Placer Senior, Austin White is pursuing his passion for carpentry and giving back to the Auburn community through his senior project. White is making log benches and selling them to locals; for every one sold, one will be donated to a state park or Auburn’s own Western States trails.

“My family and I have been a part of Auburn’s running community for a while, and I feel that it’s my time to contribute,” stated White.

The idea began through White’s landscaping business with his business partner, senior Christian Finkbeiner. They were paid to haul a fallen tree off of a neighbor’s property, but instead of turning it into firewood White decided to try something different; crafting the wood into benches. When he thought of doing it for his senior project White decided that he needed to do something more, that’s when donating them to state parks came about.

“Christian [Finkbeiner] actually came up with the idea by suggesting that I put some on the Western States trails,” added White, “he helped me make most of them.”

Some of White’s craftsmanship has already been put to use during homecoming week at Placer. His log benches were on display across the senior lawn to decorate for powder puff: Lumberjacks vs. Treehuggers. White was a lumberjack and saw his creations as a perfect fit for the occasion. The benches attracted much attention from students and staff such as teacher Scott Barry,

“I saw the benches at the senior breakfast and thought Austin’s idea was great, they would look great in anyone’s yard. I love to see students challenge themselves and with the shape that our state parks are in any kind of donation is beneficial,” explained Barry.

This was not, however, White’s first option for his senior project. Originally he planned on welding a new greenhouse for the school. Mrs. Metrock worked with White and came to a conclusion that money was too big of an issue for a new greenhouse. The benches are a way to make money as well as to give back to the community.

“Austin is an awesome student and works hard, I love his senior project, its great to see kids do what they are passionate about,” Said Metrock.

There has already been some interest in White’s handiwork from Auburn locals. An official price has not been set for the benches, yet speculation has been made.

“We’ve been told that somewhere around $50.00 is acceptable, especially after all of the work that goes into them,” detailed Finkbeiner.

It takes about an hour to make each bench and there are many steps involved. A tree of the right size and length, preferably pine, with no rot is required for a quality bench. All of the bark must be stripped off before cutting it in half to make a seat and legs. The seat and legs must be level to prevent wobbling. After fitting the seat to the legs, the entire bench is planed and sanded. White is planning on carving his name into future benches before using sealant as the final step.

White is excited to see how many of his unique creations can be used in Auburn’s community and our state parks.

“I have always done manual labor. I love using my back and hands to get work done, that’s why I do landscaping,” White proudly stated.

Senior projects can be hectic and stressful, but when a student works with his or her personal interests the result can be a sweet success. As for White, he can’t wait to see his hard work paid off so he can kick back and relax on his hand-crafted log furniture.