9 Kickass Metal and Wood Home Shop Projects to Flex Your DIY Skills

Hey, welders, fabricators, and weekend warriors! Tired of staring at that pile of scrap metal and wood in your shop, wondering why it’s not paying rent? Let’s turn that “junk” into something badass.

We’ve got nine killer home shop projects that mix metal and wood using tools you probably already own, like angle grinders, welders, and bench grinders you forgot about. These aren’t just projects; they’re your ticket to bragging rights at the next barbecue.

Dive in to check out these inspirations for your next project, and follow the links for some great step-by-step guides.

Quick Links:

1. Metal and Wood Coffee Table: The Living Room MVP
2. Custom Metal Wall Art: Wall Candy for Gearheads
3. Metal Fire Pit: Burn Stuff in Style
4. Garden Trellis: Metal That Grows on You
5. Tool Rack: Tame the Chaos
6. Bike Rack: Pedal Power Parking
7. Shelving Unit: Storage That Slaps
8. Outdoor Planter: Green Thumb, Metal Soul
9. Custom Engraved Metal Sign: Mark Your Territory

Power Tools You May Need To Complete These Projects:

• Angle Grinder: Ideal for cutting, grinding, and shaping metal, and with appropriate attachments, can work on wood for distressing or shaping.
• Drill: Essential for creating holes in both metal and wood for assembly.
• Impact Driver: Efficient for driving screws and bolts, particularly in tight spaces, enhancing assembly speed.
• Welder: Crucial for joining metal parts, enabling the creation of sturdy structures.
• Die Grinder: A high-speed tool for fine grinding, cutting, or shaping, suitable for detailed work on metal and wood.
• Chop Saw: Used for precise cuts in metal and wood, forming the basis for many projects.
• Bench Grinder: Typically used for sharpening tools or polishing metal, adding a finishing touch to projects.

Not sure what tool is right for you? Check out our Product Reviews for help.

---

1. Metal and Wood Coffee Table: The Living Room MVP

Picture this: You’re kicking back with a cold one, feet up on a coffee table you built yourself—wooden top so smooth it’s practically a mirror, metal legs screaming industrial cool. This ain’t no IKEA special; it’s your creation. Grab your chop saw to slice that wood plank and metal tubing to size. Fire up the angle grinder to shape those legs—get ‘em sleek, no jagged edges. Drill some holes, hit ‘em with the impact driver for screws, and weld those metal joints like you’re sealing a bank vault.

This table is perfect for beginners who wanna flex some skills without breaking the bank. Spill a beer on it? No sweat, that wood’s tougher than your last boss…if you build it right.

Project Description: A stylish coffee table with a wooden top and metal legs, blending rustic and industrial aesthetics.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw for cutting wood and metal, angle grinder for shaping metal legs, drill for holes in wood and metal for fasteners, impact driver/drill for driving screws, and welder for joining metal legs.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

DIY Huntress details how to create a DIY metal and wood coffee table without welding, making it accessible for those without welding tools or experience. The project uses steel legs, wood for the tabletop, and basic hardware like brackets and screws to attach the components securely. The tutorial includes step-by-step instructions, a materials list, and tips for achieving a professional-looking finish with simple tools. Follow the link to check out her guide. 

---

2. Custom Metal Wall Art: Wall Candy for Gearheads

Ever wanted to weld something that doesn’t hold screws or store tools? Enter custom metal artwork—think abstract shapes or a badass skull for your man cave. The Chop saw cuts your metal scraps, the angle grinder smooths ‘em out, and the die grinder gets into the nitty-gritty details. Weld it all together, then hit it with the bench grinder for that shiny, “I paid a fortune for this” vibe.

Pro Tip: Grab one of our mirror polish kits to take your project from glum to gleam   Hang it up, and watch your buddies ask, “You made that?” Yeah, you did, Picasso. It’s a fun way to use up scraps and show off your artistic side—don’t worry, we won’t tell anyone you cried during the polish.

