50 Times People Turned Pieces Of Wood Into Masterpieces With Their Bare Hands (New Pics)
InterviewBefore technology took over, people used to make everything they needed with their bare hands. Wood was one of the materials that humans harnessed early on to produce weapons, shelters, and furniture. Nowadays, various machines have overtaken this process to meet the high demand quickly. However, there are still some people who do woodworking projects as a hobby to clear their heads after a long day or week.
Today we’re shining a light on their amazing works, with a whole list of them from the ‘Woodworking’ subreddit. Scroll down to find them, and make sure to upvote the ones that definitely deserve more appreciation.
While you're at it, don't forget to check out a conversation with Madhu Das, founder, and CEO at YeaWeBuiltThat, who kindly agreed to tell us more about woodworking and how they got into it.
This post may include affiliate links.
My New Wooden Monstera Sculpture
Woah! I love it. To be honest, this would be the only "plant", what would survive at my place.
That's something my cats couldn't eat, I couldn't over/under water water, and is so beautiful it would last forever.
Hello I'm From Bangladesh It's My Work Hand Carved Decorative Panel For Door
Amazing. You have a talent and a gift, and these panels are gorgeous.
Have A Little More Sunshine In Your Day! Made Mostly From Reclaimed Barnwood
YeaWeBuiltThat, founded by Madhu Das, aspires to make the woodworking community more inclusive, supportive, and empowering for LGBTQ+ woodworkers, ensuring that every voice and hand is recognized in their community.
Being a small family business, they deeply care about making sustainable pieces that are equally as practical and beautiful so people feel proud to showcase them in their homes. Their work is perfectly summarized in their motto: Functional. Handmade. Always Unique.
Madhu tells Bored Panda that she was inspired to pursue woodworking as a career by a combination of the unshakable need to create and the huge milestone of owning their first home.
"What began as interior and outdoor projects soon evolved into an obsession with craft, leading me to study the meticulous techniques of Nordic, Japanese, and Chinese woodworking. My admiration for Ming dynasty furniture, a cornerstone of Western craftsmanship, further fueled my journey."
Plank! Honestly My Finest Work Yet. I Can't Stop Giggling At This Stupid Thing
I love that this is number #1 at this point. Humans are so funny and sweet. <3
He looks like he would be best friends with the spork from toy story 4. I'd watch that movie
Me, A 15 Year Old, Just Made This Bad Boy:)
This is beautiful! This is a career that will make you a lot of money with your talent if you keep working hard
A Doberman, Made Entirely From Unstained Wood
There's a picture of an ominous-looking jet-black Great Dane that appears on BP from time to time. This would look great in the background of that.
"I left a thriving career in business development within the tech industry to fully embrace this path, trading algorithms and boardrooms for chisels and joinery," they shared.
"My goal is to incorporate more traditional joinery techniques, rely heavily on hand tools, and craft artful yet functional pieces—without harming the planet. I recognize that making such a leap isn’t possible for everyone, but the determination to reshape your life is key. For me, stepping away from corporate success to pursue something tangible, meaningful, and enduring has been the most rewarding decision I’ve ever made."
Finally Carved A Psyduck!
Wooden Boombox Present For My Brother
How clever. Do all the knows and slides move? If so, even MORE clever!
It's not a real stereo. Probably did that for visual purposes
Load More Replies...How lovely, is it a simple phone amplifier in the back? I don't always like using Bluetooth speakers, most the time I put my phone in a metal bowl to amplify my music. I don't know how hard it would be to add that feature to your boom box if you wanted to, but regardless your boombox is awesome!
Second Floor Is Completed
I am possibly the only person who is seeing an evil Santa lurking in the background?
Madhu believes that essential skills to pursue woodworking are some knowledge of different woods, math, and familiarity with hand and power tools.
"First, understanding different types of wood, their properties, and how they respond to environmental factors is essential. This knowledge helps in selecting the right material for each project," they explained.
Some Wings I Made Out Of Pine
I wonder if someone requested these or the creator just thought "think I'll make some angel wings today" either way, bravo they look great
Momma Bear And Three Cubs
There is a paw coming out of the right hand side of the log. That could be the 3rd cub
Load More Replies...This kind of looks like chainsaw art. We have a person that does this at the fair every year and it's amazing
Frank Lloyd Wright Inspired Lamp
"Second, a basic grasp of math is important, particularly measurements, angles, and proportions. Fortunately, this is a skill that improves with practice, so you don’t need to be a math expert to get started. Finally, familiarity with both hand tools and power tools—such as saws, drills, and chisels—will help you tackle your first projects with confidence. As you progress, your skills will naturally expand, making each project more refined and rewarding."
Cypress Wood And Stained Glass Bookends I Made With My Mom
My First Time Building Bunk Beds
My Most Recent Creation. Live Edge Guitar From Wood I Milled And Dried Myself!
Both. Interchangeable terminology in woodwork as far as I'm aware. Happy to be reeducated if wrong.
Load More Replies...The woodworking projects that Madhu enjoys tackling the most are end grain cutting boards. "There’s always an element of surprise—every time you flip the wood, a unique pattern emerges. It’s a process that never gets old. Beyond that, I enjoy crafting functional home items like side tables and plant stands. I also create furniture that leans more toward art than function, and those pieces bring me just as much joy."
