What to make with 1×6 scraps
A 1×6 is wide enough for boxes, planters and boards. Here's what you can build from a couple of 4-foot pieces.
20 projects that fit
Assuming a basic kit: circular saw, jigsaw, drill with hole-saw bits, sander and clamps. Enter your own pile for an exact match.
Coasters (set of 4)
Four square coasters from a short length of 1×4.
Phone stand
Two pieces and one angled joint. Holds a phone or small tablet.
Peg coat rack
A backboard with five Shaker pegs for the hallway.
Headphone stand
A base, a post and an arm. Most of the time goes into sanding.
Door wedges
One diagonal cut through a short block makes a pair.
Garden stakes
Six pointed plant markers cut from thin strips.
Bathtub tray
A board that spans the tub, with cleats underneath so it can't slide off.
18″ floating shelf, 1×6
An 18-inch shelf, 5½″ deep, that hangs on a hidden cleat screwed into the studs.
24″ floating shelf, 1×6
A 24-inch shelf, 5½″ deep, that hangs on a hidden cleat screwed into the studs.
36″ floating shelf, 1×6
A 36-inch shelf, 5½″ deep, that hangs on a hidden cleat screwed into the studs.
48″ floating shelf, 1×6
A 48-inch shelf, 5½″ deep, that hangs on a hidden cleat screwed into the studs.
18″ planter box, 1×6
An 18-inch herb planter with 5½″-tall sides and a slatted floor. Cedar lasts longest outdoors.
12″ spice rack, 3 shelves
A 12-inch wall rack with 3 shelves and dowel rails, sized for standard spice jars.
16″ spice rack, 3 shelves
A 16-inch wall rack with 3 shelves and dowel rails, sized for standard spice jars.
8×12 edge-grain cutting board
An 8-by-12-inch cutting board from 11 hardwood strips glued on edge, 1½″ thick.
10×14 edge-grain cutting board
A 10-by-14-inch cutting board from 13 hardwood strips glued on edge, 1½″ thick.
6×12 serving board
A 6×12-inch serving board from a single 1×6 hardwood offcut, with eased edges and an oiled finish.
Wren birdhouse
A nest box for wrens: 4″ × 5½″ floor, 8″ tall, with a 1⅛″ entrance hole. Cut from 1×6.
Chickadee birdhouse
A nest box for chickadees: 4″ × 5½″ floor, 9″ tall, with a 1⅛″ entrance hole. Cut from 1×6.
Bluebird birdhouse
A nest box for bluebirds: 4″ × 5½″ floor, 10″ tall, with a 1½″ entrance hole. Cut from 1×6.
Tips for working with 1×6 scraps
- Cedar 1×6 fence pickets are a cheap source of outdoor project wood.
- Wide boards cup as they dry. Pick the flattest piece for tops and bottoms.
- Let lumber settle in the room for a few days before cutting precise parts.