Woodworking Book Recommendations
-
Encyclopedia of Furniture Making is widely regarded as a definitive, comprehensive resource for anyone interested in crafting, designing, or restoring furniture. It spans hundreds of pages covering everything from wood selection and timber properties to joinery techniques, finishing methods, cabinetry, and restoration.
Richly illustrated with both color photographs and detailed drawings, the book explains classic hand-tool methods as well as machine-based techniques, making it useful whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker.
-
A Reverence for Wood is a reflective and richly illustrated exploration of wood, its history, beauty, and the deep relationship people have built with this natural material. The book highlights traditional craftsmanship, early-American ingenuity, and the way wood has shaped everyday life and culture.
-
The Anarchist’s Workbench is a practical and straightforward guide to building a strong, reliable woodworking bench using affordable construction lumber and simple tools. The author shares more than twenty years of research into historical workbench designs and explains how these ideas shaped the final bench presented in the book.
It includes detailed plans for a bench that weighs hundreds of pounds, uses only twelve mortise and tenon joints, and can be built for a modest cost. Along the way, the book clears up many common misunderstandings about workbenches, such as what materials are truly necessary and which features genuinely matter.
Part instruction manual and part personal reflection, this book celebrates functional design, honest craftsmanship, and the value of building your own tools. If you want a bench that performs exceptionally well without unnecessary complexity, this is one of the most respected resources available.
-
The Complete Manual of Woodworking is a classic reference that covers nearly every aspect of the craft, from understanding wood and selecting materials to mastering essential techniques. The book includes more than 1,800 drawings, diagrams, and photographs that illustrate everything from tool use and joinery to design principles and furniture construction. It explains the behavior of different hardwoods and softwoods, shows how to set up a functional workshop, and provides guidance on hand tools, power tools, carving, bending, veneering, and finishing. Clear explanations, detailed visuals, and broad coverage make it valuable for beginners learning the fundamentals and for experienced woodworkers who want a reliable source to return to again and again.
-
The Why and How of Woodworking by Michael Pekovich is a thoughtful and inspiring guide that blends craftsmanship, design, and personal philosophy. Pekovich explains core woodworking skills such as choosing lumber, using hand tools, cutting joinery, and applying finishes, and he supports these lessons with clear instructions, measured drawings, and full-color photos. The book also walks through projects including cabinets, tables, boxes, and casework, showing how careful design choices and mindful shop habits lead to work that is both functional and meaningful. It encourages woodworkers to slow down, enjoy the process, and create pieces that reflect their own vision and values.
