TedsWoodworking has been making waves in the DIY community, claiming to offer the world’s largest database of woodworking plans. But after spending several weeks testing this collection and building multiple projects from their plans, I wanted to share my honest experience with you.
Here’s the thing: I’ve reviewed dozens of woodworking plan collections over the years, and most of them fall frustratingly short. They either lack critical measurements, skip essential steps, or assume you’re already a master craftsman with a fully-equipped workshop. So when I heard about Ted McGrath’s collection of 16,000 plans, I was skeptical but curious.
In this comprehensive review, I’ll walk you through exactly what you get with TedsWoodworking, who it’s actually designed for, and whether it delivers on its promises. I’ll also share the projects I built, the pros and cons I discovered, and help you decide if this investment makes sense for your woodworking journey.
What Exactly Is TedsWoodworking?
TedsWoodworking is a digital library created by Ted “Woody” McGrath, a certified master woodworker with over 25 years of experience. The collection includes 16,000 woodworking plans covering everything from simple birdhouses to complex furniture pieces, outdoor structures, and workshop equipment.
What sets this apart from free plans you might find on Pinterest or YouTube is the level of detail. Each plan comes with step-by-step instructions, cutting lists, materials lists, detailed schematics, and multiple-angle views. Think of it as having a master woodworker standing beside you, guiding you through each cut and joint.
The platform delivers everything digitally through a members-only area, which means you get instant access after purchase. You can view plans on your phone or tablet while working in your shop, print what you need, or even order physical DVDs if you prefer offline access.
Who Created TedsWoodworking?
Ted McGrath isn’t just another internet marketer selling downloadable plans. He’s a member of the Architectural Woodwork Institute (AWI) and has spent decades teaching woodworking in workshop classes. According to his background, he started compiling these plans because he got frustrated with the garbage quality of most commercially available woodworking instructions.
I can relate to that frustration. I’ve purchased individual plans from magazines and websites that left out critical information, forcing me to guess at measurements or techniques. It’s maddening when you’re halfway through a project and realize the plans are incomplete.
What’s Actually Included in the Package?
Let me break down what you receive when you purchase TedsWoodworking, because the offering is more comprehensive than just “16,000 plans.”
The Core Plan Database
The heart of the package is access to 16,000 woodworking plans organized into categories. These aren’t just sketches—each plan includes:
- Step-by-step instructions written in clear, beginner-friendly language
- Cutting lists showing exact dimensions for every piece of wood
- Materials lists so you know precisely what to buy (no more wasting money on wrong quantities)
- Detailed schematics with measurements clearly labeled
- Multiple viewing angles showing how pieces fit together from different perspectives
The categories cover an impressive range. I’m talking about furniture (beds, tables, chairs, cabinets), outdoor projects (sheds, gazebos, playhouses, chicken coops), workshop equipment (workbenches, tool storage, jigs), decorative items (picture frames, mirrors, clocks), and specialized builds (guitars, boats, dollhouses).
Honestly, the variety is overwhelming at first. I spent my first evening just browsing through categories, bookmarking projects I wanted to try.
Lifetime Monthly Plan Updates
This was a pleasant surprise. You’re not just buying a static collection—you get lifetime access to new plans that Ted and his workshop team create every month. There are no recurring fees for this; it’s included in your one-time purchase.
In my experience, this keeps the collection fresh and relevant. New woodworking trends emerge, new techniques develop, and having ongoing updates means you’re not stuck with outdated information.
Custom Plan Requests
Here’s something unique: you can actually request custom plans for specific projects. If you have a particular piece in mind that’s not in the existing database, Ted’s team of craftsmen will draft a custom plan for you.
I haven’t personally used this feature yet, but it adds significant value, especially for folks working on unique builds or renovations where standard plans won’t work.
Four Bonus Resources
The package includes four bonuses that genuinely enhance the value:
DWG/CAD Plan Viewer Software – This is huge. Professional CAD software like AutoCAD costs nearly $2,000, but TedsWoodworking includes a viewer that lets you open, edit, and modify plans. You can customize dimensions, make design changes, or even create your own plans from scratch.
