Teds Woodworking Review: 16,000 Plans for Every Skill Level

Whether you're a weekend hobbyist or a seasoned woodworker, finding reliable plans is a perennial frustration. Magazine projects leave out critical dimensions. Free online plans often have confusing instructions or missing steps. Ted's Woodworking claims to solve this with a massive library of 16,000+ projects—but does it deliver?

What's Included

The package provides step-by-step plans for everything from birdhouses and Adirondack chairs to barns, cabinets, and custom furniture. Each project includes:

• Detailed cut lists and material specifications
• Full-color photos of the finished piece
• Clear, numbered instructions with diagrams
• Blueprints with multiple views

Projects are categorized by difficulty, so beginners can start simple (a planter box, a stool) while advanced woodworkers tackle complex joinery (a roll-top desk, a timber-frame shed).

Standout Features

Visual Clarity

Every plan includes full-color photos showing the completed project from multiple angles. You know exactly what you're building before you make the first cut.

Beginner-Friendly Design

Ted McGrath, a professional woodworker and educator, structured the collection around common pain points: vague measurements, assumed knowledge, and tools you don't own. Plans specify common tools and offer alternatives.

Bonus Resources

• Free CAD plan viewer for digital modifications
• 200+ page woodworking guide with tips and techniques
• 150+ video tutorials (regularly updated) covering joinery, finishing, tool use, and project walkthroughs

Real-World Value

Custom furniture costs thousands; building it yourself saves 50–70% on materials alone. Users report completing projects in a single weekend that would have taken weeks with magazine plans. The searchable database lets you filter by project type, skill level, and material—no more flipping through back issues.

Considerations

The sheer volume (16,000 plans) can feel overwhelming. Use the search and category filters. Some plans are simpler variations of core designs. A stable internet connection is needed for video access. The one-time purchase includes lifetime updates.

For anyone serious about woodworking—whether to furnish a home, build a shop, or just enjoy the craft—Ted's Woodworking is a comprehensive, well-organized resource that eliminates the guesswork. The plans are thorough, the support materials are genuine, and the ROI on your first few projects covers the cost many times over.