Furniture Design

A degree in woodworking is awarded from a college or university. It would typically require several general education courses in subjects unrelated to woodworking.

A professional diploma in woodworking is awarded by a specialized school with the primary focus of woodworking. This approach allows students to focus on building more specific skills rather than spending time on general education.

SBWI is a specialized woodworking school.

Yes. Anyone, regardless of woodworking background or experience. We accept all levels from complete beginners to experienced professionals looking to further their education and resume.

Students of the Sam Beauford Woodworking Institute come from all walks of life. They are veterans, high-school students & graduates, college students, professors, white collar professionals, farmers, all with diverse backgrounds.

Everyone has the common desire to learn new skills and become more self sufficient through the art of wood. Students of SBWI become life-long friends, sharing the unique experience of creating.

We do not have on-campus housing, but there are shared houses with bedrooms available to rent for SBWI students. There are also many rental apartments and houses available in Adrian, and there is a list available of SBWI students looking for a roommate as well.

SBWI provides wood and other supplies needed for each project. Projects that require hardware have a hardware allowance. Tuition includes a 1 year subscription to SketchUp. Students do not need to purchase books, as all materials for the class are available in the student portal. There is a Hand Tool List that each student is required to purchase before the beginning of class. The tools do not have to be the exact brand on the list, but they do need to be high-quality. So if you already have a Stanley or Lee Valley hand plane, that is completely fine. Students who order tools from Blue Spruce Toolworks, Lee Valley, Lie-Nielsen, and Barr Tools can receive a discount. The hand tools are the property of the student.

Student loans are not available for this program, but our students have used private loans in the past to offset tuition and living costs. We do accept GI Bill and Veteran Readiness and Employment funding, and we also have a Payment Plan option. Check out our Scholarship Page as well.

The program requires a minimum of 24 clock hours (on average) per week. This is made of 12 hours of classroom time, and 12 hours of lab time (working in the shop/research). It is an intensive program where you learn a lot in a short period of time. A part-time job is manageable, but a full-time job would be impossible.

An applicant who has not visited the school prior to enrollment may cancel without penalty following either the regularly scheduled orientation procedures or following a tour of the school facilities and inspection of equipment where training and services are provided. Cancellation must be requested prior to or within the first week of the enrollment period by contacting the Admissions Office via text, email or phone.

1. An applicant requesting cancellation prior to or during the first week of the enrollment period is entitled to a refund of all monies paid.

2. In the event of an applicant requesting cancellation prior to or during the first week of the enrollment period, there is no registration fee retained by the School.

3. Processing and finance charges for debit and credit card payments are non-refundable

Per the Code of Federal Regulations CFR 21.4255, the SBWI has a pro-rata refund policy for the refund of the unused portion of tuition, fees and other charges in the event the veteran or eligible person fails to enter the program, or withdraws, or is discontinued there from, at any time prior to completion. An enrolled student who withdraws, is dismissed, or otherwise terminates their enrollment will be processed under the following policies:

1. An enrollment period is defined as an academic year which is ten months (40 weeks) long in Furniture Design; therefore an enrollment period for that program is ten months (40 weeks).

2. SBWI uses the Date of Determination to calculate refunds. The Date of Determination is the date the student’s enrollment was terminated by the School, the date the School was notified by the student that they were withdrawing, or the date the student was determined by the School to be withdrawn due to absences. Money due to the applicant or student will be refunded within 60 (Sixty) days after the date of determination. Written notification of withdrawal from the student is not required for refund payment.

3. In cases of prolonged illness, death in the family, or other circumstances that make it impractical to complete a program, the School will make a settlement reasonable and fair to both parties.

4. In the case of a student who completes academic requirements early and within 60% of an enrollment period, a prorated portion of the tuition for that period will be due, based on the time completed, rounded up to the nearest 10%. For early completion after 60% of the enrollment period, the entire period’s tuition will be due.

5. Processing and finance charges for debit and credit card payments are non-refundable.

6. If enrollment is terminated, the student will owe tuition and fees based on the following schedule:

• Prior to or during the first week 0%

• During the second week 20% or $4,8421.00

• During the third week 35% or $8,471.75

• During the fourth week 50% or $12,102.50

• During the fifth week 70% or $16,943.50

• After the fifth week 100% or $24,205.00

SBWI’s Furniture Design program combines the practical training of a woodworking school with the creative development of an art school. Students learn hands-on woodworking, furniture making, joinery, design, finishing, and business skills while also developing their own creative voice and portfolio.

No prior woodworking experience is required for many students. SBWI’s Furniture Design program is designed to help students build a strong foundation before moving into more advanced furniture making and fine woodworking skills. Curiosity, commitment, patience, and a desire to learn are more important than previous shop experience.

Graduates may pursue careers in furniture making, cabinetmaking, custom woodworking, millwork, design-build studios, furniture restoration, project management, teaching, product design, or self-employment. Some graduates work for established shops, while others use their portfolio and business training to start their own creative woodworking business.

Yes. The Furniture Design program can be a strong fit for career changers who want to move into a hands-on creative trade. Students often come from many backgrounds, including college, art, construction, office work, military service, and self-taught making. The program helps students build technical skills, confidence, portfolio work, and career direction.

Yes. Students complete real furniture and woodworking projects that can become part of a furniture design portfolio. A portfolio can help graduates apply for jobs, apprenticeships, commissions, further education, or self-employment opportunities in woodworking, furniture design, cabinetmaking, and related creative trades.

Woodworking classes are usually shorter experiences focused on a specific skill, project, or technique. SBWI’s full-time Furniture Design program is a more immersive one-year woodworking school experience that combines design, joinery, furniture making, fine woodworking, business skills, portfolio development, and career preparation.