If you’ve got a stack of cheap cedar fence pickets sitting in the garage and no idea what to do with them, this one’s for you. In my newest video, I’m building five different projects out of $3-a-board fence pickets, and every single one is beginner-friendly.
Watch the full build below, then keep reading for a quick rundown of what’s inside.
Watch the Full Tutorial
Every cut measurement, stain product, and tool used is walked through step by step in the video above. If you’re newer to wood building, there’s also a linked beginner terms and tips video to get you up to speed first. This video includes a paid partnership with Midi Health. #ad
What You’ll Learn to Build
A mail and coupon organizer box. Three simple compartments made from cut fence pickets, held together with wood glue and brad nails. No fancy joinery required.
A rustic wreath holder. This one uses a distressing technique with a hammer, screwdriver, and wire brush, plus a two-tone stain method (Antique White layered under English Chestnut) that gives you a rich, aged look without buying specialty stain.
A DIY garden flag stand. Inspired by a TikTok build, this version swaps in fence pickets and scrap 2x4s, with angled corner cuts for a more finished silhouette.
A cork board makeover. A $5 Dollar Tree corkboard gets a mitered cedar frame, corner braces, and that same signature stain. Skip the cork insert and use foam board instead if you want a photo frame or mirror surround.
A vintage-style wood crate. Built from reclaimed fence picket scraps, finished with a printed logo transfer technique for that antique crate look, minus the antique price tag.
Why Fence Pickets?
Fence pickets are one of the cheapest woods you can buy for DIY projects, but they’re inconsistent, so this video also covers what to check before you buy, how to dry out wet boards properly, and how to work around the small imperfections that come with cheaper lumber.
