About

Experience the RiverShop's one-of-a-kind carpentry course and learn how to create a stunning, rustic wooden bench with tree trunk legs. This carpentry course is more than just a workshop—it's a journey that connects you to the land, the materials, and the process of woodworking. Each bench features legs cut from tree trunks personally hand-selected and harvested from a beautiful farm in Suffolk. Then brought this responsibly sourced wood to the London studio, where students like you can turn it into a functional, artful piece of furniture. The carpentry course is designed to immerse you in every step, from raw material to finished bench, with guidance from our passionate instructors who love sharing their knowledge of woodworking techniques and craftsmanship.

About the Course
In this carpentry course, you'll learn how to build a unique tree trunk bench, blending the charm of Suffolk's natural wood with skilled craftsmanship. The bench's tree trunk legs give it a grounded, rustic beauty, making each piece uniquely yours. The carpentry course instructors are seasoned woodworkers who will teach you each stage of the project, ensuring you learn not only to make a bench but also to understand the tools, materials, and techniques that go into crafting it.

This carpentry course uses tree trunks that have been carefully chosen and harvested to promote the growth of new woodlands in Suffolk. From hand-selection and cutting of the wood to bringing it to London for students, each step is an intentional part of creating a sustainable and meaningful piece. The Rivershop Team are deeply committed to this process, and you'll feel this passion throughout the carpentry course as you gain insight into the origins of your materials and the impact of responsible sourcing.

What You Will Learn: 

This carpentry course is designed to teach you every aspect of woodworking needed to create a durable, beautiful bench that will last for years to come. Here's what you'll learn:

Preparing Tree Trunk Legs: Learn to select, clean, and prepare tree trunks that provide both stability and beauty. You'll understand how to assess wood grain, density, and structural integrity, ensuring that your bench has a strong foundation.

Basic Carpentry Skills: This carpentry course covers all essential techniques, including sanding, cutting, and joining, so you'll feel confident working with the wood's natural, uneven qualities. Whether you're a beginner or looking to refine your craft, we'll teach you the foundational skills for success.

Joinery Techniques: The instructors will guide you in creating solid joinery connections that will ensure the stability of your bench. You will then focus on simple yet strong methods, including mortise and tenon joints, to make sure your bench is both functional and beautiful.

Finishing Techniques: Learn to finish your bench with professional-quality techniques that highlight the wood's unique character. From sanding to sealing, you'll understand how to preserve the natural beauty of your materials and protect your bench for years to come.

Who Should Attend?
This carpentry course is open to anyone who loves hands-on work and wants to create a unique, rustic piece of furniture. No prior experience is necessary—the experienced instructors will provide step-by-step guidance tailored to your level, making this carpentry course ideal for beginners as well as those looking to expand their woodworking skills.

Whether you're an aspiring woodworker, a nature enthusiast, or simply looking to build something with your own hands, this carpentry course will leave you with newfound skills, a deeper appreciation for sustainable woodworking, and a bench that's uniquely yours.

Why Choose the RiverShop Carpentry Course?
Hands-On Learning: The carpentry course offers one-on-one guidance, ensuring that you'll complete a piece of furniture to be proud of while building new woodworking skills.
Sustainable Materials: All materials are responsibly harvested and locally sourced, making this carpentry course a meaningful way to connect with the land and contribute to sustainable practices.

From Suffolk to London: The wood is sourced directly from a Suffolk farm, carefully chosen to promote woodland growth, and brought to the London studio, where you'll create something lasting and valuable.

By the end of this carpentry course, you'll leave with a bench that captures the beauty of the Suffolk countryside, a deeper connection to sustainable woodworking, and skills you can use for future projects. Join in to create a bench that's truly special, from source to finished product, with the guidance of skilled instructors and the joy of working with nature's material.