Woodworking Course: Marquetry Chess Board

Step into the world of fine woodworking with our marquetry chess board course!



2 x 7 hours Location Marrickville and other locations Class size 1 to 8 (public classes), 5 to 30   $590 (Afterpay available)

Looking for fun things to do in Sydney? Join a woodworking course with Wood Academy in Marrickville (From 2027 onward in Mona Vale) and learn a new skill!
Step into the world of fine woodworking with our marquetry chess board course, designed to welcome and inspire woodworkers of all skill levels.
Whether you’re just starting out or looking to expand your expertise, this weekend course offers a supportive environment where you can learn, create, and achieve.
Across two full days, you’ll explore the art of marquetry, parquetry, and veneer work, culminating in the creation of your own beautiful chess board.
Why you’ll love this course:
  • No prior woodworking experience is needed! Our expert instructors will guide you through every step, ensuring you feel confident and supported as you master new techniques.
  • Experience the difference that high-quality tools make in our state-of-the-art workshop, designed to enhance your learning and creativity.
  • Join a community of fellow woodworkers who share your passion, whether you’re a complete beginner or looking to refine your craft.
  • Benefit from the guidance of seasoned woodworkers who are passionate about teaching and dedicated to helping you succeed.
  • By the end of the weekend, you’ll have crafted a stunning chess board that showcases your newfound skills, regardless of your starting level.
Course content and structure:
Day 1: Introduction and Basics
Begin with an introduction to marquetry and veneer work. Learn about veneer selection, pattern design, and the tools you’ll be using. Start crafting the base of your chess board under expert guidance.
Day 2: Advanced Techniques and Finishing
Continue your project by applying more advanced techniques, including intricate pattern work and finishing touches. Complete your chess board, ready to take home as a testament to your new skills.
Hands-On Experience:
This course is fully hands-on, with each participant actively engaging in the process of creating their chess board. You’ll work directly with professional-grade tools in a state-of-the-art workshop, ensuring that your learning is both practical and immersive.

Upcoming dates for Woodworking Course: Marquetry Chess Board

Times are Sydney time. Dates and prices as of 22 Oct 2026, 3:23pm; availability and price are confirmed live when booking on this page.

1 upcoming date between 13 Mar 2027 and 13 Mar 2027.

  • Sat 13 Mar 2027, 9am-4pm then Sun 14 Mar, 9am-4pm (7/8 Wilmette Place, Mona Vale NSW • New Location 2027)
What you'll get
You’ll not only create a stunning chessboard to take home but also master the delicate techniques of marquetry and veneer work. With newfound skills in design, cutting and assembly, you’ll be ready to take on more intricate woodworking projects with confidence.
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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 if you wish to bring your 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 to using them but we also supply all tools if you don't have any.
  • We have a kitchen onsite with a fridge and microwave for those who 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.

Suitable for adults, and kids (minimum 12 years old).

An adult must accompany any attending kids (the adult may observe for free).

This experience would also be a unique 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: Marquetry Chess Board location
Verified reviews

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Recent reviews of Woodworking Course: Marquetry Chess Board

  • 5/5 from Lucy Sharman, attended Aug 2026: Fantastic class. I learnt so much and Eliza and Anne were so knowledgeable and wonderful teachers. Highly recommend!
  • 5/5 from James Murphy, attended Mar 2026: Great instructors and an easy going and welcoming dynamic. I was very impressed with how ot turned out. I do feel the class neds a little more time or some guidance on how much sanding is enough as its easy to go overboard. I was hoping we would also get to do the corner legs of the board but not sure if that os part of the course or due to tome constraint, but all the worth it regardless. Thanks David & Eliza!
  • 5/5 from Alex Phillips, attended Mar 2026: The chessboard marquetry course was a christmas present from my SO. David and Eliza were the teachers and they were excellent at what they did, very knowledgeable and present. The course was very well laid out with clear instruction. Ive never done marquetry before but I was able to leave the class with a project I was really proud of and will be able to apply the skills I learnt here to future products. 10/10
  • 5/5 from Jainendra Dixit, attended Aug 2025: Excellent teachers and course. David and Eliza are true professionals and inspiring. Class set up and materials just perfect and organised to focus on theme of the course.
  • 5/5 from Frances Drayton Dixson, attended Aug 2025: Amazing class suits all levels-we had novices and experts in our group Group size is small (we were 7) with 2 excellent teachers Instructors supported and guided us through every step of the process- never taking over just supporting and advising Chess board and pieces look incredible and much more professional than a "hobby" project thanks to the teaching and support It was great to learn to use the various tools and techniques safely and achieve a great result Highly Recommend
  • 5/5 from Neil Seaton, attended Aug 2025: An excellent two day course covering the basics of marquetry. The chess board was achievable for all Skill Levels. The teachers were experienced, approachable and knowledgeable. The materials supplied were of excellent quality. I liked the small class size and the relaxed nature of the class.
  • 5/5 from Sarah Pearson, attended Aug 2025: Outstanding course. Learned loads, and took home a fabulous chess set. Many thanks David and Eliza.
  • 5/5 from Nathan Keefe, attended Apr 2025: A fantastic class to learn marquetry. Excellent facilities and teacher. Looking forward to joining another class.
  • 5/5 from Frances Taylor, attended Apr 2025: This was a great course, David and Eliza fabulous teachers. It was well prepared with lots of information given both verbally and written.i learned a lot about marquetry and came away with a chess board and men. Will certainly be putting it into practice. Thank you so much.
  • 5/5 from Janette Evans, attended Apr 2025: This was a great course. Second one for me at the Wood Academy and it was amazing. I came home with a beautiful chess board and chess pieces. The teachers David and Eliza were fantastic very helpful and knowledgeable. I learnt a lot about veneer and wood work in general. Loved it and would highly recommend it
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.

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