If you’ve been anywhere near Pinterest or Instagram lately, you’ve probably noticed something—woodworking is having a serious moment. From handmade farmhouse tables to intricate wood carvings, people everywhere are dusting off their toolboxes and diving into DIY projects right from home. And honestly? I get it. There’s just something insanely satisfying about turning a plain plank of wood into something beautiful and functional.
But here’s the thing… finding good woodworking classes online can feel like hunting for the perfect piece of reclaimed barn wood—possible, but not without a few splinters along the way. Some courses are too basic, others are too advanced, and a few leave you wondering if the instructor even owns a tape measure. :/
That’s why I rolled up my sleeves, did the digging, and put together a list of 15 top-notch online woodworking classes that actually deliver. Whether you’re a total newbie trying to figure out what a miter saw does (no shame!) or you’re ready to master complex joinery, these classes will help you sharpen your skills, create projects you’re proud of, and maybe even start a little side hustle. Plus, I’ll share a few bonus resources (like Ted’s Woodworking, Ryan’s Shed Plans, and Wood Profits) that can take you from “learning” to “building” without the guesswork.
So, grab a coffee, and let’s find the perfect woodworking class to get those creative gears turning.
Best Online Woodworking Classes for Beginners
When you’re just getting started, the woodworking world can feel a bit… overwhelming. You’ve got saws that sound like jet engines, mysterious tools called “jigs,” and enough measuring rules to make your head spin. The trick? Start with beginner-friendly classes that walk you through the basics without making you feel like you’ve accidentally signed up for a college engineering course.
Here are a few that are perfect for easing into the craft while still building solid skills:
1. Woodworking for Beginners — Skillshare
Why it’s great: This course is like having a patient friend in your garage, walking you through tools, techniques, and your very first projects. The instructor covers everything from safety tips to simple builds that’ll give you instant confidence.
Perfect for: Absolute beginners who want a step-by-step intro without the intimidation factor.
Pro tip: Take notes on tool care—you’ll save yourself a lot of money (and headaches) later.
2. Getting Started with Hand Tools — Udemy
Why it’s great: Power tools are fun, but hand tools teach you finesse—and this class makes them approachable. You’ll learn the art of planing, chiseling, and sawing by hand, which also means less noise (and fewer angry neighbors).
Perfect for: DIYers who don’t have space for a full-blown power tool setup.
Pro tip: This is the best foundation for mastering fine woodworking later.
3. Weekend Woodworker — The Weekend Workshop
Why it’s great: It’s designed for people who can’t spend hours every day in the shop. Each project is broken down into bite-sized sessions so you can make progress between school runs or work meetings.
Perfect for: Busy people who want quick wins and functional pieces they can actually use.
Pro tip: Start with the cutting board project—it’s a crowd-pleaser and makes a great gift.
If you’re brand-new, don’t rush into the big, complicated stuff yet. These beginner classes give you a solid foundation so you can actually enjoy the process instead of feeling like you’re in over your head. Once you’ve nailed the basics, you’ll be ready to tackle the more advanced projects without fear (or too many bandaids).
Intermediate Woodworking Classes for Skill-Building
So, you’ve got your feet wet. You can measure twice without getting confused, you know which end of the saw to hold (gold star for you ), and your projects are starting to actually look like what they were supposed to be. Now it’s time to step up your game.
These intermediate woodworking classes will help you build more complex pieces, improve your precision, and maybe even add a few fancy tricks to your toolkit.
4. Advanced Joinery Techniques — Udemy
Why it’s great: This course takes you beyond nails and screws, diving into beautiful (and sturdy) joinery methods like dovetails, mortise and tenon, and box joints. If you want your pieces to last a lifetime, this is the stuff to learn.
Perfect for: Makers ready to elevate their craftsmanship and impress the heck out of friends and family.
Pro tip: Practice on scrap wood first—messy joints are less heartbreaking when they’re not on your final piece.
Pro Resource: Want more than just one-off projects? Ted’s Woodworking offers over 16,000 step-by-step plans for every skill level. Honestly, it’s like Netflix for woodworking projects — except instead of binge-watching, you’re binge-building. It’s my go-to whenever I want inspiration and detailed instructions without spending hours searching online.
5. Furniture Making Basics — The Wood Whisperer Guild
Why it’s great: This is where form meets function. You’ll learn to design and build custom furniture that actually fits your space (and isn’t wobbly). The instructor’s tips on material selection alone are worth it.
Perfect for: Hobbyists who want to make heirloom-quality furniture.
Pro tip: Keep a notebook for measurements and wood types—you’ll thank yourself later.
Explore the course on The Wood Whisperer Guild
6. Router Essentials — Skillshare
Why it’s great: Routers can do magical things—edge profiles, grooves, decorative patterns—but only if you know how to handle them. This course covers techniques that instantly upgrade the look of your projects.
Perfect for: Woodworkers ready to branch into decorative and functional detailing.
Pro tip: Invest in a good set of bits. The right bit can turn a “meh” piece into a “wow” piece.
