Our mission
“Making reclaimed timber accessible through high quality lumber, services and education.”
Old growth timber is of extremely high quality, beauty, and lifespan, however the continued milling of Australian and international native forests poses a threat to both the flora and fauna that call them home and to the whole planet and the humans living on it (that’s us!). In the past vast quantities of these forests have been milled and can be found today in buildings across the country, but sadly most construction and demolition just throws this timber into landfill.
At Among The Trees, we offer an alternative solution: reclaiming this beautiful timber before it’s send to landfill, and providing a strong, durable and stunning alternative to cutting down our remaining forests. We’re passionate about making the planet better and making some beautiful things out of wood while we do so – interested in being a part of the mission? Visit us in store and say hi, or get in touch!
We are also
The Process
1. Saving timber from landfill
Traditionally, once timber has been used once it is sent to landfill. Estimates place the amount of timber going into tips around Australia at over 1.5 million tonnes annually. Surveys have observed that the most commonly observed wood in landfill is untreated timber.
All our timber is reclaimed, which means we have to go and rescue it before it’s thrown away. We do regular pick ups around Sydney, as well as accept donations from individuals or companies.
2. We give it some TLC
Once we’ve got the timber, we give it a makeover before it’s ready for you. Reclaimed timber often still has hardware like nails, screws or bolts attached, and may have a finish or painted surface.
After taking out all the metal, we trim off any structurally unsound bits and resurface the timber - cutting back the old, weathered layers on top to reveal the beautiful old timber underneath. It’s then stacked and stored in the shop waiting for its new purpose and home.
3. You find the perfect piece in store
This is where you come in! Come into Among The Trees and find what you’re looking for. We stock a range of hardwoods and softwoods, from common timbers to more unusual and exotic woods, and we’re always around the shop to have a chat and find something perfect for your project.
If you want to read more about the types of timber we have in stock, go to our Why Reclaimed Wood? page.
4. Machined to order
Once you’ve found your timber, we can machine it to your specifications. We can square any uneven timber and reduce it to your desired thickness using our jointer and thicknesser, and our drop saw and table saw can be used to dock the ends, cut the timber into pieces, or rip it down the middle into two or more thinner pieces.
We also can do more detailed or custom bespoke work with a bit of notice, so let us know if you’re looking for something specific.
5. Wood with a whole new life
The end result is that piece of timber out of landfill and looking beautiful in your home, garden, business, or public space. We can’t get enough of how stunning this old wood looks, and know you’ll feel the same way.
How have we done so far?
Over 180 tonnes of timber saved from landfill
Sine opening in 2022, each year we've been pleased to rescue more timber from landfill each year. Hardwoods and softwoods, common species and exotics – it's all beautiful and worth saving!
Over 650 students in 2024
Since 2022 we've had over 1600 students through our doors to learn woodwork or other sustainable craft skills! Many are beginner woodworkers, with most saying they've never done any woodworking in the past but are exited to do more!
Over 35 artist tenancies
We've had a range of amazing local artists take up some creative space in our upstairs artist studios! While we're usually full, get in touch if you'd like to be on the waitlist.
Who we are
Pete
A graduate architecture student who enjoys designing and building furniture in the brief moments of rest architecture school allows. Pete has a passion for sustainable, accessible design based on traditional techniques and facilitated by modern technology.
Liz
When she’s not working in freelance design or travelling to hug trees, Liz is an apostle of antique tools and carpentry techniques. Having previously worked in architecture and seen the waste that resulted from demolitions, she has since believed there is a better future for timber than landfill.
She can be found on Instagram at @shewooddothat
Luke
Luke has been a woodworker for more than a decade. He is passionate about using second hand materials and tools to lessen his impact on the environment and sharing that passion with others. He has taught many woodworking courses, worked in furniture conservation and is a guest presenter on ABC TV’s Gardening Australia’s ‘Mr Fix It’ segment.
Scott
New to the team, Scott (aka "Chuff") is the owner of "Davey Guitar Works," a guitar repair shop located above the shop. Inspired by the wonderful work that Among the Trees is achieving in the sustainability of timber and its positive impact on the community, he wishes to share the same goals and extend the vision of sustainable timber to instrument building, bringing this vision to the musical world, one riff at a time.
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If you’d like to talk to us for your program or project, please get in touch at our email.