Recycled timber is in demand these days and it's not always cheap to buy. However you can make it yourself if you're happy to put some tender love and care into it!

You can pick up uncleaned 75 x 50mm hardwood for about $3 to $5 a metre, and you may be buying timber that was cut many years ago.

You may also want to squirrel away old pieces from road-side clean ups or demolotion. Eventually, you should be able to build up a colourful and varied collection.

Then once you're ready to go, just follow our step-by-step guide.

Instruction sheet

Alternatively, send a stamped-addressed C4 envelope to:

Better Homes and Gardens,
January Pattern Sheet,
Recycled timber,
Private Bag 9850,
North Sydney,
NSW 2059.

Please allow up to ten days for delivery.