16 Beginner Woodworking Classes (Online + In-Person)

Learn the basics with these 16 beginner woodworking classes. From online courses to in-person workshops, you’re sure to find the perfect one for you!

Students assembling a bench at a woodworking class

If you’re just getting started or looking to brush up on your skills, these 16 woodworking classes for beginners are an excellent place to start. With courses ranging from safety and proper tool use to basic woodworking techniques and furniture building, there’s something for everyone.

No matter your skill level, you’ll find the perfect class to help you gain confidence and knowledge to take on any project. So what are you waiting for? Start woodworking today!

Originally published March 28, 2017, updated July 7, 2019, and August 30, 2023.

Beginner Woodworking Classes Near You

You might be surprised at how many beginner woodworking classes are available close to your home.

They’re an excellent way to learn woodworking fundamentals, such as using tools safely and effectively, selecting the right wood and hardware for your project, and finishing techniques without investing in expensive tools or supplies.

1. Art Centers and Maker Spaces

Many communities have art centers or maker spaces offering classes on various topics, such as jewelry making, photography, stained glass, and more. So, when I found out that my local arts center offered furniture-making classes, I was excited to sign up.

I learned so much, from traditional woodworking techniques like hand-cutting dovetails, making mortise and tenon joints, and creating book-matched panels to veneering, proper clamping techniques, and the difference between dimensional and rough lumber.

Related: Beginner’s Guide to Wood Sizes

These classes are a great way to learn new skills, and some maker spaces even offer open studio time where you can work on your own projects using the shop’s tools. I encourage anyone interested in woodworking to check out what your local art center or maker space has to offer!

To find one in your area, try a Google search for “maker spaces near me” or “maker spaces in [your city or state].” This will bring up a list of maker spaces in your area, their contact information, and their website.


2. Continuing Education Woodworking Classes

If you want to learn woodworking but don’t know where to start, check out your local high school or community college. Some offer woodworking classes as part of their continuing education program.

The classes are usually taught by knowledgeable community members such as the school’s shop teacher or a retired carpenter. Courses frequently teach how to use different woodworking tools, make basic furniture, and finish your wood projects. And you’ll likely meet a neighbor who is interested in woodworking too!

Keep an eye on your mailbox for a course flier (usually in the fall and spring), or check your school’s website for course information.


3. Woodworking Clubs

I was eager to learn more about woodworking after taking all the classes my local art center offered, so the instructor suggested I check out the local woodworking club.

I became a member and attended their classes, learning about joining techniques, making jigs, router techniques, and more.

In addition to classes, my local club offers a monthly newsletter, monthly meetings, an annual woodworking show, and an annual wood/tool auction. The yearly dues are only $30, which is a bargain for all the benefits that members receive.

A footstool or bench being assembled with clamps at a woodworking class

4. Woodworking Shows

Woodworking shows are a great way to see new tools and product demonstrations and connect with other woodworkers. Local woodworking clubs and national companies like The Woodworking Shows host these events, frequently offering workshops as part of the admission price.

Classes can range from basic techniques like setting up a saw to more advanced topics like stain and finish techniques.

In the past, I’ve attended a Table Saw Basics class at The Woodworking Shows, where I learned how to use this tool safely and effectively.

Related: 21 Table Saw Safety Rules (& Mistakes to Avoid)

During a demonstration at The Woodworking Shows, I also fell in love with my Kreg Pocket Hole Jig. I was so impressed with it that I bought one, and I’ve been using it ever since.

Related: How to Use a Pocket Hole Jig (& Beginner Pitfalls to Avoid)


5. Woodworking Stores

Stores such as Rockler Woodworking and Woodcraft regularly host beginner classes, such as furniture making or applying finishes and stains, and more advanced courses, like building fine furniture or other complicated projects.

A while back, I attended a two-day SketchUp class at a Woodcraft store in a neighboring state. SketchUp is a 3D software I use to design my projects, and I wanted to learn more about how to use it effectively.

