(07) 3256 9000 | enquiries@bywaterdesign.com.au

Unleash your innerwoodworker

Ever thought about picking up a new hobby?

Curious about woodworking or wondering what a class is like?

If you’re ready to dive into the world of wood, this is the perfect opportunity for you!

We’re kicking off our 2025 Timber Masterclass this Saturday, March 29th, from 8 AM to 1 PM at our Boondall Workshop—and we’d love for you to join us.

No prior experience? No problem! This workshop is designed to introduce you to the basics of woodworking in a fun and relaxed setting. You’ll get hands-on experience shaping and sanding wood, learn how to use some of the bigger tools, and leave with your very own hand-crafted timber salt and pepper shakers.

It’s a fantastic way to spend your Saturday morning, don’t you think?

We’ve only got two spots left, so if you’re ready to take the first step in your woodworking journey, get in touch today and grab your spot before it’s gone!

 

Custom making a solution ...

One of the many many (oh we could go on ) joys and advantages of custom making is that you will have exactly what you want and that includes the dimensions of the piece you are having made…

A beautiful example is this hoop pine console unit. Our client who is downsizing no longer needs the big entertainment unit and so a new piece was needed that would beautifully fill her new lounge room and accommodate all her media/tv requirements.

This classic style unit has been stained ( expertly colour matched to blend effortlessly into the existing furniture) to a deep rich mahogany

An elegant new addition to the home that provides function and style

Lets get into some restoration

Whilst we have been dodging cyclones , our workshop has been awash with productivity completing some beautiful restoration projects.

This stunning silky oak sideboard stands out as a versatile piece that fits beautifully in any room throughout the home.

In the dining room, it elegantly serves as a sideboard for displaying cherished heirloom dishes, enhancing the overall aesthetic of the space.

In the bedroom, it offers much-needed storage options, especially in classic Queensland homes that often lack built-in cabinetry, thus adding an element of charm and functionality to the area

In the entrance way it transforms into a stylish storage solution for keys, sunglasses, and hats and whatever else we deem necessary when we are flying in and out of the home.

An elegant workhorse of the home this beautifully restored silky oak sideboard is going to look magnificent wherever it is placed in the home .

beautiful results for our silky oak sideboard

Sometimes we just don’t want painted timber furniture anymore, and that’s quite okay! For a myriad of reasons, the white finish just isn’t cutting it anymore, and it’s time to return to the natural beauty of the timber.

That’s where we can definitely help.

This beautiful white hat stand has certainly seen better days, so we carefully removed the old paint finish, made the necessary repairs, and completed the restoration with a stunning finish that truly enhances that gorgeous patina

A truly beautiful and elegant addition to the entrance of the home.

how fabulous is this hat stand

Inspiring Desk Makeovers ...

We have completed some incredible transformations/ restorations with desks that were once bound for the tip becoming stunning focal points of home offices.

These beautiful desks full of character have been carefully restored and brought back to a new glory giving their owner a wonderful new exciting space for their home office

The beauty of a makeover

Shiny shiny table tops

When our clients request a full gloss finish - we say why not !!

A beautiful (professional) high gloss will definitely add to the wow factor of timber

Done correctly a well applied finish will highlight the beautiful patina of the timber as well as act as a protectant to the timber ensuring longevity of the finished piece

We recently completed this beautiful Jarrah table top for a funky outdoor area - and our client was ecstactic with the result

A classic square table has now become the focal point of this beautiful outdoor sanctuary

Elevated Dining

Promoting inclusivity and connection , this gorgeus Dining Table is a beautiful example of simplicity and craftmanship.

Walnut timber - renowned for its rich warm tones was chosen for its durability and strength whilst providing a beautiful sophistication to the space.

The sleek smooth lines add a contemporary touch yet providing the sense of warmth needed for the dining area

A beautiful addition to this wonderful family home


Elegant living - walnut dining table



Restoring Classic TV Chairs

In a world where consumerism often leads to the discarding of perfectly good items, the concept of restoration offers a refreshing alternative.

There's something incredibly satisfying about taking a piece with history and giving it new life, all while minimizing waste and reducing our environmental footprint.

This philosophy is beautifully exemplified by the restoration of these classic TV chairs, which have been a cherished part of our client’s family for years.

Rather than letting them fall victim to the landfill, we opted to preserve their unique charm and craftsmanship. The process began with careful timber repairs, ensuring that the structural integrity of the chairs was maintained while respecting their original design.

Next came a beautiful repolish, which brought out the rich warmth and texture of the wood, highlighting the quality and craftsmanship that made these chairs so special in the first place.

Finally, the chairs were reupholstered in a fresh, timeless classic blue fabric. The new upholstery not only modernizes their appearance but also enhances their comfort and durability, ensuring they remain a functional and stylish part of the home for many years to come.

The end result is nothing short of stunning. These restored chairs now serve as a testament to the beauty of craftsmanship and the power of a thoughtful restoration process.

They’ve been given a second life, and with that, they continue to tell the story of their past, while also contributing to a more sustainable future. This project is a perfect example of how investing time and care into what we already own can have a profound impact on both our homes and the environment.

