8 week Beginners Classes

This 8-week course is a mix of practical, applied lessons and supervised workshop sessions at The Shed. Participants will learn how to design and build their own piece of furniture from start to finish, using recycled and sustainable timber sourced from local affiliated timber yards in Melbourne.

Our aim here is to enable people who have an avid interest, an ever growing itch, an unfulfilled desire and a need or want of a new hobby, an outlet and introduction into the world of timber furniture. With 8 weekly sessions of 4 hours our beginners course is designed to offer the everyday person an opportunity to learn basic to advanced techniques in the workshop. With the ability to learn and use industry leading and commercially used machinery throughout your project, you’ll be lead by one of our expert tutors, who will help guide you throughout the course. With class tutorials, one on one learnings and an opportunity to create or be involved in the ever growing community that is woodwork, this course offers plenty to get you started.

What you will get out of the course:

Ability to navigate the local timber yard
Understanding of design intent, functionality and form
Knowledge around the correct materials to use
Joinery techniques that will enable you to hopefully continue your new hobby long after the course
Use of industry standard machinery and tools
32 hours of supervised and guided workshop time
Tool maintenance
Finishing techniques and finish knowledge that will help your piece last a lifetime
Join or create an ever growing woodworking community
5%* off any product we have to offer including our very own furniture polish or T-shirt
And finally a piece of furniture you designed and created that will last a lifetime

At Completion of this course we anticipate that you will be equipped with necessary skills, techniques and know-how to make your own timber furniture.

Is this course for you?

Our ideal candidates for this course are:

People starting out or complete beginners, curious about furniture making.
People who did some woodworking at school and have always wanted to continue that passion.
People who are competent in the workshop but want to pick up some specific new skills or build on the ones that you have.
Students who have completed our set project and are ready to design and build something of there own

book now

Frequently Asked Questions.

What can i make?

The Shed Melbourne offers a unique experience that not many do, we allow our students to be as creative as their heart desires and make just about any piece of furniture or homewares imaginable. However due to the time, space, experience and timber restrictions we do have some guidelines that students must follow. These can be found here or if you’d like drop us a line to get more info please do.

What if I can’t make the course?

Unfortunately due to the nature of our business, and the infrastructure behind each course issuing refunds at present is a difficult task, we ask that you are able to commit to the enrolled class before purchasing and that you do not purchase on a whim. We work tirelessly to give each student a pleasant experience and so every penny made is put straight back into the business. We are happy for any student who cannot attend a class to on-sell their booking to an able and willing participant. Just pass on their details and we will add them to the enrolled class and remove the initial student.

Do you provide the timber and materials?

The Shed Melbourne does not provide timber, hardware or materials for your project. In your first session your tutor will help you with navigating the local timber yard, and equip you with all the knowledge needed to pick and purchase your very own timber. We understand that visiting a timber yard can be a daunting experience, at The Shed Melbourne we work extremely close with our affiliated timber yards in providing a comfortable and enjoyable experience. We have all the glue and sand paper you will need, along with many other joinery components to get you started.

Do you provide the tools?

Yes, we provide all the tools and machines needed to create a beginners level project and then some. There may be times where a student may want a specific look or join that requires specific tools in this case the student is liable for the purchase.

I don’t know what I want to make, can you help?

Definitely, However we do ask that you come a few ideas, We want you to get your hands dirty as soon as possible, so some rough sketches, and measurements would be awesome. Then our tutor will walk through your design and and let you know what is manageable within the course timeframe with consideration to the size, complexity and ability of each student.

I know what I want to make, is that okay?

Yes definitely! This means you will be able to get started right away, just bring along your drawings and our tutor will help you with a plan of attack, and outline a timeframe. Some students may find their ideas are very complex and may need to scale their project to fit in the timeframe if required.

I think my project will take longer than the course time frame, what happens if it does?

If your piece does over take the course time frame, you can organise a one on one with your tutor after the course is finished, this will be on an hourly rate that you have discussed with them prior to booking.

I can’t pay it all now, will you take part payments?

All courses and private sessions must be paid in full at the time of booking.

What do I need to bring?

You will need to be prepared with appropriate clothing, closed-in shoes (preferably steel cap boots), tight fitting clothes, a hair tie if you have long hair and a sense of humour! We do provide our house PPE (Personal protection equipment) which are sanitised daily, however as the times are a changing we do recommend grabbing your own earmuffs and safety glasses to help eliminate cross contamination.

What if I can’t make it to a session?

We realise it may be hard to commit to every session. Unfortunately due to our ever increasing schedule we are unable to offer catch up classes, so speak with your tutor at the beginning of your class to arrange a solution which may include adjusting your project to fit into a smaller time frame. We want everyone going home with a piece of furniture they’re happy with.

Can I organise to have my timber delivered to The Shed?

Definitely. We will organise delivery of your timber with our affiliated timber yards, if you’d like to order from a different timber merchant that is ok, we can sort that out as well.

What happens if I don’t finish my piece by the of the classes?

Although we strive to have everyone finish their project within the timeframe we do not guarantee a finished product. If you have not organised any additional tuition after the class has finished we give our students a 1-week grace period to remove their piece from the workshop. We will guide you on how to complete your project, generally there will be a small amount of sanding and oiling to be easily completed at home.

My project if too big for my car to take home. How do I get it home?

Being inner city there are multiple ways of getting your project home if you do not have the appropriate mode of transport. Students in the past have either hired a van through Bunnings, Go-Get, or any other car hire service. Employing someone on air-tasker is a great alternative. You will also find there will be multiple students in your class with the same problem, team up and split the bill. We also have the “Shed Sled” our very own van that we offer student project deliveries for a $50 fee for students within a 10km radius of the workshop, if you live outside of that radius we will quote you an appropriate amount.