You'll be surprised at what you can make with plywood! These 25 plywood projects use scrap plywood or full sheets in creative, unique ways!
Plywood is so versatile! You can cut it into squares, circles or any shape you can imagine! Even the scraps can be used to make amazing plywood projects. All you need is a little creativity!
If you find yourself paralyzed with indecision when you step into the plywood aisle of the home improvement store, check out my beginner's guide to plywood! It gives you all the information you need to buy the perfect sheet for your project.
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How to Cut Plywood
It can be challenging to wrangle those huge sheets into manageable pieces. Here's how I cut it down to size for all my plywood projects!
Get it Cut at the Store
I usually have sheet goods cut down to size for me at the store, so I can fit it all into my car. (By the way, I bought my Volkswagen Tiguan specifically because the front seat folds flat for hauling lumber!)
Plan out your cuts in advance, and bring a cut diagram to the store with you. I always allow for an extra inch or so, since the panel saw at your local hardware store doesn't always make the cleanest cuts. Once it's home, I can trim it down to the required size and remove the jagged edges and splinters.
Table Saw
Once you get the plywood home, you can use pretty much any saw to cut it into the desired shape. A table saw isn't required, but it certainly helps!
Circular Saw
A circular saw is an easy way for beginners to cut straight lines. A circular saw jig or even a straight edge and a couple clamps is all you need!
Jigsaw
For curves, a jigsaw is the way to go. Make sure to use a jigsaw blade that is made for plywood to prevent tear out. You can learn more about how to use a jigsaw here!
Miter Saw
If you have narrow strips to cut, you can use a miter saw to make shorter pieces. Mine can cut up to 14" wide, which is great for quickly making things like shelves. Learn how to use a miter saw here!
How to Hide Raw Plywood Edges
One drawback to plywood projects is that pesky raw edge! No one wants to see all those ugly layers of wood peeking out!
Wood Filler
If you're painting your project, you can get away with using wood filler to cover up those rough edges. Just spread the wood filler over the entire edge, then sand it smooth when dry. Learn more about wood filler (and how it differs from wood putty) here!
Solid Wood Edge Banding
You can also add a thin strip of wood to the outside edge, then fill the gap with wood filler to make it appear solid. I used this technique on the industrial computer desk top, so the edges will hold up to abuse better.
Iron-On Edge Banding
Edge banding can give you a more professional look with just a household iron! It has a heat activated glue on the back, so you can hide away that unsightly edge in just a few minutes without the mess of wood filler. You can learn how to apply edge banding here.
Plywood Project Ideas
Now that you know how to work with plywood, check out these amazing plywood projects! They range from super easy beginner projects to more complicated builds, so there's something for everyone in this list!
Plywood makes a great blank canvas for a creative barn door! This one is covered in wood shims for an amazing textured effect.
Keep shoes, hats and scarves by the front door with this entryway bench with room for two baskets! Get the plans for this project in my free woodworking plans library!
This little bookshelf is perfect for a kid's bedroom, and is made entirely out of plywood!
This desk is perfect for storing Lego pieces or craft supplies in a compact space! Build as many bin towers as you need to expand your workspace.
Want to mount those storage bins on the wall instead? These plans allow you to hang up to four bins vertically on a French cleat!
Thin ¼" plywood scraps were filling up my lumber rack, so I created this 3D wall art as the finishing touch on my half bath remodel!
Karate belts are difficult to earn, and should be displayed proudly! This easy to make karate belt display uses thin strips of plywood to create slats for each belt in the progression.
My son is a competitive rock climber, and he's always looking for fun new holds for his home climbing wall. I glued up a stack of thin strips of plywood, then used an angle grinder to create texture for this long wooden climbing hold!
Get your kitchen organized with custom drawer organizers made of plywood!
Those awkward, small scraps of plywood are perfect for shelving between the studs of a garage or basement!
Utilize empty space behind the wall to create a built-in entertainment center with plywood shelves!
This narrow space next to the fridge was a magnet for clutter. But this custom built pantry cabinet puts the awkward spot to good use!
This entryway mirror is perfect by the front door! You can check your hair, grab your keys and some change, and go!
Plywood makes a great desk! This one is dressed up with a thin aluminum band with matching legs.
Cut a few scraps of ¼" plywood into small squares, then use a wood burning tool and watercolors to create fun designs! These wooden coasters are a great gift idea too!
Cull down your scrap wood pile by building this rolling lumber cart with all those random pieces! It features two bins for narrow pieces, and a longer section for laying plywood horizontally.
Almost all my workshop furniture is built with plywood! It's a great way to create a lot of storage, while also preventing everything from getting covered in sawdust!
All you need is half a sheet of plywood and some 2x4 lumber to make your own cornhole boards!
This Christmas tree yard decoration brightens up the garden both day and night throughout the holiday season!
Blast off with this rocket bookshelf, made with a single sheet of plywood! The small shelves are perfect for displaying toys and books in the playroom.
Keep your circular saw blade straight and the cord contained with this simple circular saw storage rack made from scrap plywood!
Get your sandpaper organized! Never grab the wrong grit again when they're all in their own slot of this sander and sandpaper storage box!
This paper roll dispenser lives at the end of my workbench, so I can just pull a sheet onto the work surface when I'm painting or staining a project!
Hide umbrellas and packages by the front door with this outdoor storage bench!
Get a perfectly straight cut every time with this circular saw jig!
Check out these other woodworking project ideas!
Amy
Thursday 17th of October 2019
What a fabulous collection of plywood projects. This could keep me busy for a couple of years!