Modern Scrap-Wood Reindeer
✨ Modern Scrap-Wood Reindeer – ✨ Give your porch a cozy, modern holiday touch with these simple wooden reindeer made entirely from basic lumber scraps. This project uses straight cuts, common 1x and 2x boards, and a few branches for antlers — no fancy tools needed. Build one or build a whole herd in an afternoon! What You’ll Love • ✔ Made from scrap wood you may already have • ✔ Clean, modern design that matches any style • ✔ Beginner-friendly cuts and assembly • ✔ Perfect for porches, mantels, or indoor décor • ✔ Customize with stain, scarves, or greenery from
Specifications
| Project type | Home Decor |
|---|---|
| Room | Outdoor |
| Difficulty | Starter Projects |
Dimensions
Use the size-specific shopping and cut lists below.
Shopping List
- 1 - 2x2 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 1x8 or similar @ 40" long
- 1 - 2x4 @ 8 feet long
- 1 - 4x4 scrap about 8" long - can use 2 - 2x4s sandwiched together if you don't have a 4x4
- 2-3/4" self tapping wood screws
- 1-3/4" self tapping wood screws
Cut List
- 1 - 2x4 @ 17-3/4" neck
- 1 - 2x4 @ 20-3/4" - on end cut at 15 degrees off square, long point measurement
- 1 - 2x4 @ 6-1/2"
- 1 - 2x4 @ 14" - neck
- 1 - 2x2 @ 11" - ears
- 2 - 1x8 @ 20" - sides
- 4 - 2x2 @ 21" - long point is 10 degrees off square
- 1 - 4x4 @ 7-1/2"
Tools
- measuring tape
- square
- pencil
- safety glasses
- drill
- compound miter saw
Step-by-step Instructions
Step 1
Build the body with 2-3/4" screws
Attach the front neck piece.
NOTE: I did not attach the top piece at this stage because it wouldn't allow my project to sit flat. I did this as the last step.
Step 3
Attach the sides to the body with the shorter screws.
Step 4
This was a little tricky - what I did was attach the legs with one screw on each leg, then set the reindeer upright to make sure it wasn't wobbly, and rotated the legs as needed to get them to set flat. Then I attach the legs with a second screw.
The face is attached from the back with screws.
I would attach the ears/top 2x2 at this point.
Finishing
Sand all surfaces, starting with a medium grit and finishing with fine. Wipe off the dust, fill any holes or gaps with wood filler, and sand smooth once dry. Apply primer if you're painting, then finish with your choice of paint or stain and seal with a durable clear topcoat. For outdoor projects, use exterior-rated primer, paint or stain, and sealer so the piece stands up to the weather.
Source (temporary): https://www.ana-white.com/woodworking-projects/modern-scrap-wood-reindeer-free-plans