Where to start your woodworking journey

So, you typed "woodworking classes near me" into a search engine or, maybe you're looking for trade schools or an online woodworking class. Either way, woodworking classes are often the best way to prepare for a rewarding career as a skilled carpenter or furniture maker.

If you already have the tools and just want to know how to get the most out of them, an online woodworking class might be all you really need. Well, you can rest easy, because there are plenty of trade schools for woodworking out there and a host of ways to learn woodworking online.

Trade schools can change your life

Are you fed up with the daily grind and dream of standing by a workbench, crafting something beautiful for a paying client? Whether you're a novice looking to learn the basics or a seasoned woodworker wanting to refine your skills, across the United States there are plenty of superb woodworking classes, trade schools, and online courses for every level of expertise.

That's why we curated a list for each category, each one promising a journey of sawdust, creativity, and mastery.

What to expect from woodworking classes

Beyond the practice of woodworking, some will even help you to figure out how to make a career out of your newfound trade skills. Of course, the following list is just a guide because there are countless woodworking classes, trade schools and online woodworking classes out there. We just wanted to give you a head start with some of the most well known options. Enjoy!

Out Top Picks:

1. Woodworking Class - Center for Furniture Craftsmanship - Rockport, ME

2. Trade School - Center for Furniture Craftsmanship - Rockport, ME

3. Online Course - Fine Woodworking Online Workshops

The contenders:

Woodworking Classes:

1. William Ng Woodworks - Anaheim, CA

   • About: Led by acclaimed instructor William Ng, this school provides hands-on training in Japanese woodworking techniques. Geared towards both woodworking classes and online woodworking education.
   • Highlights: Authentic Japanese methods, specialized courses, and a strong emphasis on precision and craftsmanship.
   • Website: William Ng Woodworks

2. Center for Furniture Craftsmanship - Rockport, ME

   • About: Nestled in the scenic coast of Maine, this institution emphasizes fine craftsmanship and design in woodworking education. A trade school, also offering individual woodworking classes.
   • Highlights: Intensive courses, renowned faculty, and a supportive community of artisans.
   • Website: Center for Furniture Craftsmanship

3. Woodcraft - Various Locations Nationwide

   • About: With branches across the country, Woodcraft offers a wide range of classes catering to beginners and experts alike.
   • Highlights: Diverse course offerings, hands-on experience, and affordable pricing.
   • Website: Woodcraft Classes

4. The Crucible - Oakland, CA

   • About: More than just a woodworking school, The Crucible is a nonprofit organization dedicated to fostering creativity through industrial arts.
   • Highlights: Unique workshops, community-focused programs, and a vibrant maker culture.
   • Website: The Crucible Woodworking

5. American School of French Marquetry - San Diego, CA

   • About: Specializing in the intricate art of marquetry, this school provides hands-on training in the French tradition.
   • Highlights: Masterful instruction, focus on traditional techniques, and a deep dive into decorative woodworking.
   • Website: American School of French Marquetry

6. Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts - Gatlinburg, TN

   • About: Situated in the heart of the Smoky Mountains, Arrowmont offers immersive woodworking workshops amidst breathtaking natural scenery.
   • Highlights: Varied class formats, experienced instructors, and opportunities for artistic exploration.
   • Website: Arrowmont School of Arts and Crafts

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Trade Schools:

1. North Bennet Street School - Boston, MA

   • About: Renowned for its traditional craftsmanship, NBSS offers comprehensive woodworking courses ranging from basic joinery to advanced cabinet and furniture making.
   • Highlights: Small class sizes, personalized instruction, and access to state-of-the-art facilities.
   • Website: North Bennet Street School

2. Center for Furniture Craftsmanship - Rockport, ME

   • About: Nestled in the scenic coast of Maine, this institution emphasizes fine craftsmanship and design in woodworking education. A trade school, also offering individual woodworking classes.
   • Highlights: Intensive courses, renowned faculty, and a supportive community of artisans.
   • Website: Center for Furniture Craftsmanship

3. The College of the Redwoods Fine Woodworking Program - Fort Bragg, CA

   • About: Founded by legendary woodworker James Krenov, this program offers a rigorous curriculum focused on craftsmanship and design.
   • Highlights: Small class sizes, renowned faculty, and a reputation for excellence in fine woodworking education.
   • Website: College of the Redwoods Summer Fine Woodworking Workshops

4. Fine Woodworking Program at Haywood Community College - Clyde, NC

   • About: Located in the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains, this program offers training in furniture making and woodworking technology. Course includes elements of Marketing and Business Planning.
   • Highlights: State-of-the-art facilities, experienced faculty, and opportunities for real-world experience through internships.
   • Website: Haywood Community College Fine Woodworking Program

5. The Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking - Roberts Creek, BC (Canada)

   • About: This school attracts students from around the world to learn fine furniture making.
   • Highlights: Focus on hand-tool skills, small class sizes, and a stunning coastal setting.
   • Website: Inside Passage School of Fine Cabinetmaking

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Online Woodworking Classes:

1. The Wood Whisperer Guild

   • About: Hosted by Marc Spagnuolo with a huge library of video courses on everything from beginner projects to advanced techniques.
   • Highlights: High-quality production, in-depth tutorials, and a solid online community.
   • Website: The Wood Whisperer Guild

2. Fine Woodworking Online Workshops

   • About: Backed by the Fine Woodworking magazine reputation, these online workshops feature expert-led classes on a wide range of woodworking topics.
   • Highlights: Professional instruction, in-depth tutorials, and access to a wealth of resources.
   • Website: Fine Woodworking Online Workshops

3. Popular Woodworking University

   • About: Both live and on-demand classes, Popular Woodworking University caters to woodworkers of all skill levels with a lot of different options.
   • Highlights: Interactive sessions, expert instructors, and flexible learning options.
   • Website: Popular Woodworking University

4. Paul Sellers Online Woodworking School

   • About: Led by master craftsman Paul Sellers, this online school focuses on old school hand-tool woodworking, so it's perfect for anyone who loves traditional techniques.
   • Highlights: Clear instruction on basic skills, and makes things simple and efficient.
   • Website: Paul Sellers Online Woodworking School

5. William Ng Woodworks - Anaheim, CA

   • About: Led by acclaimed instructor William Ng, this school provides hands-on training in Japanese woodworking techniques. Geared towards both woodworking classes and online woodworking education.
   • Highlights: Authentic Japanese methods, specialized courses, and a strong emphasis on precision and craftsmanship.
   • Website: William Ng Woodworks

6. Woodworkers Guild of America (WWGOA)

   • About: A huge online platform with video tutorials, articles, and tips for woodworkers of all levels, WWGOA has a wealth of ways to help you improve your skills.
   • Highlights: Big library of woodworking videos, expert guidance, and a community of other woodworkers.
   • Website: Woodworkers Guild of America

Choosing the option that fits you

Whether you prefer to be in a class with other people or an online course, we hope you found what you were looking for. Furthermore, woodworking is a uniquely satisfying pursuit for those of us that are wired to seek perfection. So, in the words of Confucius, "Do what you love each day, and you'll never work a day in your life".

Finally. When you're ready to start building that dream wood shop, don't forget to check in with Mark Newton Custom Woodcraft for your hand tool and machinery needs.

Happy woodworking!