Needs Pictures Needs Pictures:  0
Picture(s) thanks Picture(s) thanks:  0
Results 1 to 7 of 7
  1. #1
    Join Date
    Feb 2021
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    2

    Lightbulb Timber Advice - outdoor workbench

    Hi first time poster here!

    I'm looking to build a general purpose workbench that will be outdoors and only partially protected from the elements (note: I live in Australia). I'll be using the work bench for anything and everything from fixing furniture, to small painting projects etc.

    I would like some suggestions on the best timber to use for outdoor projects, specifically a workbench as it will need to be a hardwood to endure over the stretch, and I'd probably want it heavy so it doesn't move about too much. I know that both Treated pine and cedar are good woods to use outside, but pine is boring and cedar is too soft for a workbench?

    Any other tricks and tips would be appreciated!

    Regards,
    p3z

  2. # ADS
    Google Adsense Advertisement
    Join Date
    Always
    Location
    Advertising world
    Posts
    Many





     
  3. #2
    Join Date
    Jun 2005
    Location
    Townsville. Tropical Nth Qld.
    Posts
    1,243

    Default

    Maybe if you told us where you are in Aus we could make some recommendations?. I live in Townsville and the timbers I would suggest would not be available to you if you live in Adelaide.
    Rgds,
    Crocy.

  4. #3
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Bundaberg
    Age
    54
    Posts
    3,402

    Default

    What do you mean by “partially protected” from the elements? Direct sunlight will probably be the biggest problem as it will dry out and crack the timber, then rain can get in and cause localised swelling causing more cracking... etc etc etc... If it’s out of the sun then so long as you apply a waterproof treatment and reduce exposed end grain as much as possible (eg mitred corners or breadboard ends) you should be able to construct it from whatever locally milled timber is available.

    Early last year I built my outdoor workbench, the top was made from treated pine sleepers which were then varnished. It lives under a carport and has shade cloth behind it so it isn’t exposed to direct sunlight although rain can be blown onto it. It’s also within crapping distance of a couple of Cadaghis trees so the surface needed to be easily cleanable to remove sooty mould. It’s still looking good; there has been no cracking and the top hasn’t warped or anything.
    Nothing succeeds like a budgie without a beak.

  5. #4
    Join Date
    Feb 2021
    Location
    Australia
    Posts
    2

    Default

    I live in Victoria, about 2kms from port phillip bay.

    The workbench will be under a verandah at one end, so mostly protected from the sun, but may get some direct sunlight for a couple of hours in the morning. It will get some rain.

  6. #5
    Join Date
    Jul 2020
    Location
    Beaconsfield
    Posts
    15

    Default

    Hi,

    I recently made a workbench, in fact it was my lockdown project.

    I had way, way, way too much time on my hands and chucked a fare amount of time, energy and (some) money at it. Although i say so myself (backed up by some of my friends) the overall result is fantastic and it truly is the Tawzer's Testies!

    My biggest mistake is I MADE THE DAMN THING TOO GOOD and now I am reluctant to bash it about and use it for what it was truly intended for. I probably need to take a hammer to it all over so i can just suck up the pain and get on with it.

    Anyway that's my thoughts, hope it helps you.

    MJ

  7. #6
    Join Date
    Dec 2010
    Location
    Mornington Peninsula
    Posts
    2,741

    Default

    VicAsh would be my go to wood for this.

  8. #7
    Join Date
    Oct 2019
    Location
    ballarat-ish
    Posts
    59

    Default

    i'm sort of in a similar position: wanting a picnic table for the shady spot in the back yard; don't want to deal with treated pine

    i've been thinking about using bunnings' "durable mixed hardwood" fence posts and sleepers, reasoning that if the timber is meant for unfinished outdoor/landscaping use, that it'll last a good while, especially if i take some care and actually finish it. though, having checked over the stock at my local bunnings, it looks like it'd be a day's work picking the good bits out of the stacks, because 80% of it is rubbish (unsurprisingly, i guess). and if i'm hand picking it, i'd need to rent a ute/van, and hope they have full pallets in stock on that day, etc. which is all enough of a pita that i've stalled out, and might not ever bother with it...

    haven't come up with any better options though

Similar Threads

  1. My outdoor workbench
    By Chief Tiff in forum THE WORK BENCH
    Replies: 6
    Last Post: 14th May 2020, 11:35 PM
  2. The Outdoor Workbench
    By pmcgee in forum THE WORK BENCH
    Replies: 258
    Last Post: 11th February 2017, 01:53 AM
  3. The *Real* Outdoor Workbench
    By pmcgee in forum HAND TOOLS - UNPOWERED
    Replies: 1
    Last Post: 14th May 2013, 11:58 AM
  4. Advice for outdoor workbench
    By Robot in forum THE WORK BENCH
    Replies: 25
    Last Post: 23rd June 2012, 05:23 PM
  5. A largeish outdoor furniture project for a newbie - timber advice sought
    By deldridg in forum FURNITURE, JOINERY, CABINETMAKING - formerly BIG STUFF
    Replies: 0
    Last Post: 8th May 2009, 10:46 AM

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •