Build a Planter Box from Reclaimed Timber

What you'll learn

Learn carpentry with our Woodwork courses in Sydney!

This intermediate-level carpentry course offers participants the opportunity to refine their woodworking skills while creating a functional and sustainable project. Designed for those who have some prior experience with basic carpentry techniques, this hands-on workshop introduces more advanced methods and best practices for working with reclaimed materials. By the end of the course, participants will have built their own planter box from recycled timber, gaining confidence in their ability to take on future woodworking projects with an eco-friendly approach.

Learning outcomes

By the end of this intermediate carpentry course, you should have :

Select and prepare reclaimed timber
Use carpentry tools and techniques
Assemble a sturdy planter box
Finish and customise the planter box
Troubleshoot common issues
Apply intermediate carpentry skills to other projects

Course content

What will be covered in this intermediate-level carpentry course?

Identify the best sources of reclaimed wood for building projects.
Safely remove nails, screws, and other debris from reclaimed wood.
Evaluate the condition of reclaimed timber and how to work with imperfections
Demonstrate proper use of carpentry tools such as circular saws, drills, and sanders
Safely measure, cut, and assemble reclaimed wood to create a strong, functional planter box
Construct a planter box with square corners, secure joints, and a stable base
Apply wood glue and screws to reinforce connections and enhance the box's durability
Sand the box to remove rough areas and apply a wood finish for protection
Customise the planter box using wood stains, paints, or decorative techniques
Handle challenges such as warped wood, imperfect cuts, and loose joints
Adjust and reinforce the construction as necessary for a high-quality final product
Utilise newly learned carpentry skills to tackle other DIY woodworking projects, particularly those involving reclaimed materials
Continue building confidence and proficiency in carpentry with a focus on sustainability and upcycling

Intended audience

Who is this carpentry course for?

This course is designed for students who have completed the Introduction to Carpentry Course or have prior carpentry experience.

Course venue

The Bower Reuse & Repair Centre Workshop
107 Redfern St, Redfern NSW 2016

The entrance to the Bower workshop is at the rear of 107 Redfern Street and is opposite no. 23 Turner Street. You will see a hand-painted sign "The Bower Woodworks". If the door is locked, please press the doorbell on the left-hand side of the garage door. Please note, the doors for the venue will be open from 12:30 pm. If you have trouble locating the entrance or encounter any emergencies, please contact the workshop manager at 0422 840 471.
Public transport is the best way to get to the workshop space. The space is located close to Redfern Train Station, a local transport hub.
Most nearby parking is 2-hour-timed (including some paid parking on Redfern St) though it is untimed after 8 pm. Untimed parking is available on Pitt St between Phillip and Wellington St.

Course materials

What to bring to class

Any drills or tools from home you would like to use
The following PPE:
- A face mask
- Safety glasses or goggles
- Earmuffs or earplugs

The Bower has PPE sanitised and available to borrow. Students must sanitise before and after use.

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

The Bower

The Bower is a not-for-profit organisation with a mission to: Reduce the amount of hard waste going to landfills through education, repair, reuse and resale, Raise awareness of the value of waste...

View The Bower's profile

Classes Online Courses

Build a Planter Box from Reclaimed Timber

Sat 24 May 2025

1 session, 6 hours total

10am - 4pm (UTC+10:00)

The Bower Redfern

The Bower

Early Bird Discount Ends May 18

Important Note: Please note that cancellations, refunds, or transfers will not be accepted within five (5) business days of the class start date. Additionally, this course is exempt from all discounts, including those provided through the learning membership. For more information, please refer to the terms and conditions.

This class is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 24 May 2025	10am - 4pm	Workshop - The Bower Redfern

Build a Planter Box from Reclaimed Timber

Sat 28 Jun 2025

1 session, 6 hours total

10am - 4pm (UTC+10:00)

The Bower Redfern

The Bower

Early Bird discount expires five days before the class starts.

Important Note: Please note that cancellations, refunds, or transfers will not be accepted within five (5) business days of the class start date.

This class is not suitable for anyone under the age of 18.

When	Time	Where	Session Notes
Sat 28 Jun 2025	10am - 4pm	Workshop - The Bower Redfern

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 Build a Planter Box from Reclaimed Timber