DIY Wood Jack-O-Lanterns with Fence Boards for Rustic Halloween Decor -

A rustic wooden jack-o’-lantern sits surrounded by orange and white pumpkins and green leafy vines on a wooden surface, with blurred striped pillows in the background.

If you’re searching for a unique Halloween decoration that combines rustic charm with spooky décor, these DIY Wood Jack-O-Lanterns are the perfect project. Instead of the usual plastic pumpkins, you can craft a lantern from a cedar fence plank and customize it with your favorite pumpkin face design. With a few tools, some grit sandpaper, and a little creativity, you’ll have a finished product that lights up your porch and shows off the beauty of wood grain while adding festive warmth to your fall season.

want to BUY the lanterns instead of making them?

I’ve teamed up with my friend Jennifer from Birch Lane by Jennifer to bring you a BUY option! I know time and tools can be a problem sometimes soy can purchase her adorable, high quality lanterns made of cedar!

shop lanterns

A porch decorated for fall with pumpkins, potted plants, yellow flowers, and wooden lanterns carved with jack-o’-lantern faces, all arranged on the steps in front of a dark door.

Supplies for DIY Wood Jack-O-Lanterns

For a small lantern measuring approximately 8”H x 5 1/2”W x 6”D, you will need these supplies:

(1) 5/8” x 5 1/2” x 6 ft cedar fence plank (a reclaimed plank adds extra character)
Chop saw
Jig saw
Table saw
Brad nailer with brad nails (or hammer and finishing nails)
Wood glue
Printed jack-o-lantern face pattern or freehand drawing
Drill and 3/8” drill bit for pilot hole
Orbital sander and fine to medium grit sandpaper
Battery-operated tea light or touch light (no traditional candles for safety!)
Optional: branch or wooden stem for the top of the box

Dimensions can easily be scaled up for medium and large lanterns.

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Please Note

These plans are for personal use only and not for commercial use. Thank you!

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Wooden lanterns with carved jack-o’-lantern faces, yellow flowers in metal buckets, pumpkins, and leafy plants are arranged on wooden porch steps, creating a festive and autumn-themed outdoor display.

Step-By-Step Instructions for DIY Wood Jack-O-Lanterns

Step 1: Cut your pieces of wood

Cut four pieces of your cedar fence plank at 7” long. These will be labeled A (front), B (back), C (side), and D (side). Cut two more pieces at 6” long for the top of the box (E) and bottom of the box (F).

Four rectangular wooden planks are arranged in a grid on a white surface. Each plank is labeled with a white letter: A (top left), B (top right), C (bottom left), and D (bottom right).

Two square wooden samples labeled E and F sit side by side on a light, textured surface. The wood pieces have different grain patterns and shades of brown.

Step 2: Resize the sides

Trim the long edges of pieces C and D so they measure 3.5” wide. These will form the sides of your box.

Four rectangular wooden planks labeled A, B, C, and D are arranged in a grid on a light surface. The wood pieces vary in size, grain pattern, and color, with some showing worn edges and rough textures.

Step 3: Sand the wood

Using an orbital sander and medium grit sandpaper, smooth the surfaces and edges. This highlights the natural wood grain and gives a polished look to the finished product.

Step 4: Prepare the pumpkin face

Print or sketch your jack-o-lantern face design. Cut out the black areas of the template, trace the design onto the front piece (A), and mark where your pilot hole will go.

A hand holds a green pen, tracing an eye shape on a sheet of paper with a jack-o-lantern face outline, placed over a pumpkin.

Step 5: Cut the jack-o-lantern face

Drill a pilot hole into each section of the face. Use a jig saw to carefully cut along your lines, revealing the pumpkin face.

A weathered wooden plank with a jack-o-lantern face drawn in blue pencil. Holes in the wood align with the eyes, nose, and mouth, giving the face a carved, pumpkin-like appearance.

A close-up of a person using a jigsaw to cut a jack-o’-lantern face into a piece of weathered wood. One hand steadies the wood, and triangular eyes and a jagged mouth are visible.

