How to Make a Wooden Lantern 2026

Today we will teach you how to make a wooden lantern in an easy and simple way with this following DIY tutorial.

I've wanted to make a wooden lantern for the garden for years, especially after seeing the exorbitant prices that ready-made wooden lanterns command.

The design used to make the wooden lanterns is simple, and I used pieces of pine that I had left over from previous projects.

While I used a Kreg Pockethole jig to attach all the pieces, waterproof glue works just as well for the smaller ones.

I also used my Triton Router and Router table to add decorative edges when making the large and small wood lanterns, but the medium lantern has pine molding around the edge if you don't have a Router.

YOU WILL NEED:

• 32 x 32mm pine for the uprights and feet.
• 22 x 44 mm pine for the sections.
• Laminated pine for the top.
• Pine molding (*if you don't have a Router)
• Waterproof wood glue
• Wood matte or silicone sealant
• 32mm Coarse Thread Pocket Hole Screws
• Glass, cut to size
• Varnish and sponge/rags
• Woodoc Exterior Sealer and brush

TOOLS:

• Drill and Drill Bits
• Pocket Hole Template
• Router
• Orbital sander plus 120 and 240 grit sanding pads
• Tape measure and pencil

Step 1: Prepare the sections for assembly

Start by cutting out all the sections you need to assemble your wooden lantern. Lightly sand the edges once cut. I used the following sizes:

Large flashlight:

• 2 pine 250 x 250 mm | 130 x 130mm pine | 70 x 70 mm pine – Top/base
• 4 of 32 x 32 x 400 mm pine – Uprights
• 4 32 x 32 x 30 mm pine – Legs
• 8 of 44 x 180mm pine – Cross pieces

Medium flashlight:

• 2 pine 200 x 200 mm | 100 x 100 mm pine | 60 x 60 mm pine – Top/base
• 4 of 32 x 32 x 300 mm pine – Uprights
• 4 32 x 32 x 30 mm pine – Feet
• 8 of 44 x 120mm pine – Cross pieces

Small flashlight:

• 2 pine 160 x 160 mm | Pine 80 x 80mm | 50 x 50 mm pine – Top/base
• 4 of 32 x 32 x 200 mm pine – Uprights
• 4 32 x 32 x 30 mm pine – Feet
• 8 of 44 x 80mm pine – Cross pieces

If you are using a Router to add a decorative border to the top and base sections, do this now. If you do not have a Router and are adding pine molding for the decorative border, attach it once you have mounted the lantern. I have a fantastic Triton Router and Router table that is very easy to use and I love adding the finishing touches to all my decorating projects.

Good to know: In the instructions below, I stained the pine sections and trim strips (for the medium lantern) after assembly, but in retrospect, it's much better to use Wood Stain before assembly.

For the large lantern I attached the cross sections to the studs with pocket hole screws. However, it is important to note that you can use wood glue for the medium and small lantern. Hold the glued sections together overnight.

Step 2: Assembly

All cross sections are attached to the studs with wood glue and pocket hole screws. Make a front and back frame this way, as shown.

With the front and rear frames assembled, you can add the side cross pieces in the same way.

It was difficult to get my drill/driver into the frames to drive the last screw, so I used my cordless screwdriver. If you don't have a cordless screwdriver, you can use a manual screwdriver.

Assemble the top as desired. I added a pine knob to the large lantern. The sections were screwed and glued together.

Step 3: Finished

As mentioned above, it is best to stain the individual parts before assembly. I stained and sealed everything after assembly using Wood Stain and Sealer.

Once you're done, go into your local glass supplier and cut the glass to fit the panels. Secure the glass panel at the top and bottom with sealant.

Good to know: the glass panels should be about 2mm narrower than the width of the cross pieces for the size of lantern you are making.

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