150 Premium Video Tutorials – Sometimes you need to see a technique in action. The video library covers fundamental and advanced woodworking skills, hosted by experienced woodworkers. New videos are added regularly, and I found them particularly helpful for techniques like cutting dovetails and working with hand tools.
How to Start a Woodworking Business Guide – If you’re interested in turning your hobby into income, this 27-page guide covers marketing, pricing, finding suppliers, licensing requirements, and scaling your operation. Several customers apparently make side income selling projects they build from these plans.
Complete Woodworking Guides – This is essentially a 200+ page textbook covering woodworking fundamentals, tool usage, joinery techniques, and problem-solving tips. It’s written clearly with detailed diagrams, and I reference it regularly when tackling unfamiliar techniques.
My Hands-On Testing Experience
I wanted to test TedsWoodworking with real projects, so I selected three builds at different skill levels: a simple knife block, a mid-level coffee table, and a more ambitious outdoor garden bench.
Project 1: Kitchen Knife Block (Beginner)
This was my starting point to test whether the plans truly work for beginners. The instructions were exceptionally clear—every step was numbered and explained in plain language. The cutting list told me exactly what lumber to buy (I spent $18 at my local hardware store), and the materials list included everything down to the wood glue and sandpaper.
What impressed me most was the schematic showing how the slots should be cut for different knife sizes. Many free plans I’ve seen just show you the final product without explaining how to create the internal structure. This plan walked me through using a table saw to cut precise slots, and the finished piece actually looked professional.
Build time: About 3 hours total
Cost: $18 in materials
Difficulty rating: Easy (perfect for beginners)
Project 2: Modern Coffee Table (Intermediate)
This project tested whether the plans provided enough detail for more complex builds. The coffee table design included angled legs, a lower shelf, and required several different joinery techniques.
The multiple-angle views were invaluable here. I could see exactly how the legs attached to the tabletop from different perspectives, which eliminated guesswork. The plans also included a helpful tip about pre-drilling holes to prevent wood splitting—a detail that saved me from a costly mistake.
One area where I had to improvise: the plans suggested a specific wood stain color, but I wanted something darker. The beauty of having digital access meant I could reference the plans on my tablet while shopping for stain alternatives.
Build time: Two weekends (about 12 hours)
Cost: $127 in materials
Difficulty rating: Intermediate (requires basic joinery skills)
Project 3: Garden Bench (Advanced)
This outdoor bench incorporated curved elements and required more advanced cutting techniques. The plans were detailed enough that I felt confident tackling it despite the complexity.
What I appreciated most was how the instructions broke down the curved backrest construction. Instead of assuming I knew how to create curves (I didn’t), the plan showed me exactly how to create a template, trace it onto the wood, and cut it safely using a jigsaw. This kind of hand-holding is exactly what beginners and intermediate woodworkers need.
The finished bench has been sitting on my patio for three weeks now, and I’m genuinely proud of it. Friends have asked where I bought it, which is the ultimate compliment for a DIY project.
Build time: Three weekends (about 20 hours)
Cost: $215 in materials (using pressure-treated lumber)
Difficulty rating: Advanced (but achievable with the detailed instructions)
The Real Strengths of TedsWoodworking
After working with this collection for several weeks, here’s what genuinely stands out:
Exceptional Detail and Clarity
The instructions don’t assume you know anything. They explain each step thoroughly, include precise measurements, and anticipate common questions. I never felt lost or confused during any of my builds, which is remarkable considering I’ve been frustrated countless times by incomplete plans from other sources.
Plans for Genuinely All Skill Levels
I tested this claim deliberately by choosing beginner, intermediate, and advanced projects. It’s true—there are thousands of simple projects perfect for someone who’s never touched a saw, alongside complex furniture builds that would challenge experienced woodworkers.
