1. Quiz
  2. Your result
  3. Your plan
  4. Your guide

Step-by-step guide

Woodwork: boards, decor and small furniture: your step-by-step start

Make cutting and serving boards, shelves, signs, toys and small furniture and sell them as gifts and homeware.

  • 19 lessons
  • 5 modules
  • about 1 hour in total

Is this guide for you?

Good fit if

  • Practical makers with access to tools, a dust-safe workspace and patience for a good finish.

Think twice if

  • You need money within the next two weeks: first income usually takes about 45 days.
  • You cannot put about R1 500 into getting started.

Honest expectations

  • First income usually takes about 45 days.
  • Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.
  • The main risk to plan for: power tools cause serious injuries: guards, eye and ear protection.

What is inside

  1. Module 1

    Is this right for you?

    What it involves, who pays, and honest expectations.

    1. How woodwork: boards, decor and small furniture worksFree · 5 min
    2. Honest expectations4 min (in the full guide)
  2. Module 2

    Set up and price

    What you need and what to charge.

    1. Your startup kit, costs and skills5 min (in the full guide)
    2. Pricing and getting paid5 min (in the full guide)
    3. Your numbers: a worked example in rands5 min (in the full guide)
  3. Module 3

    Your first week

    The first steps, in order.

    1. Your first week, step by step6 min (in the full guide)
    2. Week one, step 2: Source timber offcuts from a local supplier3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Week one, step 3: Make one and cost it with your pricing worksheet3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Finding your first customers: who to message5 min (in the full guide)
    5. Messages to copy: your first customers5 min (in the full guide)
  4. Module 4

    Your first month

    A routine that brings in customers.

    1. Your first 30 days: build a routine4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Month one, task 1: Settle on three products you can make neatly and price each one3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Month one, task 2: Photograph them in daylight and set up a WhatsApp catalogue3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Month one, task 3: Book one market day3 min (in the full guide)
  5. Module 5

    Months two and three

    Repeat what works, grow and stay safe.

    1. Days 31 to 90: repeat what works and grow4 min (in the full guide)
    2. Months two and three, task 1: Offer engraving or initials3 min (in the full guide)
    3. Months two and three, task 2: Pitch a business for year-end gifts3 min (in the full guide)
    4. Getting paid safely and spotting scams4 min (in the full guide)
    5. Risks, rules, tax and staying safe5 min (in the full guide)

What it costs to start

R1 500 to R15 000 to get started, from our research

What you will use:

  • Saw, sander and clamps
  • Eye, ear and dust protection
  • Food-safe oil
  • Pricing worksheet

Prices change and differ by area, so check two places near you before you buy.

Try it before you buy

Lesson one is free. If it helps, the whole guide is R149 once-off.

Start the free lesson

Reviewed 24 October 2026 by the Earn Path team. Next review due 24 October 2027.