Build a Douglas Snelling Style Chair
Beginner woodworking
The Douglas Snelling 'Low Chair' is a true Australian mid-century icon. It was designed by Snelling and made by Functional Products Pty Ltd in St Peters. The 'Snelling Line' was Australia's first popular, mass produced range of furniture sold widely through the major department stores from the late 1940s to the mid 1950s.
In this course, you’ll learn how to make this historic chair in Marrickville, a short distance away from the original workshop, under the instruction of an experienced cabinetmaker. Across the 3 day workshop you will construct a chair of your own using beautiful, locally sourced, reclaimed Australian hard wood and weave the webbing in a colour of your choice.
Looking for more? We also offer a 4-day version of the course, spread across two consecutive weekends, where students craft both the iconic chair and a matching footstool to complete the set. Please note this course is priced higher than the standard option — so take a moment to make sure you're choosing the right course for you before booking.
This course is a great choice for those looking to expand their woodworking skills, get into making iconic and comfortable furniture, or challenge themselves a bit more and take their woodworking to the next level.
In this three day course students will make and construct the Douglas Snelling Low Chair only. The matching footstool and be created in a separate one and a half day course with Among The Trees.
3 x 8 (Chair) or 4 × 8 (chair and stool) hour days
1,199 - 1,799 per person (price varies across dates)
Open to students 18 and over
Course includes moderate physical exertion
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Knowledge and general safety in the workshop
You will learn how to use a range of woodworking machinery
You will learn how to use a table saw to cut part
You will learn how to use a hand plane and spoke shave to shape parts
You will learn how to use a domino machine to attach the parts
You will sand and finish the parts
You will learn how to attach the webbing for the chair and stool
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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:
An appreciation of the value of second-hand timber.
An understanding of the structural properties of timber and timber joinery
The knowledge to safely and effectively use a variety of traditional hand tools and modern day power tools
An understanding of different woodworking glues and finishes
Been introduced to woodworking terminology
Used a number of woodworking devices and jigs
Your own comfortable Douglas Snelling-style chair and, if time allows, footstool.
The confidence to start your own projects at home
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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.
The Adirondack chair is large. You will be able to store it at the school if necessary until the following Wednesday latest. You must pick it up by then.
To make it a little easier to transport home, the chair can be slightly disassembled and you will need to reinsert 8 screws at home. Also the outdoor oil finish will need to be applied at home to avoid any mess in you transportation vehicle.
If you live near the school Mark may be able to drop off your chair using his Ute after the class on Saturday evening.
It transportation is difficult a delivery service can pick up the chair and deliver (at an additional expense).
Check out this video to see what happens in the Douglas Snelling: Building a Chair course.
It walks through the full experience — from raw timber to a finished piece — and gives you a clear sense of the tools, techniques and atmosphere in the workshop.
A simple way to understand what you’ll be doing before you step in.
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.