The beginner plans don’t feel dumbed down or boring either. You’re building legitimate, useful items, not just practicing cuts on scrap wood.
Cost Savings Through Accurate Materials Lists
This might sound minor, but it’s incredibly valuable. Before TedsWoodworking, I routinely over-purchased materials because I wasn’t sure exactly what I needed. The precise cutting and materials lists meant I bought only what was necessary for each project.
On my coffee table build alone, I estimate this saved me $30-40 in unnecessary lumber purchases. Over multiple projects, those savings add up quickly.
Mobile Access Is Genuinely Convenient
Being able to pull up plans on my phone while standing at my workbench is more useful than I expected. No more walking back and forth to check printed plans or trying to prop up a laptop in a dusty workshop.
The plans are formatted well for mobile viewing, with clear images that scale properly on smaller screens.
Legitimate Concerns and Drawbacks
I want to be completely transparent about the limitations I discovered:
Overwhelming Volume Initially
Sixteen thousand plans sounds exciting until you’re trying to find something specific. The categorization helps, but I still found myself spending 20-30 minutes browsing through sections before finding exactly what I wanted.
This isn’t necessarily a dealbreaker, but be prepared for a learning curve navigating the database. Creating a personal folder of bookmarked favorites helped me stay organized.
Variable Quality Across the Collection
Not every plan is created equal. The vast majority are excellent, but I encountered a handful that felt less polished than others. Some older plans had lower-quality images or slightly less detailed instructions.
To be fair, with 16,000 plans contributed by Ted and hundreds of students over 25 years, some variation is expected. The core collection I tested was consistently high quality, and the monthly updates seem to maintain that standard.
Requires Basic Tool Access
While the marketing emphasizes that you don’t need expensive equipment, you still need fundamental tools: a saw (circular or miter), drill, sander, measuring tools, and clamps at minimum.
If you’re completely new to woodworking and don’t own any tools yet, factor in those startup costs. However, many beginner plans do work with just hand tools, which reduces the initial investment significantly.
Digital-Only Default Format
The immediate access is digital. If you prefer working with printed plans (as many traditional woodworkers do), you’ll need to print them yourself or pay extra for the DVD/USB option.
I actually prefer digital access for the convenience, but this could be a downside for folks who want physical references or have limited computer access in their workshops.
Is TedsWoodworking Worth the Investment?
Let’s talk about pricing, because this is where things get interesting.
The package is currently offered at $67 as a one-time payment. No monthly fees, no recurring charges, no hidden costs. You get lifetime access to all 16,000 plans, monthly updates, custom plan requests, and all four bonuses for that single payment.
To put this in perspective: individual woodworking plans from magazines or websites typically cost $10-20 each. If you purchased just 10 individual plans elsewhere, you’d spend $100-200. Here, you’re getting 16,000 plans plus bonuses for $67.
The value proposition is genuinely compelling if you’re serious about woodworking as a hobby or side business.
Who Should Buy TedsWoodworking?
This collection makes sense for:
- Beginners who want comprehensive guidance without guesswork
- Intermediate woodworkers looking to expand their project repertoire
- Hobbyists who enjoy trying different types of builds
- People with limited workshop space (many plans work for small spaces)
- DIYers who want to save money building furniture instead of buying retail
- Aspiring woodworking business owners who need project ideas to sell
Who Might Want to Skip It?
This probably isn’t ideal if you:
- Only want to build one or two specific projects (buying individual plans might make more sense)
- Are a master craftsman who creates custom designs exclusively
- Don’t have access to any woodworking tools and aren’t ready to invest in basics
- Prefer learning exclusively through in-person classes or mentorship
Comparing TedsWoodworking to Alternatives
I’ve tested several woodworking plan resources, so here’s how TedsWoodworking stacks up:
vs. Free Online Plans (Pinterest, YouTube, blogs): Free plans are hit-or-miss. Some are excellent, many are incomplete. TedsWoodworking offers consistency and depth that free resources rarely match. The time you save not searching for quality plans is worth considering.
