20 Things to Build from 2x2 Wood Boards

Next up in our #2x4andMore Week — 20 things you can build with 2×2 wood!

“Wait, what? 2x2s? I thought this week was about 2x4s!”

Yes, you’re right — this week is all about 2x4s and other structural lumber, so we didn’t want to forget the 2×4’s smaller brother, the versatile and useful 2×2. Each of these projects can be built from 2x2s purchased at the lumber store OR get extra DIY points for milling your own 2x2s from 2x4s like Corey shows here in Tip #10. Plus, check out all the other 2x4andMore projects here for projects to build with 2x4s, 2x6s, 4x4s, and more. Share your projects here or by tagging #2x4andmore and #imaremodelaholic on social media.

Twenty 2×2 Wood Projects

We’ll start simple — simply cut 2x2s into squares to make easy building blocks! That’s My Letter has an easy secret to making them colorful while still being kid-safe, too — plus several other projects you can use the wood blocks for. This would also be a fun smaller way to make our favorite Yardzee game to play this summer.

Take a more modern and grown-up approach to 2×2 blocks with this wood block art at A Beautiful Mess. The variation in heights and colors makes for a very nice piece of wall decor.

Make simple but chic corbels for open shelves — Twelve on Main used reclaimed wood for some extra beautiful finishing!

Make a mason jar hanger with Thrifty and Chic — it would be great for a small wreath, too, to add some height and variety to your mantel.

We are fans of all things house-shaped, and this house shelf is so adorable filled with kids toys! Get the building plan here — you’ll need a piece of plywood plus 15 2x2s (or 8 2x4s ripped into two, which is actually more cost-effective if you have the tools).

Put those 2x2s to work in the garden with this DIY potato tower at Simply Darrling.

These bar stools built by Modern Builds are inexpensive and would look so fun painted in a fun color…

like this bright green cube coat rack! Just a few 2x2s and a couple of dowels make for some great family entryway storage. Get the tutorial here.

I love the stacked and variegated look that these 2×2 hexagon planters have! Mylove2create made one for the tabletop and one for a wall planter, too.

This little playhouse reading frame is just so adorable! Get the building plan here –it only requires 7 2x2s, so your total cost is under $20!

Keep your firewood organized with this easy log holder from That’s My Letter.

And, can you say easy? Make a large planter on a dime with a couple of 2x2s and a couple cement pavers, thanks to this tutorial by Ana White.

Stuffed animals taking over your kids’ rooms? or the house? Corral them with this easy stuffed animal storage by The Handyman’s Daughter.

Corral the other clutter as well, with this cubby unit built from 2x2s by Pneumatic Addict — Elisha built the metal storage boxes, too!

One of the most common uses for 2x2s is as a furniture base for small tables or benches — just look at all the different styles you can make with a simple 2×2!

You can build a basic parson’s table frame from 2x2s

or a faux metal coffee table base — extra gorgeous when it’s finished with reclaimed wood!

2x2s worked great for the base for Pneumatic Addict‘s modern nesting coffee tables — more tabletop space when you need it, without taking up floor space when you don’t!

That’s My Letter used brackets and 2x2s to create a base for a round coffee table

and The Handyman’s Daughter created a similar base with a totally different end result for her hexagon side table.

Some additional hardware makes the 2×2 legs and frame look a little more rustic in this bedside table tutorial.

Or you can add some extra style by tapering a basic 2×2 leg, following this helpful tutorial from Build Basic

And the same type of box frame used on a table can make a great bench frame, too, which is then ready for a beautiful top, like this wood chevron bench