Woodwork UK
General woodwork in the UK

General woodwork courses in the UK

Every general woodwork course we can find in the UK, from 69 makers and schools. You book with the maker directly, and nobody pays to be listed.

See all 156 courses

What is general woodwork?

A general woodwork course teaches the foundations rather than one craft: measuring and marking, sawing straight, planing flat, cutting a joint that actually closes, and sharpening the tools that do it. It is the right starting point if you are not yet sure which direction you want to go in.

Where to learn general woodwork

Every region we hold a general woodwork course for. Where there are enough for a page of their own it goes straight there, otherwise to everything woodwork in that region.

All 156 general woodwork courses

We hold 156 courses in general woodwork, taught by 69 makers and schools. London has the most, at 44. The middle price is £150, below the £176 we see across all woodwork, and most cost between £59 and £500.

Listed with what the provider charges. Every link goes straight to their own booking page. In turn, one course from each maker, the maker with most courses first, so no one school fills the top of the list. Nobody can pay to move up.

Build a Ladder Shelf, photographed by Great British WoodshopBuild a Ladder ShelfGreat British Woodshop£200WokingLearn to use a Spokeshave Kit with Virtual Workshop, photographed by Ash And CompanyLearn to use a Spokeshave Kit with Virtual WorkshopAsh And Company£69.95beginnerBread Board Woodworking Class, photographed by The RivershopBread Board Woodworking ClassThe Rivershop£150GreenwichPower Tools 101: Safety and Skills Workshop, photographed by POW WorkshopsPower Tools 101: Safety and Skills WorkshopPOW Workshops£75half daybeginnerEalingWeekend Woodworking Course, photographed by Rowden AtelierWeekend Woodworking CourseRowden Atelier£695weekendDrewsteigntonSharpening day, photographed by Greenwood DaysSharpening dayGreenwood Days£1201 dayStaunton HaroldPrecision Hand Tools Weekend Course, photographed by Williams and ClealPrecision Hand Tools Weekend CourseWilliams and Cleal£390weekendbeginnerElworthyMake a spatula at Abney Park Cemetery, photographed by London Green WoodMake a spatula at Abney Park CemeteryLondon Green Wood£45HackneyTool Sharpening course, photographed by Philip HodgeTool Sharpening coursePhilip Hodge£265WeybreadCorporate Team Building WorkshopJustin Wood NI£50Pallet Upcycling Workshop: Beginner Woodworking Fun, photographed by Black PawPallet Upcycling Workshop: Beginner Woodworking FunBlack Paw£1531 daybeginnerEvercreechMake a Windsor-Style Stool, photographed by Ben Willis WoodcraftMake a Windsor-Style StoolBen Willis Woodcraft£2252 daysCroydonShort Course, Introduction To Woodworking, photographed by Building Crafts CollegeShort Course, Introduction To WoodworkingBuilding Crafts College£500NewhamBespoke Woodwork Tuition, photographed by New School of Furniture MakingBespoke Woodwork TuitionNew School of Furniture Making£5401 daySouthwarkThe Women’s Workshop: Introduction to Woodworking, photographed by Boat Building AcademyThe Women’s Workshop: Introduction to WoodworkingBoat Building Academy£775Lyme RegisWooden Box Making, photographed by Marc FishWooden Box MakingMarc Fish Workshop Bench Space£8501 weekNewhavenFriday Morning Taster ClassTom Trimmins WoodworkOn applicationKirkbymoorside1-Week Mirror Making Course with Lamination and Hand Shaping, photographed by Watersandacland1-Week Mirror Making Course with Lamination and Hand ShapingWaters & Acland£1,1651 weekall levelsKendalBowl Carving Woodworking Class, photographed by The Green Wood GuildBowl Carving Woodworking ClassThe Green Wood Guild£150Tower HamletsLaser Your Own Custom Tools Course, photographed by Gifted CraftsLaser Your Own Custom Tools CourseGifted Crafts£260beginnerWorthen with ShelveFestive Street Workshop, Create Your Own Wooden Village, photographed by The Beehive TeamFestive Street Workshop, Create Your Own Wooden VillageThe Beehive Team£90GainsboroughOne to One Pen Making Experience, photographed by Duncs Wood TurningOne to One Pen Making ExperienceDuncs Wood Turning£110half