vs. Woodworking Magazines: Magazine subscriptions cost $30-50 annually and provide maybe 50-100 plans per year. You’d need decades of subscriptions to match this collection’s volume. TedsWoodworking also provides more detail than typical magazine plans.
vs. Individual Plan Purchases: At $10-20 per plan, buying individually gets expensive fast. If you plan to build more than 5-7 projects, TedsWoodworking becomes more economical.
vs. Woodworking Classes: In-person classes offer hands-on instruction that no digital plan can replace, but they cost $100-500+ per class. TedsWoodworking complements formal education rather than replacing it.
The 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
TedsWoodworking includes a 60-day satisfaction guarantee. If you’re not happy with the collection, you can request a full refund within 60 days—no questions asked.
This removes most of the purchase risk. You have two full months to test the plans, build projects, and decide if it meets your needs. That’s plenty of time to work through several builds and evaluate the quality.
The refund is processed through ClickBank, an established payment processor that’s been operating since 1997, which adds legitimacy to the guarantee.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I access the plans after purchasing?
You receive instant digital access through a members-only area. After payment, you’ll get an email with login credentials. You can view and download plans immediately from any device with internet access. There’s also an option to purchase physical DVDs or USB drives for offline access.
Do I need a large workshop to use these plans?
No. Many projects are designed for small spaces. Ted himself started with a 7×8 workshop, and numerous plans are specifically created for compact workspaces. The collection includes mobile workbench plans that maximize limited space.
Can I really sell items I build from these plans?
Yes, absolutely. Many TedsWoodworking customers have developed side businesses selling their finished projects. The “How to Start a Woodworking Business” bonus guide specifically addresses turning your hobby into income.
Are the plans suitable for absolute beginners?
Yes. The majority of the 16,000 plans are beginner-friendly, with clear step-by-step instructions that don’t assume prior knowledge. Start with simple projects like cutting boards or small boxes to build confidence, then progress to more complex builds.
Is this a monthly subscription?
No. The current offer is a one-time payment of $67 for lifetime access. There are no recurring fees or monthly charges. You get permanent access to all current plans plus future monthly updates at no additional cost.
What if I only need plans for specific projects?
While you can’t purchase plans individually at this price point, the $67 cost is less than buying 4-5 individual plans elsewhere. Even if you only use a fraction of the collection, the value typically exceeds individual plan purchases. Plus, you’ll have thousands of options available for future projects.
How current are the woodworking plans?
The collection includes both classic designs and modern projects. New plans are added monthly to keep the database current with contemporary styles and techniques. Lifetime access to monthly updates ensures you’re not stuck with outdated information.
My Final Verdict
After several weeks of hands-on testing, I genuinely believe TedsWoodworking delivers on its core promise: providing comprehensive, detailed woodworking plans that make projects accessible to builders of all skill levels.
Is it perfect? No. The sheer volume can feel overwhelming initially, and you’ll encounter occasional plans that aren’t quite as polished as others. But the overall quality, the depth of instruction, and the practical value far outweigh these minor drawbacks.
For $67, you’re getting access to more woodworking plans than most people could complete in a lifetime, along with valuable bonuses and ongoing updates. If you’re serious about woodworking—whether as a hobby, creative outlet, or potential business—this represents excellent value.
The 60-day guarantee eliminates the financial risk, giving you ample time to test the plans and decide if they meet your needs. Based on my testing, most woodworkers will find this collection valuable enough to keep.
My recommendation: If you’re planning to build more than a handful of woodworking projects over the coming years, TedsWoodworking is worth the investment. Start with beginner-friendly plans to build confidence, bookmark your favorites for easy access, and gradually work your way toward more complex builds.
The satisfaction of building beautiful, functional items with your own hands—guided by clear, comprehensive plans—is genuinely rewarding. TedsWoodworking makes that experience more accessible and less frustrating than piecing together incomplete instructions from random internet sources.