Woodworking & DIY Courses FAQs
Hello and thank you for your interest in our woodworking and DIY courses. We hope you find the answers you are looking for here and that we will be welcoming you to the workshop very soon.
If you need any further information you can find full contact details here ›
Will you send me information by email?
Yes absolutely! We will send you an automatic confirmation email when you book the course with us and within 48 hours, you will receive another email with all the course details, parking information and a list of what to bring.
What do I need to wear on the course?
Ash & Co is a fully functioning joinery workshop so you’ll need to wear suitable clothing to be safe. You’ll need proper shoes with no open toes, no baggy sleeves or frilly dresses that could get caught in machinery and if you’ve got long hair, just tie it up for the evening.
If you’re coming to one of our winter courses then the workshop can be a bit chilly on colder days so we’d suggest wearing something warm but we have heating so a t-shirt and jumper will be just fine.
We will supply you with a woodworking apron if you want one but feel free to bring your own if you like.
Other than that, you can wear what you like. We’re quite partial to a bowler hat and hoodie but you know - anything goes!
Do I need to bring any tools?
No don’t bring any tools, we’ll provide you with everything you need on the day. For some tools, we have one for each participant (drills, saws etc) and for others we take it in turn to use them (tablesaw, bandsaw etc.)
Do I need to bring my own wood with me?
No, we will provide all the wood you need on evening which will be prepared and ready to use.
Can I bring a friend?
Yes of course, our workshops usually accommodate up to 8 people. If you are a large group please contact us for a bespoke workshop.
Can I bring someone with special needs?
We are happy to welcome people with special needs but as requirements are so varied we will need to discuss this with you personally before booking. Please contact us directly through our contact page to discuss your needs.
How old do children need to be to visit the workshop?
Children over the age of 5 are welcome to join our kids Mini-Maker workshops and some of our woodworking projects are suitable for age 8+. Please see the guidance on each course details page. Any children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a supervising adult (supervising adults do not need to pay for a bench space).
Our beginner DIY courses are for adults so you must be over 16 to take part.
How do I find your workshop?
Easy peasy - just click on the map at the bottom of our home page or the contacts page and click on the directions button. It will take you straight there.
Where do I park when I get there?
You can park literally right outside the door of the workshop but we’ll send you full details about that when you book.
Do I need to pay for parking?
No. Parking is free at the workshop.
Do you provide lunch?
No. We don’t provide lunch on our full day courses so it’s best to bring a packed lunch if you can. There’s an M&S garage a couple of minutes away if you’re travelling by car though so no problems there.
Do you provide drinks?
We provide tea and coffee on our full day DIY course. On our shorter courses you are welcome to bring your own drink or flask of tea or coffee into the workshop.
Do you provide safety equipment?
Yes. We are full stocked with all the safety equipment you will need for the day including ear plugs, ear defenders, safety glasses, disposable gloves, aprons and dust masks.
Can I book a course on a date not shown in your calendar?
Maybe. If you are looking for a specific date that is not shown on our calendar then please contact us directly through the contact page. We don’t publish courses too far in advance as we change them around regularly so we might be able to fit a course in just when you need it!
Can I take home the finished piece I made?
Yes! Absolutely - we want you to be proud of the piece you made and show it off to everyone all the time and tell them how woodworking is your life now and well, how can you do that if you don’t take it home?
Do I need any previous woodworking experience?
No, absolutely not. All our current courses are aimed at complete beginners so even if you’ve never picked up a saw before in your life, you’ll be just fine. Ash & Co. is a completely non-competitive environment and it’s in our culture to be there to help answer ANY questions that come to mind during the course.
We genuinely want you to learn a new skill and get as much out of the course as possible so we’ll go at your pace and make sure you’re happy.
Will I get a qualification?
No. We do not offer formal qualification and there are no exams to pass. Our courses are relaxed and informal and available for all to enjoy. You will however get a lovely handmade project to take home and be proud of.
How long is the course?
It depends on which course you book but as standard, our evening courses run from 6.30pm to 9.30pm and our full day courses run from 10am until 4pm but please check the listing for your specific course as some are different.
The finish times are a guide only and sometimes courses can run on for half an hour depending on how quick we get done.
How do I book my place?
Simply fill out the form at the top of the course details page and purchase through the usual checkout process.
We will need the name of the attendee/s and a contact phone number and email address. In some cases you will need to choose which wood you would like to work with so we can have this ready for arrival on the evening.
What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit cards except for American Express through our secure payment gateway.
Can I buy the course as a gift?
Yes - check out our gift cards page on the website to purchase a gift for your loved one.
Oh no, I need to cancel my booking - what can I do?
If you are unable to come, please contact us straight away and we will do our best to help.
In most instances we can transfer your booking to a different date or offer you a credit note to use towards any future course or kit.
Unfortunately we cannot transfer your date or offer you a credit note if you cancel less than 24hrs before a session takes place.
Occasionally, we may have to cancel a workshop if the tutor is suddenly unavailable or there are too few people booked to make the course viable. We will aim to let you have at least 24 hours notice if this happens. We will offer a credit, transfer your booking to another workshop or issue you a full refund – your choice.
What if I’m nervous on the day?
Don’t worry, we get it and it’s only natural when you’re trying something new! Just remember that you’re entering a really friendly, non-competitive environment where you will have a brilliant day meeting like minded people and having a great laugh along the way.
We’ll welcome you with open arms and we’re good at getting everyone talking and working together in no time.
YOU WILL LOVE IT!
What other courses will you run in the future?
Our course calendar is changing all the time so and we’re always working on the next big idea so why not sign-up to our email newsletter so you can be informed when we launch something new?