A Birdhouse I Made A Few Months Ago
I do know that different birds need different size holes. For instance I have some houses that purple martins return to every year and the holes are designed to keep starlings out.
Load More Replies...Ahhhh this is lovely, I haven't seen a birdhouse quite like this before. I like the use of the natural knot hole as well. Well done.
Chef Knife Handle
My Almost 3 Year Old Daughter Asked For Her Own Toy Cutting Board. So I Had To Make Her Something Special
One of their most challenging projects was a seven-foot coffee table made from salvaged red oak. "The wood came from someone’s yard, and the entire process—from drying the piece for two years to flattening it—was a true test of patience and skill. But in the end, it was incredibly rewarding."
Mirror Frame Inspired By Lotr. I Love It!
Very well done. I wonder if they made any of the other wooden bedroom furniture, that can be seen in the reflection?
Kumiko - Fireworks Over Mount Fuji
That's not Mt. Fuji. I love the work; it's beautiful, but just don't call it Mt. Fuji - the Japanese are extremely fond of that mountain and might be offended.
Last Of The Gifts Are Done
I love when projects include curved/rounded wood elements. My dad is a custom home builder and to see how much work goes into these things, is astonishing.
What's inside the box? I would love to have this all by itself as a decorative box. Homemade gifts are wonderful
That's sounds prophetic. The pic looks like a coffin. A nice one mind you.
Would be perfectly me to have a bow on the top of my coffin!! If I was going to have a coffin.
Load More Replies...Of course, we couldn't let Madhu go without asking for some advice for those who might be interested in dabbling in woodworking. "Based on your interests and needs, a great place to start would be with simple projects like boxes, edge grain cutting boards, or face grain serving boards," they suggested.
"These will allow you to focus on the entire process—from milling and gluing to clamping, sanding, and finishing—while building a solid foundation in woodworking. My first project was a kitchen helper for my son, so my advice is to start with something you feel confident tackling and use it as an opportunity to refine those five key stages."
Long Time Lurker, First Time Poster
Made This Portrait Of A Sweet Pup, Without Any Stain, Paint, Or Dye
I wonder if this was made by the same person who made the Doberman portrait, further up in this thread? ETA- I ended up scrolling way back and yes, it does appear that the same person created both of these amazing pups.
All the different types of wood and all the fine inticate cuts to do this is amazing.
Airplane Shelf For My Son
Most importantly, they recommended being patient, staying curious, and not giving up. "It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you need every tool out there to move forward. But I’d challenge you to get creative—find ways to work with what you have, problem-solve, and develop new skills along the way. That’s where true growth happens."
I Made A Decorative Wall Cabinet With A Pierced Carving
I Made A Credenza-Sideboard-Cabinet-Thing. Anyway, It's Made From Cherry And It Stores Dog Stuff
Built A A Latern For My Girlfriend For Christmas
I Carved A Shark
Update: Finished My First Scroll Saw Project
Basket Weave End Grain
Is this a tech ed class? Looks like it from the tables and super talented if this is a highschoolbor middle school kid
I Made Me Some Rocking Chairs From My Lumber Stash
I just had a flash of Mel Gibson breaking all the chairs in The Patriot. This is gorgeous
Rate My Chair
At a glance, solid 8 for looks. Would rate higher if I could test durability.
Practicing My Joints: Rounded Japanese Dovetail
Cherry Desk
Looks Like Crap, But I Am Proud!
The tail is hilarious! I would put this on my desk.
I am so proud of you for creating an original 1st project and nailing it.
Book Matched!
I Cut The Darkest Oak I Have Ever Seen. It’s Because Of A Fungus. In German It’s Called „leberreischling“
So this fungus caused the oak to have this nice, dark stain to it? One of the better outcomes or side effects, I've seen from a fungus, honestly.
Beefsteak fungus, it's also edible when young (though not especially tasty)
Load More Replies...Something My Dad Made. Scrollsaw And Drill. He's 97
Almost Everything About This Toolbox Is Unnecessary And I’m Very Pleased With It
What Would You Charge For This?
It depends on many different factors. What kind of wood is used, how much did all the supplies cost, how much time it took you to complete it, actual dimensions, ect? Without having anything but this picture, to go by, I'd guesstimate at least a couple hundred dollars.
Also depends on whether the cat is included!
Load More Replies...There are level surfaces. Kitty just has to knock a few knickknacks off. I'd start with breakables.
Load More Replies...Cat challenge: How many objects can you tip off the shelves in xx seconds?
Finished Shelf
Some Wands I Made This Week
These are awesome designs! I would def purchase the fourth from left👍🏼
Walking Cane For My Dad
Excellent, you included the rubber foot. Those are vital if you want canes to last, otherwise the wood would just wear away
More importantly, the rubber foot is for traction. I am a cane user myself, and know the consequences of a cane skid.
