Turning Your Woodworking Hobby Into a Little Monthly Income
If you have a workbench in the garage and a few years of woodworking behind you, your hobby may be able to help with a monthly bill. Small, useful pieces such as cutting boards, serving trays, birdhouses, coasters, picture frames and simple shelves are things people buy for their own homes and as gifts.
The goal here is modest: a few sales a month that could, for example, help cover a $15 to $25 streaming or phone add-on. Results vary a great deal, so start small and see how it goes.
Start with what you already make well
Pick two or three items you can make well with the tools you already own. Making the same few items in small batches saves time, keeps your costs predictable and lets you get better at each one. Avoid buying new machines to start; see whether the items sell first.
A note on cutting boards and kitchen items
Anything that touches food needs a food-safe finish. Fine Woodworking lists several, including mineral oil, which it describes as entirely inert, and mixes of mineral oil with beeswax. These finishes give limited protection against moisture, so tell buyers to re-oil the board from time to time. A small care card with each board is a kind touch.
Where to sell
- Holiday craft fairs and church bazaars, which are coming up soon in many towns.
- Local gift shops and garden centers, which may sell on consignment.
- Friends, neighbors and community groups, especially for custom pieces like a shelf to fit a certain spot.
- Etsy, if you are comfortable shipping. As of October 2026, Etsy charges a $0.20 listing fee per item, a 6.5% transaction fee on the sale price plus shipping, and payment processing fees that vary by country.
Price so your time and wood are covered
Add up the cost of the wood, glue, finish, sandpaper and any fees. Then decide what an hour of your time is worth and multiply by the hours each piece takes. Our guide to pricing handmade crafts walks through this in detail.
Safety first in the shop
Woodworking machines deserve respect at any age. The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has estimated that about 30,000 table saw blade-contact injuries are treated in emergency rooms each year. Use blade guards and push sticks, wear eye and hearing protection, keep the shop well lit and work when you are rested, not rushed. Lift heavy boards with help or a cart.
Taxes and benefits
Money from selling what you make is generally taxable income. The IRS says you owe self-employment tax if your net earnings from self-employment are $400 or more in a year. If you are under full retirement age and receive Social Security, earnings above a yearly limit ($24,480 in 2026) can reduce your benefits for a time, and SSA counts net profit from self-employment. Side income can also affect SSI, Medicaid or housing assistance. This is general information only, so please check your own situation with the official sources below.
More on Replace a Bill
- Pricing Your Handmade Crafts So Your Time and Materials Are Covered
- Opening a Small Etsy Shop for Your Knitting and Crafts
