A Home Connected by Recycled Timber
May 2026
We recently collaborated with ACT Decks on a beautifully renovated home project in Chapman, where recycled timber was used throughout the home to create a warm, unified and deeply personal space. From the kitchen benchtops and island to the outdoor deck and custom joinery created by the owner, the same recycled timber language flows throughout the home, tying each space together.
Blackbutt / Dense Browns recycled timber benchtops
Blackbutt / Dense Browns Kitchen Island Benchtop
Homeowner John, a Forest Ecologist at the Australian National University, has a strong appreciation for recycled timber and a deep aversion to new logging when there is already an abundance of durable, seasoned Australian hardwood available for reuse.
During the renovation, John salvaged and denailed timber from the home himself before setting to work in his woodworking garage creating many of the custom joinery pieces featured throughout the home.
He salvaged Canberra Local Ash during his renovation and sourced additional recycled timber from the Thor’s Hammer timber racks to complete the project.
Recycled Timber Kitchen Benchtops
For the kitchen, we manufactured custom benchtops and a kitchen island using Blackbutt / Dense Browns recycled timber. The benchtops were clean dressed and finished in Osmo Polyx Oil Matt, highlighting the natural character and warmth of the timber.
The kitchen island features a waterfall benchtop design with integrated shelving, while an additional waterfall detail was also incorporated at the end of the main kitchen benchtop run.
A waterfall benchtop is designed so the benchtop material continues vertically down the side of the cabinetry to the floor, creating a seamless and continuous finish. The result is a clean architectural detail that showcases the beauty of the timber grain from every angle.
The benchtops were installed by Thor’s Hammer, although we can also work with your preferred builder or joiner for installation. Correct installation is particularly important with timber benchtops, as timber naturally expands and contracts with changes in humidity. This movement is more pronounced in wider benchtops, so we secure our benchtops using custom-designed benchtop braces featuring slotted holes that allow for natural movement over time.
We use these braces in our own installations and can also supply them for builders, joiners or self-installation projects.
Indoor and Outdoor Spaces Connected by Timber
The outdoor entertaining space continues the recycled timber palette, with recycled Blackbutt / Dense Browns, supplied by Thor’s Hammer, also used for the elevated deck installed by ACT Decks. Blackbutt is a durable Australian hardwood well suited to both outdoor decking and hardworking benchtop applications, making it an ideal choice for a project connecting indoor and outdoor living spaces.
Beyond the work completed by Thor’s Hammer and ACT Decks, John’s own craftsmanship is visible throughout the home. A regular visitor to the Thor’s Hammer timber racks, John created the outdoor table, which appears to take inspiration from our very own Steel Hoop Leg table design.
He also completed the windows and door architraves, picture frames and the impressive floor-to-ceiling bookcase using recycled Canberra Local Ash sourced from his renovation and Thor’s Hammer.
A Collaborative Approach to Craftsmanship
This project is a great example of how recycled timber can create continuity across an entire home, while also reflecting the personalities and craftsmanship of the people involved. The combined work of Thor’s Hammer, ACT Decks and the homeowner John has resulted in a home that feels thoughtful, handcrafted and deeply connected to its materials.
If you’re planning a renovation or new build and would like to chat about recycled timber benchtops, decking or custom furniture, contact the Thor’s Hammer design team today.
Photography by Bianca Knox
