What you'll learn
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
Course tutors
Great reasons to enrol in a short course with us
Small classes
A personal approach means quality learning, so you can enjoy plenty of interaction with your instructor and the chance to ask questions.
Short & sweet
Our short courses & workshops get straight to the point, providing the skills you need with minimal commitment of your precious time.
Facilities & equipment
Our range of venues suit every type of course, are easy to get to, and have the equipment and tech needed to support your learning.
Easy, secure enrolment
Enrol online 24/7 with a safe, convenient 3-step process, and you can change your mind up to 7 days before class starts.
Quality instructors
Our educators bring first-hand experience and knowledge, with up-to-the-minute practices from diverse industries.
Business or pleasure
Our courses help you rapidly increase your skills and knowledge, for professional development or personal interest.
4.7 starsaverage rating on Google
1,400+courses to choose from
99%customer support rating
Classes Online Courses
<p>Learn sustainable carpentry skills with our <a href="https://www.sydneycommunitycollege.edu.au/courses/home-garden-cooking/diy">Home DIY</a> short courses, part of the <a href="https://
...Early Bird discount expires 5 days before the class starts.
This class is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.
Important Note: This course is exempt from the learning membership discount. For further details, please refer to the terms and conditions.
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Home DIY: Build Outdoor Furniture from Recycled Timber
If there isn't a class to suit you, please join our waitlist and we will notify you when we have places available. Join waitlist for Home DIY: Build Outdoor Furniture from Recycled Timber
Related courses
-
Home DIY: Basics Workshop
Do it yourself! Learn the skills and secrets of Home DIY with this workshop, as part of our Woodwork courses in Sydney! Don’t call in the experts—become one yourself! This hands-on 2-day Home DIY workshop is designed to empower you with the essential skills and confidence to tackle basic household maintenance and repairs. Whether you're finishing an old project or starting your DIY journey, you’ll gain practical experience using tools, working with various materials, and...
Learn more about Home DIY: Basics Workshop -
Home DIY: Plumbing Workshop
Do it yourself! Learn the skills and secrets of Home DIY with this workshop, as part of our Woodwork courses in Sydney! This hands-on DIY Plumbing workshop will teach you the essential skills to confidently handle basic plumbing repairs and maintenance in your home. Through a combination of live demonstrations and guided practice, you’ll learn how plumbing systems work and get hands-on experience fixing leaks, clearing clogs, and replacing taps and fixtures — all in a supportive,...
Learn more about Home DIY: Plumbing Workshop -
Home DIY: Repair & Replace Doors & Window Workshop
Learn essential maintenance skills with our home DIY short courses in Sydney! Do you want to save money and gain confidence in maintaining your own living space? Join this class to learn essential maintenance skills that will empower you to tackle common window repairs yourself. Learning outcomes By the end of this Window Workshop, you should be able to: Identify common window problems and troubleshoot effectively Execute sash cord replacement with precision and confidence Master...
Learn more about Home DIY: Repair & Replace Doors & Window Workshop -
Home DIY: Tiling Workshop
Do it yourself! Learn the skills and secrets of Home DIY with this workshop, as part of our Woodwork courses in Sydney! Ready to roll up your sleeves and give tiling a go? Whether you’re renovating your kitchen, refreshing your bathroom, or dreaming of a stylish splashback, this hands-on DIY Tiling workshop will give you the confidence and skills to tackle your own tiling projects. Led by experienced instructors, you’ll learn through live demonstrations and plenty of guided...
Learn more about Home DIY: Tiling Workshop -
Home DIY: Vertical Gardens with Reclaimed Furniture
Do it yourself! Learn the skills and secrets of Home DIY with this workshop, as part of our Woodwork courses in Sydney! This one-day, hands-on workshop will guide participants through the creative process of transforming unwanted or broken furniture into stunning and functional vertical gardens. Perfect for balconies, courtyards, or compact urban spaces, this class offers an inspiring blend of sustainable design, basic carpentry techniques, and green living principles. You'll learn...
Learn more about Home DIY: Vertical Gardens with Reclaimed Furniture
