🍂 DIY Rustic Wooden Pumpkin from a 2x4

Fall is the perfect time to add some warm, rustic charm to your home. Instead of buying seasonal décor, why not build your own? This DIY wooden pumpkin is made from a single 2x4 board and comes together quickly with basic tools.

I’ll walk you through the steps so you can create your own — and if you’d like the full cut list, detailed diagrams, and printable PDF plan, you can grab it here:

👉 Download the Pumpkin Build Plans

🛠 Materials & Tools

• Lumber: 1 piece of 2x4x8’
• Fasteners: 2 ½” pocket hole screws, 2 ½” regular screws
• Other Supplies: wood glue, ribbon of choice, paint or stain
• Tools: miter saw, drill/driver, tape measure, Kreg pocket hole jig, ¼” drill bit, clamps (optional)

(Beginner-friendly. Estimated build time: 2–4 hours)

✂️ Step 1: Cut Your Pieces

From your 2x4, cut the pieces to length. The main body is built from different sections stacked together.

• Part D (base): 12” long
• Parts C: 9” each (x2)
• Parts B: 9” each (x4)
• Parts A: 9” each (x2, with angled corners)

Pro tip: Use a stop block on your saw to make repeat cuts quickly and accurately.

🔨 Step 2: Shape the Pumpkin Sections

Cut angles on the top corners of parts A. Then only cut angles on one side of parts B and C and leave one side flat on each. I'll try to include a photo. I cut all angles at t 45°. to create the pumpkin curve.

🪛 Step 3: Assemble the Body

Drill pocket holes in Part D and attach it to the C pieces with screws and glue. Attach the B pieces to the sides, then add the angled A pieces to the front and back. Clamp as you go to keep things aligned.

🎨 Step 4: Finish & Decorate

Sand the edges smooth. Finish with your choice of paint, stain, or both — classic orange, farmhouse white, or rustic dark walnut all look great. Add a ribbon, raffia, or scrap wood stem for character.

🏡 The Finished Pumpkin

In just an afternoon, you’ll have a chunky, rustic wooden pumpkin ready for your porch, tabletop, or fall centerpiece.

👉 Grab the Pumpkin Build Plans

✅ Why This Project Works

• Beginner-friendly
• Perfect way to use up scrap 2x4s
• Customizable with finishes and decorations
• Quick to build — great for craft fairs or seasonal sales

📺 Watch the Full Build Video

I also filmed a step-by-step video tutorial for this project:

👉 Get the 2×4 Pumpkin Build Plans

Have fun building — and if you make your own pumpkin, I’d love to see it! Share your photos with me at rick@sawyercustomcrafts.com.