The store was an hour’s drive from my home, but it was worth the trip. The instructor was knowledgeable and shared helpful tips that have improved my SketchUp skills. I can now create more detailed and accurate models, helping me improve the quality of my woodworking projects.


6. Meetup Groups

Meetup groups are a great way to learn woodworking without committing to a formal class. You can meet other woodworkers in your area, learn from their experience, and get feedback on your own projects.

Unfortunately, there isn’t a woodworking meetup group in my area. Maybe I should start one! If you’re interested in joining a woodworking meetup group, search for “woodworking” and your city on the Meetup website.


7. Woodworking Schools

If you want to take your skills to the next level, you can enroll in woodworking masterclasses. Many schools offer multi-week intensive woodworking courses, such as Yestermorrow Design/Build School and Vermont School of Woodworking.

I attended a week-long timber framing workshop at the Hancock Shaker Village Museum. This hands-on course taught me timber frame techniques, and I helped construct a small building.

Attendees at a timber frame woodworking class assembling a small building

8. Home Depot

Before 2020, your local Home Depot offered weekly DIY workshops, ranging from installing tile to plumbing repairs, making a raised garden bed, and building simple furniture projects. A display board in the entryway announced the upcoming classes.

However, since then, they no longer offer in-store workshops. Instead, Home Depot now offers a series of online DIY tutorials and project videos. You can find the full list of virtual workshops here.

Unfortunately, none of the current online offerings include building furniture. I hope Home Depot will consider adding these courses to their lineup or bringing back in-store classes someday.


Online Woodworking Classes for Beginners

For those who don’t have the time or flexibility to attend an in-person workshop, online classes are a great option. The drawback is you’ll need your own tools, which is an additional expense, but you’ll need them anyway if you’re serious about woodworking.

Related: 9 Beginner Woodworking Tools (That Won’t Break the Bank)

9. Craftsy

Craftsy offers a variety of classes, covering everything from basic skills to more advanced projects like cabinet and drawer construction, router and table saw techniques, and more. They also have furniture-building lessons, such as benches, nightstands, and coffee tables.

Related: How to Build DIY Drawers

With clear instructions and step-by-step videos, you’ll be able to learn the skills you need to create beautiful and functional woodworking projects.

Check out Craftsy here.

Online woodworking courses offered at Craftsy

10. Instructables

Instructables offers a free online woodworking class covering woodworking basics, such as tools, making straight cuts, glues, wood shaping, miter cuts, and more. The class is divided into nine sections, each lesson laying the groundwork for future projects, allowing you to build your skills and knowledge as you progress through the course.

Check out Instructables here.

Screenshot of the Instructables online woodworking class

11. Fine Woodworking

Fine Woodworking offers a variety of educational resources for woodworkers, including on-demand videos and interactive online courses.

Some Fine Woodworking courses include:

  • Foundations of Woodworking: This course teaches the basics of woodworking, such as how to select wood, how to use tools, and how to make basic joints.
  • How to Use SketchUp for Furniture Design: This course teaches how to use SketchUp software to design furniture.
  • Making the Most of Your Tools: Each course teaches how to use specific tools, such as the router, table saw, and bandsaw.

Check out Fine Woodworking here.

Several images of the online woodworking courses offered by Fine Woodworking

12. Popular Woodworking

Popular Woodworking offers a vast library of woodworking videos with more than 400 titles. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced woodworker, you’re sure to find something to help you improve your skills.

The videos cover topics such as:

  • Hand tools: Learn how to use hand tools like planes and chisels.
  • Power tools: Learn how to use power tools like table saws, routers, and miter saws.
  • Projects: Build a variety of projects, from a simple plant stand to complex furniture pieces.
  • Finishing: Learn how to finish your projects with stains and protective top coats.
  • SketchUp: Learn how to use the SketchUp software to design your projects.

The classes are taught by expert woodworkers, providing step-by-step instructions and demonstrations.

Check out the Popular Woodworking videos here.

