Woodworking Course: Dovetail Stools

Learn how to construct a small step stool using hand cut dovetails and through wedged mortise and tenons



2 x 7 hours Location Marrickville and other locations Class size 1 to 12 (public classes), 5 to 30   $590 (Afterpay available)

Looking for fun things to do in Sydney? Join a woodworking class with Wood Academy in Marrickville and learn a new skill!
In this hands-on Dovetail Stools workshop, you’ll learn how to construct a beautifully crafted step stool using traditional joinery techniques, including hand-cut dovetails and through wedged mortise and tenons. Designed for both beginners and intermediate students, this two-day course focuses on essential woodworking skills, tool mastery, and refined craftsmanship. Guided by experienced instructors, you’ll gain skills that can elevate the quality of your future projects, from small furnishings to decorative pieces.
Why You’ll Love This Class:
Master Key Joinery Techniques: Learn the fundamentals of dovetailing and through wedged tenons, building strong and attractive joints using hand tools and select power tools.
Create a Functional Piece: By the end of the course, you’ll have completed your own step stool, showcasing the skills you’ve gained and providing a practical addition to your home.
Hands-On Tool Experience: Get comfortable with essential tools like hand saws, chisels, hand planes, and the drill press, gaining confidence and skill with each session.
Attention to Detail: Develop an understanding of dovetail geometry and grain alignment for both structural integrity and aesthetic appeal in woodworking projects.
Welcoming Environment: Join a friendly and supportive workshop designed for those with little to no experience, as well as intermediate students looking to enhance their skills. Students aged 14+ are welcome!
Learning Objectives and Outcomes:
Precision Joinery Skills: Learn how to cut dovetails and create through wedged tenons accurately, essential skills for traditional joinery projects.
Tool Proficiency: Gain hands-on experience using hand saws, chisels, hand planes, and marking tools, alongside basic power tools like the drill press.
Wood Selection and Grain Considerations: Understand the importance of wood grain and its role in creating strong, visually appealing joints.
Project Completion: Leave the workshop with a completed step stool, crafted by your own hands and reflecting the traditional woodworking techniques you’ve learned.
Course Content and Structure:
This two-day workshop balances theory and hands-on practice, ensuring you gain both understanding and experience. You’ll start with an introduction to essential hand tools and learn the basics of dovetail geometry and wood selection. From there, you’ll move into crafting, practicing cuts, joinery, and assembly. Each day focuses on building your skills, allowing you to complete a finished step stool by the end of the course.
Hands-On Experience:
This course is entirely hands-on, with each participant actively working with their own set of tools. Under the guidance of experienced instructors, you’ll receive personalized feedback, ensuring you leave with both confidence in your abilities and a finished project that showcases your skills.
Join Us and Start Crafting:
Sign up for our Dovetail Stools workshop and dive into the rewarding art of traditional joinery. Whether you’re just beginning your woodworking journey or looking to refine your skills, this class offers the perfect blend of instruction, practice, and accomplishment. Reserve your spot today and start creating!

Upcoming dates for Woodworking Course: Dovetail Stools

Times are Sydney time. Dates and prices as of 22 Oct 2026, 4:56pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 17 Apr 2027 and 17 Apr 2027.

  • Sat 17 Apr 2027, 9am-4pm then Sun 18 Apr, 9am-4pm (7/8 Wilmette Place, Mona Vale NSW • New Location 2027)
What you'll get
You’ll not only have crafted functional pieces of furniture, but also mastered the intricate art of dovetail joinery. With newfound skills in cutting, fitting, and assembling with precision, you’ll be well-equipped to tackle more advanced woodworking projects confidently.
Read more details   
Knowledge required
  • Suitable for beginners with no experience up to intermediate.
  • Children 14+ are welcome to participate in this course but will need a parent or guardian present.
What to bring
  • PPE will be supplied however students wishing to bring their own should come with a face mask, safety glasses or goggles and earmuffs or earplugs.
  • You must wear closed shoes to protect your feet.
  • If you have your own tools relevant to the class, you should bring them along to get better accustomed at using them but we also supply all tools if you don't have any.
  • We have a kitchen onsite with fridge and microwave for those that want to bring their own food, and there are also takeaway options within walking distance.
Session repeats

This class series runs over 2 consecutive days.