Step 6: Assemble the lantern

Apply wood glue along the long edges of the sides (C and D). Attach them to the front (A) and back (B), securing with a brad nailer and brad nails. This creates the main frame of the box.

A close-up of a persons hand guiding a jigsaw to cut a circular shape into a piece of dark, weathered wood placed on a workbench.

A close-up of a person using a nail gun to join two pieces of wood, assembling a wooden structure on a work surface.

Step 7: Add the base

Attach the bottom of the box (F) with wood glue and brad nails. This will give your lantern a sturdy base for the light.

A person uses a nail gun to secure the lid of a small wooden box featuring a carved jack-o-lantern face on one side.

Step 8: Finish the top

Place the top of the box (E) on, leaving it removable if you’d like to change out lights easily. For a decorative touch, attach a branch or small wooden stem to the top to mimic a pumpkin.

Step 9: Add the light

Insert a battery-operated tea light or touch light inside. The glow shining through your pumpkin face cutouts gives a cozy, spooky effect that’s perfect for Halloween.

A rustic wooden lantern with a carved, glowing jack-o’-lantern face sits among orange and white pumpkins and green leaves on a wooden surface, creating a festive autumn scene.

Tips for the Perfect DIY Wood Jack-O-Lanterns

Always drill a pilot hole before using a jig saw to cut out detailed designs.
For extra stability, add clamps while the wood glue dries.
A quick coat of orange, black, or white paint can give your lanterns a different personality, but leaving them natural shows off the rustic wood grain.
If making multiple lanterns, cut all pieces of wood for each size at once to save time.
Remember: since this project uses wood, only battery-operated lights should be used.

Two rustic wooden boxes with carved jack-o’-lantern faces sit on a plaid cloth, surrounded by small pumpkins, in a cozy farmhouse kitchen decorated for autumn.

Meet Stephanie

Hi, I’m Stephanie—a lifelong creative, homebody at heart, and the hands behind Returning Grace. I believe home should feel like your favorite place, and I’m passionate about helping you create spaces filled with warmth, character, and charm. From simple DIYs and seasonal crafts to cozy recipes and vintage-inspired decor, I share approachable ideas to make your home feel beautifully lived in. I love thrifting, styling old finds in fresh ways, and documenting our home remodeling adventures along the way.
 
I’m honored to have served as the 2024 American Farmhouse Style Brand Ambassador and to share my love for cottage farmhouse living with a community that values creativity, comfort, and meaningful design.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What type of wood should I use?
Cedar fence planks are ideal because they’re durable and easy to cut. Reclaimed wood also works well and adds rustic character.

Can I change the size of the lanterns?
Yes. The use of the plans allows you to adjust the dimensions. Just remember to scale all pieces consistently.

Do I need a brad nailer?
A brad nailer speeds up the process, but you can also use a hammer with finishing nails if that’s what you have.

How do I make sure the lanterns last outdoors?
Apply a clear outdoor wood sealant if you plan to leave them outside through the season.

What kind of light works best inside?
Battery-operated tea lights, puck lights, or LED fairy lights all work beautifully to bring your lantern to life.

A group of pumpkins, including a large orange one and two smaller white pumpkins, sits on rustic wooden steps next to a wooden jack-o-lantern lantern and green foliage with yellow flowers.

Creating your own DIY Wood Jack-O-Lanterns is a rewarding project that adds warmth and charm to your Halloween decorations. Whether you use a simple pumpkin face or get creative with different jack-o-lantern face patterns, the end result is a handmade Halloween decoration you’ll enjoy for years. I truly look forward to taking these out of storage every year and seeing their adorable faces!

A rustic wooden box with a carved jack-o-lantern face stands among green ferns, next to a white planter filled with yellow flowers and two pumpkins, one white and one striped, near a white house.

I’d love to see your finished product! Follow along on social media @returninggrace, and be sure to tag me or leave a comment if you try this project. Happy crafting and happy Halloween!