Reclaimed and Distressed Custom outdoor furniture for an Pool area in Frankston South

Our experience working with reclaimed timber on this project has been a sneaky double edged sword. But, being tenacious and like every great story, this project was triumphant against the many challenges faced by our skilled craftsmen in working with a timber that was over 120 years old. The excitement and enthusiasm to create a unique outdoor setting that had beautiful appeal and history for our great clients in Frankston South, was easily counteracted by the challenges and frustrations uncovered when dealing with the imperfections of reclaimed timber. But the timber had years left in her, and we were up for the challenge to transform the Douglas Fir timber into chic outdoor furniture that complemented their existing pool landscaping. 

What were the challenges you may ask? Well, these 5 pieces of Douglas Fir timber were carefully selected by our clients but it took us over 7 hours to remove nails and screws embedded in the timber once upon a time when it acted as floor joists. After having the timber pieces milled and squared, all the hidden imperfections were now clearly visible, including burn marks and oil stains, which can cause reaction with sealants and vanish. And we did come across some annoying reactions during the curing process. But with persistence these challenges were overcome.

Our clients vision for the outdoor setting was to create an outdoor table and bench that had a distressed look with a white base to match their existing outdoor furniture. We got to work to first bog up the little holes in the timber, then painted the timber with weather shield white paint. Next our handy work came in by lightly hand sanding the timber to achieve a distressed and weathered look. Six coats of marine grade high gloss varnish were applied to all sides of the timber to seal and protect the surface from the outdoor elements. Time was needed to allow the coatings to cure and the weather played a big part in choosing the right days to paint due to humidity and heat. 

DBG Engineering created the curved frames our clients were after and Kev's Powercoating & Sandblasting gave the steel a sleek black finish for an industrial look. The steel legs also nicely complemented the corten steel panels in the home's landscape design.

The table and bench seats were delivered just in time for an outdoor family event. We were  very  happy to finally send this project off to our clients, and our clients love the final result!
Thank-you to all of our great suppliers on the Mornington Peninsula. The outdoor furniture now glows with appeal and entices enjoyment, just like the liquid gold produced from the old Cartlon United Brewery which the timber was reclaimed from. 

Before photos
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After Photos
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