Woodworking is a fulfilling hobby and a valuable skill, but one of the biggest challenges for beginners and experienced woodworkers alike is finding high-quality, easy-to-follow project plans. The internet is filled with scattered blueprints, and many free plans lack the detail needed to execute projects successfully.
This is where Teds Woodworking claims to come in. Promoted as a massive collection of 16,000 woodworking plans, this product promises to provide step-by-step guides, material lists, and detailed instructions for a variety of projects. Whether you’re looking to build furniture, outdoor structures, or decorative items, Teds Woodworking says it has something for you.
But with so many woodworking plans available online—both free and paid—the question remains: Is Teds Woodworking actually worth it? Or is it just another overhyped product? In this review, we’ll take a deep dive into its contents, quality, usability, and real customer feedback to help you decide if it’s the right choice for you.
What is Teds Woodworking?
Who is Ted McGrath?
Teds Woodworking is created by Ted McGrath, who is introduced as a certified master woodworker, educator, and woodworking enthusiast. According to the sales page, McGrath compiled over 16,000 woodworking plans to help both beginners and professionals complete projects with clear, easy-to-follow instructions.
However, some skepticism exists around Ted McGrath’s background. There is limited public information about his professional credentials, and some critics have questioned whether he is a real person or just a marketing persona for the product.
What Does Teds Woodworking Offer?
Teds Woodworking is marketed as an all-in-one package for woodworking enthusiasts. It claims to provide:
✅ 16,000+ Woodworking Plans – Covering a wide range of projects.
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions – Each plan includes blueprints, diagrams, and material lists.
✅ A 200-Page Carpentry Guide – Covers basic and advanced woodworking techniques.
✅ 150+ Premium Videos – Demonstrations of various woodworking skills.
✅ Lifetime Access & Monthly Plan Updates – New projects added regularly.
✅ Works on All Devices – Plans can be accessed on computers, tablets, and smartphones.
✅ 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee – A refund policy for dissatisfied customers.
Sounds impressive, right? But let’s take a closer look at what you actually get inside the package.
What’s Included in the Package?
Once you purchase Teds Woodworking, you receive access to a large digital library of woodworking plans and instructional materials. Here’s what you get:
✅ 16,000+ Woodworking Plans
One of the biggest selling points of Teds Woodworking is its massive collection of project plans. These cover a broad range of categories, including:
- Furniture Plans (Chairs, tables, shelves, cabinets)
- Outdoor Structures (Sheds, pergolas, treehouses, gazebos)
- Toys & Small Projects (Birdhouses, wooden puzzles, dog houses)
- Woodturning & Decorative Items
- Home Improvement (Workbenches, storage units, toolboxes)
While the variety is impressive, some users have pointed out that the actual number of unique, high-quality plans is far lower than 16,000, as many appear to be duplicates or low-resolution scans from older sources.
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions & Detailed Diagrams
Each plan is supposed to include:
✔ Blueprints & Layout Drawings – Visual representations of project assembly.
✔ Material Lists – A breakdown of all materials required.
✔ Cutting Instructions – Dimensions for each piece of wood.
✔ Step-by-Step Directions – A structured guide on how to put everything together.
However, user reviews are mixed on the clarity and accuracy of these instructions. Some plans are well-detailed, while others are incomplete, poorly formatted, or confusing.
✅ 200-Page Woodworking Carpentry Guide
This guide covers:
- Basics of woodworking, including tools and materials.
- Advanced techniques such as dovetail joints, wood finishes, and carving.
- Safety guidelines for power tools and hand tools.
While informative, some users feel that this guide repeats basic knowledge available for free online.
✅ 150 Premium Woodworking Videos
The package includes access to video tutorials, but many users report that:
- The quality of the videos is outdated.
- Some videos are not exclusive to Teds Woodworking and are freely available on YouTube.
✅ Lifetime Updates & Monthly New Plans
Teds Woodworking promises lifetime access with monthly new plan additions. However, there is no clear evidence that fresh, original plans are regularly added.
✅ 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
A major plus is that Teds Woodworking offers a full refund within 60 days if you’re not satisfied. However, some users report difficulties in actually getting their refund, with delayed responses from customer support.
Quality Assessment of the Plans
The success of any woodworking project depends on the accuracy and detail of the plans. So, how do Teds Woodworking plans hold up?
🔹 Blueprint Accuracy & Detail Level
✅ Some plans are well-detailed and easy to follow.
❌ Others have missing steps, vague instructions, or unclear diagrams.
❌ Some appear to be copied from older sources or magazines, raising concerns about originality.
🔹 Material & Cutting Lists
✅ Most plans include a materials list, making shopping easier.
❌ However, some users report incomplete or incorrect material lists, leading to wasted resources.