dayStrettonWoodworking Workshop: Kitchen Utensils, photographed by Tom SherlockWoodworking Workshop: Kitchen UtensilsTom Sherlock£1251 daybeginnerBirminghamDiscover Woodworking Workshop, Make Your Own Chopsticks, photographed by Yes MakeDiscover Woodworking Workshop, Make Your Own ChopsticksYes Make£49SouthwarkCarve a Rocking Horse Head Course, OctoberThe Rocking Horse Shop£425Gate HelmsleyIntroduction to Box MakingLee Furniture£189NottinghamMake a Traditional English LongbowYnot Coppice£220Serving board handcraft workshop, photographed by Blueprint WoodcraftServing board handcraft workshopBlueprint Woodcraft£2001 dayall levelsCanvey IslandMake Your Own Frame!, The Basics, Picture Framing Workshop, photographed by DIY FramingMake Your Own Frame!, The Basics, Picture Framing WorkshopDIY Framing£1501 daybeginnerRichmond upon ThamesFine Woodwork Five Day Intensive, photographed by The School Of StuffFine Woodwork Five Day IntensiveThe School Of StuffOn application5 daysHackneySharpening Course, photographed by Turners RetreatSharpening CourseTurners Retreat£75SheffieldTool Sharpening Day, photographed by The MakershedTool Sharpening DayThe Makershed£651 dayBristolBird box & planter workshop, photographed by Glasgow WoodBird box & planter workshopGlasgow Wood£50Glasgow24 Week Woodwork CourseThe Goodlife Centre£2,86024 weeksSouthwarkTool Sharpening Workshop, photographed by HusbandryTool Sharpening WorkshopHusbandry£80beginnerBickingtonSharpening Workshop, photographed by Tree to TreenSharpening WorkshopTree to TreenOn applicationBristolBox Making for Beginners, photographed by WoodWorkerBox Making for BeginnersWoodWorker£1981 dayNottinghamOne day taster course, make a mid century plant pot stand, photographed by Stephenson FurnitureOne day taster course, make a mid century plant pot standStephenson Furniture£1801 dayWeyhillFive Day Intermediate Woodworking CourseCheshire Woodworking£3005 daysWoodwork taster sessions, photographed by Ed's WorkshopWoodwork taster sessionsEd's Workshop£50Sheffield1-person half-day Sharpening (gouges) Workshop, photographed by Simon Taggart1-person half-day Sharpening (gouges) WorkshopSimon Taggart£130half dayWisbechCharcuterie Board Woodworking Workshop, photographed by VariegateCharcuterie Board Woodworking WorkshopVariegate£120beginnerEalingCarving in the Hand Workshop, photographed by Creative nature HQCarving in the Hand WorkshopCreative Nature HQ£25beginnerGreenwichChisel Sharpening Course, photographed by Clunie Fretton (Fretton Handley)Chisel Sharpening CourseClunie Fretton (Fretton Handley)£90half dayCamdenWoodworking Course: Make a Wooden Stool, photographed by New Brewery ArtsWoodworking Course: Make a Wooden StoolNew Brewery Arts£185all levelsCirencesterWall Clock Making Workshop, photographed by Bertram WhitfordWall Clock Making WorkshopBertram Whitford£1451 daybeginnerYeovilWooden House Making Workshop, Whimsical World, photographed by Sunnyjolly DesignsWooden House Making Workshop, Whimsical WorldSunnyjolly Designs£25beginnerLeedsPicture Framing Course, Woodworking Basics, photographed by DEMOD Design WorkshopPicture Framing Course, Woodworking BasicsDemod Design Workshop£2702 daysbeginnerManchesterMini Maker Woodworking Workshop, photographed by Ash & Co WorkshopsMini Maker Woodworking WorkshopAsh & Co Workshops£18beginnerCrondallWooden Winter Wonderland Workshop, photographed by Jo MalyonWooden Winter Wonderland WorkshopJo Malyon£32IbsleyCarving Medieval Designs in Wood, photographed by Bristol Folk HouseCarving Medieval Designs in WoodBristol Folk House£140BristolWoodwork, Toolbox Making Workshop, photographed by London Sculpture WorkshopWoodwork, Toolbox Making WorkshopLondon Sculpture Workshop£130GreenwichWooden Paddle Building Workshop, photographed by All Aboard WatersportsWooden Paddle Building WorkshopAll Aboard Watersports£1751 daybeginnerBristolPen Making Workshop, photographed by World Of WoodcraftPen Making WorkshopWorld Of Woodcraft£140beginnerBurnleyHand Tools Woodworking Workshop, photographed by Designs by BlancaHand Tools Woodworking WorkshopDesigns by Blanca£60beginnerKensington and ChelseaCanoe Building Course, photographed by Archipelago FolkschoolCanoe