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!

This one-day, hands-on workshop will guide you through the process of designing and building your own outdoor furniture using salvaged and recycled timber. You’ll gain practical experience in using tools, working with reclaimed materials, and constructing a functional item to take home. Whether it’s a bench, table, or planter box.

Perfect for renters, homeowners, and DIY enthusiasts, this course is ideal for anyone looking to furnish outdoor spaces in an eco-friendly way. No prior woodworking experience is needed.  

Learning outcomes

By the end of this Home DIY course, you should be able to:

• 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

What will be covered in this workshop ? 

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

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

This course is offered at Redfern and Summer Hill Campuses. 

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