There are many fine Australian timbers around and many of these timbers have had a previous life and there is something special about using old timber, albeit used for another purpose previously. Recycling timber can give that particular piece another life and the age and grain are on many occasions the real beauty of the timber. It is well seasoned and has that lustre that can’t be found in “new” timber.

This is the story of a couple of old fence palings that are transformed into a bonsai display stand. Old fences are being replaced by “colourbond” fencing at an ever increasing rate and on many occasions the old timber is either used for firewood or dumped into landfill. I hope this will give people an idea of recycling a few more palings as they do look very attractive after they are worked on.

So what does an old fence paling look like? Well it looks like this, weathered, worn and dirty timber with a few nail holes in it.

Fence paling prior to any work being done

These palings are put through an electric “thicknesser” to take off the top layer of worn and dirty timber and then they are cut to the required length. This initial plaining shows the beautiful grain and features of the timber.

Dressed off cuts

Any pieces that can’t be incorporated into the stand are discarded, like these pieces above. The remaining timber is then cut into the required pieces to make the stand.

Edgeing strip

Underbody support

Leg

 Once all the pieces are cut the assembly process begins.

The top completed

The legs attached

The stand is completed

The first part of the finishing is to apply two coates of orange oil and that gives the wood and the grain an enhanced look.

First coat

The second coat

The stand will undergo some other “finishing” over the coming weeks but for now the job is done. The beauty of the timber really stands out now so the only problem will be to find a suitable bonsai to put on the stand.