Easy DIY Scrap Wood Project

Thinking about what to do with all of your scrap? Check out this DIY scrap wood project where I used scrap in my shop to build a cool sign!

When I built my miter saw stand, I made a bin for underneath it to throw all the scraps into. That bin has been full for a few weeks but I wanted to do a project with it’s content before sending it to the burn pile. So here is a project idea to use up some of the scraps laying around your shop. It’s a very quick and easy project that would be a great beginners project to get the wife involved in! You can use the same concept and do a whole lot of different things with it. Something like this could make a very good DIY Christmas, Birthday, or even Wedding present.

So my husband’s family brand is a W with the middle turned into an A and it’s just a cool coincidence that my name is also an A, so my initials are AW as well. I had been wanting to do something for above the fireplace and thought the brand was perfect.

First thing I did was grab a scrap piece of 3/8″ plywood and draw out the brand to the size I wanted it. An alternative to drawing your letter/image out would be to use a CNC machine, a projector, or even pay Office Depot/Staples for a large print out (that way you can cut it out and use it as a template).  Then I cut it out using a jigsaw.

Next I went to my scrap bin and gathered up all my small scrap 3/4″ plywood pieces and just started laying them down. I started at the top and worked from left to right. I would vary the direction, but I tried not to put too much thought into it because I really wanted it to look random. I would get a small section done then pick them up a few at a time, and smear down some glue using my Rockler applicator. Then I came back with my brad nailer and nailed the pieces down (using 1″ nails). 

Note: If you don’t like the way the nail holes look then you can use glue and weight the pieces down while they dry.   After the entire AW was covered I waited an hour to let the glue dry. Then I flipped it over and used my jigsaw to trim the edges flush. Even though I waited until the glue was dry, I still had two pieces pop off while I was cutting so I picked them up off the floor and glued/nailed them back into place.

With all the edges cut, I came back with some sandpaper and made sure they were all nice and smooth.  For a finish I decided on a weathered grey stain, since this will be going on a wood stained wall. I used a brush to apply the stain but only let it sit for 30 seconds or so, before wiping it off. I wanted to give it some color, but not hid the cool pattern. To get the sides easily, I placed the piece on some bench cookies then used a foam brush.

To hang it, I hammered a picture frame hanger on the back then hung it on a screw above my fireplace. : ) I might have to do a few more pieces using this concept. I’m in love with the idea of doing a very large tree and staining it brown.

If you liked this project and want to stay up to date with what I’m building, then be sure to sign up for my email newsletter and you’ll get an email when I post something new. See you soon!

*Disclosure: Some links in this email are affiliate links meaning, I may get a commission if you make a purchase. Thanks for your support in this way!