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When I see an ornate cabinet or a beautifully sculpted chair, I often forget how much design and hard work must have gone into creating it. Every detail required precision and care. It can be easy to take for granted how accessible wooden goods are, but behind every elaborately crafted piece is an enthusiast who devoted time, energy and passion into it. To recognize some of these artists, we at Bored Panda have compiled this list of some of the most unique and impressive woodworking projects proud craftsmen have shared on the subreddit r/Woodworking. From cutting boards to cabinets to nightlights, we hope you will enjoy appreciating these designer pieces as much as we did.

Let us know which creations are your favorites by upvoting and commenting on the images, and if you're looking for even more woodworking inspiration after reading this piece, check out some of our previous publications here and here.

#1

17-Year Celtic Knot Table Project Involving 2 Generations. Dedicated To My Wife Susan Who Died Of Cancer And Never Got To Meet Her 30 Grandchildren. Western Red Cedar. Arm-R-Seal Satin. Base Pedestal Made Of Reclaimed Timber From A Western Sizzler Fire

17-Year Celtic Knot Table Project Involving 2 Generations. Dedicated To My Wife Susan Who Died Of Cancer And Never Got To Meet Her 30 Grandchildren. Western Red Cedar. Arm-R-Seal Satin. Base Pedestal Made Of Reclaimed Timber From A Western Sizzler Fire

The King's Carpenter Report

Woodworking can be anything from a hobby enjoyed in one's spare time to a full-fledged career path. For those that practice recreationally, many find the process to be relaxing and rewarding. Creating something with your hands that you then get to use and enjoy for years to come is an amazing feeling. Kevin Hays, founder of Woodworker Lodge, explains the satisfaction that can come from woodworking on his blog. A self-described "ex-submariner turned woodworking hobbyist", Hays shares that, "When a project goes smoothly, there's no better feeling in the world." He encourages anyone with interest in woodworking to give it a try. It can be a valuable skill, a creative outlet and even a profitable hobby. 

#2

My New Work, Turtle Nightlight! A Combination Of Resin And Wood!

My New Work, Turtle Nightlight! A Combination Of Resin And Wood!

AmoyCK Report

Hays explains that many imagine woodworking to simply be carpentry, such as building furniture and appliances. While carpentry does fall under woodworking, the umbrella of woodworking is even broader. It encompasses anything built or created using wood. Even engraving text counts, notes Hays. This also gives woodworkers infinite freedom in terms of what to create. Want to create a designer paperweight or an elaborate tree house for your kids? The possibilities are endless.

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#4

Hello From Ukraine. My City Is Occupied By Russian Troops. So I Hurried To Finish Machete Pipe. Don't Know What Will Happen Next, But Think When The War Is Over I Will Send It To Danny Trejo

Hello From Ukraine. My City Is Occupied By Russian Troops. So I Hurried To Finish Machete Pipe. Don't Know What Will Happen Next, But Think When The War Is Over I Will Send It To Danny Trejo

RadonLab Report

You may be interested in taking up woodworking on your own time, but it can be intimidating to see all of these incredible pieces. Where does one even begin? Do not be discouraged, ambitious future woodworker. The internet is an amazing place, and it contains more than enough resources to start you on your wood crafting journey. Blogs such as Woodworker Lodge, The House of Wood, Woodworker's Journal and countless others make beginning a project seem much less daunting. What tools do you need to start? How expensive will the materials be? What type of wood is best for the project you've envisioned? The answers are certainly out there; don't let fear hold you back!

#5

I Built This Mechanical Iris Cabinet Using Wood, Brass, And 3D Prints. There Are Over 100 Parts, 30 Bearings, And 16 Axes Of Rotation In This Design

I Built This Mechanical Iris Cabinet Using Wood, Brass, And 3D Prints. There Are Over 100 Parts, 30 Bearings, And 16 Axes Of Rotation In This Design

locomotion_creations Report

#6

It’s Done!!! Now Should It Hang Like A Diamond Or Square? 2 Tone Stains On Birch

It’s Done!!! Now Should It Hang Like A Diamond Or Square? 2 Tone Stains On Birch

Portland20911 Report

There is a common misconception that woodworking must be an incredibly costly activity. Though many skilled workers agree that crafting a custom piece is likely to be more expensive than purchasing a mass manufactured one, not everything you create needs to cost you a pretty penny. Brian Forbes, author and woodworking expert, shares tips on his blog to make starting your woodworking journey more cost effective. He recommends searching for second hand tools online first before investing in more expensive tools later down the line. "Start out small," he writes. "You only need the basic tools at first." The startup cost is much lower than many expect, when purchasing is strategic and only used on what is necessary in the beginning.

