s what you can practice (and why it matters):
1. Joinery without the stress
Pocket holes, rabbets, half-laps, and butt joints are some of my favorite joinery methods. Your shop is the perfect place to try them all. Mess something up? No big deal. It’s just your shop furniture, not the centerpiece of your living room.
2. Woodworking techniques
From cutting perfect miters to dialing in straight lines, techniques only get better with repetition. Every time you build for your shop, you get another rep in.
3. Working with plywood
Plywood isn’t just for shop builds, high-end furniture uses it too. Learn how to cut it cleanly, avoid veneer tear-out, and edge-band it for a polished look. Bonus tip: I’ve found 3/16" edge banding is the sweet spot for strength and style.
Tip: Ask your lumberyard for sheets with “cosmetic defects.” They’re functionally fine but can be 50–60% cheaper.
4. Understanding sag
Span plywood too far without support and gravity will win every time. Shop projects help you get a feel for how much is too much (and how to fix it).
5. Finishes
Shop builds are the best place to try new finishes without risking your big projects.
6. Building boxes (and cabinets)
Most woodworking comes down to building square, sturdy boxes. Shop furniture teaches you how to get everything aligned and ready for cabinet work later.
7. Hardware installation
Casters, drawer slides, hinges, T-tracks are used in my shop all the time. The more shop projects you build, the more types of hardware you’ll get to work with.
8. Drawer building
Drawers can be tricky, but shop projects let you try different methods until you find your favorite.
9. Customization
You’ll get better at modifying projects to fit your exact needs. That’s a superpower when you start building for your home or for others.
10. Mistake management
Every woodworker makes mistakes. Shop projects let you practice fixing them without the pressure of perfection.
My King Size Mobile Miter Station checks almost every skill on this list. It’s joinery, plywood work, drawers, hardware, and customization all in one project.
Shop projects aren’t just about storage or organization. They’re a low-risk, high-reward way to level up every skill you’ll need for bigger, more complicated builds.
Keep building,
- Thomas Gojkovich
Thomas Custom Woodworks
P.S. Want to save space in your workshop? Check out my Starter Workshop Bundle to get plans guaranteed to level up your shop at a MUCH lower price than if you boguht them individually.