Building CourseArchipelago Folkschool£2,200beginnerIsle of MullSteam Bent Lampshade Making at Home, photographed by Charlie Whinney StudioSteam Bent Lampshade Making at HomeCharlie Whinney Studio£150beginnerMake a Mitred Box in a Day!Stilwell Designs£2251 dayMatchingBeginner Hand Tool Woodworking CourseANH Artisan Furniture£130Frosterley1 Day Woodwork & DIY Course For Women, Build Your Own Project!In Her Hands£651 dayWoodburned Chopping Board WorkshopKnots and Embers£100High WycombeCanoe Paddle Making, photographed by To The RootCanoe Paddle MakingTo The Root£295WitherslackHighlands Cup Making Course, photographed by Wooden TomHighlands Cup Making CourseWooden Tom£60AviemoreWoodwork class, wooden toy making workshop!, photographed by A Brush of GeniusWoodwork class, wooden toy making workshop!A Brush of Genius£44.04half dayChristchurchIntro to Reclaimed Woodworking: Build a Garden Planter!Woodshop of Recycled DelightsOn applicationbeginnerHackneyForest Families: Woodcraft Wonders, Snail MakingMugdock Country Park£9.38GlasgowRed squirrel monitoring box makingNorthumberland Wildlife TrustOn applicationBedlingtonWildVibes: Tool Use, Rustic Toy Car Making Workshop (Ages 11-16)Cup-O-T: Wellness and Therapy ServicesOn applicationWymondhamWooden Spatula Making Course, photographed by Bristol Tree CraftWooden Spatula Making CourseBristol Tree Craft£65half dayBristolMake a bedside/occasional table, photographed by Great British WoodshopMake a bedside/occasional tableGreat British Woodshop£180WokingLearn to Chisel Kit with Virtual Workshop, photographed by Ash And CompanyLearn to Chisel Kit with Virtual WorkshopAsh And Company£69.95all levelsCarpentry Course: Wildwood Bench Crafting, photographed by The RivershopCarpentry Course: Wildwood Bench CraftingThe Rivershop£125GreenwichWoodworking Taster: Joinery Day Class, photographed by POW WorkshopsWoodworking Taster: Joinery Day ClassPOW Workshops£1482 daysbeginnerEalingOne Week Woodworking Course, photographed by Rowden AtelierOne Week Woodworking CourseRowden Atelier£1,2501 weekDrewsteigntonBeginner's Woodworking Class, photographed by Greenwood DaysBeginner's Woodworking ClassGreenwood Days£60half dayStaunton HaroldBox Making Weekend Course, photographed by Williams and ClealBox Making Weekend CourseWilliams and Cleal£420weekendbeginnerElworthyMake a spatula at Hackney City Farm, photographed by London Green WoodMake a spatula at Hackney City FarmLondon Green Wood£45beginnerHackneyIntroduction To Woodworking Course, photographed by Philip HodgeIntroduction To Woodworking CoursePhilip Hodge£135WeybreadLearn basic woodworking, one to one classJustin Wood NI£100DIY Bird Box Building Class with Recycled Materials, photographed by Black PawDIY Bird Box Building Class with Recycled MaterialsBlack Paw£145beginnerEvercreechMake a live-edge bench or table, photographed by Ben Willis WoodcraftMake a live-edge bench or tableBen Willis Woodcraft£310CroydonIntro to Woodworking Evening Course, Short Course, Autumn 2026, photographed by Building Crafts CollegeIntro to Woodworking Evening Course, Short Course, Autumn 2026Building Crafts College£500Newham2 day Japanese Bench Making Course, photographed by New School of Furniture Making2 day Japanese Bench Making CourseNew School of Furniture Making£2902 daysSouthwarkTaster Days, photographed by Boat Building AcademyTaster DaysBoat Building Academy£125Lyme RegisWood Machining Weekend ClassMarc Fish Workshop Bench SpaceOn applicationweekendall levelsNewhavenWoodland Woodwork Weekend CourseTom Trimmins WoodworkOn applicationweekendKirkbymoorside2-Day Make a Box CourseWaters & Acland£4502 daysall levelsKendalBench Making Workshop, photographed by The Green Wood GuildBench Making WorkshopThe Green Wood Guild£3152 daysTower HamletsBeginner Laser Course with Craft KitGifted Crafts£212Woodwork and Decoupage Workshop: Springtime Cottage Lane, photographed by The Beehive TeamWoodwork and Decoupage Workshop: Springtime Cottage LaneThe Beehive Team£85beginnerBarton-upon-HumberTwo Person Pen Making ExperienceDuncs Wood Turning£901 dayStrettonWoodworking Workshop: Box Making, photographed by Tom SherlockWoodworking Workshop: Box MakingTom