A New Year of Creativity and Craftmanship

We’re thrilled to kick off 2025 with a fresh slate of exciting opportunities for woodworking enthusiasts and timber lovers alike.

This year, we look forward to continuing our mission of restoring and crafting beautiful timber furniture while sharing our passion and knowledge with all of you who appreciate the artistry of wood.

In just a few weeks, we’ll be heading to the stunning Huon Valley in Tasmania for our popular surfboard-making workshop. This marks the first class of the year, and we can’t wait to dive in with fellow woodworking enthusiasts surrounded by such natural beauty.

As we move into March, we’ll be launching our Timber Masterclass, a half-day workshop perfect for those looking to explore their creativity and learn something new. Whether you're a complete beginner or just curious about working with timber, this class offers an ideal introduction.

You can join us on March 29th or June 28th for this inspiring experience.

For those eager to take on a more in-depth challenge, our Intro to Furniture Making two-day workshop is exactly what you need. Over two immersive days, you’ll learn essential woodworking techniques and design principles while crafting your very own coffee table, desk, or hall table. Join us for fun and learning on April 5 and 12, July 19 and 26, September 13 and 20

And of course, for our surfboard enthusiasts, we’re bringing back our iconic Timber Surfboard Making Workshops for another exciting year of shaping, crafting, and fun in the sun. Surfs up March 13 -16, June 12 - 15 and October 9 - 12

We can’t wait to share these experiences with you. Here’s to another year of creativity, craftsmanship, and community

To find out more please email us for all the good details

See you in class

A Jarrah Kitchen Restoration

This 20+ year-old kitchen was ready for a refresh. Over the years, it has served as the heart of countless birthdays, family celebrations, homework sessions, and cherished memories. Now, it was time to breathe new life into the original design, with a focus on enhancing functionality and adding some much-needed storage.

The solid jarrah doors were still in good condition, so we started with a thorough restoration process, followed by a beautiful repolish by Stuart. The rich jarrah hue really stands out, adding warmth and character to the space.

To address storage needs, we added extra drawers with deep space—perfect for those larger items that always seem to lack a proper home.

The island bench received a stunning new marble countertop, providing a spacious and elegant workspace for the chef. The marble is a perfect complement to the rich jarrah timber, creating a harmonious balance between the two materials.

Our goal was to retain as much of the original charm as possible while updating key elements to create a more functional, modern, and beautiful kitchen. The result is a space that's ready to continue hosting many more wonderful family moments.

Above images - the beautiful new kitchen makeover

And the images below - the all important “before pics”

Breathing new life into yesteryear

It is always our utmost joy and genuine pleasure to undertake the careful restoration of loved and cherished items of furniture that hold significant meaning for their owners.

The joy and satisfaction our clients receive from our work is something we truly never take for granted.

This particular box, which is nearly a hundred years old and has been treasured for generations, required us to take great care in restoring it while ensuring it retained its character and did not end up looking too new.

Careful and meticulous repairs, along with a fresh new lining and a stunning repolish, culminated in the creation of a wonderful heirloom piece that will be cherished and appreciated for many generations to come.

Good time summer vibes only

As summer begins, our thoughts naturally drift to the iconic frangipani trees, their stunning blooms painting the landscape and their delightful fragrance perfuming the air.

Equally enticing are the glorious days spent soaking up the sun at the beach, where the rhythm of the waves and the salty breeze create the perfect backdrop for summer memories.

Here’s to an endless summer

Crafting an Island Bench from American Red Oak

Every piece of furniture we create tells a story—a story of craftsmanship, quality, and attention to detail. Recently, we had the pleasure of designing and crafting a beautiful custom-made island bench for a lovely client.

Using premium American Red Oak, we turned their vision into a reality, carefully matching their specifications to create an integral piece for their home.

Why Choose American Red Oak?

At the heart of this project was American Red Oak—a solid timber renowned for its durability, natural beauty, and deep grain patterns that add warmth and character to any space. This choice of material not only provided a timeless aesthetic but also ensured the island bench would stand the test of time.

Designed Exactly to Specifications

This island bench was more than just a functional piece of furniture; it was a creation tailored precisely to our client’s needs. Here’s what made this custom piece so special:

  • Functional Front Drawers

Each drawer was crafted with precision, featuring dovetail joints for added strength and stability. Designed to enhance storage, these drawers offer a practical solution for a busy home, keeping everything you need right at your fingertips.

  • Smooth Undercarriage Runners

To ensure ease of use, we installed undercarriage runners. These ensure the drawers operate effortlessly, making them as functional as they are beautiful.

  • Stunning Marble Top

The bench is topped with fixed marble, adding an elegant contrast to the American Red Oak’s warm tones. Not only does this provide a sophisticated finish, but it also creates a durable work surface—perfect for any kitchen or workspace.

  • Swivel Wheels with Brakes

For the ultimate versatility, we incorporated swivel wheels with brakes. Our client can move the bench around their home effortlessly, then securely lock it into place when needed. Whether it's for entertaining guests or preparing a meal, convenience is built into every detail

Lets restore some water damaged Tannoy Speakers

Restoring flood-damaged furniture comes with mixed emotions.

