What to make with 1×8 scraps
1×8 offcuts are wide enough for shelves, trays and serving boards. These projects fit in two 3-foot pieces.
27 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.
Tool tote
An open carry box with tapered ends and a dowel handle.
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.
Charcuterie board with handle
A wide hardwood board with a cut-out handle.
Platform bird feeder
A shallow tray with a rim and a mesh floor that drains.
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.
18″ floating shelf, 1×8
An 18-inch shelf, 7¼″ deep, that hangs on a hidden cleat screwed into the studs.
24″ floating shelf, 1×8
A 24-inch shelf, 7¼″ deep, that hangs on a hidden cleat screwed into the studs.
36″ floating shelf, 1×8
A 36-inch shelf, 7¼″ 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.
12×16 edge-grain cutting board
A 12-by-16-inch cutting board from 16 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.
7×14 serving board
A 7×14-inch serving board from a single 1×8 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 1×8 scraps
- Look for quartersawn or rift-sawn pieces with straight grain lines on the end. They stay flatter.
- Hardwood 1×8 makes the best boards for food. Keep softwood for shelving.
- Wide solid boards move with humidity, so don't glue them rigidly across the grain.