Once you’ve got these skills in your back pocket, you’ll be unstoppable in the shop. This is the stage where people start saying, “Wait… you made that?!” and you get to just smile and say, “Yep.”
Advanced & Specialty Woodworking Classes
If woodworking were a video game, this is the “expert mode” level. You’ve mastered the basics, tackled intermediate projects, and now you’re eyeing those complex builds, intricate designs, and chef’s kiss finishes. These courses are for when you’re ready to go from “weekend hobbyist” to “woodworking wizard.”
7. Master Woodturning — Craftsy
Why it’s great: Woodturning is like magic—you spin a chunk of wood on a lathe and suddenly, you’ve got a beautiful bowl, vase, or pepper grinder. This course walks you through tool handling, shaping, and finishing so your creations look professional.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants to explore the artistic side of woodworking.
Pro tip: Always sharpen your tools before turning. Dull tools make for messy results (and more colorful language).
8. Marquetry & Inlay Design — Udemy
Why it’s great: This is woodworking meets fine art. You’ll learn how to create intricate patterns and images using different wood veneers. Perfect for adding one-of-a-kind details to furniture or wall art.
Perfect for: Woodworkers who want to blend creativity with technical skill.
Pro tip: Patience is everything—this is a precision game, not a speed race.
9. Boatbuilding Basics — The Wooden Boat School
Why it’s great: If you want bragging rights, tell people you built a boat. This course covers the entire process, from selecting marine-grade materials to waterproofing your masterpiece.
Perfect for: Adventurous makers who want a challenge (and a good excuse to spend more time on the water).
Pro tip: Measure three times when working with boat curves—trust me.
Learn more at The Wooden Boat School
10. Fine Finishing Techniques — Popular Woodworking University
Why it’s great: A perfect build can be ruined by a bad finish. This course covers staining, sealing, and polishing so your pieces look like they belong in a showroom.
Perfect for: Anyone who wants their projects to have that flawless, professional look.
Pro tip: Test finishes on scrap wood first—colors and sheens can surprise you.
Check it out on Popular Woodworking University
🛠 Pro Resource: Thinking bigger? If you’re dreaming of building your own shed, workshop, or even a backyard studio, Ryan’s Shed Plans gives you 12,000+ detailed blueprints so you don’t waste time (or wood) figuring it out yourself. It’s like having a pro architect in your back pocket — minus the billable hours.
After this stage, you’re not just making stuff—you’re creating art, conversation pieces, and possibly even heirlooms. The best part? You get to keep learning and pushing your limits, because woodworking is one of those crafts where the ceiling just keeps getting higher.
Bonus & Niche Woodworking Classes
Not all woodworking is about big furniture builds or perfect joinery. Sometimes, it’s about diving into quirky, specialized, or just plain fun projects that keep your creativity buzzing. These niche classes are perfect for when you want to try something new or add unexpected skills to your woodworking arsenal.
11. Wooden Toy Making — Domestika
Why it’s great: From charming pull-along animals to intricate puzzles, this class teaches you how to make safe, beautiful wooden toys that kids (and nostalgic adults) will love.
Perfect for: Parents, grandparents, or anyone who loves whimsical projects.
Pro tip: Use non-toxic finishes—especially if little ones will be playing with your creations.
12. Carving Whittling Basics — Udemy
Why it’s great: You don’t need a massive shop for this—just a carving knife, some wood, and a comfy chair. Learn to carve small figures, spoons, and decorative accents by hand.
Perfect for: Woodworkers who want a portable hobby.
Pro tip: Softwoods like basswood are your friend when you’re learning.
13. Japanese Joinery Masterclass — Japanese Woodworker School
Why it’s great: Learn centuries-old joinery methods that use zero nails or screws—just precision, patience, and beautiful craftsmanship.
Perfect for: Woodworkers ready to test their precision and patience.
Pro tip: Sharp chisels are non-negotiable for these techniques.
Check it out at Japanese Woodworker School
14. Upcycling & Reclaimed Wood Projects — Skillshare
Why it’s great: Turn old, forgotten wood into stunning new creations—while saving money and the planet.
Perfect for: Eco-conscious makers and budget-savvy DIYers.
Pro tip: Always check reclaimed wood for nails and screws before cutting.
These niche courses are like dessert after a good meal—fun, creative, and a great way to break out of your woodworking comfort zone. They might even spark a whole new passion project you didn’t see coming.
Pro Resource: If your dream is to turn your woodworking passion into income, Wood Profits walks you through starting a profitable woodworking business from your home garage — even with limited tools.
Conclusion
Whether you’re just learning how to hold a chisel or you’re building heirloom furniture, these 15 online woodworking classes cover every stage of your journey.
Pair them with powerhouse resources like Ted’s Woodworking for endless project plans, Ryan’s Shed Plans for large-scale builds, and Wood Profits if you want to turn sawdust into side income — and you’ll be set for years of creative, satisfying projects.
So, what’s your dream woodworking project? Drop it in the comments — and don’t forget to save this list to your Pinterest “DIY Goals” board so you can come back whenever you need inspiration.