Learn to repair and restore timber furniture in this hands-on, beginner-friendly course!

Revive your beloved timber furniture and learn the art of restoration with The Bower’s practical Furniture Repair & Restoration Workshop. This one-day course is perfect for beginners, up-cyclists, and DIY enthusiasts looking to bring new life to worn or damaged timber furniture.

Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll learn essential techniques for repairing joints, replacing missing parts, cleaning surfaces, and restoring finishes. You’ll use a range of tools—from hand tools and clamps to power sanders and heat guns—on real furniture brought from home or sourced second-hand.

Participants are encouraged to bring 1 small timber item (like a chair or coffee table) to work on. While a fully finished piece is not guaranteed, you’ll leave equipped with the skills and confidence to continue your project at home—and with a huge sense of accomplishment.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will:

Repair loose or damaged timber joints

Replace missing or worn components

Use woodworking tools confidently and safely

Restore surfaces using glue, wax, polish, and more

Apply learned techniques to other upcycling projects

Understand workshop procedures and how to work safely

Course Content

Workshop safety and housekeeping

Introduction to tools: clamps, hand tools, power tools

Timber glues, waxing and polishing

Repairing joints and timber

Ethical vs financial considerations in restoration

Practical demonstration on disassembling and reassembling a standard chair

Who Should Attend

This course is ideal for:

DIYers and beginners (18+)

Anyone wanting to restore furniture

Up-cyclists and sustainability enthusiasts

Anyone curious about hands-on furniture repair—no experience necessary

Need ideas for projects? Check out furniture at our stores in Marrickville & Summer Hill. Alternatively, garage sales, Facebook Marketplace, Gumtree, or weekend markets!

What to Bring

Encouraged to bring small timber furniture item or work on one of our example pieces.

PPE: face mask, safety goggles, earmuffs. Alternatively use ours which will be supplied.

Lunch (or purchase from nearby cafes)

Wear old clothes, closed-in shoes, and tie back long hair

Avoid jewellery and loose accessories

Accessibility

Some of our instructors are experienced in working with individuals living with disability. Please advise us of any accessibility needs prior to enrolment so we can accommodate your requirements.

Tools & Materials

All major tools and materials are provided by The Bower. You’ll gain hands-on experience using both hand and power tools in a safe and supportive environment.

Location

SUMMER HILL

Inner West Sustainability Hub, 7 Prospect Road, Summer Hill NSW 2130

Transportation and parking

Bower Woodworks is located within 5-minute walking distance of Summer Hill Train Station. Both metred and unmetered parking are available nearby.

📅 Workshop Details

Date: Saturday 28th June

Time: Full-day session 10am - 3 or 4pm (Depending on class size)