Our October Timber Masterclass

Our last woodworking class for the year was held last Saturday in our Brisbane Workshop, and our wonderful, eager students enjoyed a fun and productive morning. They enthusiastically embraced the opportunity to learn new skills while getting their hands truly involved in some creative timber work. Our budding woodworkers were guided through the finer techniques of sanding and shaping and are now confident and competent in the use of hand planes , a drill press, and chisels.

This valuable learning experience culminated in the creation of beautifully sanded, shaped, and finished timber salt and pepper shakers—an elegant piece they can treasure always, carrying a genuine sense of pride

. What a wonderful year it has been sharing our passion and knowledge for all things woodworking.

Our calendar of learning for 2026 is now available, filled with exciting new opportunities for woodworking fun and creativity in the New Year

Our Wooden Surfboard Graduates of October 2025

We had the great pleasure last week of teaching 7 very enthusiastic woodworking students ( most with little or no woodworking experience) and helping them create their beautiful hollow wooden surfboards.

Brisbane provided positively summer conditions for our board makers and for the four days it was a hive of productivity , learning and ultimate good vibes.

Congratulations to our newly minted surboard makers.

These beautiful boards are now in the polishing booth awaiting their wonderful resin coats

Stay tuned

Repairing Rattan - we can fix that !

There’s something timeless about a rattan dining chair. Light, airy, and full of character, these woven beauties can bring a whole room together — until time, spills and everyday life take their toll.

Over the years we’ve seen cane that’s sagged from use, snapped under little feet, or simply dried out and broken. Frames can loosen, finishes fade and suddenly a chair that once felt special starts looking a bit sad.

 The good news? You don’t need to throw them out. At Bywater Design, we love restoring rattan chairs and giving them a second life. With a little care and craftsmanship, we can bring them back to their beautiful, functional best — ready for many more family meals, coffee catch-ups and long conversations around the table.

  Why It’s Worth Saving Rattan

Quality rattan chairs are usually built on solid timber frames, often in beautiful Australian or European hardwoods. That alone makes them worth keeping. Instead of ending up in landfill or being replaced with something mass-produced, a repair can preserve their character (and save you from having to shop for a whole new dining set).

 We often hear the stories behind the chairs we repair — gifts from a wedding decades ago, a special marketplace find, or heirloom pieces passed down through family. Knowing the history behind a piece makes it even more rewarding to restore.

How We Bring Them Back to Life

 Our process is hands-on and careful, never rushed:

• Assessment & Repair: We start by checking the frame — tightening loose joints, fixing cracks, and making sure the timber is strong enough to last.

• Re-caning or Panel Replacement: Depending on the chair, we’ll weave new cane by hand or install pre-woven cane sheets to match the original pattern.

• Finishing Touches: Once the structure is sound, we clean, sand, polish or refinish the timber. Some pieces just need a gentle refresh; others call for a full strip-back and re-stain.

• Seat Comfort: If your chairs have padded seats, we can replace worn-out foam and fabric so they feel as good as they look.

The goal is always the same — to respect the original design while strengthening it for everyday use.

Everything we do happens right here in our Brisbane workshop. We work with natural materials every day — timber, rattan and cane are our passion. There’s a quiet satisfaction in bringing an old chair back to life and knowing it will serve another generation rather than be thrown away.

 If you’ve got a set of rattan dining chairs that have seen better days — whether it’s just one broken panel or a whole set needing a full refresh — we’d love to help.

👉 Get in touch with us to chat about repairing your rattan chairs and giving them the care they deserve.

A rather lovely coffee table restoration.

This gorgeous coffee table was painted white a few years ago , and whilst it served a purpose , now

was the time to bring it back to its former ( or more glossy) original glory.

We removed the old finish and then sanded and carefull prepped before Stuart worked his magic and finished with a beautiful rich dark polish.

The end results speaks for themselves.