Project Description: Create unique metal sculptures or wall art, perfect for adding a personal touch to your space.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw for cutting metal, angle grinder for shaping and grinding, die grinder for fine details, welder for joining pieces, and bench grinder for polishing.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

In this project, 42Fab and his apprentice create a 3D deer head sculpture using a CNC plasma cutter and 10-gauge steel. The process involves adjusting design files for plasma cutting, cutting the pieces, grinding edges to remove dross, assembling the components, and tack welding them together. Challenges encountered include correcting misaligned cuts and ensuring proper fitment of all parts. Follow the link to watch their process.

---

3. Metal Fire Pit: Burn Stuff in Style

Nothing says, “I’m the king of the backyard,” like a fire pit you welded yourself. Chop saw slices your metal sheets, the angle grinder shapes ‘em, and the welder turns it into a fortress of flames. Drill some drainage holes, then polish it with the bench grinder—smooth welds, no rust vibes. Our stick electrodes keep those joints tough enough to handle roaring fires. It’s a beast to build, but once it’s crackling, you’ll be the neighborhood legend. Bonus: Tell the kids it’s a dragon’s lair—they’ll buy it.

Project Description: A durable fire pit for outdoor gatherings crafted from metal with a polished finish.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw for cutting metal sheets or bars, an angle grinder for shaping and smoothing, a welder for assembly, a drill for any fastening, and a bench grinder for finishing welds.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

The video "How to Make an Outdoor Steel Fire Pit" by Modern Builds provides a step-by-step guide to constructing a stylish and functional steel fire pit for outdoor use. The tutorial covers materials needed, cutting and assembling the steel components, and finishing techniques to ensure durability and aesthetic appeal. This project is suitable for DIY enthusiasts looking to enhance their outdoor spaces with a custom-built fire pit. Watch the video

---

4. Garden Trellis: Metal That Grows on You

Your garden’s begging for some structure—give it a metal trellis. The chop saw cuts rods, the angle grinder tweaks the ends, and the welder locks it all in place. Drill it into wooden stakes if you’re fancy. Our TIG rods make those welds clean as a whistle. It’s simple, sturdy, and lets your vines climb like they’re auditioning for Jack and the Beanstalk. Your spouse will thank you, and you’ll have a primo spot to sip coffee and admire your handiwork.

Project Description: A metal trellis to support climbing plants, enhancing your garden's structure.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw for cutting metal rods, angle grinder for shaping ends or creating patterns, welder for joining pieces, and drill for fastening to wooden stakes if needed.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

"Metal Garden Trellis - Made at the Tech Shop in San Jose," details a beginner-friendly project where the author constructs a 5' x 3.5' metal trellis using 3/8-inch steel rods and MIG welding techniques. The process involves cleaning the metal with acetone, cutting pieces to length, arranging them on a welding table, and tack-welding the components together.  The second post, "Metal Trellis for Garden Vines," describes the experience of building a metal trellis to support a grapevine, utilizing a budget-friendly welder.

---

5. Tool Rack: Tame the Chaos

Your shop’s a mess—tools everywhere like a tornado hit. Build a tool rack: wood base, metal hooks. The chop saw sizes it up, drills holes, and the angle grinder shapes the hooks, and the impact driver bolts it together. Our cutting wheels make quick work of the metal. Hang it up, and suddenly you’re organized—like a real adult. It’s cheap and easy, and you’ll actually find your hammer next time.

Project Description: Organize your tools with a custom rack made from wood and metal, keeping your workshop tidy.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw for cutting wood and metal, drill for holes in wood, angle grinder for shaping metal, and impact driver for assembly.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

You could make your tool rack out of wood and metal…or you can step up your game like this guy did!  In this video, the creator addresses workshop organization by building a custom tool rack to store and access frequently used tools efficiently. The project involves designing the rack to accommodate various tool sizes, selecting appropriate materials, and assembling the structure to enhance workspace functionality. Detailed build plans are available for those interested in replicating the project.

Watch the Video:

---

6. Bike Rack: Pedal Power Parking

Bikes leaning against the garage wall? Lame. Weld a bike rack—metal frame, wooden accents. Chop saw cuts, angle grinder smooths, welder fuses it strong, drill and impact driver finish the job. It’s tough, looks dope, and your garage just got a glow-up. Tell the kids it’s a bike gym—they’ll fight over who parks first.