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#9

The Wood Brick Bowl! I Cast These Oak "Bricks" In Blue Resin And Turned Them Down To A Bowl

The Wood Brick Bowl! I Cast These Oak "Bricks" In Blue Resin And Turned Them Down To A Bowl

FormanWoodworking Report

If your passion and skill transcend the amateur arena, perhaps you are interested in pursuing a full-time career in woodworking. This can be an appealing choice for those who want to express their creative side through their work and those who are very patient with excellent attention to detail. To work professionally as a woodworker, you may require fulfilling an apprenticeship or enrolling in trade school, depending on where you live and the path you want to take. However, many skilled woodworkers are self-taught, with the internet being their primary guides, so there is no need to follow one specific path in advancing your career.

#10

Was A Little Hesitant To Post, But Here's My First Piece Of Furniture

Was A Little Hesitant To Post, But Here's My First Piece Of Furniture

flybylee Report

#11

Couple Of High Chairs For My Grandson

Couple Of High Chairs For My Grandson

Apprehensive_Buy_804 Report

#12

Made A Bunch Of Cutting Boards For Everyone At Work

Made A Bunch Of Cutting Boards For Everyone At Work

crm115 Report

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Being a woodworker is certainly a viable career option for those dedicated to the art. In 2017, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported that the average salary for a woodworker in the US was $34,000 per year. The range of income varied greatly by state, however, with Hawaii, Alaska and Illinois reporting average salaries much higher than the rest of the nation. As of now, there are approximately 290,000 people employed as woodworkers in the United States, with about 40% of them specializing in furniture making.

#13

Roll-Up Tool Box I Made... I Ended Up Making A Lid For The Last Compartment So My Stuff Didn't Spill Out

Roll-Up Tool Box I Made... I Ended Up Making A Lid For The Last Compartment So My Stuff Didn't Spill Out

JoshSWright Report

#14

Coffee Table I Made For A Customer Featuring Landmarks From Her Home Town Of Edinburgh Scotland. Walnut With Wood-Stain Artwork

Coffee Table I Made For A Customer Featuring Landmarks From Her Home Town Of Edinburgh Scotland. Walnut With Wood-Stain Artwork

Woodworks-of-art Report

#15

Scroll Sawn Project Of The Sheriff Of Nottingham, All Natural Wood. No Stains Or Dyes. Oodalally

Scroll Sawn Project Of The Sheriff Of Nottingham, All Natural Wood. No Stains Or Dyes. Oodalally

woodland_porpoise Report

Another concern that sometimes discourages people from taking up woodworking is the belief that it must be extremely dangerous. Using power tools with sharp blades to manipulate wood certainly does pose risks, but countless enthusiasts dive into woodworking safely (and without ever losing a finger!). Certain tools, such as the table saw, are much more likely to be responsible for accidents. According to a study conducted by the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, table saws were the culprit for around 64,000 injuries in 2017. Unsurprisingly, the most at-risk body parts for woodworkers are their fingers, hands, and eyes.

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#16

Oak Crib I Built For Our Daughters Nursery. Finished With Rubio Monocoat. I Finally Feel Like I Am Ready For Her Arrival

Oak Crib I Built For Our Daughters Nursery. Finished With Rubio Monocoat. I Finally Feel Like I Am Ready For Her Arrival

squirrely_dan1988 Report

#17

I Finished My Wood-Carved Relief Globe At Last!

I Finished My Wood-Carved Relief Globe At Last!

goodwoodglobes Report

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09pamrix avatar
Pam Rix
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Beautiful project! Amazing detail with the topography. How long did it take you?

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#18

Told My Wife There Was No Way She Was Going To Pay $150 For A Shelf I Can Build Myself For $300. Showed Her

Told My Wife There Was No Way She Was Going To Pay $150 For A Shelf I Can Build Myself For $300. Showed Her

Deads21 Report

There are always methods to mitigate risk and ensure safe practicing when using woodworking tools. Scott Curry, writer of the blog Make From Wood, shared some of his top tips on staying safe: know your machine, use the correct tool for the job and don't skimp on safety equipment. He reminds readers that wearing protective gear is always worth the hassle. "Working on saw blades that are spinning at thousands of RPM’s per minute means accidents happen in a split second. Never skip on the basics for safety."

