Australian Wood Review – September 2019

82 Australian Wood Review

TIMBER

T

here is a romance associated with

the idea of using a tree growing

in your own backyard for furniture.

Perhaps the tree is old and at risk of

falling, or in the way of a renovation or

extension. Whatever the circumstances,

it can be very rewarding to use timber

that would otherwise be chipped into

tiny pieces and lost forever.

In early 2018 I was contacted by a

client who wanted me to build a dining

table using slabs milled by an arborist

from a quandong tree that had grown

in their backyard. After inspecting

the timber, providing a quote and

detailing the process involved, the

client and I agreed to the commission.

Fast forward to late December 2018

and I had completed the dining table

and delivered it to its new home. The

clients were thrilled with the outcome

and proud to have their new dining

table made from a tree grown in own

backyard. This was a very rewarding

experience for me and a true tree to

table project.

From Tree to Table

A furniture maker’s guide to the basics of drying and milling

your own wood. Story by Dante Stivanello.