9 Top Woodworking Schools in the World

The art of fine woodworking takes years to master, and even then, there’re always new techniques to learn. That’s why it’s so important for you to be in the right environment when learning this skill. For example, if you wanted to learn how to play basketball, would you go out on a court by yourself with no one else around? Of course not! You’d go somewhere where people can help show you the ropes. Well, guess what? Fine woodworking is no different from playing basketball!

If you are looking to up your woodworking game, look no further. We have put together a list of 9 top woodworking schools in the world for aspiring woodworkers who want to learn more about this amazing craft. 

What Are Your Special Skills?

Before you even think about where to go for your training, you should know what you want out of your education. Take time to assess your talents and interests. For example, are you interested in designing furniture, do you want to focus on joinery or the finishing process? Are you great with your hands? Do you have a knack for numbers and statistics? Are you a creative type? Do you enjoy working with wood more than making precise details inside it, or are you a detail-oriented craftsperson? Take time to identify your basic woodworking skills, and you will be able to pinpoint the best school for your needs. Don’t be worried if you don’t have any woodworking expertise when you first begin taking lessons–you may progress from novice to expert in the beginning woodworking classes. If you already have some practical knowledge, you may begin in the more advanced courses. The institution will be able to assist you with these matters.

Start With Youtube Videos and Online Courses

Before heading off to a full-fledged course, you should spend some time learning the basics on your own. After all, you must use these fine woodworking tools safely and efficiently before attending classes. Many resources can teach you how to work with wood. Youtube videos are great resources–you can learn just about everything you need to know from these tutorials. If you’re interested in learning how to work with a specific tool, go ahead and search for that particular process on YouTube. There’re even specific channels dedicated solely to fine woodworking programs. In addition to the free videos on YouTube, there’re also online courses that can help you learn more about fine woodworking. Udemy, Lynda.com, and Creativelive are just a few sites with online, inexpensive courses to help you learn everything you need to know. Here are some of the best woodworking schools that offer the best formal education programs.

Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute

This woodworking school is an excellent choice for anyone looking to become a professional woodworker. It has produced some of the finest carpenters in the country, including inventors and designers who have gone on to make their mark in the wood world. Their instructors like Dave Heller, Patrick Moore are experienced craftsmen with years of experience, giving them firsthand knowledge on how to become one of the best. They are dedicated professionals who are committed to making new, exciting things with this ancient medium.

Their full-time program is nine months long, which includes five days of class per week, 9 hours on Saturdays, and 9 hours on Sundays for homework. Tuition is $12,000 for this 9-month course. It is located in Adrian, Georgia, which is 9 miles west of Tallahassee. The campus itself has everything any carpenter could want in a workshop–forges, ovens, dust collection systems, green sand molders, planning mills, and lathes. The good thing is, this woodworking school offers weekend classes for those with busy schedules.

Lonnie Bird’s School of Fine Woodworking

Lonnie Bird’s School of Fine Woodworking, founded in 1982, is known for its high-quality training program and excellent instructors. They offer nine months of fine furniture-making instruction that helps students develop both the creativity and technical skills needed to become a professional woodworker. The course costs $9000 and includes extra hours for weekends. Classes are held in the luxurious Lonnie Bird workshop, equipped with everything necessary to make great craftsmanship possible. The Lonnie Bird School of Fine Woodworking is located on 9 acres of conservation land in Black Mountain, North Carolina.

Marc Adams School of Woodworking

The Marc Adams Woodworking school is an excellent choice for students who want to learn everything there is to know about woodworking. Their course covers every aspect of the craft so that graduates can hit the ground running. Their program costs $8200 and includes 9 hours for weekends. Furniture-making classes are taught by experienced artists who have years of professional experience designing and building custom furniture for clients around the world. Instructors have graced magazine covers, participated in national furniture design shows, and won prestigious awards for their work. The Marc Adams School of Woodworking is located in Marion, Ohio. They have been teaching since 1991.

The Chippendale International School of Furniture in Scotland

The Chippendale International School of Furniture in Scotland provides training in classic cabinet and furniture technology to students from around the world. They provide a beginner course for people who want to learn woodworking for fun, intermediate training for individuals who wish to improve their woodworking skills technology, and professional training for individuals aiming to develop their profession in the sector. Chippendale International School is located in Kelso, Scotland, and is an hour’s drive from Edinburgh. The course costs $16,000.

University of Tasmania Design Program

The University of Tasmania’s Design Program is located in Hobart, which houses the school and a woodworking shop with everything students need to practice their craft. Students get hands-on experience to become professional woodworkers. It’s designed to equip its students with the woodworking skills and fundamentals necessary to become job-ready when they graduate. Tuition for nine months costs $15,000 in Australian dollars (AUD). 

Rosewood Studio in Canada

Rosewood provides instruction for $17500 CAD ($15250 USD). The Rosewood Studio is located in Markham, Ontario. Classes started in 1993, and they have been providing instruction ever since. Most courses last five to ten days, with the exception of their Craftsman Program, which lasts for twelve weeks. The majority of courses last between five and ten days. During the course duration, you may stay at one of the local hotels listed on their website.

Santa Fe Community College’s

Santa Fe Community College’s Fine Woodworking Program is dedicated to helping students gain the woodworking skills necessary for a woodworking course. It offers nine-month-long classes that cost USD 865 per credit hour, which comes out to about USD 7000. In addition, they offer evening courses for those including includingworking, so you can learn in your spare time. They also offer part-time classes, which take nine weeks and cost USD 3800 per 9 weeks.

Long Beach City College’s

Long Beach City College’s 9-month course costs USD 3800 and covers skills such as making furniture, milling, joinery, and lathe work. The curriculum includes both individual and group projects. There’re 9 hours per week for nine months of classes. Classes meet on Tuesday from 2-5 pm, and  Thursday from 9 am-12 pm.

Red Rocks Community College in Colorado

Red Rocks Community College in Colorado offers nine-month-long classes that cost USD 7000. There’re 9 hours per week for nine months of classes. Classes meet on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8 am-12 pm or 2 pm-5 pm, depending on the day of the week.

Palomar College in California

Palomar College in California offers 9 month-long classes that cost $4300 USD. The furniture school boosted their woodworking courses and technological skills after remodeling their woodworking classrooms in 2013. 

FAQs

Can you go to school for woodworking?

Yes, you can go to school for woodworking. Woodworking is a multidisciplinary area that combines carpentry skills and joinery techniques with either fine or decorative arts. There’re a lot of jobs in this field because the demand for well-made and unique pieces is constantly growing across a wide range of industries.

Who are famous woodworkers?

There’re a lot of famous woodworkers. Some names like George Nakashima and Wendell Castle have been around since the late 20th century. Others include Bob Van Dyke, Sam Maloof, George Hamilton Junior, and Harlan Ilsey.

How can I learn woodworking?

There’re a variety of ways to learn woodworking. You can take a course at a community college or you can attend a shop class at a local high school. Alternatively, you could also learn from books and magazines, by taking online courses or enrolling in summer camps for students.

Conclusion

These 9 top woodworking schools in the world offer a variety of courses and certifications to help you pursue your passion for the craft. Whether it’s learning new techniques, exploring different mediums, or earning certification credentials, these institutions have something to offer all levels of students. If one school is unavailable in your area, don’t worry! There are plenty more options available worldwide that will teach their crafts from beginner to expert with equal enthusiasm and dedication. We hope this list has been helpful in finding the right institution for you.