Wood for Garden Projects: Super Spring Garden Project Ideas

The current settled and sunny weather is inspiring woodworkers to bring garden projects made from recycled timber to life, and at Oxford Wood Recycling (OWR), we have a wide selection of sustainably sourced, reclaimed wood for garden projects.

We collect waste timber from a variety of sources including the building and manufacturing industries, as well as domestic waste. Our team of enthusiastic volunteers clean up the waste timber, transforming it into a usable, sustainable and economical product for hobbyists and professional makers to purchase.

Using OWR’s wood for garden projects is an excellent way to save money on wood for crafting with garden projects that reduce waste and contribute to sustainability. It’s a win-win! Contact us if you would like to discover more about what we do at OWR.

Without further ado, if you are looking for some spring garden project inspiration, here are a few ideas to get those creative juices flowing!

Wood for Garden Beds

Scaffold boards sell like hot cakes at this time of year. It’s such a versatile product and the perfect material for repurposing into raised garden beds, perfect for spring planting.

If you prefer something a bit more substantial, we currently have dozens of mini sleepers in the shop. Hurry, because these will disappear quickly as seasoned gardeners start to think about spring vegetable planting!

Wood for Wildlife Projects

If you want to encourage more wildlife into your garden, we provide endless possibilities with our wood for wildlife projects. Beehives, bug hotels, nestboxes, bird tables, perches, hedgehog tunnels, wildlife bridges – whatever project you decide to build to encourage more wildlife into the garden, OWR is an ‘Aladdin’s Cave’ for nature-loving woodworkers.

Why not get the kids involved, too? Wildlife projects provide fun in the making while encouraging ongoing educational and outdoor activities throughout the year.

Wood for Compost Bins

Get ready for the first grass cuttings by recycling wooden planks, pallets or crates into a compost bin. Simply create a box or enclosure for kitchen scraps and garden waste to ensure you will have plenty of fresh, nutritious compost for spring planting next year.

Wood for Planters and Flower Boxes

This is another great project to do with the kids. Bring them along to OWR, where they can choose from our reclaimed and locally sourced wood for planters. Feed their enthusiasm for gardening by encouraging them to choose their own flower or herb seeds to go into your newly created wooden planters or flower boxes.

The wonderment on their faces when the shoots pop into view is priceless!

Wood for Garden Furniture

If you are thinking about a more substantial garden project this spring, why not try your hand at garden furniture? Create unique and functional pieces that add character to your garden space while providing practical outdoor seating solutions for family and friends.

Simple benches and chairs made from recycled pallet wood, scaffold boards, old doors or fences are perfect projects for those just beginning their woodworking journey.

For professionals and more skilled woodworkers, choose from hardwood, softwood or even exotic timber for a more ambitious outside seating project.

Wood for Garden Edging

For a more sustainable solution, reuse wood for lawn or path edging in your garden.

Although it may need more maintenance than plastic or metal, timber is aesthetically pleasing, eco-friendly and provides a natural look for borders.

Wood for Garden Structures

Pergolas, trellises, arbors and fences can be constructed from reclaimed timber. Pallet wood is especially useful as cladding for both sides of these structures, both inside and out. Their rustic character will weather even more outdoors and add to the charm of your garden. Come along to the OWR shop and ask our experts for their advice on choosing the right wood for garden structures.

Wood for Garden Sheds

The ultimate spring garden project is the building of a new shed or decking area. Take a look at our air-dried slabs for repurposing as wood for garden sheds. Sourced from local woodland in the Chiltern Hills, our team puts everything through the planer so you can see the grain and unique characteristics of every tree species including yew, elm, alder, cherry and walnut.

Scaffold boards, with their reliable width, thickness and unique outdoor character, make the perfect reclaimed wood for decking.

OWR Community Initiatives

OWR isn’t simply a business. We also foster a thriving community, offering a number of Community Initiatives. Whether you are new to woodworking or a seasoned artisan, you can chat with like-minded makers, craftspeople and experts, learn new skills and techniques and problem solve in a friendly and nurturing environment.

Keep up to date with community events on our Facebook page.

OWR Services

Whatever the size and complexity of the garden project, our wood cutting service saves you money and time.

And what if you don’t have the specialist tools required for your next project at home? Buying new tools is expensive, and where do you store them when the project has finished? You don’t need to worry because you can hire tools from the OWR tool library much cheaper than buying new or using high street tool hire companies.

Ensure your creations will be fit for purpose for years to come with a range of stains, varnishes, sealants and ironmongery to protect your creations from the elements and add those finishing touches.

Still needing inspiration? Why not take a look at some of the creative projects our amazing customers have completed using OWR reclaimed wood for garden projects?

By using reclaimed wood for garden projects from OWR, you will be able to reduce costs and make a positive impact on the environment while creating unique, handmade wooden objects to add rustic charm to your garden space. Our stock changes on a daily basis, so keep up to date with the latest choices available by following OWR on Facebook.

Community Shed Returns

Community Shed Returns

🔨 The Community Shed is BACK! First Thursday of every month | 6–8 PM 4 Suffolk Way, Abingdon, OX14 5JX Calling all Caldecott residents to unleash your creativity, connect with others, and make something amazing, all while having fun! Whether you’re a complete...

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Established to address sustainability issues in wood waste management and providing employment opportunities for people facing disadvantages.