While we're thankful for the opportunity to help our clients' furniture return to its original glory—or even surpass it—we can't ignore the unfortunate circumstances that bring us to this point.

Despite that, our resolve remains firm, and we eagerly tackle the challenge that water damage presents.

Take, for instance, these beautiful Walnut veneered Tannoy Speakers that required significant care.

Once they had thoroughly dried out, we crafted new side panels to blend seamlessly with the original structure. It's a delicate balance; sometimes, a piece can end up looking too "new."

Our team meticulously cleaned the speaker's body, ensuring the exquisite walnut veneer was preserved. A thoughtful sanding brought smoothness and evenness, setting the stage for the final repolish. The result? Restored elegance that complements excellent sound.

For those passionate about audio and furniture restoration, these are the transformations that truly resonate

More gorgeous Heritage Door Restoration

Welcome to part two of our Heritage Door Restoration .

These 100 + year old doors have taken a considerable amount of wear and tear , not withstanding the harsh outdoor elements but when you stop and think of all the times they have been opened and closed each day - the mind boggles …

We took a mulitpronged approach to the repair of these doors - being mindful that they are indeed heritage and to keep their beautfiful authenticity and integrity was paramount to us.

Reglueing was a vital component of our process - regaining stability and structure hence safety was our prority.

In addition repairing missing broken beading, cracks and other signs of age brought us to the polishing stage.

For this stage we applied several/many ( a lot) of resin coats, after each application each door was sanded to remove any unevenness and promote a wonderful flat surface….

The end result is nothing short of fabulousness, these beautiful silky oak doors will now happily be ready for the next century .

A wooden surfboard is many a splendid thing ...

At our workshop, we understand that the ideal wooden surfboard is a deeply personal choice. What works for one surfer might not work for another, and that's perfectly okay

A truly tailored board takes into account where you surf, your surfing fitness level, how often you hit the waves, and countless other factors. That's why we offer a stunning collection of surfboard styles and deck patterns—there's something here for everyone.

If you haven’t yet explored our exquisite range of wooden surfboards, now's the perfect time to do so. Our boards are anything but one-size-fits-all; they're crafted with uniqueness in mind.

Speaking of crafting beauty, we're excited to announce that we have only two spots left in our exclusive

2025 Tasmanian Surfboard Workshop. This is your chance to get hands-on experience and create your own masterpiece. Don't hesitate—take this as your sign to enroll today!

For more information or to secure your spot, please email us to request our Tasmanian Surf Info Pack. We can't wait to help you bring your dream board to life

So many beautiful designs to choose from

Custom Making lately ...

As we busily make our way through November (gosh how can we be half way though the month already) our team have been working tirelessly on beautiful restoration pieces as well as exciting custom made projects

Our custom made Red Oak handrail gives its staircase a modern uncluttered look with its custom made wall mounts and with the addition of led strip lights , the ambience in this lovely home is really ramped up.

Our Rosewood Entertainnent unit is a classic piece providing both essential storage and a wonderful anchor to this lovely warm living room .

The beautiful grain highlights the wonderfu components of this piece, comprising of a slide out drawer for the turntable and customised storage. This is a wonderfully curated piece that our client is absolutely wrapt with

Restoring heritage Doors

The overarching advantage of restoration lies in the delightful ability to preserve a cherished part of yesteryear—capturing its inherent beauty while imparting longevity so that it may endure for many years to come. This is exactly what we aimed to achieve with these stunning Silky Oak Heritage Doors.

Being exposed to the outdoors and vulnerable to the elements meant that they were showing signs of "their age," necessitating some essential repairs and care.

Our focus is on ensuring they can live their best life for generations ahead

. Congratulations to our dedicated team, who painstakingly repaired them, and a special shout-out to Stuart, who undertook the intricate task of repolishing to restore them to their original glory.

A behind the scenes look at our Wooden Surfboard Classes

If you've ever wondered what goes on behind the scenes at our wooden surfboard classes, look no further! Our friend Gary Tischer recently took the time to chat with our students, diving deep into their thoughts and experiences as they crafted their own hollow wooden surfboards. These classes aren't just about building something beautiful and functional; they’re about discovering new skills, challenging yourself, and connecting with like-minded enthusiasts who share a passion for sustainable craftsmanship.

Many of our students come in with little to no woodworking experience, yet by the end of the class, they leave with a profound and newfound appreciation for the intricate art and science behind the meticulous process of creating a surfboard from scratch. Gary’s engaging conversations with the students revealed not only the pure joy of working with natural materials but also the unique personal connection that develops from building something thoughtfully and intentionally by hand.

It truly becomes a pilgrimage, a meaningful personal journey that resonates deeply with each individual.

 

A behind the scenes look at our classes - thanks Gary

A simply beautiful entrance table …

We’ve been crafting some stunning pieces in the workshop lately, and this gorgeous console entrance table is no exception!

Made from rich Tasmanian oak, it seamlessly blends elegance with intricate fretwork, adding a unique touch of distinction.

 

The table features expertly crafted dovetailed drawers for durability, paired with smooth soft-close runners, ensuring a flawless finish both inside and out.

A perfect balance of style and functionality!