Jeff joined the Henley Men's Shed, which had equipment capable of machining the American ash. And he met another new sheddie, Peter Tibbs, who had trained as a carpenter/joiner.
Peter's input on design and construction was critical.
"Without him it wouldn't have happened," said Jeff.
For Peter, it was the perfect introduction to shed life: "It just shows what can be done at the shed."
The machinery's availability, practical advice and help made the job possible.
But there was pressure. Carpenters building the house had a temporary staircase in the stairwell, so the space couldn't be accessed until they finished upstairs. And the staircase project was completed just in time before Peter had shoulder surgery.
The pair laboured away at the Men's Shed for about 200 hours over three months. They appreciated the patience of fellow sheddies, who put up with the noise of their work, the mess and the stacks of American ash they accumulated. Jeff reckons another 50 hours on the job went in at the house.
A front door was made from the same material by a commercial company.
"A lot of time went into making sure it was pretty damned perfect," said Jeff.
The result is magnificent. The timber matches the existing furniture beautifully, flowing smoothly to the upstairs area. It complements another Canterbury souvenir, a macrocarpa cabinet from Jeff and Maggie's previous home.
The staircase was one of the larger projects that the Henley Men's Shed has tackled.
