Our favourite DIY outdoor timber projects

At EcoChoice, we supply timber for DIY enthusiasts just as frequently as we work with construction professionals. We love helping out with tips for timber beginners and are always happy to recommend the right timber species for the job. Another aspect of DIY we are happy to chat about? Inspiration. We thought it was about time we put together a complete list of our favourite DIY timber projects. Use it to inspire your next at-home timber project or put a few extra boards to good use.

Garden Sleeper Steps

Who does not love solid Oak timber sleepers? These are an essential in the landscaping industry, and a super versatile timber product which lends itself perfectly to exterior environments. Oak sleeper steps, in particular, are an easy way to improve access to different parts of your garden, and blend perfectly with timber retaining walls, which can also be constructed from sleepers.

Check out our guide to Landscaping With Timber Sleepers to learn more.

Timber Decking

Transform your garden into a useful, versatile space with timber decking. With detailed instructions and professional advice, making your own small decked area does not have to be hard work. Alongside our timber guides, we would recommend checking out the Timber Decking and Cladding Association (TDCA) for more advice on constructing your own timber decking.

Before constructing your timber decking, make sure you have picked the right timber. Our top choices for balancing longevity with workability include  Yellow Balau, Jatoba, or thermally modified Redwood.

Timber Planters

Leftover timber boards can easily be turned into sustainable planters. From small window boxes to large raised beds, these are a fantastic way to use up offcuts while adding warmth and versatility to your outdoor areas. We love using Douglas Fir or Larch for this; both species weather beautifully and require minimal maintenance, making them a top choice for outdoor use.

Compost Bins

Want to start a compost bin in your garden? Make sure it is as sustainable as possible by building it out of timber rather than buying a pre-made plastic bin. This is not a tricky project, either, with a simple open-frame bin all you need to manage garden waste and turn your old veg into new soil. Use a naturally durable timber that can handle a lot of moisture, such as Cedar or Oak, to ensure your compost bin lasts for years to come.

Outdoor Fencing

Timber is undoubtedly the most beautiful material to use for your outdoor fencing. While a little more complex than some of the other DIY projects on this list, there is nothing to stop you from putting up a fence without professional help! We even supply timber fencing at EcoChoice and will be happy to give some tips on how to install it, making your project a whole lot easier. Just remember to set solid posts in the ground to support your fence and ensure your panels are even by using a string line.

Choose FSC®/PEFC-Certified Timber

Our last but most important favourite? Sustainable timber. No matter what project you are taking on, make sure you are doing your bit for the planet by opting for responsibly sourced, FCS/PEFC-certified timber, which you can purchase directly from EcoChoice.

Get in touch with us today to start an order.