AusBonsai

Hi everyone. Thought I would show some pics of my benches now that I have decided to keep them where they are.
This is a method and material I found easy to work with and not too expensive.
Most of my materials are new because recycled just wasn't available in my area. New the cost was $180 each bench.
Timber sleepers are 20cm wide x 300cm long and blocks give options on desired layout i.e.; flat table/stepped.
Also works well on sloped land like you see .They are portable/moveable if you have difficulty deciding where to put them.
My first bench idea was steel pipe joined together and covered with wire or cement sheeting,
like I have seen in a few nurseries. Price was similar but I preferred the look of these. Good way for people that do not own
power tools. These are a bit like putting 'leggo' blocks together, anyone can do it.
Source at landscape supplies. Tools = spirit level and spade. Add cement to make solid/permanent
cheers

Fantastic! That is quite the collection you have going Robb and those benches look great. Nice

Impressive amount of bench space you have received there Rob!

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Well done
I also use Besser blocks for mine but are lower.
for the tops I use old Stramit steel roofing as It was readliy available at the time and allows me to collect the runoff water for reuse.

Ken

Cheers guys
I like the idea to catch runoff water. That will go on the list

Congratulations, very impressive.

Hi Rob
Well done mate on the new benches for your trees - looks great. Someone's been a busy boy over the last two years expanding the collection.
What's the next two years going to bring?

very jealous and a fantastic collection you have

Wow. Nice collection and solid benches!


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What a collection of trees! Nice job on the benches.

I have all the supplies to build my own and the sight selected, just need to encourage the hubby to help me put it all together.


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I am currently looking at changing my metal Bunnings pallet racking "benches" over to something similar to this. I hate to think how much you spent on Bessa Blocks though?

Any tips for finding/buying at a good price?

I get mine at a local block maker. Seconds only have slight imperfections but are around 1/2 price.
You may also be able to find some at a building recycler but they often charge high.

Even retail, at around $3 each that's just $50 for each bench (+ pine of course)

Hi Luke
Sometimes it's too much effort finding second hand materials, that's what I found with concrete/besser blocks.
Individually from landscape suppliers they cost $3.50 each. Advantage is no chips or cracks etc.
Sleepers or hard wood planks etc. are heaps easier to find second hand.
Six weeks after paying $28 each I found a load at $10 each . That happens when
hunting for seconds, to me all the time.
I assume my benches will be there indefinitely so I chose this option and put them on concrete pads.
Before that I moved them around a few times finding the best possible place.
If your renting then just don't use concrete/mortar, that way they are portable, pack up and move whenever.
One thing I like about timber benches is that ceramic pots are much more at home on them.
I have a couple of reinforced mesh/wire benches that I use for plastic pots and grow boxes but still on blocks.
Mine were $180 each/new and I've killed trees worth more so figure it's a good investment
Pick what suits you best and happy bonsai
Bob.

Thanks guys.

Ive had a look at the big green shed and 2400mm sleepers are about $15 each which I thought was reasonable. Do you recommend treating them or as they come from bunnings?

Shibui - your maths of $50 per bench for the blocks @ $3 each I am assuming that is 4 high so 8 each end?

Everything is so expensive these days. My slat wall, shelves and vege boxes have cost a surprising large amount of money for what they are, just for materials. Even salvaged stuff isn’t cheap. We hope the veges produce well and aren’t too plagued by pests because it’s going to take years for any vege productivity for our use to pay off the cost of starting the vege gardens.

I like your setup especially with the irrigation rigged up. I’m trying to design a possum deterrent for my shelves which could also be used for irrigation system fitting and be minimally intrusive to the aesthetic.