Woodwork Bench Hire and Workshops in London

One of the most common questions we’re asked at the London School of Furniture Making is:

“Where can I practise once my course finishes?”

Regular access to bench space, tools and machinery is essential for developing confidence, refining technique and building your own projects. This guide brings together commercial bench-hire workshops, community makerspaces, and social woodworking groups across London, so you can choose the right next step.

Commercial and Dedicated Bench Hire

These spaces are best suited to furniture makers, joiners and cabinet makers who need reliable access to a workbench, machinery and often storage. Most allow commercial use and are appropriate for small businesses.

POW Workshops — Park Royal (NW10)

A large professional makerspace offering bookable benches, desks, bays and studio spaces. Extensive woodworking machinery, CNC, spray booths and 24/7 access options depending on membership.

Workshop Rental — Tottenham / North London

Provides permanent, dedicated bench spaces suitable for furniture-making and joinery businesses. Access to professional machines, spray booths and shared facilities.

Benchspace — South East London

A shared joinery and fabrication workshop offering flexible daily, weekly or monthly bench hire. Well-suited to furniture makers and designers needing short- or medium-term space.

Hire Woodwork Space — Battersea

Small-scale commercial workshops with benches and machinery available for daily or longer-term hire. A useful option for makers needing occasional bench access close to central London.

Grierson Workshop Co-operative – Acton

A woodworking and creative workshop, originally founded by designer-maker Martin Grierson. Well-equipped and close to transport links.

Alan Johnson Kingsgate Workshops – West Hampstead

Alan Johnson has a fully equipped wood workshop suitable for designer-makers. Available to share with two or three other furniture makers. £125/week. Contact Alan on 07941 850866 or email alanroyjohnson@talktalk.net.      Website: www.alanjohnson.co.uk

24A Bartholomew Villas

A small arts and makerspace community with two woodworkers. Studios for rent. Contact Helene for latest availability, helenebinet@gmail.com

Create Space London – Kensington Hub

Arts, craft and design studios for rent in West London.

Willesden Green Studios

A mix of maker and design spaces with communal areas, gallery, parking and green spaces. Contact hellochanceprojects@gmail.com.

Community Makerspaces and Mixed-Use Workshops

These spaces offer workshop access through membership models. Bench space is typically shared, and while some commercial work may be possible, these environments are often best for learning, practice and collaboration.

Blackhorse Workshop — Walthamstow

A community makerspace with bookable woodwork benches, machine rooms, spray booth and storage options. Suitable for both serious hobbyists and early-stage professionals.

Building BloQs — Enfield

A large open workshop supporting woodwork, metalwork and digital fabrication. Members work alongside a wide creative community using shared benches and machines.

South London Makerspace — Herne Hill / Dulwich

A member-run community workshop where people work on personal projects together. Woodworking facilities are available as part of a shared, collaborative environment.

The London School of Furniture Making

We hold occasional Supervised Access sessions where our students can come in and work on their own projects with guidance from one of our instructors, or one-to-one private sessions where you can build your project alongside an instructor.

Community and Social Woodworking Groups

These spaces prioritise community, wellbeing and shared making. They are generally not suitable for commercial work, but offer valuable access to tools, benches and peer support.

Wood That Works — Whittington Estate, Highgate

A community interest company offering inclusive woodworking sessions and workshops. Ideal for learning skills, building confidence and making personal projects in a supportive setting.

Camden Town Shed (and Other Boroughs)

Part of the Men’s Sheds movement, these community workshops provide shared benches, tools and a social environment for making, repairing and learning together.

London Green Wood & Other Craft Groups

Smaller cooperative workshops focused on green woodworking and hand-tool skills, often run through farms, community centres or cooperatives. Also, check out the Green Wood Guild in Stepney.

Choosing the Right Space

When deciding where to work, consider:

• Whether you need a dedicated bench or are happy with shared space
• Access to machinery versus hand tools only
• Storage requirements
• Whether the space allows commercial work
• Travel time, opening hours and induction requirements

Many makers move between different types of space as their practice develops.

Further Support from the School

If you’re unsure which option is right for you, speak to your instructors. We can advise students on realistic next steps after courses — from working from home, to using community workshops, through to moving into professional bench-hire spaces.

This page is intended as a starting point. Workshop availability, pricing and access models change, so we recommend contacting spaces directly for current details.