Suitable for

This class is great for individuals and couples as well as for a date idea, team building activity, Christmas party, birthday or hens party.

This experience would also be a fun gift for her, gift for mum, Xmas gift or gift for couples.

Location

7/8 Wilmette Place, Mona Vale NSW and 12 Gerald Street, Marrickville NSW (varies by date; click the date selector to see details)

Woodworking Course: Dovetail Stools location
Verified reviews

ClassBento loader icon

Recent reviews of Woodworking Course: Dovetail Stools

  • 5/5 from Melissa Neilsen-Gerber, attended Sep 2026: Great 2 days, I learned so much and the teachers were excellent! Highly recommend.
  • 5/5 from Doug Henry, attended Sep 2026: I really enjoyed the class. Eliza & Nick were fantastic instructors; very engaged, knowledgeable, and helpful.
  • 5/5 from Andrew Leslie, attended Apr 2026: Great course, harder than I thought it would be so I learnt a lot! Both instructors were very knowledgeable and helpful despite the class being a bit bigger than expected. The tools and equipment are first class. Very happy with the completed piece and the skills i learned.
  • 5/5 from Amanda Roffey, attended Apr 2026: Eliza & Nick were awesome. I love their teaching style and overseeing our work as it progressed. I had lots of questions….! And I wasn’t made to feel stupid but got the clear explanation I needed till ‘I got it’. I’ve ended up with a stool that I will treasure and hope to try another one soon. Something else I loved was that all the tools were sharp and in good working order which gave us the best chance to succeed
  • 5/5 from Dan Cherrie, attended Apr 2026: Class was well run with two friendly and professional teachers who were well prepared and gave sufficient time to complete the project. The space is comfortable with access to everything required and highly recommend this course
  • 5/5 from Luke Carter, attended Oct 2025: This course was a great intro into the art of woodworking. Nick and Eliza were friendly and helpful in passing on their knowledge. Highly recommended.
  • 5/5 from Betsy Pickering, attended Oct 2025: Great class. It was hard to get it done well in the allocated time, but I got through to the end.
  • 5/5 from Keren Davies, attended Jul 2025: The instructors were knowledgeable and patient. The workshop space was well-equipped and organised. Highly recommend. Some experience preferably but not needed.
  • 5/5 from Fiona Campbell, attended Jul 2025: Informative helpful instructors. Great location near fantastic cafes. Ran out of loo paper due to lots of women participating!
  • 5/5 from Douglas Blacket, attended Oct 2024: Nick and the Wood Academy put on a really good course. Very well resourced and knowledgeable, has a great time and learnt a lot. Thanks again, look forward to the next one
  • 5/5 from Nick Fahrer, attended Oct 2024: Nick and Eliza provided thoughtful and easy to understand tuition. Would highly recommended this course.
  • 5/5 from Margarete Horstmann, attended Mar 2024: Nick and Eliza were great instructors, knowledgeable and helpful! End product looks awesome! Highly recommend
  • 5/5 from Elianna Han, attended Mar 2024: Awesome experience! Was a bit of a steep learning curve for a beginner, but the Nick and Eliza were so supportive and encouraging. Super happy with the results!
  • 5/5 from James Campbell, attended Mar 2024: Over all very good course. I learnt a lot and had a great time. Thanks
Your teacher

Wood Academy
Wood Academy

5.0 (233)

There’s a certain magic in creating something with your own two hands. The focus it demands, the joy it imparts, the sense of accomplishment when you transform a simple piece of timber into something extraordinary. At Wood Academy, we celebrate the power of craftsmanship, the way it can ignite passion, inspire creativity, and instil a deep sense of satisfaction. It’s why we believe in one simple truth: Wood Work is good work. The more makers in this world, the better.

Gift this artisan class

With our gift card, they can book this class at a time that suits them.

They can also choose from our 16,000+ other classes.

redeem Gifting options

Book on ClassBento and enjoy exclusive perks:


  • Earn loyalty points
  • Money-back guarantee* for peace of mind
  • Local support from our Sydney-based team, rated 5 stars by customers
  • Public liability insurance included for your protection
  • ClassBento donates $1 to Dementia Australia with every paid booking
class 0 V48I01Z33L 34c052b7f77f35dccea660a6ce51910d 1 production sydney Sydney NSW AU sydney