Hagan Furniture & Timberwork is a fifth-generation family business rooted in Toowoomba, renowned for its exceptional craftsmanship in furniture restoration and bespoke timber creations.

Our Story

Ryan Clayton, the current owner, leads a team of over 20 skilled artisans across two divisions: Hagan Furniture & Timberwork and Hagan Coatings. As a fifth-generation woodworker, Ryan continues a legacy that began in 1852 with James Hagan, the son of Irish settler Bernard Joseph Hagan.

James was born at Winton Station, Goondiwindi, in 1869. After his father’s passing, James moved with his family to Toowoomba, where he began a carpentry and joinery apprenticeship with Thomas Burstow in 1886. Upon completing his training, James launched his own business in Newtown in 1890.

James and his wife Martha raised five children, with sons Stanley and Bernard continuing the family trade. Bernard, a cabinetmaker, also apprenticed with T.S. Burstow and later established his own business in Herries Street, operating until the 1970s.

Bernard’s son Neil carried the tradition forward, founding his cabinetmaking and French polishing business in 1949 and expanding to a larger workshop in Mort Street in 1976. Neil trained many apprentices and ran a successful business until retiring in 1990.

David, Neil’s son, joined the family business in 1973 and later founded David Hagan Furniture, which he operated until his retirement in 2012. Though David’s son Mitchell had planned to join the business, his life was tragically cut short in 2002.

Ryan Clayton, David’s apprentice and great-great-grandson of James Hagan, now proudly leads the business, continuing the family’s tradition of excellence in timberwork and coatings.