16 Woodworking Projects and Goals for 2026 // DIY Woodworking
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A Year in the Woodshop: Projects Built, Lessons Learned, and What Comes Next
This year-end woodworking video is a chance to slow down and reflect on what was built in the shop over the past year, what worked, what did not, and where things are heading next. It is a look back at 16 woodworking projects, honest lessons learned along the way, and clear goals for the year ahead.
⌚ TIMESTAMPS
Looking Back on a Full Year of Woodworking
As the year wraps up, it felt important to take a step back and actually look at everything that happened in the shop. Over the course of the year, 16 woodworking projects were designed, built, and shared. Some were small, some were more involved, but every project was made with intention rather than rushing something out just to meet a deadline.
Instead of focusing on how many videos could be produced, the emphasis stayed on building projects that were enjoyable to make and practical to use. For anyone who spends time in the shop, that balance between productivity and enjoyment matters more than hitting an arbitrary number.
If you are interested in building similar projects yourself, many of these builds are supported by DIY woodworking plans that you can download and follow along with.
Check out the full library of woodworking plans HERE
Choosing Quality Over Quantity in the Shop
One of the biggest lessons from this year was the decision to slow down. While the original goal was to release more videos, it became clear that fewer projects led to better results. Designs improved, videos felt more complete, and the overall experience in the shop stayed sustainable.
Woodworking should not feel rushed. Whether you are building furniture, shop projects, or small DIY pieces, taking the time to do things properly almost always leads to better results. That mindset guided every project this year and will continue to shape future builds.
Tools, Gear, and an Unsponsored Approach
All tools shown or mentioned throughout the year are tools that are already used in the shop. There are no paid sponsorships or forced tool reviews. When something works well, it shows up naturally in a project. When it does not, it does not make it into the build.
This approach keeps recommendations honest and useful, especially for woodworkers who are researching tools and want real feedback based on long-term use rather than promotional content.
[ Internal link: Shop tools and accessories ]
Community Growth and Why It Matters
This year also brought significant channel growth, reaching nearly 35,000 subscribers. While that milestone is exciting, the real value comes from people who actively watch, build projects, and stay engaged over time.
A woodworking channel is only as strong as its community. Viewers who build along, share ideas, and offer feedback help shape better projects and better content. That engagement is far more important than subscriber numbers alone.
Goals for the Year Ahead: Bigger Builds and New Challenges
Looking forward, the plan is to continue building with intention. The goal for the coming year is to produce approximately 16 new woodworking videos, with a gradual shift toward larger and more advanced projects, including small furniture builds.
There will still be beginner-friendly projects and seasonal builds, but as skills grow, so will the complexity of what gets built. Alongside the videos, new woodworking plans will continue to be released so viewers can build the same projects in their own shops.
Building Together Going Forward
One of the best parts of running a woodworking channel is the feedback and ideas that come from the community. Project suggestions, honest opinions, and constructive criticism all help shape what gets built next.
If you have ideas for projects you would like to see, or if there are types of builds you enjoy more than others, those suggestions genuinely matter. Woodworking is better when it is shared, and the next year of projects will continue to be shaped by the people building right alongside me.
Sincerely, Winnie / Standish WoodStory