Sherlock£3502 daysbeginnerBirminghamWoodworking Workshop Offcut X Improv, photographed by Yes MakeWoodworking Workshop Offcut X ImprovYes Make£90beginnerSouthwarkCarve a Rocking Horse Head Course, AprilThe Rocking Horse Shop£425Gate HelmsleyBox making course for beginner woodworking, photographed by Lee FurnitureBox making course for beginner woodworkingLee Furniture£198NottinghamMake an English LongbowYnot Coppice£220Resin & Wood Beginner Class, photographed by Blueprint WoodcraftResin & Wood Beginner ClassBlueprint Woodcraft£1201 dayall levelsCanvey IslandPicture Framing Weekend: Make and Mount Your Own Frame!, photographed by DIY FramingPicture Framing Weekend: Make and Mount Your Own Frame!DIY Framing£275weekendRichmond upon ThamesAdults: Build a wall shelf, photographed by Great British WoodshopAdults: Build a wall shelfGreat British Woodshop£150WokingLearn to Saw Kit with Virtual Workshop, photographed by Ash And CompanyLearn to Saw Kit with Virtual WorkshopAsh And Company£59.95all levelsPower Tools Course: Table Saw Mastery, photographed by The RivershopPower Tools Course: Table Saw MasteryThe Rivershop£90half dayall levelsGreenwichWoodworking Workshop: Craft Your Own Serving Board, photographed by POW WorkshopsWoodworking Workshop: Craft Your Own Serving BoardPOW Workshops£110beginnerEalingOne Month Woodworking Course, photographed by Rowden AtelierOne Month Woodworking CourseRowden Atelier£4,4501 monthDrewsteigntonGate Making, photographed by Greenwood DaysGate MakingGreenwood Days£230weekendStaunton HaroldKumiko One Day Workshop, photographed by Williams and ClealKumiko One Day WorkshopWilliams and Cleal£2101 dayElworthyBowl Carving at Abney Park Cemetery, photographed by London Green WoodBowl Carving at Abney Park CemeteryLondon Green Wood£96HackneyMaking Wooden Joints course, photographed by Philip HodgeMaking Wooden Joints coursePhilip Hodge£465WeybreadNext level woodworking courseJustin Wood NI£150Transform Pallets Into Treasures: A 2 Day Course, photographed by Black PawTransform Pallets Into Treasures: A 2 Day CourseBlack Paw£2552 daysbeginnerEvercreechMake a wooden bar stool, photographed by Ben Willis WoodcraftMake a wooden bar stoolBen Willis Woodcraft£295beginnerCroydonWoodwork Class, Ultimate Power Tools, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodwork Class, Ultimate Power ToolsGreat British WoodshopOn applicationWokingMake an Apple Crate Workshop, photographed by Ash And CompanyMake an Apple Crate WorkshopAsh And Company£59half daybeginnerChurch CrookhamEnglish Hardwood Trinket Box Workshop, photographed by The RivershopEnglish Hardwood Trinket Box WorkshopThe Rivershop£90all levelsGreenwichHand Tool Workshop, Make a Sushi Platter, photographed by POW WorkshopsHand Tool Workshop, Make a Sushi PlatterPOW Workshops£75EalingSix Month Woodworking Course, photographed by Rowden AtelierSix Month Woodworking CourseRowden Atelier£17,9506 monthsDrewsteigntonPlate Turning Course, photographed by Greenwood DaysPlate Turning CourseGreenwood Days£2302 daysStaunton HaroldBox Making CourseWilliams and Cleal£420SomersetPrivate booking, edged carving tool sharpening lesson, photographed by London Green WoodPrivate booking, edged carving tool sharpening lessonLondon Green Wood£65HackneyRouter Day Class, photographed by Great British WoodshopRouter Day ClassGreat British Woodshop£200WokingIntroduction to Woodwork Course Level Two, photographed by Ash And CompanyIntroduction to Woodwork Course Level TwoAsh And Company£259all levelsChurch CrookhamCarpentry Course: Build Your Own Wooden Garden Planter, photographed by The RivershopCarpentry Course: Build Your Own Wooden Garden PlanterThe Rivershop£135half dayGreenwichWoodworking Taster: Joinery Evening Class, photographed by POW WorkshopsWoodworking Taster: Joinery Evening ClassPOW Workshops£75half dayEalingTwelve Month Woodworking Course, photographed by Rowden AtelierTwelve Month Woodworking CourseRowden Atelier£25,79512 monthsbeginnerDrewsteigntonWoodworking Class: Dining Chair, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: Dining ChairGreat British Woodshop£175WokingMake a Bee House, photographed by Ash And CompanyMake a Bee