From The Desk Of Ted Mcgrath
Re: Woodworking made easy...
Dear Fellow Woodworker,
If you have ever felt stuck staring at a half-finished project or lost in a magazine sketch that left out the one crucial cut, you are not alone. Over the years I heard the same concerns over and over from people who wanted to build quality pieces: they couldn't find retail items that matched their needs, custom projects felt like a puzzle without a solution, furniture seemed too expensive to buy and complicated to build, upcycling felt risky because the directions were unclear, and too many so-called "step by step" guides skipped details or assumed skills people simply didn't have. I started collecting and refining plans to solve those exact problems.
Woodworking shouldn't be that difficult!
This collection grew from a hands-on philosophy: every plan must show exactly what to cut, how to assemble, what fasteners or joinery to use, and how to finish the piece so that even a hobbyist gets a professional look. That means clear diagrams, exact material lists, and options so you can build with the tools you have. I wrote this for people who want to build things that matter — furniture that fits their home, workshop upgrades that last, and projects they can finish with pride.
Over the years I’ve taught, built, reworked, and documented thousands of projects. The goal was always the same: remove the guesswork and make each plan a true blueprint that anyone can follow. In the pages and files that follow you will find carefully tested steps, multiple views and dimensions, and shortcuts that save time while keeping quality high. This is what led to assembling the digital library you’ll see below: thousands of plans organized so you can search and start building within minutes.
If you’re ready to start completing projects instead of collecting unanswered sketches, scroll down and see how the plans are organized, what’s included, and how members get monthly updates and custom plan support. There’s no secret — just clear instructions and a lifetime of lessons packed into usable plans for your shop.
Ted "Woody" Mcgrath
Certified master woodworker, educator, and lifelong builder. Over 25 years of compiling, drawing, and testing plans for real-world results.
Here's The BIG Problem...
The single largest obstacle for people who want to build quality woodworking projects is not tools, money, or even time — it is poor documentation. Plans that omit a single dimension, assume a joinery method without instruction, or skip hardware choices turn what should be a satisfying build into a frustrating afternoon of guesses. When a project lacks clear material lists, accurate cutting dimensions, and exploded diagrams, the builder wastes wood, time, and motivation. Inexperienced woodworkers feel defeated; experienced builders waste valuable shop time re-drawing incomplete sketches just to get started. The problem expands when you consider that many magazines or websites produce plans for aesthetic appeal, not usability — pretty photos with missing how-to details are abundant, but a true buildable plan is rare.
The consequence is simple and costly: projects are abandoned or completed poorly because the instructions were incomplete, unclear, or misaligned with standard materials. That’s why a usable plan must include every cut, every hardware piece, and step-by-step assembly directions that consider the tools most hobbyists own. It also must present multiple views and clear diagrams so builders can visualize how components fit together at each stage. The absence of these essentials is what has created a gap between desire and completion for thousands of would-be woodworkers.
Our mission has been to close that gap. We studied the plans that worked, surveyed common failure points, and then built thousands of plans to eliminate the guesswork entirely. Each plan in the collection is created with the user in mind: clarity, completeness, and the confidence to build. With the right documentation, even challenging projects become approachable and enjoyable.
Most Plans and Woodworking Magazines Are Missing Key Information
Most plans and woodworking magazines are COMPLETE GARBAGE. That may sound blunt, but it reflects the experience of too many builders who try to translate a magazine photo into a finished piece. The problem isn’t the ideas — it’s the lack of usable detail. Too often a plan will show a pretty final photo, a brief materials mention, and a few vague steps that leave the rest up to interpretation. When those gaps occur, a simple cabinet can become a weekend of re-measuring and re-cutting. Our approach is to fix the root causes: ambiguous dimensions, omitted fastener or glue notes, rare or expensive tool assumptions, and lack of multi-view schematics.
Here are the most common issues we found across the hundreds of plans we examined:
- Poor specificity: Missing dimensions, no cutting sequence, and vague instructions.
- Omitted vital info: No materials list, no hardware choices, no finish notes.
- Assumed advanced skills/tools: Plans that expect a mastery level many hobbyists don't have.
- Too complex for beginners: Plans that would benefit from alternative simple methods or suggestions for fewer tools.
I once tried to trace a wardrobe plan that omitted how the back was attached and what size screws to use. It turned into a half-built waste of material in a single afternoon. That experience — and conversations with readers and builders — is what motivated the redesign of how we document plans. For every project we include full cutting lists, boards oriented with grain direction notes, joinery callouts, and suggested hardware. Where a plan requires a particular jig or tool, we provide alternative methods so the project remains achievable.
