Pocket Hole Projects

Simple Picture Frame

• This is a quick and easy project, a great beginner's project. Decide the size of the frame, measure and cut the sides. Cut 45-degree angles on the ends, match the ends and use the pocket hole to make the joint holes. After that, glue, add screws and put in caps to fill the holes. All that is left is to put in your favorite picture.

  The variations of this project follow the same procedures. Make a door or window frame by making a "picture frame" the size of their opening and screwing or nailing the frame over them. Instead of putting a picture in the frame, add corkboard for a bulletin board or to hang artful greeting cards. Attach the frame over a mirror. Another way is get the self-adhesive mirror tiles and apply one at eye level on the wall. Measure and make a frame to fit over it with the opening the same size as the mirror. Fasten the frame to the wall, framing the mirror. This eliminates the need to router the 1/4 inch of mirror depth from the frame.

Knickknack Shelf

• This project uses the pocket hole to join the sides to the top and the back. It can also be used to fasten the shelf to the wall. The shelf's measurements can be increased to make a bookshelf. For a bookshelf or shelf that will have a heavier load, the number of holes for fastening needs to be increased as well. The shelf can be made with a groove along the top to accommodate a decorative plate.

  Another option is to add pegs or hooks to the front edge to make a coffee cup hanger. Attach larger hooks to the top shelf, turn it upside down, reverse the angle of the holes for fastening, and hang spatulas or pans from it.

Simple End Table

• Four legs and a square or rectangle top are all that is needed for this project. Attach the legs using two holes from the pocket hole for each leg. This can be stained or painted. The top can be made with wood slats that are joined together with the pocket hole joints. Adding more pieces or larger joints can change this project to a full-sized dinner table, workbench, cabinets, chairs or any other type of furniture out there. With the strong joints made by the pocket hole system, the different projects are limited only by the user's creativity.