Are all your timbers recycled?
99% of the timbers we use and supply are recycled - the only exception are the natural edge slabs which we source from logs salvaged from street trees, road clearing and other authorised tree removals. You can see all our species here - timber species.
We have packs of recycled timber arriving regularly, and if you bring in your own timber we are also happy to dress it or make things out of it for you.
Where do you get your timbers from?
Our timbers are salvaged from the demolition of old buildings, factories, bridges and wharfs around Australia.
We source a lot of good timber from house roofs. In the old days before truss construction house roofs were built by carpenters on site from Australian hardwoods like Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Ash, Tallowwood & Brushbox. It was called a cut roof and all the angles were marked out using a builders square. We also find a lot of good timber from old factory and warehouse demolitions. The older factories often have timber posts and beam construction and the newer factories [1930’s - 1960’s] often have steel posts and trusses but still have hardwood timber purlins supporting the roofing iron.
Are all your timbers Australian?
Nearly all our recycled timbers are Australian hardwoods. Recycled Australian hardwoods are an amazing resource - dense and durable and with a huge range of colours and grain. Their amazing structural qualities made them a major element in our buildings, factories, bridges and wharfs from the 1800’s right up until the 1960’s. We also find some fine grained Oregon timbers in old buildings which originally came from Canada and the US, New Zealand Kauri Pine in floor boards and kitchen cabinetry from the 1930’s, and we occasionally receive American White Oak from the demolition of barns in the US.
Can I visit the Thor's Hammer?
You can visit us at 10 Mildura St, Griffith ACT during opening hours and we are happy to show you around our showroom, gallery and workshops. Our showroom and office is fitted out in our recycled timbers and there are plenty of samples of all the different recycled timber species and finishes on display. Upstairs in The Mixing Room Gallery we have some beautiful pieces we’ve made for display, specialising in dining tables.
Can I get a tour of the Thor’s Hammer Workshop?
When you visit us you can see straight into the workshop through glass doors from the showroom, or even come through and see our craftspeople at work. We have built a half height wall around the joinery workshop so we can bring you in to see your piece being built.
We will also soon begin running regular workshop tours on Saturdays where our craftspeople will show you some of the details of how our timbers are recycled, and demonstrate how we make our flooring and furniture. We will also show you how our sawdust waste is turned into recycled sawdust briquettes. To register your interest for these workshops please email hammer@thors.com.au
Is all your furniture custom made?
We custom make our furniture to order, and also have a range on display in our showroom and gallery which can be bought off the floor.
What is the design process for a custom piece of furniture or joinery?
Initially we will be keen to see your inspirations [sign up for our design inspiration newsletter here] and the plans and photos of your space. We will develop a concept design with you and work out an approximate cost. If this is looking good then we will continue with a final design and drawings. Once the design is finalised with you we will send you a quote with a full description of the job, final drawings and a 50% deposit invoice. When the deposit invoice is paid your project will go into our production schedule and we will set aside timber and finalise the completion date.For furniture and joinery, a final production drawing will be sent to you for your approval before we start making your piece.
What’s the quoting & ordering process to get my project moving?
Once the design is finalised we will send you a quote with a full description of the job and a 50% deposit invoice. When the deposit invoice is paid your project will go into our production schedule and we will set aside timber and finalise the completion date.For furniture and joinery, a final production drawing will be sent to you for your approval before we start making your piece.
Do I need an appointment to see/ talk to someone from the design team?
You are welcome to drop past our showroom any time and we will be able to have a look at your project together. If you have a very complex or detailed project it is worth giving us a call or email to set up an appointment.
Do you have a specific timber type I'm looking for?
Please have a look at our Timber Species information page for details on the timber species we usually have available. As our timbers are recycled, some species may not be available in all sizes.
We have packs of recycled timbers arriving regularly. Please get in touch to check availability of the species and size you require.
Can I bring my own timber for you to dress/profile/finish for my project?
We are happy to dress or process timber your timber, and we have the latest in woodworking machinery to work very efficiently and provide a very high quality result. This includes a planer sander which can sand slabs up to 1300mm wide, a surface planer with extra long 2700mm beds for perfect straightening, a large band resaw, and 4 head and 6 head moulders for dressing larger volumes.
What timber species are best for outdoor uses?
We would recommend the recycled Ironbark / Dense Reds and the Blackbutt / Dense Browns for use outdoors. For more details on the species available and recommendations for use please check our Timber Species page.
Why are recycled timbers sometimes more expensive than virgin timber?
The price of recycled timber is based on the costs of salvaging timber from demolitions and then de-nailing, metal detecting and grading it ready for use. There is a significant amount of work in recycling timber, but the hardwoods we source are high quality materials so it is worthwhile. The cost of virgin timber varies a lot depending whether it is a bulk product like radiata pine, or a high quality timber meant for furniture or other high value uses.Generally recycled timber is no more expensive than the equivalent quality of new or virgin timber.
Do you install flooring/cladding?
We don’t install flooring or cladding but we can recommend a list of local floor layers and carpenters who are experienced with recycled timbers and we have had good feedback on the quality of their work. You will still need to make sure whichever tradesperson you choose is right for your project and budget. Contact us for recommendations.
Do you sell wood finishes?
We stock a wide range of the Osmo natural wood finishes. They are made from a combination of plant oils and waxes and are easy to apply and maintain. The Osmo interior finishes are certified food safe and safe for children toys. There are finishes suitable for flooring, bench tops, furniture, cladding and decking, all made in Germany.
Do you sell wood glue and resin?
Yes we supply Titebond 3 Ultimate wood glue, which is the product we also use to make our bench tops. Titebond 3 is non-toxic, solvent free and cleans up with water - safer to use than traditional waterproof wood glues. It provides strong initial tack, sands easily without softening and is FDA approved for indirect food contact (cutting boards).
We also supply Eco-X 135 Kinetix laminating resin for filling surface checking, nail holes and bolt holes.. This is a solvent free, 29% plant based bio resin specifically formulated for a room temperature, bloom free finish. The bio content reduces carbon emissions. Toughness and resistance to yellowing provides extended longevity. Made in Australia.
How can I apply to work at Thor's Hammer?
Please check our employment page for positions available. If there isn’t anything going and you are keen to join our team then it is worthwhile emailing us your CV using our contact form and we will keep you in mind if anything comes up.