HouseAsh And Company£28beginnerChurch CrookhamWalnut Box Making Workshop, photographed by The RivershopWalnut Box Making WorkshopThe Rivershop£90beginnerGreenwichMake a Knife Block: Woodworking Day Course, photographed by POW WorkshopsMake a Knife Block: Woodworking Day CoursePOW Workshops£160EalingWoodworking Class, Garden Planter, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class, Garden PlanterGreat British Woodshop£70WokingMake a Wooden Tool Box Workshop, photographed by Ash And CompanyMake a Wooden Tool Box WorkshopAsh And Company£59half daybeginnerChurch CrookhamMake a Bread Board, for beginners!, photographed by The RivershopMake a Bread Board, for beginners!The Rivershop£1251 dayGreenwichBeginner Joinery Workshop: Frame Joints (2-Day Course), photographed by POW WorkshopsBeginner Joinery Workshop: Frame Joints (2-Day Course)POW Workshops£2902 daysall levelsEalingBeginners' Woodworking Class, photographed by Great British WoodshopBeginners' Woodworking ClassGreat British Woodshop£175WokingYouth DIY Skills, Four Week Course, photographed by Ash And CompanyYouth DIY Skills, Four Week CourseAsh And Company£1404 weeksbeginnerChurch CrookhamDIY Workshop: Power Tools Course, photographed by The RivershopDIY Workshop: Power Tools CourseThe Rivershop£95half daybeginnerGreenwichWoodworking Class: Mortice and Tenon Joints, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: Mortice and Tenon JointsGreat British Woodshop£150WokingMake a Toy Crossbow Workshop, photographed by Ash And CompanyMake a Toy Crossbow WorkshopAsh And Company£69half dayChurch CrookhamEpoxy Resin River Coffee Table Workshop, photographed by The RivershopEpoxy Resin River Coffee Table WorkshopThe Rivershop£895GreenwichWoodworking Class: Coffee Table, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: Coffee TableGreat British Woodshop£1751 dayWokingMini-Maker Workshop Special Event, Jonty's Marvellous Make!Ash And Company£20Church CrookhamBeginners Epoxy Resin Workshop, photographed by The RivershopBeginners Epoxy Resin WorkshopThe Rivershop£250GreenwichWoodworking Class: Ladder Shelf, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: Ladder ShelfGreat British Woodshop£200WokingMake a Wooden Planter Workshop, photographed by Ash And CompanyMake a Wooden Planter WorkshopAsh And Company£2291 daybeginnerChurch CrookhamEpoxy Resin River Dining Table Workshop, photographed by The RivershopEpoxy Resin River Dining Table WorkshopThe Rivershop£2,5002 daysGreenwichWoodwork Class: Power Tools Day, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodwork Class: Power Tools DayGreat British Woodshop£200WokingWoodwork in a Day: Hand Tools & Fine Woodwork Skills, photographed by Ash And CompanyWoodwork in a Day: Hand Tools & Fine Woodwork SkillsAsh And Company£2291 daybeginnerChurch CrookhamGroup bookings: Make a Bread Board, for beginners!, photographed by The RivershopGroup bookings: Make a Bread Board, for beginners!The Rivershop£1251 dayGreenwichWoodworking Class: Router, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: RouterGreat British Woodshop£2001 daybeginnerWokingJoinery Workshop: Make a Child's Chair, photographed by Great British WoodshopJoinery Workshop: Make a Child's ChairGreat British Woodshop£150WokingWoodworking Class: Canvas Deckchair, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: Canvas DeckchairGreat British Woodshop£85WokingWoodworking Class: Bedside / Occasional Table, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: Bedside / Occasional TableGreat British Woodshop£180WokingWoodworking Class: Wooden Deckchair, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: Wooden DeckchairGreat British Woodshop£85WokingWoodworking Class: Stool, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class: StoolGreat British Woodshop£70WokingWoodworking Class, Make a Toolbox, photographed by Great British WoodshopWoodworking Class, Make a ToolboxGreat British Woodshop£75WokingBuild a Wall Shelf Class, photographed by Great British WoodshopBuild a Wall Shelf ClassGreat British Woodshop£150WokingMake a Serving TrayGreat British Woodshop£125WokingBasic Woodwork and DIY CourseGreat British Woodshop£175Woking