🔹 Originality of Plans
❌ There are claims that some plans are not original and are sourced from public domain materials.
❌ Many plans lack consistency in formatting and quality.
While some plans are helpful, the overall quality is inconsistent, making it unreliable for beginners who need precise, foolproof instructions.
Project Variety & Skill Levels
Teds Woodworking claims to cater to all skill levels, from absolute beginners to seasoned woodworkers. The projects can be divided into three categories:
🔰 Beginner-Friendly Projects
These include simple, easy-to-make items that require minimal tools:
✔ Birdhouses
✔ Cutting boards
✔ Small tables & stools
These projects are generally well-received by beginners.
⚙️ Intermediate-Level Projects
More complex projects that require power tools and joinery techniques:
✔ Cabinets & shelving units
✔ Workbenches
✔ Garden benches
Some plans in this category lack detail, which can make them challenging for intermediate woodworkers.
🏆 Advanced Projects
These require advanced woodworking skills and high precision:
✔ Outdoor structures (pergolas, gazebos, sheds)
✔ Intricate furniture pieces
✔ Wooden boats & musical instruments
Many of these lack complete instructions, making them frustrating for professionals looking for highly detailed plans.
Overall, while Teds Woodworking covers a wide range of projects, the inconsistent quality of instructions and diagrams may make it difficult for beginners and experts alike.
User Experience: Navigation & Usability
A key factor in determining the value of any digital product is how easy it is to navigate and use. Teds Woodworking provides a digital library of plans and guides that users can access after purchasing the package. But how user-friendly is it?
🔹 Website & Download Process
- After purchase, users receive login credentials to access the members’ area.
- The website looks outdated and lacks a modern, intuitive interface.
- Some users report slow loading times and occasional access issues.
- The plans are available in PDF format, which means they must be downloaded individually.
🔹 Finding the Right Plan
- With 16,000+ plans, you’d expect an advanced search and filtering system—but it’s not very effective.
- There’s no easy way to sort projects by difficulty level, category, or material type.
- Many users report that plans are not well-organized, making it time-consuming to find specific projects.
🔹 Print & Accessibility Issues
- Since the plans are only available as PDFs, they are not interactive like modern woodworking apps.
- Printing plans for workshop use can be a hassle, especially if the quality of the diagrams is poor.
Overall Usability Verdict
✅ Basic functionality works – You can download and view plans.
❌ Website is outdated & difficult to navigate.
❌ Lack of proper categorization & search features makes it frustrating to find specific projects.
Teds Woodworking would greatly benefit from a modern website redesign, a better search system, and an interactive mobile-friendly version.
Pricing & Value for Money
🔹 Cost of Teds Woodworking
The standard price of Teds Woodworking is $67 (one-time payment). Occasionally, promotions may bring the price down, but it remains a fixed one-time purchase.
Compared to other woodworking resources, this may seem like a good deal considering the large number of plans included. However, the real question is: Does it provide value for the price?
🔹 What Do You Get for the Money?
For $67, you receive:
✔ 16,000+ plans (though many are duplicates or low quality)
✔ 150 woodworking videos (some available for free elsewhere)
✔ A 200-page woodworking guide (basic information)
✔ Lifetime access & updates (though updates are questionable)
🔹 Is It Worth the Investment?
The value depends on what you expect from the product.
✅ Good for:
- People who want a large collection of ideas in one place.
- Hobbyists looking for simple projects without needing 100% accuracy.
- DIYers who don’t mind sorting through some lower-quality plans to find useful ones.
❌ Not ideal for:
- Professional woodworkers who need high-precision, detailed plans.
- People who expect unique, original content rather than rehashed designs.
- Those who prefer an interactive learning experience instead of PDFs.
Given the mixed quality of the plans and the lack of an intuitive platform, many users feel that free alternatives or other paid woodworking courses provide better value.
Customer Support & Money-Back Guarantee
🔹 Customer Support Experience
Teds Woodworking claims to offer 24/7 customer support, but user experiences vary.
✔ Some users report quick responses and helpful assistance.
❌ Others complain about slow response times, especially for refund requests.
❌ There is no live chat or direct phone support—only email support.
🔹 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee
One of the key selling points is the risk-free 60-day refund policy. In theory, if you are unhappy with the plans, you can request a full refund.
However, many users report:
- Delayed refunds – Some claim they had to follow up multiple times.
- Difficult refund process – Users sometimes receive pushback before getting a refund.
- No refund at all – A few users never received their money back.
While the guarantee exists, it may not be as hassle-free as advertised.
Real User Experiences & Reviews
🔹 Positive Reviews
Some users appreciate Teds Woodworking for the huge collection of ideas and say they found useful projects in the library. Common praise includes:
✅ A wide variety of woodworking plans for different skill levels.
