A wooden growth chart is a meaningful project that becomes part of a family’s story. In this video, we create a custom height ruler using the WoodRiver Growth Chart Router Template, which makes it simple to mark clean, accurate measurements that look professional and stay consistent throughout the project. Whether you’re making one for your own home, as a thoughtful handmade gift, or to sell at craft fairs, this is a woodworking project that will be appreciated for years to come.
The process starts by selecting and preparing your board. You can choose a straight-grained hardwood for a classic look, or experiment with species like Walnut, Maple, Cherry, or Pine, depending on your style. Once the board is sized and surfaced, the router template attaches to the workpiece to guide each increment mark. The template keeps everything straight and evenly spaced, eliminating guesswork and layout time.
After routing the measurement marks, you can customize your growth chart with paint, stain, or color accents. Adding numbers, names, or personal design elements helps make the piece truly one-of-a-kind. A clear finish adds protection and brings out the depth and tone of the wood, ensuring the chart holds up to years of little hands touching and measuring their growth.
What makes this project especially rewarding is its lasting purpose. A wooden growth chart becomes a keepsake that moves with you from home to home — unlike marks on a door frame. It’s both decorative and deeply personal, making it a great gift for parents, grandparents, or family celebrations.
Watch the full video to see the step-by-step process. Shop our full line of router templates along with finishing supplies and woodworking tools online and at your local Woodcraft store.