Popular Woodworking's online woodworking video classes

13. Woodworkers Guild of America

The Woodworkers Guild of America offers classes on various woodworking topics, including tools and projects. For tools, they offer classes on table saw essentials, bandsaw jigs, table saw joinery, and router table joinery. For projects, they offer classes on building cabinet doors, dressers, tables, and even little libraries.

Check out Woodworkers Guild of America here.

Screenshot of the online woodworking classes offered by Woodworkers Guild of America

14. Udemy

Udemy, an online learning platform, offers classes for beginners taught by experienced woodworkers. These courses cover basic woodworking skills, including tools, projects, and design programs.

  • For design programs, Udemy offers classes on SketchUp and Fusion 360, teaching you how to use them to design your woodworking projects.
  • For tools, Udemy offers classes on handheld router techniques, tool sharpening, table saw essentials, and setting up jointers and planers, teaching you how to use these tools safely and effectively.
  • For projects, Udemy offers courses on cabinetmaking, outdoor planters, and other wood projects, teaching you how to build them from start to finish.

Another benefit of taking a woodworking course on Udemy is that it’s relatively affordable. Fees typically range between $15 and $20, and you can often find them on sale for even less, making it an excellent option for students on a budget.

Check out Udemy here.

Udemy's online woodworking course offerings

15. The Weekend Woodworker

The Weekend Woodworker is a six-week online woodworking course created by Steve Ramsey, a well-known woodworking instructor and YouTuber. The course is designed for complete beginners covering everything you need to know to start woodworking, from choosing tools to building your first project.

The lessons are progressive, starting with simpler projects and becoming more complex as you learn the needed skills, meaning you’ll never be in over your head.

Here are some of the benefits for beginner woodworkers:

  • Learn the basics of woodworking from scratch, from safety to tools and techniques.
  • Get step-by-step instructions for six complete woodworking projects.
  • Watch video tutorials from woodworking expert Steve Ramsey, who will walk you through each project.

If you’re interested in learning woodworking, The Weekend Woodworker is a great place to start. It’s a comprehensive course that will teach you everything you need to know to get started, led by one of the most popular online woodworking instructors.

Check out The Weekend Woodworker here.

The Weekend Woodworker online class taught by Steve Ramsey

16. Skill Share

Skillshare is an online learning platform offering classes on various topics, including woodworking. For beginners, Skillshare can be a great resource for learning woodworking basics and finding inspiration for new projects.

However, there are also some drawbacks to Skillshare:

You have to create a free account before looking at the course offerings. If you’re like me, this can be annoying. However, you can create a free account in a few seconds and then browse the course offerings without obligation.

Not all of the classes on Skillshare are created equal, and they can vary in quality. Fortunately, you can read reviews and see how many people enrolled before purchasing.

Check out Skillshare here.


Learn Skills with Woodworking Magazines

You can continue learning woodworking skills with magazines. Recently, I surveyed the Saws on Skates® community, asking them to identify the best woodworking magazines for beginners.

Explore our survey results to find one that’s right for you.


Learn Woodworking Skills with Saws on Skates®

Interested in woodworking but need help figuring out where to start? Join the FREE Saws on Skates® Beginner Woodworking VIP list and gain instant access to:

Tools

Top-notch tool comparisons help you clear the confusion between tools and choose the right one for the job.

Tutorials

Helpful tutorials for getting the most out of your tools, plus tips and techniques for finishing your project like a pro.

Plans

Free woodworking plans with easy-to-understand instructions and helpful tips will successfully guide you through each project.


Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned woodworker, many resources are available to help you improve your skills. In-person and online woodworking classes can teach you the basics, while Saws on Skates® tutorials provide even more detailed instruction. With a little practice, you’ll create beautiful woodworking projects in no time!

Thank you for stopping by. If you enjoyed this tutorial, would you please take a moment and pin it to Pinterest? I’d really appreciate it!


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2 Comments

    1. Thank you Nancy – I’m glad you found this helpful! Good luck with your Home Depot class!

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