The DIY Scrap Wood Organizer That Will Have Your Workshop Looking Tidy In No Time

No matter what you're working on, it seems like most projects have room for scrap wood somewhere in the process. Unfortunately, that isn't always the case with the workshop. Even though the numerous uses for leftover scrap wood make it well worth holding onto, keeping it organized is a challenge for too many DIYers. Maintaining a sensible scrap wood organization system can be an enormous help. A wood storage spot makes it quick and efficient to find the perfect piece and move along with your build in less time. Plus, it's all too easy to get started with items you already have!

An easy way to make a scrap wood organizer is to repurpose containers from around the house. An old storage bin, trash can, or crate can work, with wood divider inserts letting you manage different lengths in separate compartments. One easy and flexible build uses repurposed cabinets to keep everything tidy, from small strips to large plywood. But for ultimate versatility, you can also work with spare wood to make your storage organizer the perfect size and shape for your space. It's cheap and easy to make, and with some quick planning, you'll have your workshop cleaned up in no time.

In one of the more meta builds you can take on in the shop, spare wood pieces come together to make a convenient holder for more scraps. The designer combines 1-by-4 and 1-by-2 pieces to make slatted frames, similar to a crate. Spanners can then run across the frame to create compartments to organize wood pieces by standing them upright. To bring it all together with sturdy, easy-to-install fasteners, drill pocket holes cleanly into the spanning pieces, applying glue to the joints to improve the strength. If desired, you can also attach plywood siding to prevent boards from getting stuck between slats as you toss them in the bin.

The frame sits on a thick plywood base, to which you can attach rolling casters to move the bin around. You can keep it nearby if you expect a lot of leftovers for a project or if you're engaging in a fun DIY scrap wood project and need plenty of supplies nearby. And wheel attachments are just one of many ways to add more function to your scrap wood organizer. With this wheeled cart sloping up toward the back, you can keep short pieces up front and long pieces in the back to make everything plainly visible.

Since this is a purely functional build with a simple job of storing stacked or upright wood, there are tons of ways to arrange it. The most critical aspect is making it work for your needs and creating sensible layouts that make it easy to find the piece of scrap wood you want. If you make cabinets, the leftover wood you might have will be different than if you prefer wood-turning or making small items. Consider the size and shape of the scraps you normally need and end up with, and plan how you can arrange containers appropriate for them.

Find a spot where you can fit your organizer, and measure how much space you have for your build. If you have a wide range of wood sizes, consider a mix of shelves and open cubbies or slots to stand long boards and panels upright. As long as you can organize the wood in each section in single layers so nothing is hidden, the options are virtually limitless.