#19

Tried My Hand At Chainsaw Carving Yesterday. Pretty Happy With How It Turned Out

Tried My Hand At Chainsaw Carving Yesterday. Pretty Happy With How It Turned Out

AndTheeeen Report

#20

She Loved Her Christmas Gift, Despite Me Pointing Out The Flaws I See And Mistakes I Done

She Loved Her Christmas Gift, Despite Me Pointing Out The Flaws I See And Mistakes I Done

Astjaeger Report

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lynnorphillips8007 avatar
Nor
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You'll alway be your own worst critic...but this is beautiful in other people eyes

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#21

I Posted My Daughter’s Bed Earlier, Here Is The One I Did For My Son. Roofed With Galvanized From Our Old Turn Of The Century Barn, And Wired With Switches For Light/Fan And An Outlet To Plug In His Echo. Also Leaving This One Behind For The New Owners, Hope They Love Them!

I Posted My Daughter’s Bed Earlier, Here Is The One I Did For My Son. Roofed With Galvanized From Our Old Turn Of The Century Barn, And Wired With Switches For Light/Fan And An Outlet To Plug In His Echo. Also Leaving This One Behind For The New Owners, Hope They Love Them!

Mysterious_Bake4568 Report

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maylin_martinsen avatar
May
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

How do you leave something so personal, that you've put so much work into, behind?

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When calculating risks associated with woodworking, don't forget to be aware of the hidden risks. Curry reminds readers of his blog to always protect their ears and lungs as well. Power tools such as the chop saw can reach 110 decibels, which can cause hearing damage to unprotected ears, especially if exposure is frequent or for long periods of time.

#22

I Built My Baby A Bed

I Built My Baby A Bed

waveheadstudio Report

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USMCFelicia
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Umm, so where does one find a mattress if that shape?? Asking for a friend

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#23

Charcuterie Board Set I Call "Better Together". These Were A Wedding Gift For A Good Friend. I Took The Nesting Concept From Pictures But Added The Heart. I Think The Heart Makes It Much More Complete

Charcuterie Board Set I Call "Better Together". These Were A Wedding Gift For A Good Friend. I Took The Nesting Concept From Pictures But Added The Heart. I Think The Heart Makes It Much More Complete

Tbinski Report

#24

Made My Son His First Computer. Walnut Case

Made My Son His First Computer. Walnut Case

mw33212 Report

As for the lungs of woodworkers, it is important that they are protected from inhaling too much saw dust. A high quality mask, a good air filtration system and a dust collector can all work together to protect the lungs of everyone in the vicinity of saw dust.

#25

A Resting Place For My Best Friend

A Resting Place For My Best Friend

BKonthefly Report

#27

To Commemorate A Family Member Receiving A Heart Transplant. Walnut Heart, Maple Stand

To Commemorate A Family Member Receiving A Heart Transplant. Walnut Heart, Maple Stand

Fortheloveofacorns Report

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Tamra Stiffler
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Kind of a tangent, but I'm still amazed that surgeons can take a heart from one person and give it to another. And this is a nice piece. ☺️

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As with any hobby or passion project, woodworking provides an opportunity to bond with a community of like-minded individuals. Enthusiasts frequent blogs, Facebook groups and the r/Woodworking subreddit to share their beautiful creations, seek advice and find inspiration for their next projects. Woodworking is a well respected art form that anyone can appreciate, even if you do not find yourself picking up some wood and a saw. Enjoy these impressive wooden feats, and feel free to show your admiration to the artists by commenting and upvoting!

#28

My Sisters Car Had A Busted Center Console Lid, So For Christmas, I Took The Measurements From The Old Lid, Saved As Much Of The Hardware As I Could And Made A New One Out Of Walnut

My Sisters Car Had A Busted Center Console Lid, So For Christmas, I Took The Measurements From The Old Lid, Saved As Much Of The Hardware As I Could And Made A New One Out Of Walnut

Archimedes3471 Report

#29

An Mri Safe (Non Metallic) Cane For Patients In The Scan Room That My Wife Commissioned (Pro Bono) For The Hospital Where She Works

An Mri Safe (Non Metallic) Cane For Patients In The Scan Room That My Wife Commissioned (Pro Bono) For The Hospital Where She Works

