Friday, August 29, 2025

I Turned an Old Playground Into a Raised Garden Bed

Don’t miss the pre-order pricing on my latest course, the Counter-Height Bar Stool. Pre-Order Now! 

Sometimes the best woodworking projects don’t start with a fresh pile of lumber — they start with something old and worn out that’s just begging for a second life. In our case, that “something” was a weathered backyard playground that came with our house. It was rickety, faded, and more of an eyesore than a safe play structure. Instead of tearing it down and hauling it off to the dump, I saw an opportunity: what if I could turn this neglected playset into something useful?

That’s how the idea for a raised garden bed from old playground materials was born. By carefully dismantling the playset and sorting through the boards, I was able to salvage solid pieces of lumber. Of course, I had to make sure the wood wasn’t pressure-treated (which can be unsafe for growing food). After some research and testing, I confirmed the boards were untreated and safe to use.

Once I had my materials, it was just a matter of cutting them down to size, building the frame, and securing everything together. The end result? A sturdy, attractive raised garden bed from old playground wood that now produces fresh vegetables — and adds beauty to the yard where an eyesore once stood.

This project was not only about woodworking, but also about sustainability. Upcycling existing materials keeps them out of landfills and gives them a new purpose. It’s proof that with a little creativity and effort, you can transform something useless into something valuable.

Products Used

Videos References

Special thanks to Kevin over at Epic Gardening for his helpful advice!

The post I Turned an Old Playground Into a Raised Garden Bed appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.



from The Wood Whisperer https://ift.tt/dKZezPf
via IFTTT

Wednesday, August 13, 2025

Marc’s Counter Height Bar Stool – Now an Online Course!

Marc’s popular Counter Height Bar Stool workshop is no longer just for those who could attend in person at the beginning of this year — it’s now available as a self-paced online class you can take from anywhere!

This project blends style, comfort, and durability into a single build. Marc will guide you through every step, from selecting materials to putting the final finish on your stool. Whether you’re a beginner looking to grow your skills or an experienced woodworker seeking a new challenge, this course will leave you with a beautiful, functional piece of furniture you can be proud of.

What You’ll Learn

  • How to design a stool that’s both comfortable and attractive

  • Joinery techniques that keep furniture strong for years

  • How to shape and sculpt for an ergonomic seat and back

  • Tips for working with angled joinery so everything fits perfectly

  • Preparing the surface and applying a finish that lasts

By the end, you’ll have the know-how to build a single stool or a matching set for your home.

When It’s Available

The online course will go live September 5, 2025, giving you full access to detailed video lessons and downloadable plans. You can start any time and move at your own pace.

Don’t Want to Build One Yourself?

Marc has made a small batch of up to three finished Counter Height Bar Stools available for purchase.

You can see them here: Counter Height Bar Stool – TWW Store

  • Free local pickup

  • Shipping available — contact nicole@thewoodwhisperer.com for a quote for crate delivery.

Whether you want to build it yourself or buy one handmade by Marc, this is a great chance to bring a timeless piece into your home.

👉 Reserve Your Spot in the Online Course and save big!

The post Marc’s Counter Height Bar Stool – Now an Online Course! appeared first on The Wood Whisperer.



from The Wood Whisperer https://ift.tt/hcEmlxT
via IFTTT