What a general woodwork course costs

Taken from the 147 courses here that publish a price, checked October 2026. Read it as a spread rather than a going rate: length, materials and group size all move the price.

  • Cheapest£9.38
  • Middle£150
  • Dearest£25,795

Who teaches general woodwork

69 makers and schools, most courses first.

MakerGreat British WoodshopSouth East England22 courses
MakerAsh And CompanySouth East England12 courses
MakerThe RivershopLondon12 courses
MakerPOW WorkshopsLondon7 courses
MakerRowden AtelierSouth West England5 courses
MakerGreenwood DaysEast Midlands4 courses
MakerLondon Green WoodLondon4 courses
MakerWilliams and ClealSouth West England4 courses
MakerPhilip HodgeEast of England3 courses
MakerJustin Wood NINorthern Ireland3 courses
MakerBlack Paw3 courses
MakerBen Willis WoodcraftLondon3 courses

Questions people ask about general woodwork

What does a general woodwork course cost?

147 of the 156 general woodwork courses we hold publish a price. The middle one is £150, and most sit between £59 and £500. Prices were checked in October 2026 and the provider sets them, not us.

Where can you learn general woodwork in the UK?

11 regions have general woodwork courses, most of them in London (44), South East England (37) and South West England (23). 7 of those have a page of their own for this craft.

How long is a general woodwork course?

64 of the 156 state a length, most often 1 day (22), half day (14) and 2 days (11). The other 92 do not say, so check the provider's page.

Do you need any experience to start general woodwork?

Most of these are taught as a first go. 52 of the 156 state a level, and 12 say plainly that they suit beginners and improvers together. Where a course says nothing, ask the provider before you book, because a hand craft can assume you bring some tool control with you.

How do I book a general woodwork course?

You book with the maker, not with us. All 156 courses here link straight to the provider's own page. Woodwork UK takes no booking, adds no fee and is not paid for the link, and all 69 makers and schools set their own dates, prices and places.

Getting started with general woodwork

Do you need qualifications to do woodwork?

None at all for yourself, and none to sell what you make. Qualifications belong to the building trade, where a City and Guilds or NVQ is asked for on site. Nothing on this site is a trade qualification and none of it needs one. If it is a career in construction you want rather than a craft, a college course is the right route and these are not it.

Can you teach yourself woodworking?

Up to a point, and plenty of people do. What is hard to learn alone is the physical stuff somebody can correct in ten seconds and a video cannot: how a plane should sound, how much pressure a saw wants, whether your chisel is actually sharp. Most self-taught woodworkers say the same thing, which is that a day with somebody who knows saved them a year of guessing.

What should a first project be?

Something small, flat and useful. A board, a box, a stool. The reason is not that it is easy but that it teaches the four things everything else rests on: measuring and marking accurately, sawing to a line, planing a surface flat, and cutting a joint that closes. Every craft here is those four skills pointed in a different direction.

Where can I learn general woodwork for free?

It is the most asked question in woodworking, and the honest answer is a men's shed or a community workshop rather than a course. We list 933 of them across the UK, and most charge a small subscription or a few pounds a session rather than a course fee. Find one near you. They are not classes and nobody teaches to a syllabus, but the tools are there, and somebody will almost always show you.

Other kinds of woodwork

Most people arrive knowing they want to make something rather than knowing the name of the craft. These are the other ten.

Checked by Ben Criddle, Woodwork UK. How we check.

We list what we can find and we take nothing for it. Something wrong on this page? Tell us.