Fortheloveofacorns Report

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#33

Went A Little Bit Extra With This Kids Kitchen

Went A Little Bit Extra With This Kids Kitchen

Stellar306 Report

#34

Epoxy Table With Light Shinning Through

Epoxy Table With Light Shinning Through

JarrodTocci Report

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sofiagonzalez avatar
Agent 8433599
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

If I had that, I wouldn't get anything done! I would just stare at it all day

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#35

We Replaced The Butcher Block Top Of Our Island With Granite, So I Cut Out The Sections Where Each Of The Kids Ate Growing Up And Made Cutting Boards For Them

We Replaced The Butcher Block Top Of Our Island With Granite, So I Cut Out The Sections Where Each Of The Kids Ate Growing Up And Made Cutting Boards For Them

newportl2 Report

#36

This Isn’t Worthy To Be Here With Your Guys Creations, But Here It Is….

This Isn’t Worthy To Be Here With Your Guys Creations, But Here It Is….

danyz93411 Report

#37

Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Electrical Panel Covers I Made

Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Electrical Panel Covers I Made

Kretrn Report

#38

My First Try Making A Plaid Fabric Looking Cutting Board

My First Try Making A Plaid Fabric Looking Cutting Board

KC-Moe Report

#39

Made A Spartan Knife Holder And Custom Knife Scales. Babinga For The Handles With Brass Pins. Spartan Is Maple, Padauk, And Walnut

Made A Spartan Knife Holder And Custom Knife Scales. Babinga For The Handles With Brass Pins. Spartan Is Maple, Padauk, And Walnut

LedZeppelinRiff Report

#40

Mom Wanted A Serving Board Shaped Like Washington State. Walnut Body With Resin To Square It Up. First Time Using Resin Artistically And Trying The Whole Wave Thing. Pretty Pleased

Mom Wanted A Serving Board Shaped Like Washington State. Walnut Body With Resin To Square It Up. First Time Using Resin Artistically And Trying The Whole Wave Thing. Pretty Pleased

pofigster Report

#41

My Cousin Asked If I Would Help Him Build A Casket For His Dad,my Uncle. He Was A Woodworker His Whole Life. Rush Job So It Never Did Get A Finish On It. Cherry On Walnut With Walnut Live Edge Top

My Cousin Asked If I Would Help Him Build A Casket For His Dad,my Uncle. He Was A Woodworker His Whole Life. Rush Job So It Never Did Get A Finish On It. Cherry On Walnut With Walnut Live Edge Top

RemoteConflict3 Report

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Kimberly Lorton
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

He would've loved it as is! You did an amazing job! So sorry you lost your uncle!

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#42

Shipping Delays Are Insane, So I Built My Own Couch

Shipping Delays Are Insane, So I Built My Own Couch

zynzynzynzyn Report

#43

A Toolbox I Made For My Dad. African Mahogany, Maple, Baltic Birch. Based On An Izzy Swan Plan

A Toolbox I Made For My Dad. African Mahogany, Maple, Baltic Birch. Based On An Izzy Swan Plan

cuttingwoodisfun Report

#44

The Ribs Of A Skateboard Park I Helped Build

The Ribs Of A Skateboard Park I Helped Build

mikey_bigz Report

#45

Most Expensive Desk Ever :) - But Think It Looks Pretty Cool

Most Expensive Desk Ever :) - But Think It Looks Pretty Cool

reddit.com Report

#46

Quit My Corporate Job In Digital Mapmaking/Map Data A Few Years Ago To Make Them On Wood Instead

Quit My Corporate Job In Digital Mapmaking/Map Data A Few Years Ago To Make Them On Wood Instead

Inzitarie Report

#47

First Day Cottage 99% Complete

First Day Cottage 99% Complete

Effective_Plastic832 Report

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maddie-castillo2008 avatar
Bill cipher
Community Member
1 year ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

*Frantically hands money* when can i move in???? *EDIT* IF YOU WANT TO LIVE HERE TOO I DON’T MIND SHARING

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#48

A Chair I Made For A School Project

A Chair I Made For A School Project

nannosky Report

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Mahayana
Community Member
1 year ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Amazing!! But for me I will absolutely break a toe on the chair legs on the first day!

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#49

I Made A Pet Gate That Keeps The Dogs Out While Allowing The Cats To Pass

I Made A Pet Gate That Keeps The Dogs Out While Allowing The Cats To Pass

therookiewoodworker Report

#50

I Made A Cryptex Portable Vault

I Made A Cryptex Portable Vault

JoshSWright Report

Note: this post originally had 141 images. It’s been shortened to the top 50 images based on user votes.