This one's a bit different from the supplements on this site — Ted's Woodworking is a digital library of woodworking plans, not a health product. It's worth covering here because it comes up constantly in "best DIY resources" conversations, and it's easy to be unclear on what you actually get for the price.
What is Ted's Woodworking?
Ted's Woodworking is a digital package created by Ted McGrath, described as a member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute, containing over 16,000 woodworking plans. It's sold as an instant digital download rather than a physical product, and it's aimed at everyone from complete beginners to more experienced builders.
What's Included
- 16,000+ project plans. Covering categories from small crafts and birdhouses to furniture, sheds, decks, and larger outdoor structures.
- Step-by-step instructions. Each plan includes a written guide meant to walk the builder through the process from start to finish.
- Material and cutting lists. Listed measurements and materials for each project, intended to reduce wasted lumber and guesswork.
- Diagrams and blueprints. Visual references included alongside the written instructions for each plan.
Who It's Meant For
The package is marketed toward two different groups: complete beginners looking for simple, well-explained starter projects (boxes, shelves, small crafts), and more experienced woodworkers who want a large, organized library of blueprints for bigger builds like furniture, garden structures, or even small buildings. The brand also markets it as a resource for people interested in selling handcrafted items as a side project.
Good to Know
Because this is a plans-and-instructions product rather than a physical kit, the actual cost of any given project still depends on the lumber, tools, and hardware needed — the package provides the blueprint, not the materials. Quality and clarity can vary somewhat between individual plans, as is common with large libraries like this one. Basic tools (saw, drill, measuring tape) are enough for many of the simpler projects, but larger builds will require more equipment and woodworking experience.
A more detailed, in-depth review of Ted's Woodworking is on the way — this article is meant as a quick starting point for anyone researching the product for the first time.