Load More Replies...I Built Some Lamps As Christmas Presents From Old Glas Bricks
Humble First Post - Walnut And Rattan Cabinet
Dad Loved His Present. Here He Is In His Little Workshop With A Cot He’s Made For My Granddaughter
Well, newborns are quite tiny. But they do not stay that way for long. …. Maybe it,s for a tiny dog? Or he measured wrong?
Load More Replies...Came Up With A Screwdriver Rack Design That Saves Horizontal Wall Space
Made A Bag As My Final Project In High School And I Just Love It!
Made A Bed Out Of 6x6 Beams And A Pergola Bracket Kit
That's one heavy a*s bed frame, that you will hopefully never have to move, out of that bedroom. I would probably add some foam, from cutting up a pool noodle, to put onto the corners of each foot base, to protect my precious toesies.
Oh god, I had a beautiful 4 poster, heavy wood queen sized bed and my poor toes hated it. I gave it to my Niece, when she moved into her first apartment. It was to big for just me to sleep on and too fit in my room. After I broke my little toe, it was time for me to get rid of it.
Beautiful as long s you don't plan on moving much. Although, you can probably disassemble the whole unit.
I would be banging my feet on those beams which is why I haven't had a footboard in my bed in years.
Not A Coffee Table
When A Potter Meets A Woodworker!
Cute joint project, where each partner was able to incorporate their chosen medium.
Just Finished This White Oak Bed Frame For My Wife. How'd I Do?
Walnut Vanity
My Son Loves LEGO, So I Built Him This Dresser
I checked out the original Reddit post, to see the entire dresser and not just a close up. The top row of pegs on each drawer, the second one in from the edge of the block, has a cut out to make it a more functional/easier to grab handle.
My First Attempt At A Build In Unit
Hand Carved In 1890
17f. Made This Table In School
I Love It When A Plan In Your Head Comes Together
I'd assume resin, and careful piecing. It looks fabulous!
Load More Replies...Bullet Found While Planing A Black Walnut Board
Carbide or tool steel cuts copper and lead quite easily. I'd be more worried about the rollers getting bent.
Load More Replies...My First Attempt At Stairs, Local Eucalyptus
A Barn My Son And I Are Building. We Milled All Of The Timbers From Standing Dead Eastern Red Cedar
A Cherry Library I Built For My Wife A Few Years Ago
Honestly, I’m starting to think I should go on Reddit instead of here! The room is gorgeous! Especially the beams! Love it.
Pavilion I Built
Carved A Lapras Out Of Sapele And Walnut!
And Bored Panda is lazy again by posting just one of the two pictures of the original Reddit-post (to view click on the light grey name "MediocrePlayer" left beneath the picture) to look at the amazing Lapras also from the front.
Yeah...the admins on BP are half arsêd Pandas for sure.
Load More Replies...So My Brother Put Cutting Boards From Amazon On His Wishlist
Carving Is Done, Now It Is Time To Stain It
Chair Prototype In Pine, Mistakes Were Made
Not A Woodworker, Built My Wife A Bookshelf
Wooden Crossbody Handbags
A Coffee Table I Made From Air Dried Walnut
First Time Making Shelves All By Myself. Not Perfect, But I’m Really Happy With How They Turned Out
Showing my age. Reminds me of the old game snake. My Nokias only game
Walnut Dresser I Made For My Son
Hallway Cupboard I Made For My Shoes In Ash, Maple And Walnut
Foureyes Inspired Desk
My First Table Build
First Desk
One Of My "A*shole Uncle" Gifts. Made A Wood Saw Made Of Wood Because I Plan On Burying His Giftcard In A Mold Of Sprayfoam And He Can Cut It Out
Great job on the saw. I'm just a little concerned by the amount of time and effort, that you're putting into a gift, for an ashhole uncle. But if the joy and happiness it brings you, to watch him struggle to open his gift, is worth it, to you, than so be it.
I think the OP is saying that they themselves are the a-hole uncle because they are making their niece/nephew work so hard to open their gift
Load More Replies...Hand Tool Cabinet
My Proudest Moment Yet
Pen Storage Cabinet
Living Room Console Unit To Store The Kid’s Stuff
Made A Lingerie Chest For My Wife's Birthday
The Slab Was Hiding For 30 Years Now Its A Round Table, Guess The Wood :)
I Built This King Sized Bed And Nightstand Set
Is King size for 1 person or 2? It looks so small… or is it the perspective?
My Process Making A Walnut And Brass Hood
Here's A Bar I Designed And Built For A Customer Over The Summer
Why Buy A Boat When You Can Build One
Coffee Table I Made My Dad For Christmas
given its size, this looks more like a coaster holder to me....
If you click on the username, you'll see the gorgeous table that goes with the coasters.
Load More Replies...Walking Woman, Laminated Stair Divider
'Bare hands', huh? Call me a 'doubting Thomas', but i reckon that some of those people cheated and used some TOOLS!
Some of those were clearly done with a CNC router and you can even see the machine in the photo. Still, every one of them is a beautiful piece of work.
'Bare hands', huh? Call me a 'doubting Thomas', but i reckon that some of those people cheated and used some TOOLS!
Some of those were clearly done with a CNC router and you can even see the machine in the photo. Still, every one of them is a beautiful piece of work.
