Furniture Restoration and Repair
Beginner workshop
Get started repairing, restoring and maintaining furniture with either our 2-day introductory course or our more in depth 8-week evening class. Participants bring a piece they would like to get started repairing, and through collaborative engagement, each person will learn about a variety of common problems and repairs for different pieces of furniture. As a group we will go around to discuss what can and cannot be done for each piece before beginning work to help get them started on the road to renewal.
Working under experienced instructors, through example and demonstration participants will learn about the restoration process, identifying damage, identifying furniture components, understanding common faults in furniture, and how to best resolve them. On top of discussing the specific concerns of the pieces participants bring in, they will also learn the basics of tool use, cleaning, veneer repair, glues and adhesives, fixing broken components, replacing losses, reviving a finish, and some other tips and tricks to get more life out of your furniture.
2 x 5 hour sessions (10am-3pm), or 8 x 3 hour sessions (6-9pm)
$499 per person (2 day), or $699 per person (8 evenings)
Open to students 13+, see our Child Safe Policy here
Course includes moderate physical exertion
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Practice preparing different timber surfaces for finishing
Spend time applying a number of finishes including:
Oils such and Tung and Linseed
Oil varnishes
Spirit varnishes such as shellac
Waxes
Modern waterborne finishes
Learn about and practise french polishing techniques including making your own rubber to keep.
Cook your own oil varnish
Mix your own shellacCreate and use your own wax paste
Finish a timber vase that you will get to take home, in a finish of your choice
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This workshop is aimed at people with no experience with woodwork. It is open to anyone 18 years and over.
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By the end of this woodwork for beginners class you will have:
Fully repaired, or begun restoring a furniture piece of your own.
An appreciation of the value of second-hand timber and old furniture.
The knowledge to safely and effectively use a variety of traditional hand tools such as chisels, handsaws, handplanes, scrapers, marking tools, screw drivers, drills and drivers, hammers, clamps, and more.
Been introduced to woodworking and furniture terminology.
An understanding of different adhesives and finishes and what to use.
A guide to the ethics and options present in furniture repair and restoration.
Hands on experience handling and repairing different pieces of furniture.
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Among the Trees is committed to child safety and has zero tolerance for child abuse. We care deeply about the children’s well-being and are committed to acting in their best interest at all times. You can read our full Child Safe Policy here: https://www.amongthetrees.com.au/terms/childsafety
Among The Trees accepts students under 18 in two groups:
• Students 13-15 years of age must attend all courses with a parent or guardian. This parent or guardian must also purchase a place in the course and take part. One parent/guardian is able to attend with multiple students.
• Students 16-17 years of age may attend a course without a parent or guardian present.
For all students under 18, the full name and contact information for parents and guardians must be provided when booking. If you have any questions, please get in touch with us.
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Please bring a small piece of furniture you would like to work on and any fabric, hardware, or other components that you’d like to repair your piece with.
You are encouraged to bring your own facemask, protective eyewear and ear protection however sanitised Personal Protective Equipment will be available to use. Any borrowed PPE needs to be sanitised after use.
You are required to wear closed-toe shoes.
Please wear clothing that can get dirty (e.g. sawdust will be present).
Long hair needs to be tied back and no loose hanging jewellery should be worn.
Here what our participants have to say
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Who We Are
Among The Trees is a small, independent business in Marrickville, Sydney. We rescue reclaimed timber—full of character and history—and make it available for makers, builders, and DIYers. Each piece is carefully salvaged, de-nailed, and milled for a new life.
We’re passionate about teaching. Our woodworking courses are hands-on, beginner-friendly, and run in a relaxed, supportive space. Whether you're new or experienced, we take the time to help you build skills and confidence.
As a certified social enterprise, sustainability is at our core. By choosing reclaimed timber, you’re supporting local makers, reducing waste, and backing a business that cares about people and the planet.
Our Workshop Location
Why Among The Trees?
Over 180 tonnes of timber saved from landfill
Sine opening in 2022, each year we've been pleased to rescue more timber from landfill each year. Hardwoods and softwoods, common species and exotics – it's all beautiful and worth saving!
Over 650 students in 2024
Since 2022 we've had over 1600 students through our doors to learn woodwork or other sustainable craft skills! Many are beginner woodworkers, with most saying they've never done any woodworking in the past but are exited to do more!
Over 35 artist tenancies
We've had a range of amazing local artists take up some creative space in our upstairs artist studios! While we're usually full, get in touch if you'd like to be on the waitlist.