Learn simple techniques for restoring and remodelling furniture

Breathe new life into tired or damaged furniture. Get advice on how to make minor repairs, refinish surfaces, and upgrade hardware and other components to give pieces a functional second life. Whether you want to save money, reduce waste, or build confidence in basic home repair, this session will equip you with the skills to make furniture last for years to come.

Participants will learn simple, low-cost techniques for improving furniture using readily available materials and hand tools. We’ll cover how to select a piece of furniture and assess it for repair potential, choose appropriate products for the work at hand, and creatively adapt older items for new uses. Get advice on everything from simple touch ups and cosmetic improvements, to complete makeovers that turn old pieces into something completely different.

You'll leave with practical repair know-how and a new appreciation for keeping quality materials out of landfill. You’ll also leave with the skills and confidence to undertake a project at home. Participants are welcome to bring a small item of furniture to get personalised advice and tips, and to share creative ideas among the group.

You'll learn how to:

select a piece of furniture and assess its potential
repair minor damage and prepare a piece for restoration or upcycling
choose appropriate tools, materials and products for each job
remove, restore, and reapply surface finishes like paint, stain, varnish and oils
remove and replace hardware and decorative fittings
properly care for and maintain existing furniture and pieces you've restored.

What to bring

Participants are welcome to bring along a small item of furniture for personalised advice and tips. If you can't bring the whole item, bring a photo or sample piece like a drawer, frame, table top, or leg.

Who is it for?

The session is suited those with no prior experience, as well as handy-people wanting to learn specific skills for working with furniture.

Additional info

The session will be held indoors.
We are committed to creating an inclusive and accessible event environment for all attendees. If you have accessibility or inclusion concerns regarding this event, contact us about how we can help.

The REthink Nillumbik program is funded by Nillumbik Shire Council and supported by Edendale Community Environment Farm and NECAH (Nillumbik Environment and Climate Action Hub). The project will be delivered by Going Green Solutions and supports Council's climate action goal of net-zero community emissions by 2035.

Image from https://www.trademe.co.nz/c/marketplace/article/upcycling-transform-your-space-with-upcycled-furniture?srsltid=AfmBOor9EtS9rC8WIHOQX079Uh98hjDS7XaITdXWJvONEQUkCQrefHjd