Project Description: A sturdy rack for storing bicycles, combining metal for strength and wood for aesthetics.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw for cutting metal and wood, angle grinder for shaping metal, welder for joining metal parts, drill for holes, and impact driver for assembly.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

In this project, April Wilkerson demonstrates how to build a wall-mounted bike rack that swivels, allowing the bike to be stored flush against the wall to save space. The build is straightforward and includes free plans detailing the necessary materials and step-by-step instructions. Key components include a stud finder, swivel hardware, and basic woodworking tools.  While this easy-to-create project is a wood-based guide, simply swap out the wood for metal parts for a bike rack built for your tank!  Check out the video

---

7. Shelving Unit: Storage That Slaps

Need shelves that don’t wobble? Build this: wooden planks and metal brackets. Chop saw slices, drill holes, angle grinder shapes, impact driver screws, and welder locks the brackets. Our welding consumables ensure they hold your gear without a hiccup. Customize it—garage, kitchen, wherever. It’s practical, scalable, and screams, “I don’t mess around.”

Project Description: A versatile shelving unit with wooden shelves and metal brackets for storage or display.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw/miter saw for cutting wood and metal, drill for holes, angle grinder for shaping metal, impact driver for assembly, and welder for securing brackets.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

In this video, Brandon Lund demonstrates the fabrication and welding of a steel storage rack, sharing valuable metalworking tips throughout the process. The tutorial covers material selection, precise measurements, cutting techniques, and welding practices to construct a durable and functional storage solution. This project is ideal for those looking to enhance their metal fabrication skills while creating practical workshop storage. Watch his Video

---

8. Outdoor Planter: Green Thumb, Metal Soul

Plants need a home too. Weld a metal frame, slap a wooden box in it—boom, outdoor planter. Chop saw cuts, angle grinder shapes; welder builds the frame, drill, and impact driver assemble. It’s rugged and pretty, and your porch just got cooler. Tell the neighbors it’s art—they’ll nod and wish they’d thought of it.

Project Description: A decorative planter made from metal and wood, ideal for showcasing plants outdoors.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw/Miter Saw for cutting metal and wood, angle grinder for shaping metal, welder for assembling the frame, drill for holes, and impact driver for assembly.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

In this project, Johnny Brooke from Crafted Workshop demonstrates how to build a modern raised planter box using cedar boards and steel angle iron. The tutorial covers steps such as material preparation, panel assembly, joining panels, adding the bottom, applying trim, lining the planter, and attaching steel legs. Detailed plans, including a materials list and cut list, are available for those interested in constructing this planter box. Check out his guide

---

9. Custom Engraved Metal Sign: Mark Your Territory

Personalize your space with a metal sign—names, logos, whatever. Chop saw sizes, angle grinder shapes, die grinder engraves, bench grinder polishes. Our grinding tools make that engraving crisp. Hang it up, and it’s your shop’s official seal. It’s fun, precise, and says, “This is mine, deal with it.”

Project Description: Personalize your space with a metal sign engraved with names, logos, or messages.

Suggested tool uses: Chop saw for cutting metal to size, angle grinder for shaping, die grinder for engraving, and bench grinder for polishing.

Check Out Our Power Tool Reviews

Project inspiration

DIY Pete demonstrates how to create a 3D layered metal wall art piece using basic welding and plasma cutting techniques. The tutorial covers designing the artwork, cutting and assembling metal components, and applying finishes to achieve a professional look. This project is suitable for those looking to enhance their metalworking skills and create custom wall art. Check out his guide

---

Wrap-Up: Get Building, Badass!

There you go—nine projects to turn your shop into a DIY kingdom. From coffee tables to fire pits, you’ve got the tools, the know-how, and the best consumables from Benchmark Abrasives to make it happen. Grab your gear, crank some tunes, and let’s see what you’ve got. Share your builds with us—we’re dying to see those welds!

Additional Resources

Need help finding power tools that meet your needs? Check out our Product Reviews for help