By Anna Castelaz | Published Feb 25, 2022 3:27 PM

When we are first learning how to fix and build things for ourselves, few of us have a fully stocked workshop up and running—or a space that can be set aside exclusively for the purpose. It’s no easy feat to find space for a workshop, or the budget to set it up with upgrades like a table saw, planer, or pillar drill. A lack of a dedicated work space needn’t stop you from building a range of interesting and useful projects at home, though. As long as you have a few essential tools, DIYers without a garage or workshop can still tackle some impressive woodworking and carpentry projects.

None of these tools need be expensive, but if you plan on tackling numerous projects we recommend investing in the best quality tools you can afford. For safety, you will also want some form of eye protection. Dust masks are also a good idea.

Working on the floor is usually impractical and potentially dangerous, not to mention uncomfortable. When you don’t have a workshop, a makeshift workbench is something of a necessity.

Many DIYers start out on the kitchen table, which is fine if damage can be avoided. It’s not unusual for those new to DIY to saw through their timber and into the tabletop! You can also rest lumber between two sturdy chairs if necessary, but it’s not ideal. If you have a garden table, using that may be a better idea, and it’s good to work outdoors where possible so you don’t make a mess inside.

Investing in a portable workbench is another solution. There are some very affordable models around, and they are always useful. The other option is to build a workbench, and there are some great starter plans available. This folding workbench is easy to build, and folds down to just 7 inches wide when not in use.

RELATED: 20 DIY Home Projects Absolutely Anyone Can Do

Grand plans to build a dining table and six chairs might need to wait a while. There probably isn’t space for all the lumber, or each of the components, or the tabletop while the glue sets, etc.

For DIYers itching to outfit their homes with handmade wood furniture, however, there are hundreds of more manageable project plans to take on, from fashioning shoe racks and step stools to building storage shelves. These items are straightforward to make, attractive, and useful for those who live in small spaces.

Without a workshop, it can be very difficult to bring lumber down to the required thickness. Using a hand-held planer is a possibility, but it takes a while to learn how to use one properly. Powered models are also noisy, and create quite a mess.

Dimensioned lumber (which can be anywhere from 1×2 to 2×10) can be bought pre-planed from a number of DIY stores. So can plywood, which comes in a variety of thicknesses, has smooth surfaces, and is easy to stain or paint.

There are quite literally thousands of woodworking projects that can be made with these materials, from decorative lamps to garden benches, and all within the abilities of the novice woodworker.

One potential challenge with both dimensioned lumber and plywood is the uncut size. Boards are typically 8 feet long; plywood sheets are 4 feet by 8 feet. That’s too big to fit in many vehicles, and may also be challenging to get indoors.

The good news is that many hardware stores and lumber suppliers will cut wood down to size for you. Sometimes there’s an additional charge per cut, but oftentimes the service is free. It’s possible you could take them the cut list from your plan, and have them prepare the whole thing. It’s worth shopping around to see who offers the best service.

RELATED: Bob Vila’s Best DIY Projects for Beginners

There are some crafts that can be accommodated in even the smallest homes.

Not only can these be absorbing hobbies, but they are also quiet enough not to disturb the neighbors.

Disclosure: BobVila.com participates in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for publishers to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Copyright © 2022 Acton Media Inc. All rights reserved.

Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made.