Woodwork & Furniture Restoration Courses in Melbourne
I run practical woodwork and furniture restoration courses for people who want to understand how mid-century furniture is actually made, repaired and refinished.
The courses are based around my Fitzroy workshop and focus on careful repair, timber, veneer, joinery and finishing without removing more original material than necessary.
The focus is narrower than a general woodworking class. We work specifically with the kinds of materials, construction and problems found in mid-century and vintage furniture.
How I Teach Restoration
I teach the same way I approach restoration work: understand the piece first, repair what needs attention, and preserve what can be kept.
- Work carefully with original mid-century materials
- Understand how to work with veneer without over-sanding it
- Read timber, grain direction and existing finishes
- Use finishing methods suited to the timber and the piece
- Recognise and repair loose or weakened structural elements
The aim is not to make old furniture look new. It is to help you understand what should be repaired, what should be left alone and how to work with the piece rather than against it.
A Structured Learning Path
The course pathway is designed to build gradually, starting with the basics and moving into veneer, refinishing and more complex structural work.
Beginner Furniture Restoration Course
- Tool safety and basic workshop skills
- Surface preparation and careful sanding
- Basic timber and joint repairs
- Introduction to oils, waxes and finishes
A starting point for understanding how to assess and work on smaller restoration projects without rushing into unnecessary work.
Veneer & Mid-Century Refinishing
- Veneer repair, lifting and edge damage
- Colour matching and blending
- Refinishing methods suited to mid-century furniture
- Preserving usable original surfaces where possible
This level goes further into veneer, colour and refinishing decisions where restraint matters as much as technique.
Advanced Restoration & Structural Repair
- Structural joint repair and reinforcement
- Chair and frame restoration
- More complex finishing and surface decisions
- More involved veneer and surface repairs
This level is for people who already understand the basics and want to work through more complex restoration problems.
What the Courses Cover
- Assessing a piece before deciding what work it needs
- Understanding teak, walnut and other common vintage timbers
- Recognising original and later finishes
- Careful disassembly and reassembly when required
- Structural repair basics — joints, frames and stability
- Careful sanding and surface preparation
- Oiling and finishing methods appropriate to the piece
- Avoiding common restoration mistakes that remove original material
The aim is to leave with a clearer understanding of how to look at a piece, make sensible repair decisions and work more carefully on your own projects.
Who the Courses Are For
- Furniture owners wanting to work on their own pieces
- Collectors wanting to better understand construction and condition
- Creative professionals interested in furniture restoration
- Designers, makers and practical learners
- Anyone interested in learning how mid-century furniture is repaired and preserved
Workshop Location
Fitzroy, Melbourne VIC
The courses are based around my Fitzroy restoration workshop, using the same tools, materials and working methods I use on real furniture.
Interested in a Woodwork Course?
If you’re interested in learning restoration properly, have a look at the upcoming dates or get in touch with me if you’re not sure which level is the right place to start.
Ready to Restore Your Mid-Century Furniture?
Enquire with Our Experts Today
Bring your vintage furniture back to life with expert mid-century furniture restoration in Melbourne.
- Expert restoration for mid-century furniture
- Traditional craftsmanship and sustainable methods
- Restore teak, timber, and vintage furniture pieces
- Professional advice and personalised restoration solutions