Handmade

Woodwork: boards, decor and small furniture

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

Some evidenceLast checked 24 Oct 2026

To startR1 500 to R15 000
First randabout 6 weeks
WhereOnline or in person
Effort Some skill needed

See how this fits you, freeAbout 6 minutes, no sign-up.

Is this for you?

Best for

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

In South Africa: Strong everywhere with timber suppliers.

What you need

A phone is enough to start
Works on everyday data
No camera needed
No cold selling
At least 6 hours a week · age 18+
Sewing, crafts or handmade (competent or better) or Practical/hands-on work (competent or better)

The money

What it can earn

Pocket money
A top-up
A second income
Can become a full income

Part time, most people earn a modest top-up from this. Treat bigger numbers you see online with care.

What people charge

R210 to R385 per cutting board

Published SA prices: R210 to R269 (Timberoots), R385 (Rustic Worx). Sales volumes are not published.

Costs to plan for

Start-up: R1 500 to R15 000
Every month: Timber, glue, sandpaper, food-safe oil, blades, packaging.
Payment fees: Cash, EFT, Yoco at markets, marketplace fees online.
Margin: Good once you waste less timber.

How it is paid: Price per item; engraving and bulk orders add value. Our viability score for it: 50 out of 100 (how we score).

How to start

1
Test it cheaply Before you spend
- Make three boards and cost each with your hours
- Show them to 10 people and ask what they would pay
- Success signal: five sales or a gift order
2
First week Days 1 to 7
- Choose one product to perfect (for example a cutting board)
- Source timber offcuts from a local supplier
- Make one and cost it with your pricing worksheet
3
First month Days 8 to 30
- Settle on three products you can make neatly and price each one
- Photograph them in daylight and set up a WhatsApp catalogue
- Book one market day
4
By three months Days 31 to 90
- Offer engraving or initials
- Pitch a business for year-end gifts

A few practice pieces come first. First income usually takes 14 to 120 days. A day-by-day version for your situation is in the full plan.

Step-by-step guide

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

19 short lessons with scripts, templates and rand prices to copy. R149 once-off, and the first lesson is free.

See what is inside

Customers and demand

Who pays

Gift buyers, home cooks, cafes and decor shoppers.

Solid, local wooden goods that last.

Is there demand?

SA makers publish prices for handmade cutting boards: R210 to R269 (Timberoots) and R385 (Rustic Worx). Bob Shop lists free with a success fee; AYA Africa keeps 20% per sale; markets charge about R170 to R550 a day.

MarketsInstagram and WhatsAppBob Shop and AYA AfricaCorporate gifts with engraving

Getting customers

Markets and gift seasons, then repeat and corporate orders.

Word of mouth and referralsDirect messagesListing on online marketplaces (Takealot, Bob Shop, Etsy, Teacha!)In-person networkingResponding to enquiries

Risks and rules

Watch out for

Power tools cause serious injuries: guards, eye and ear protection
Fine dust harms lungs: wear a dust mask
Boards that crack: use dry timber and food-safe finishes

Competition: Moderate; finish quality and local timber stories stand out.

Room to grow: Jigs and batches speed things up; corporate gifts grow it.

Legal and tax in South Africa

Only claim a wood type or "food safe" finish if it is true (Consumer Protection Act).
If customers come to your home, check your municipality's home-business rules (Cape Town, for example, allows small home businesses with conditions).
Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Questions people ask

How much does it cost to start woodwork: boards, decor and small furniture in South Africa?

Our research puts start-up costs at about R1 500 to R15 000. Recurring costs: Timber, glue, sandpaper, food-safe oil, blades, packaging.

How long until the first income?

Typically about 45 days, and between 14 and 120 days. A few practice pieces come first.

Can I do it with only a phone?

Yes, a smartphone is enough to start, although a laptop helps as you grow.

What about tax and legal rules?

Only claim a wood type or "food safe" finish if it is true (Consumer Protection Act). If customers come to your home, check your municipality's home-business rules (Cape Town, for example, allows small home businesses with conditions). Register for income tax with SARS once you earn above the tax threshold, and keep a record of every sale and every cost (stock, materials, transport and fees are business costs).

Sources (4)

Timberoots: wooden cutting board (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Rustic Worx: rectangular cutting board (second-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
Bob Shop: selling fees (first-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)
AYA Africa: sell on AYA (vendors) (first-hand, checked 24 Oct 2026)

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