Build Stuff with Wood

If you want to start building furniture this weekend with the tools you already own (or can pick up cheaply), this is your book. Asa Christiana, former editor-in-chief of Fine Woodworking, designed it for people who want results, not a woodworking education.

Why Start Here

Christiana strips away the traditional woodworking learning curve. You don’t need a workshop full of expensive tools. A jigsaw, a cordless drill, and lumber from any hardware store are enough to get started. The book features 14 projects that look good and actually work, from shelves to tables to outdoor furniture.

It’s the right pick if you care more about furnishing your home than mastering hand-cut dovetails. You’ll learn enough technique to build solid, attractive pieces, and you can always go deeper later.

What to Expect

Practical, project-driven instruction with clear photos and straightforward plans. Each project uses off-the-shelf lumber and basic portable power tools. The tone is encouraging and unpretentious. You won’t become a master woodworker, but you’ll have real furniture to show for your time.