Home DIY: Build Outdoor Furniture from Recycled Timber

Learn sustainable carpentry skills with our Home DIY short courses, part of the Woodwork program in Sydney!

Learn how to build your own outdoor furniture in this hands-on woodworking workshop focused on using reclaimed and recycled timber. Perfect for beginners, this practical one-day course introduces essential DIY skills while exploring sustainable building practices and creative reuse of materials.

Guided by an experienced tutor, you’ll gain confidence working with salvaged timber as you design, cut, and assemble a functional piece of outdoor furniture. Along the way, you’ll develop foundational woodworking techniques, learn to safely use power tools, and discover how to transform recycled materials into durable, attractive pieces for your home or garden.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this workshop, you will have explored concepts and techniques such as:

• Understand the principles of sustainable timber use
• Identify, select, and prepare recycled timber for use
• Use hand tools and power tools with confidence
• Apply basic woodworking and joinery techniques
• Construct and finish a functional piece of outdoor furniture

Course content

During the workshop, participants will work with techniques and ideas such as:

Module 1: Welcome, Safety & Sustainability

• Housekeeping, workshop layout, and safety briefing
• Why use recycled timber? Environmental and aesthetic benefits

Module 2: Timber Basics & Furniture Design

• Introduction to types of recycled timber and their characteristics
• How to assess timber for reuse: identifying nails, damage, and warping
• Understanding simple plans and measurements
• Participants choose their project: e.g., bench, table, or planter box

Module 3: Cutting & Preparing Recycled Timber

• Demonstration of accurate measuring, marking, and cutting
• Introduction to tools: drop saw, jigsaw, sander, clamps
• Participants cut, sand, and prepare timber for their project

Module 4: Assembly Techniques

• Overview of basic joinery: butt joints, lap joints, and fastening methods
• Demonstration of clamping, pre-drilling, and safe assembly
• Participants assemble the base and structure of their chosen project

Module 5: Finishing & Functionality

• Sanding techniques for smooth, outdoor-ready finishes
• Discussion of finishing options: natural oils, outdoor paints, or sealants
• Final adjustments and quality checks

Course content and learning outcomes are intended as a guide and may vary depending on the facilitator, class pace, participant questions, and workshop discussions.

Intended audience

Who is this workshop for?

This course is ideal for beginners and anyone interested in learning basic woodworking skills while repurposing timber for outdoor living. Whether you’re furnishing a garden, balcony, or courtyard, this workshop offers a practical, sustainable solution.

Course venue

Where is the workshop located? 

Workshops are held at the Summer Hill campus. You'll receive full venue details when you enrol.

Course materials

Materials Provided:

All recycled timber, fasteners, safety gear, tools, and design templates are provided for use during the workshop.

Additional information

Please note the following:

• Please don't wear your best clothing
• If you have long hair, please tie it back
• Wear closed-in shoes, no heels, please
• Please do not wear jewellery
• Content may vary slightly depending on class pace, participant interests, and instructor approach.