No wonder woodworking seems hard — the instructions often make simple projects harder. The solution is straightforward: provide a plan that treats the builder like a teammate, not a mind reader. That is what went into the 16,000 plans we now offer — clarity, tested steps, and practical choices that align with common workshops and budgets.
An example of how confusing plans create frustration — we replaced guesswork with clear diagrams in our plans.
16,000 Woodworking Projects — Done-For-You Plans
Over 25 years of collecting, drawing, testing, and refining plans culminated in a single, searchable library. This is not a random bundle of sketches: it is a carefully organized system of ready-to-build plans that include step-by-step instructions, precise drawings, dimensioned blueprints, and complete cutting and materials lists. The collection covers a broad spectrum of projects — from small crafts and home decor to full-size furniture, outdoor structures, shop improvements, and business starter pieces.
Every plan is written to remove the ambiguity that stalls projects. That means multiple views, exploded diagrams, step sequence images, suggested fasteners, optional hardware choices, and finishing notes. The variety offers both quick weekend builds for beginners and detailed plans for experienced woodworkers who want advanced joinery and custom variants. Members also get monthly plan updates, so the collection grows over time without any recurring fees.
This library was built so you can spend less time guessing and more time building — and finishing — projects. Whether you want to build a workbench, a storage solution, or a family heirloom, the library offers the exact steps to get you there. There are also resources to help you adapt plans to your space or materials, including CAD files and scalable diagrams.
TedsWoodworking
Earth's Largest Database of Woodworking Projects!
Make 16,000 Projects With Step By Step Plans
A perfect woodworking plan is legible, complete, and tested. It removes the uncertainty of how pieces join, what to cut, and which fasteners to use. Our plans include color schematics, step sequences, detailed part lists, and multiple views so you can visualize every stage of the build. Whether you have a small workshop or a large shop, the plans are organized to match your skill level and toolset.
Step-by-step instructions
Every plan is written as a sequence so you always know what to do next. Detailed photos and diagrams accompany complex steps to avoid guessing or backtracking.
Cutting & material lists
Exact material lists and cutting diagrams ensure you buy the right sizes and minimize waste. Boards are labeled and sized in standard dimensions for straightforward sourcing.
Detailed schematics
Exploded views, multiple perspectives, and dimensioned drawings give you confidence and clarity before you cut a board.
Multiple views for projects
Plans include front, side, top, and exploded views so you can understand fit and clearance during assembly.
Suitable for all skill levels
From simple weekend projects for beginners to advanced furniture techniques, plans include optional methods to match your comfort level.
As Featured On...
"The plan clarity and detail made a real difference — I could follow the schematics and finish a table that looks like it came from a pro."
- American Woodworker Magazine
Plus You Get FREE Monthly Plans For Life!
Members receive fresh plans each month that are added directly to the library — no recurring fees, no expiry. The collection evolves so you always have new project ideas and updated designs. You can also request custom plans when you need a specific piece adapted to your space or materials. Requests are handled by our team and delivered as digital plans added to your account.
Lifetime access means you can return to the library whenever you need guidance. Whether you want inspiration or exact cut lists for a current project, the membership hub is searchable and organized by project type, skill level, and material. This ongoing delivery model adds real long-term value to your initial access.
Technical Details & Key Specifications
TedsWoodworking is a digital library designed for easy access on desktop, tablet, or mobile. Plans are delivered in printable PDF format with high-resolution color schematics, CNC/CAD-ready files for many projects, and auxiliary resources such as a CAD viewer and premium instructional videos. Plans are formatted to match standard US lumber sizes and common hardware choices. The package also offers optional physical media delivery for those who prefer DVDs or printed copies — these optional extras are available for a separate delivery fee and can be added at checkout.
Library Size
16,000+ projects including furniture, outdoor, workshop, toys, and storage solutions.
Formats
High-resolution PDFs, CAD files where applicable, downloadable plans for printing or mobile viewing.
Support
Custom plan requests, membership support, and lifetime updates included.
Guarantee
60-day 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee. Full refund if not satisfied within 60 days.
Accessibility
Searchable library, organized by project type, skill level, and required tools for easy discovery.
Bonus Resources
Includes CAD viewer, 150 premium videos, and business startup guide for woodworking entrepreneurs.
