Make Your Own Rustic Bench
Woodworking Workshop Gloucestershire
Ready to build something impressive? Join us for a full day in the workshop where you’ll design and build your very own rustic wooden bench from reclaimed timber — a unique piece of furniture you’ll be proud to show off!
Whether it’s destined for the hallway, the garden, the fireside, or the end of a bed, your bench will be completely one of a kind. You’ll choose the timber, the dimensions, the finish, and the style. Dean will guide you through every cut, joint, and bit of sanding, so even if you’ve never picked up a saw in your life, you’ll leave with a bench built to last a lifetime.
What You’ll Learn
- Safe use of woodworking tools including drills, chisels, wood rasps, routers, sanders and a circular saw.
- How to measure, mark, and cut wood accurately
- Basic joinery techniques
- How to work with reclaimed and rustic timber, embracing its natural character
- Finishing techniques: sanding, oiling, waxing, and optional treatments like wire brushing
- How to make a large piece of furniture level and stable
Perfect For
- Beginners and improvers looking to tackle their first woodworking project
- Anyone who wants a beautiful piece of handmade furniture in their home or garden
- A memorable gift experience or a fun day out
- Anyone searching for a woodworking class, furniture-making course, or craft day in Gloucestershire
What’s Included
- All materials, including reclaimed and rustic character timber
- Full use of workshop tools and equipment
- Tea, coffee, snacks and lunch (sandwiches)
- Expert guidance from Dean throughout
- Your very own handmade rustic bench to take home (or collect — it’s a big one!)
DIY Foundations & Safety (9:00–9:45)
Objective: Build confidence and prevent common mistakes
Topics
- What DIY can (and cannot) handle
- Tool safety basics
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Understanding walls: drywall, studs, anchors
- Reading instructions and project planning
Hands-On / Demo
- Identify wall types
- Use a stud finder and level
Measuring, Fastening & Drilling (9:45–10:45)
Objective: Learn the skills used in 80% of home projects
Topics
- Measuring and marking accurately
- Screws vs nails vs anchors
- Drill/driver basics (bits, torque, pilot holes)
- Hanging items safely and level
Hands-On / Demo
- Drill pilot holes
- Install wall anchors
- Hang a small shelf
Break (10:45–11:00)
Tea, Coffee… Maybe a biscuit too!
Wall Repair & Finishing (11:00–12:00)
Objective: Make repairs invisible and professional-looking
Topics
- Patching nail holes and small drywall damage
- Spackling vs joint compound
- Sanding techniques
- Caulking fundamentals
- Paint prep basics
Hands-On / Demo
- Patch and sand a drywall hole
- Apply clean caulk lines
Lunch Break (12:00–13:00)
Chat, have a sandwich.
Basic Plumbing Skills (13:00–2:00)
Objective: Build confidence and prevent common mistakes
Topics
- Water shutoff locations
- Waste pipes and U-bends
- PTFE tape use
- Replacing Taps
- Toilet basics
Hands-On / Demo
- Replace a tap
- Unblock / Replace U-bend
- Practice tightening fittings properly
Basic Electrical Skills (2:00–3:00)
Objective: Perform simple electrical work safely
Topics
- Electrical safety and trip switches
- Sockets and switch types
- Wire color basics
- Installing light fixtures
Hands-On / Demo
- Test power safely
- Wiring Plugs
- Replace Sockets
- Wire a basic light fixture
Break (3:00–3:15)
Tea, Coffee… Maybe a biscuit too!
Practical DIY Projects & Troubleshooting (3:15–4:00)
Objective: Combine skills into real-world projects
Topics
- Hanging heavy items (TVs, cabinets)
- Common DIY mistakes and how to fix them
- When to stop and call a pro
- Tool care and storage
Hands-On / Demo
- Hang a heavy wall-mounted item
- Diagnose a mock DIY “problem”
DIY Confidence Toolkit (4:00–4:30)
Objective: Build confidence and prevent common mistakes
Topics
- What DIY can (and cannot) handle
- Tool safety basics
- Personal protective equipment (PPE)
- Understanding walls: drywall, studs, anchors
- Reading instructions and project planning
Hands-On / Demo
- Identify wall types
- Use a stud finder and level
Join us for a full day in the workshop where you’ll design and build your very own rustic wooden bench from reclaimed timber. Whether you’re a complete beginner or someone who’s already done a smaller woodworking course and is ready for the next challenge, this is the perfect day out. We run our woodworking courses near the Forest of Dean and welcome students from across Gloucestershire, Bristol, South Wales, and beyond. If you’ve been searching for a furniture-making class, a woodworking workshop near me, or a gift experience, look no further.
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Testimonials
Location: Awre / Nr Forest of Dean / Gloucestershire
Course Name: Make Your Own Rustic Bench
Course Type: In-Person / Hands-On Training
Level: Beginner
Duration: 1 Day
Category: Woodworking Course, Make Your Own, Furniture Making, Makers Workshop, Craft Day Gloucestershire
Serving: Gloucestershire, Bristol, South Wales and surrounding areas