A truly beautiful table now ready to be the show pony of the room

a gorgeous transformation

Learn Furniture Making in 2026 - Workshop dates now open !

We are excited (yeah baby !) to share our 2026 Workshop dates !

If you have been dreaming about learning how to create beautifu timber furniture or just want to step into the

wonderful word of woodworking - then make 2026 the year you will make it happen

OUR INTRODUCTION TO FURNITURE MAKING CLASS

Our iconic two day class is where you will learn everything you need to know to design and make a beautiful solid timber table of your choosing .

Pefect for the novice or for those woodies that would like to take their design and making skills to the next level .

MARCH 21 AND 28

JULY 18 AND 25

SEPTEMBER 18 AND 25

TIMBER MASTERCLASS

This half day workshop is the perfect taster for those wanting to see what the wonderful world of woodworking is all about, yet still creating a beautiful project to take home

APRIL 11

OCTOBER 17

For more infomation and to secure your spot for 2026 please get in touch

We cant wait to see you in class

September Woodworkers

Our September 2025 Woodworking Legends brought their energy, enthusiasm, and good vibes over the last two Saturdays.

Each student carefully finalized their unique design before class began—no cookie-cutter furniture here! After all, that is the true joy of custom making: you get exactly what you want, tailored to your vision and style.

Our eager students learned the art of a proper glue-up, how to use machinery safely and effectively, and discovered that sanding truly does take time and patience (patience, patience!)

. Above all, they experienced the immense pride that comes from creating something beautiful with their own two hands.

We are incredibly proud of our wonderful students—you can see those beaming faces, and that is exactly why we love sharing our passion and knowledge with our fellow woodworkers.

This is our last Introduction to Furniture Making class for 2025, so stay tuned as we finalise our Calendar of Learning for 2026.

Winners are grinners

Behind the scenes of our September Woodworking class

Restoring Heirlooms - its what we love !

Here at Bywater Design, we believe every heirloom carries a story worth preserving. Our recent restoration of a stunning ebony box is a perfect example of how careful craftsmanship can revive a piece’s beauty and functionality while respecting its history.

  The original ebony veneer top had suffered significant damage, but we salvaged every usable piece to create a new, perfectly matched veneer. Stabilising the outer veneers ensured the box’s structure was secure, while missing sections of ebony were skillfully repaired or replaced for a seamless finish.

  We removed the worn felt insert and replaced it with a vibrant green felt—true to the box’s character but refreshed for longevity. The brass insert was stabilised within a new front panel, and every piece of hardware was cleaned and polished to a full gloss. A custom-made hinge replaced a missing one, and all hidden drawers were tested, adjusted, and fitted with new handcrafted pulls to ensure smooth, effortless movement.

  Polished to Perfection

  Every part of the box was lightly sanded, cleaned, and polished, enhancing the rich ebony grain and the gleam of the brass hardware. All original pieces removed during the process were saved to return to the client, maintaining the box’s complete history and integrity.

  A Piece Reborn

  The result is a pristine, functional, and visually striking ebony box—ready to continue its story for generations to come. Restorations like this not only protect treasured items but also honour the craftsmanship of the past.

 Looking to restore your own heirloom or bespoke piece? Our workshop in Brisbane specialises in fine timber restoration and custom furniture, giving your treasured items the attention they deserve.

Last woodworking class for 2025 ... wow , we only have one position left !!

Time truly does fly when you’re having fun, and this definitely holds true for our woodworking classes. October 18 marks our final woodworking class for the year, and we have only one lucky spot remaining.

So, if you’re interested in diving into the wonderful world of woodworking and spending a creative and inspiring morning with us, please email us as soon as possible to secure your place.

Fresh Beginnings

There’s something about the fresh blooms of spring that feel like a fresh start.

These simple daisies, are a gorgeous reminder that beauty often lies in the little things.

Here in the workshop, spring inspires us too - bringing in fresh new ideas for projects and ideas that spark creativity .