Types of Projects You Can Build Today
The collection spans simple crafts, decorative accessories, storage, dining furniture, outdoor tables, workbenches, sheds, toy projects, and much more. Below is a small gallery of sample thumbnails to give a sense of the variety and craftsmanship the plans support.
Plus thousands more projects across categories and skill levels — everything designed to help you finish and enjoy the results.
List of Plans You Can Download:
Now you can build almost any kind of project with TedsWoodworking. The library includes categories such as: workbenches and shop fixtures, home furniture (tables, chairs, cabinets, dressers), outdoor structures (sheds, pergolas, decks), children's toys and crafts, storage systems, kitchen upgrades, and custom items. Each category contains dozens to hundreds of plans — all organized for quick discovery.
Rather than list every single plan here, the library is searchable and provides filters by material, tools required, project duration, and skill level — making it simple to find the right build for your schedule and shop. Use the included CAD files and diagrams to confirm fit before you cut, and print full-size templates when needed.
Sample Projects Gallery
Below are sample images that represent the kinds of projects builders create using the plans. Each plan contains detailed diagrams so recreating these results is straightforward.
Complete Package Details
The full package contains everything you need to start building: the complete library of 16,000 plans, lifetime access to the member hub, free monthly plan additions, the ability to request custom plan modifications, premium videos illustrating key techniques, a CAD viewer for handling digital plans, and optional physical delivery on DVDs for those who prefer offline access. The plans include exact materials, cutting lists, dimensioned drawings, and step sequences designed to reduce waste and speed completion.
Also included are carefully selected bonuses that add immediate value: a 150-video premium tutorial collection, a business guide for those who want to sell finished items locally, and a comprehensive guidebook covering finishing, joinery basics, and workshop layout strategies. Together, these resources provide not only plans but the instruction and context needed to grow your skills and start finishing more projects.
Important: This lifetime access is a one-time delivery; there are no recurring subscription fees and members keep access forever. Periodically we run promotional offers and limited-time bonuses; access via the button below will take you to the current secure checkout where you can add optional physical media if desired.
Care, Shipping & Delivery, and Guarantee
Care & Instructions: Each plan includes finishing and care tips appropriate for the project and suggested materials. Finishes range from simple oils for rustic pieces to varnishes for high-wear furniture. We include sanding sequences, glue and fastener recommendations, and notes on how to avoid common mistakes. These care notes are designed to preserve your work and keep it looking great for years.
Shipping & Delivery: The library is delivered instantly as digital downloads available in your membership area after purchase. If you choose optional physical media (DVDs or printed copies) these are shipped for a separate delivery fee to the regions available at checkout. Digital downloads are accessible worldwide and printable locally for workshop use. Delivery times for physical media vary by region and will be provided at checkout — digital access is immediate and does not require waiting.
Returns & Guarantee: We stand behind the clarity and usefulness of the plans with a 60-day 100% satisfaction money-back guarantee. If for any reason you are not satisfied within 60 days, request a refund and receive a full return — no questions asked. This guarantee makes it risk-free to explore the library and begin building right away.
What Builders Are Saying
These notes come from builders who used the plans to complete projects they are proud of. Each testimonial highlights clarity, ease of use, and the quality of the finished results.
The Best Collection of Project Plans I've Seen!
I’ve read numerous books and bought several online plans and this is clearly the best in every aspect. Lots of ideas and inspiration, plans are detailed and instructions are in-depth. A bargain that sets a new standard.
— Willie Stark, Chief Editor
Plans Are Super Easy To Read
The plans have full-color pictures and thorough step descriptions. Better than I expected. Easy to understand and I'm excited to start building projects.
— Bradly Lerwill
An Excellent Resource For Beginners
A great resource for both beginners and seasoned woodworkers with a variety of furniture and outdoor blueprints. Simply outstanding and a great bargain.
— Melvin Jones
Helped Me Build Quality Work
For beginners, this package is a god-send. It lists every detail needed including tools and explains the process step by step. Highly recommended.
— Kevin Roane
Detailed Plans Guided Me Perfectly
I started woodwork to build storage shelves. The plans were clear and stepwise. I didn’t waste wood guessing and felt guided throughout.
— Mark Reynolds
Time Saving and Flexible
The plans saved me time. Diagrams are clean and accurate. I customized a cabinet plan to fit my space using CAD files — flexibility was great.
— David Clark
Professional Results Made Easy
The plan for an outdoor bench broke everything down step by step, making it smooth to build alone. The bench looks sturdy and professional.
— Michael Harrison
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to Build More and Guess Less?
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