16 Multipurpose Projects That Will Streamline Your Life
Updated: Jul. 14, 2023
Get the job done, and keep your space in order, wherever you are, with these multipurpose projects that will streamline your life.
Adjustable Sawhorse
Every workshop needs a couple of sawhorses, and this design is especially useful. This adjustable version of a classic creates the ultimate sawhorse. The special adjustable support can be raised as much as 20 in. to give you either a more comfortable working height or a great out feed table. Follow this video tutorial and step-by-step plans, and you can build a set of these adjustable sawhorses in just a few hours!
$100 Folding Mobile Workbench
Want a mobile workbench with a sizable work area that folds up to only 7 in. thick? The materials to make the one shown here cost about $100 at home centers. Or, build it any size that suits your home shop by adjusting the frame sizes to accommodate the folding parts. Learn some essential jigsaw tips here.
Folding Stool
Build a few of these small folding stools in an afternoon, and take them out camping or to sit around the fire pit in the evening! All practicality aside, this small folding wooden stool is as irresistible as a wooden puzzle. You’ll love the way the stool unfolds—the two halves of the seat glide together as the legs slide apart below.
Build a Fold Down Workbench
Need a workbench, but don’t have a lot of space? Then this quick-build, fold-up workbench may meet your needs. Construction is straightforward and simple–anyone can build this workbench, even if you’ve never built anything before. The only tools necessary are a saw and a drill. Begin this space-saving starter workbench in the morning, and you’ll be using it to work on projects by the evening! Click here for more workbench projects.
Floating Shelf with a Secret Drawer
Hide all of your valuables in plain sight. Learn how to make this sleek, modern floating shelf with a secret hiding place and amaze your guests with your ingenuity. Find the plans and how-to video here.
Air Compressor Cart
This project will help you to mobilize your air compressor and its accessories. You will be able to effortlessly wheel your air compressor where it’s needed. And no need for second trips to fetch hoses, tools and fasteners, they are all self contained in this handy, easy-to-build cart.Learn how to build this air compressor cart here.
Sliding Pegboard Storage System
This project takes workshop storage to a whole new level, employing both sides of seven pieces of pegboard, all housed inside a compact box.
Under-Bed Storage Drawer
There’s a lot of storage space under the bed. The problem is keeping items contained, orderly and easily accessible. This under-bed drawer covers all the bases; Roll it out for access and roll it back in when you’re done. Before building, measure the height beneath your bed frame and alter our dimensions to suit.
Tool Tote
Keep all your hand tools within easy reach in a portable 16-in. pine carton. Build one from a 1×8 x 12-ft. pine board, 1/4-in. plywood and a 3/4-in. oak dowel, and you’ll never run back to the garage for a bit, blade, wrench or nail. Here’s how:
- Cut and screw together the sides and ends with the ends protruding 1 in. beyond the sides. Drill holes in the top of the ends for a 3/4-in. dowel handle and tap it in the holes before assembling the ends and sides. Drill the 3/8-in. storage holes in the top edges of the sides before assembly.
- Saw 1/4-in. x 1-1/2-in. pine strips for the side slats and screw them to the protruding ends.
- Cut and screw on the 1/4-in. plywood floor.
- Cut 3/8-in. pine partitions and screw them behind the side slats to create custom-width pockets for the tools
Folding Adirondack Chair
Our version of an Adirondack chair is designed for maximum comfort. It has a deep seat with a rounded front edge, spacious arms, and a curved, laid-back back. When summer’s gone, fold up the chair for easy moving and storage. You can build these chairs from a variety of wood species. If your chair will live outdoors, redwood, cedar, white oak or Philippine mahogany would be good choices. They can be left unfinished to weather naturally, or given a clear preservative finish.
Shop Stool/Stepladder
What’s better than a simple stool project? A ridiculously simple one. Here are plans for a workshop stool you can make, inspired by that ‘simpler is better’ concept.
Folding Outdoor Bar
This folding outdoor bar is a really fun project to build. It tests your ability to complete to cut different width grooves and matching the grooves to board thickness. It challenges your notch-cutting prowess. It expands your knowledge about different ways to glue up boards. But when you are finished, it might be the most satisfying project to put together and showoff.
Plus: Check out more cool gear you need for tailgating this season.
Stand-Up Tool Caddy
When you need to carry your tools to the task at hand, you could use a toolbox. But unlike a toolbox, a slick tool caddy puts all your necessary tools in plain sight. With a little imagination, it can be configured to hold whatever tools or fasteners you like. The caddy stands up on its own when in use and hangs flat on the wall between projects. Plus: Here are more cheap workshop storage solutions you can DIY.
Foldable Hammock Stand
Lounging in a hammock is the perfect way to relax—if you have just the right pair of trees or supports to hang it from. If you don’t, this folding stand will do the trick. It folds up flat for easy storage, and large casters make it easy to move from the yard back to the garage. We built the stand from Douglas fir, which is pretty heavy. Using cedar will decrease the weight but double the cost.
Sofa Arm Tray Table
No side table? No problem! This handy tray sits on the arm of a sofa or chair, and it’s really easy to build. Keep your reading materials, coffee and electronics close by.
Grab and Go Cord Rack
If you hang all of your cords on one hook, you already know the problem: You have to remove a bunch of cords to get at the one you want. You could have separate hooks for each cord, but that would eat up too much precious wall space in your shop. This cord rack is the perfect solution. It stacks cords to use space efficiently and lets you instantly grab any cord without digging. Build one for yourself with these plans.