Here’s to a brand new season filled with fresh ideas and new growth

Restoring Robert Dunlop tables

It was a pleasure to be able to restore these beautiful pieces handcrafted by Robert Dunlop.

They were custom made for our client in the 70’s and were made from Red Cedar , Ash , Jarrah and Ebony - they are a true showcase of craftmanship and have withstood the test of time, but after 50 years it was time to carefully restore - repair the spits and damage to the veneers.

Attention to detail and a beautiful repolish by Stuart has given these iconic pieces new life

This beautiful Robert Dunlop table is now back to its orginal wonderful self

This show stopper coffee table made by Robert Dunlop is hi gloss back to its original beauty

Beautiful New Items in the Gallery

In our continual quest to provide thoughtfully considered and carefully crafted homewares, we are excited to announce the addition of a beautiful new collection of handcrafted keepsake boxes to the Gallery.

Made right here in our Brisbane Workshop using sustainably sourced, recycled Australian timbers, these unique, one-of-a-kind boxes make the perfect gift or a charming and meaningful addition to your own home.

Available in a variety of sizes and adorned with stunning coloured linings, each keepsake box is designed to capture your eye and heart.

We warmly invite you to come and explore our collection in the gallery and treat yourself to a wonderful “shop local and ethical” moment that celebrates craftsmanship and sustainability.

Prices start from a very reasonable $110

In the polishing booth

It's where the magic truly happens. This is the place where our beautiful, handcrafted pieces and carefully restored furniture come to be meticulously polished, sealed, and protected, resulting in that stunning, glossy finish that brings out their full charm and character.

A Pop of Blue ... A fresh upholstery choice

These classic European Beech chairs have long been a cherished staple in our client’s home. After many years of regular use and the inevitable wear and tear, it was definitely time for a thoughtful update.

The most important aspect of this restoration was the essential reglue process.

A proper reglue, performed by a professional using high-quality commercial adhesives, will significantly prolong the life of the chair by at least 10 to 15 years.

This ensures the chair remains structurally sound, safe, and comfortable for the user.

As for the upholstery, our client desired a real wow factor, and since her favourite colour is blue, she chose this beautiful rich jewel blue which really pops against that blonde hue of the beech.

A gorgeous fresh makeover for these chairs

Welcoming Elegance ...

When you step into a home, the first piece of furniture you often see sets the tone.

A hall table isnt just a landing spot for keys or a vase of flowers, - or the junkmail, hats and sunnies ( I could go on!) its an invitation, a reflection of the home’s character.

This handcrafted table made from Tasmanian Blackwood, Victorian Ash and Red Cedar brings a sense of warmth and welcome with a timeless glow that suits both modern spaces and more traditional interiors.

This one of a kind ( we dont do mass production runs) is available now at the gallery

Any why yes of course we can deliver for you

Priced at a very reasonable $1000 - it will be your next family heirloom

To make this a beautiful additon to your home please get in touch

NEW DATE JUST ADDED - HOMEWARES CLASS OCTOBER 18

Drum roll please ……..

The Timber Masterclass homewares workshop is back for another date

October 18 Saturday from 8 - 1 come and join in the fun and learning with a wonderful morning spent learning all about woodwork and creating something beautiful for yourself

This relaxed yet productive workshop is perfect for beginners and those looking to build their confidence with tools and timber.

You will design and carve your own timber salt and pepper shakers, round , square or oval - your design and your finish

This is just perfect for anyone looking to gain confidence with tools , shaping , finishes and just getting a good grounding for the wonderful world of woodworking

We only have a few positions , so we do urge you to enrol asap !!

Here’s to more crafting and less screen time

"Its our favourite room now" The Restoration our client loves

There’s something special about pieces that have lived a life , the ones that have seen sunlit mornings, shared cups of tea quiet moments and family chatter.

This woven cane lounge was just that.

