Woodworking Workbench Building Workshop

Beginner woodworking

Construct your own beautiful custom workbench from reclaimed timber!

In this hands-on course, you’ll construct a sturdy, versatile, Roubo-style workbench that embodies durability, functionality, and sustainability. This bench is designed to be the foundation of your woodworking journey, with a focus on practical design and longevity.

  • The workbench itself is crafted from solid reclaimed Douglas Fir and includes a quick-release face vice, with the option to add a second vice as a tail vice, providing flexible clamping solutions for various woodworking tasks.

  • A full-length tool rack spans the bench, keeping essential tools within easy reach, while two traditional holdfasts offer secure work-holding for detailed tasks.

  • A lower shelf provides additional storage for frequently used jigs and current project items, enhancing your workspace organisation.

  • You’ll also have the option to customise the bench size to fit your needs, up to a maximum of 540mm wide and 1.7m long, making it adaptable to your space.

Building your own workbench sets the stage for growth as a woodworker. Armed with the skills and knowledge from this course, you'll have the confidence to take on increasingly ambitious projects, refining your techniques and expanding your capabilities.

As participants work at different speeds and come with varied skills and experience, there may be aspects of the workbench that will need to be completed at home. However, by the end of the course, every student will leave with a fully functional workbench and all the skills required to finish any remaining elements independently. Additionally, you’ll gain the confidence and knowledge needed to make custom improvements to your bench in the future, allowing it to grow and adapt alongside your woodworking skills.

For added convenience, delivery of the workbench can be arranged for an additional fee upon request.

6 x 8 hour sessions
2999 per person
Open to students 16 and over
Course includes moderate physical exertion

    • Understanding traditional workbench design and construction

    • The knowledge to safely and effectively use a variety of traditional hand tools and modern power tools such as handsaws, hand planes, rasps, chisels, marking tools, drill press, routers, drop saw, thicknessers, sanders and more

    • Practical experience constructing draw-borne, mortice and tenon joints

    • An understanding of glue and finish.

    • A full size woodworking workbench made from reclaimed Douglas Fir and constructed with stout, draw-borne mortice and tenon joinery.

    • Hands on experience building a timber workbench with an experienced woodwork instructor

    • One 225mm quick release face vice with the option of purchasing a second, smaller vice for use as a tail vice

    • Two traditional hold fasts for additional work-holding capabilities

    • The confidence, skills and work surface to continue your woodworking journey

  • This workshop is aimed at people with some experience with woodwork. For students with no experience we recommend completing our Hand Tool Woodwork Fundamentals workshop before booking this course. It is open to anyone 16 years and over.

  • 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?

Woodwork courses- Over 650 students in 2024

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!

WOOD WORK COURSES- Over 180 tonnes of timber saved from landfill

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!

woodwork courses- Over 35 artist tenancies

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.

Other Upcoming Woodwork Courses