Learn to work with timber from one of Brisbane's most experienced furniture makers.
For over 20 years, Stuart Bywater and the team at Bywater Design have been sharing their knowledge, skill, and love of woodworking with students of all levels. Our classes are kept intentionally small, with a maximum of six students, to ensure every person receives genuine attention, guidance, and the space to learn at their own pace.
Whether you are picking up a hand plane for the first time or looking to deepen an existing passion, our 2026 classes offer an experience that is as enjoyable as it is genuinely educational.
2026 Classes
Intro to Furniture Making — Two Day Class
Our flagship two-day class is a comprehensive, hands-on introduction to the art of furniture making. Designed for absolute beginners through to more experienced woodworkers, this course gives every student the chance to flex their design instincts from day one.
Over two productive and enjoyable Saturdays you will design and build your own hall table, sofa table, or coffee table using your choice of premium solid Australian timber. You will learn essential techniques including mastering the hand plane, using a biscuit jointer and domino machine, perfecting your shaping technique, and the professional application of abrasives and adhesives.
You will leave with a piece of furniture you made yourself and the confidence to keep going.
2026 Dates:
March 21 and 28 — Sold Out
July 18 and 25 — Sold Out
September 19 and 26 — Places Available
Timber Masterclass — Half Day Workshop
If you are short on time or not quite ready for a two day commitment, our Timber Masterclass is the perfect introduction to the world of woodworking.
In just a few hours you will learn the proper use of woodworking hand tools under the guidance of a master craftsman, gain confidence in a workshop environment, develop your shaping skills, and craft your own timber salt and pepper shakers to take home.
You will also gain the ability to identify a range of Australian timber species, which is genuinely useful knowledge for anyone with an interest in furniture and fine timber.
Maximum six students per class.
2026 Dates:
April 11 — Sold Out
October 17 — Places Available
Why Learn at Bywater Design
Our studio at Boondall is a working furniture workshop, not a classroom that has been set up to look like one. You will be learning in the same environment where we create bespoke commissions and restore heritage pieces every day. That authenticity makes a real difference to the learning experience.
Our students have gone on to design and build their own beautiful furniture, discovering the joy and deep satisfaction that comes from creating something by hand from beautiful timber. We are proud of every one of them.
Reserve Your Place
Places are strictly limited to six students per class and sell out quickly, as you can see from the 2026 calendar above. To reserve your spot or find out more, please get in touch and we will come back to you promptly with everything you need to know.
To begin your woodwork journey please email us and we will send you an info pack.
We look forward to seeing you in class