Time had taken its toll but it still held its charm and was ready for a refresh.

We were thrilled to bring it back to life in the workshop

Carefully restored , rattan repaired and a beautiful repolish and the best part ?

“The loung looks amazing , its become our favourite room in the house - thank you !”

Thats why we love what we do

A little Jarrah coffee table restoration

Too much sun is not a good thing for anyone ( or anything) and so a thorough restoration was needed to bring this beautiful Jarrah Coffee table back to its stunning original glory

We repaired where needed sanded and gave it the ultimate repolish

A beautiful end result that quite simple speaks for itself

Lets make some sawdust

As we are well into the last half of the year ( shock horror !! ) our final Introduction to Furniture Making Workhshop is fast approaching - and we have only two positions available.

If you’ve been thinking about learning how to build something with your own two hands, this is your chance to finish the year with a bang (and a beautiful handcrafted table to show for it).

 Over two creative Saturdays, you’ll shape, sand, glue and craft a solid timber hall or coffee table —with professional expert guidance from our team

In a real workshop.

With real professionals who will teach and guide you the safe and proper way - meaning you will have an excellent foundation on which to build your woodworking career/ obsession with .

You dont need any experience - just a willingness to learn and have a lot of fun along the way !

If this sounds like your vibe - then we are your tribe.

  All materials, timber, tools and delicious morning and afternoon tea are included.

Small class equals Big satisfaction.

 If you’re ready to swap screen time for sawdust, then please lets chat asap !

Bringing this English Oak Cabinet back to life

 Some pieces hold more than just things—they hold stories.

This elegant English Oak leadlight cabinet had weathered years of use, watermarks, and a touch of mould, but beneath it all, its bones were still beautiful.

 We began the restoration by carefully dismantling the cabinet and removing the delicate leadlight panels from the doors. These stunning glass features were sent off to be professionally repaired, so they could shine once more in their rightful place.

 Back in the workshop, we removed the old finish, gently sanded the oak until it was clean and smooth, and carefully lifted out the watermarks without disturbing the timber’s integrity

. Inside, we treated and removed mould, ensuring the cabinet wasn’t just beautiful—but healthy too.

 A new lock was sourced and fitted to restore both function and charm. Once the leadlights returned, we reassembled the doors and stained the entire cabinet to its original rich hue. A hand-applied semigloss polish brought the grain to life and gave the cabinet its warm, natural glow once again.

 Restoring furniture like this is more than a process—it’s a privilege. It’s about honouring craftsmanship, preserving character, and allowing a piece to continue its story for generations to come.

Lets take it outside - Timber furniture that plays well outside

There’s something undeniably special about custom made timber furniture. (Yes, okay, we are biased — but please read on!)

Beyond the obvious charm of owning a piece built just for you, it’s truly about craftsmanship, sustainability, and creating something that stands the test of time — both in terms of quality and timeless style.

This philosophy extends naturally to outdoor furniture as well. As a nation that loves the outdoor lifestyle, long summer days, balmy nights, and the quiet magic of watching a sunrise—it simply makes good sense to have something created specifically to encapsulate and accommodate all that time spent outdoors

. Custom outdoor pieces allow you to fully embrace and enhance your lifestyle in a way that mass-produced options simply can’t match.

Just like interior furniture, outdoor custom-made furniture offers endless possibilities in design and style.

From the rustic charm of a rugged camphor laurel bench with its earthy tones and natural textures, to a high-gloss outdoor bench seat featuring intricate carved fretwork, there’s a perfect balance that can be struck.

This includes not only aesthetic appeal but also considerations like your budget and lifestyle needs.

When we craft outdoor furniture, we carefully take into account exactly where it will live. For instance, the finish on a table designed for an enclosed verandah will differ greatly from the finish on a lounge set by the pool, ensuring durability and longevity.

This is the true joy of custom making — you receive exactly what you want and need, tailored perfectly to your home and outdoor environment..