Family Handyman One Sheet Plywood Challenge 2026 close up of three editor projects

Family Handyman’s One-Sheet Plywood Challenge

Family Handyman's One-sheet Plywood Challenge logo over a plywood texture background

Plywood might just be the ultimate builder’s material. Affordable and adaptable, the possibilities truly are endless. We even built an entertainment console out of it in Family Handyman’s debut issue in 1951. So to celebrate our 75th anniversary, we’re giving you the chance to win big just for doing what you love: building something great with plywood.

About the Contest

The contest is simple: Grab a single sheet of plywood and build something amazing — furniture, art, a kids’ toy, whatever inspires you. Then submit your photos and/or video through the entry form at the bottom of this page. Our judges, including celebrity guests Nick Offerman and Lee Buchanan, will pick the winners.


We're looking for household projects—think chairs, tables, bookshelves, desks, benches, storage cabinets, and the like. Entries may be functional or purely artistic.

Entrants must construct a household project from a single 4’ x 8’ sheet of plywood. The contest is skill-based, and winners will be selected based on craftsmanship, creativity, and effective use of materials.

A complete submission must include:

  • One or more photos of your completed project 
  • At least one photo of you with your finished project
  • A cut list showing the dimensions of each component
  • A sketch or diagram illustrating how all parts nest within a standard 4×8 sheet of plywood
  • Optional: Videos documenting the build process are encouraged but not required.

Contest entries must be received no later than June 30, 2026.

  • Materials: Your project must be constructed from a single 4×8-foot sheet of plywood or MDF of one thickness (combining materials from multiple sheets is not permitted). All components of the project must fit within a standard 4x8 footprint.
  • Tools: Use whatever tools you have available to build your design. CNC machines are welcome.
  • Fasteners & Joinery: All fasteners, specialty furniture hardware and adhesives are permitted.
  • Finishes: Finishing products such as paint, stain, sealers, wood filler, etc. are all permitted. Finishing your project is encouraged but not required.


Prizes

🥇 1st Place: $2,500 and a trip to Family Handyman’s Milwaukee studio

🥈 2nd Place: $1,500 · 🥉 3rd Place: $1,000

Projects for Inspiration

"To give your piece a professional look, learn how to hide nails and sink screws below the surface. This one little thing will make any piece of wood look better. "
Carmen De La Paz
Supervising Project Editor

Plywood Playbook

"Sandpaper can and should be your best friend. Don't fight it. You want people to enjoy your work not, get splinters from it!"
Carmen De La Paz
Supervising Project Editor

Essential Tools

"You can hide bad plywood with good joinery, but you can't hide bad joinery with good plywood."
Ethan O'Donnell
Deputy Editor

Submit Your Project