Dagwood Bench

Project Info

Developed as an exploration into timber waste, the Dagwood Bench demonstrates how small oak offcuts can be transformed into a strong, lightweight and visually striking new material.

When processing furniture timber, small offcuts and end pieces are often discarded despite their consistent dimensions and structural potential. This project investigates how these usually unusable elements can be revalued by incorporating them into a larger laminated plank system.

The material sandwiches industry oak offcuts between thin ash faces, creating panels that appear thick while remaining lightweight and structurally capable. The internal arrangement of the offcuts can be varied to suit different structural or joinery requirements, demonstrating the flexibility of the system.

The bench was chosen as a simple, archetypal form to showcase the material’s qualities. Full-length laminated planks were fabricated before being cut at the leg intersections. This approach ensured the alignment of the internal structure, enabling the legs to be assembled using dominos. From concept to finished prototype, the project offers a thoughtful exploration of how furniture manufacturing waste can become the basis for new timber materials and future design applications.