✅ Step-by-step instructions (for some projects) are helpful.
✅ A decent option for beginners who just want simple DIY woodworking ideas.
🔹 Negative Reviews
Many users express disappointment due to low-quality plans and misleading marketing claims. Common complaints include:
❌ Plans are not truly “16,000” unique projects – Many duplicates and low-resolution scans.
❌ Some instructions are vague or incomplete, making it hard to follow.
❌ Website is outdated and difficult to navigate.
❌ Many plans appear to be sourced from old, free public domain materials.
🔹 Customer Ratings Summary
From various online reviews:
⭐ 3.0 / 5.0 – Mixed feedback, with some satisfied hobbyists but many disappointed users.
Overall, many users feel that Teds Woodworking does not fully live up to its marketing promises.
Comparison with Competitors
To see how Teds Woodworking stacks up, let’s compare it with some other popular woodworking resources:
| Feature | Teds Woodworking | Woodsmith Plans | DIY Woodworking Academy | Ana White’s Free Plans |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Number of Plans | 16,000+ (varied quality) | 1,500+ (high quality) | 500+ (video-based learning) | 500+ (free & DIY-focused) |
| Quality | Mixed (some clear, some poor) | High-quality professional plans | Well-explained, instructor-led | Clear, user-generated plans |
| Ease of Use | Outdated website, hard to navigate | Easy search & filter system | Well-structured learning | Simple website, beginner-friendly |
| Price | $67 (one-time) | $6/month or $39/year | $99+ for structured courses | Free |
| Best For | Hobbyists wanting lots of ideas | Serious woodworkers & DIYers | Those who prefer structured learning | DIY enthusiasts & beginners |
🔹 Key Takeaways from the Comparison
✔ Woodsmith Plans & DIY Woodworking Academy offer higher-quality and more structured plans.
✔ Ana White’s Free Plans provides free, beginner-friendly projects with clear instructions.
❌ Teds Woodworking has more plans, but at the cost of quality & usability.
Verdict:
If you’re looking for well-structured, reliable plans, Woodsmith Plans or DIY Woodworking Academy are better alternatives. If you just want a large database of ideas, Teds Woodworking might still be worth considering—but don’t expect professional-grade quality.
Final Verdict: Is Teds Woodworking Worth It?
Teds Woodworking is a widely marketed woodworking package that promises an extensive collection of 16,000+ plans, making it appealing to beginners and DIYers. However, after a detailed review, does it truly live up to its promises?
🔹 Pros: What Teds Woodworking Does Well
✅ Huge Collection of Plans – You get access to thousands of woodworking ideas.
✅ Covers a Variety of Projects – From basic decor to complex furniture, there’s something for everyone.
✅ Step-by-Step Instructions (for Some Plans) – Some projects are well-detailed, making them beginner-friendly.
✅ One-Time Purchase – Unlike subscription-based platforms, you only pay once.
✅ 60-Day Money-Back Guarantee – In theory, you can request a refund if unsatisfied.
🔹 Cons: Where Teds Woodworking Falls Short
❌ Overhyped Marketing Claims – The “16,000+ plans” promise is misleading, as many are duplicates or low-quality.
❌ Website & Navigation Issues – The platform is outdated, with poor search and filtering options.
❌ Inconsistent Plan Quality – Some plans are detailed, while others lack essential measurements and clarity.
❌ Not Ideal for Professional Woodworkers – Advanced woodworkers may find the instructions too basic or inaccurate.
❌ Refund Process Can Be Difficult – Some users report challenges in getting their money back.
🔹 Who Should Consider Teds Woodworking?
✔ Beginner DIY Enthusiasts – If you’re new to woodworking and want a large collection of ideas, this might work for you.
✔ Hobbyists Looking for Inspiration – If you just want basic plans to experiment with, you may find some value.
🔹 Who Should Look Elsewhere?
❌ Serious & Professional Woodworkers – You’re better off with platforms like Woodsmith Plans or DIY Woodworking Academy.
❌ People Expecting High-Quality, Unique Plans – Many plans are generic, and some are available for free elsewhere.
🔹 Final Rating: 3/5 ⭐⭐⭐☆☆
Teds Woodworking offers a large quantity of plans, but the quality is inconsistent. It might be useful for beginners looking for ideas, but serious woodworkers will likely find better alternatives.
Final Thoughts
Teds Woodworking isn’t a total scam, but it’s also not the revolutionary woodworking resource it claims to be. While it provides a large collection of plans, the lack of quality control, outdated website, and misleading marketing claims make it hard to recommend for serious woodworkers.
If you’re just looking for basic ideas for DIY woodworking, it might be worth checking out. However, for detailed, professional-grade woodworking plans, there are better alternatives.
