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

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

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Crafting an Island Bench from American Red Oak

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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!

Latest Restoration and repairs - The September Edition

Reviving Treasures: Recent Projects in Our Workshop

The workshop has been humming with excitement this month! We've had the pleasure of breathing new life into many beloved pieces, demonstrating that repairing cherished items is not only eco-friendly but also immensely satisfying.

Having your favorite furnishings professionally repaired adds years to their lifespan, contributing significantly to sustainability. It's a win-win situation—prolonging the life of your cherished pieces while reducing waste.

From Our Workshop

Our professional reglueing processes have brought these charming occasional tables back to their former glory. They are now ready to serve again, adding both function and beauty to any room in your home.

And that stunning dining table? It's once again the centerpiece of the kitchen, ready to host many more years of joyful gatherings and family dinners.

Repairing what you love isn't just about fixing an item; it's about preserving memories and making sustainable choices. Thank you for trusting us with your treasures—each project we undertake is a step towards a more sustainable and beautiful world

beautiful results in our table restoration

tables now ready to function - as tables :)







Transforming Beginners into Skilled Woodworkers

For the last two Saturdays, our woodworking students have been hard at work, learning new skills and putting them into practice

. In a hands-on environment, they've learned essential techniques such as gluing, sanding, routing, and shaping. They've also embraced key design principles that allow them to create pieces tailored to their personal style.

The result? Stunning tables, each one uniquely crafted by the students to suit their individual preferences. Using beautiful rosewood timber known for its excellent durability and aesthetic appeal, these novice woodworkers have produced remarkable works of art.

We’re incredibly proud of their accomplishments. This is what woodworking should be about—not cookie-cutter projects, but unique creations that reflect the maker's vision and effort.

If you’ve never picked up a chisel or held a piece of sandpaper, don’t worry. Our classes are designed for complete beginners and aim to transform enthusiastic amateurs into skilled woodworkers. Join us in 2025 and and create something truly personal and beautiful.

the journey of a woodworker is a rewarding one

Sawdust and seabreezes ...

 Remember our epic road trip to Hobart in 2023 for the Wooden Boat Festival?

What an unforgettable adventure it was!

From hosting our handboard workshops to showcasing our stunning wooden surfboards, we immersed ourselves in the rich maritime culture and explored some of Australia’s most breathtaking landscapes.

 We’re beyond excited to announce that Bywater Design will be back at the 2025 Wooden Boat Festival—this time with not one, but TWO incredible workshops.

Our iconic Hollow Wooden Surfboard Making Workshop and the very popular Boat Festival Wooden Handboard Making workshop.

Whether you're an experienced woodworker or just starting out, these sessions are designed to inspire and engage everyone. Hone in on your bodysurfing technique with your very own mini surfboard or for the ultimate surfing experience create your very own Hollow timber surfboard .

Dive into the world of woodworking with us and create something truly special.

 Stay tuned for more details, and get ready to join us for a unique hands-on experience in beautiful Hobart. See you there!





Role call for our Last Furniture Making class for 2024

 Last Call for Our Ever-Popular Introduction to Furniture Making Workshop for 2024

 

We are excited to announce the final opportunity to join our highly sought-after Introduction to Furniture Making Workshop. This hands-on experience will take place on September 14th and 21st, offering participants a unique chance to dive into the art and craft of furniture making.

Good no make that GREAT ! wood working begins and ends with proper and correct techniques , so embarking on our course is the best way to know the “professional and safe” way to use woodworking handtools and most importantly machinery.

 Under the guidance of our professinal team you will learn essential techniques and gain practical skills that will set the foundation for your future projects.

Whether you're a complete beginner or looking to refine your existing skills, this workshop is designed to cater to all levels of expertise.

 Due to the high demand for this workshop, we only have 2 positions available. Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, create, and connect with fellow woodworking enthusiasts.

 Secure your spot today and embark on a journey of craftsmanship and creativity!

Scenes from our woodworking classes

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Enrolling is super easy !

Simply send us an email and we will forward you the registration form with all the wonderful details

Be sure to enrol quickly as we only have two positions left

#lovewhatwedo

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Our Winter Surfboard Making Workshop

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Despite the rather brisk winter temps (yes even for Brisbane ) our workshop was humming with energy and enthusiasm as our students diligently worked their way through the making and shaping of their amazing wooden surfboards.

Local legend Michael and Hobart expat Ed (and a massive kudos to Ed for making the trip up to Sunny Qld for this event) bonded over glueing , sanding and shaping their boards.

It was a productive yet fun four days where once again we were able to share our passion and knowledge of woodcraft and surfing.

These boards are in the polishing booth now , where Stuart will work his magic and resin coat these magnificent creations of stoke