Barlings Woodworks had its humble beginnings on November 1, 1996, when it was founded in my backyard in Croydon. For 23 years, we operated from that location until we relocated to our current facility in Kilsyth. Initially, our focus was on crafting bollards and solid timber furniture for local councils. Over time, we expanded our services to include installation, but eventually, in 2010, we transitioned to exclusively supplying bollards due to overwhelming demand.
In 2013, we broadened our product range to include Post and Rail Fencing, and we also became suppliers of timber to builders. The journey started with just me, but in 1997, my brother joined the team, staying until 2006. In 2004, Gerry became part of Barlings, followed by my eldest son, Andrew, in 2006. My youngest, Michael, joined in 2010, and in 2021, my daughter Danielle took on the role of office manager, marking a new chapter in our family-driven business.
John Barling, the proprietor of Barlings, brings extensive expertise as an A Grade wood machinist, holding certificates in both softwood and hardwood grading. His commitment to excellence is underscored by completing a three-year Timber Technology course, a distinction typically reserved for CSIRO employees.
John’s journey in the timber industry began in 1985 when he started working in his father’s Timber yard in Lilydale. With a rich background in wood machining and a passion for timber craftsmanship, John has been an integral force in shaping the success and reputation of Barlings.
Barlings – Production
At Barlings, our production capabilities are top-notch, allowing us to manufacture everything on-site. We maintain robust stocks of White Cypress pine, supplemented by select quantities of Spotted Gum and Ironbark specifically reserved for bollards. Notably, I personally designed our mortising machine for post and rail fencing, showcasing our commitment to innovation. Beyond standard products, we specialise in custom work for other timber yards.
Our arsenal includes a 6-headed moulder and all necessary specialty equipment, complemented by an in-house welding department. This enables us to craft our unique removable and collapsible bollard sleeves, as well as handle custom fabrication. While we take pride in handling most post and rail deliveries ourselves, we rely on trusted couriers for efficient bollard shipments.
Commitment to Quality & Sustainability
Barlings prioritises quality and sustainability in every aspect of our operations. We exclusively utilise forest-certified White Cypress pine with a chain of custody from reputable mills. Renowned among wholesalers, we maintain high standards, ensuring that only suppliers meeting our stringent criteria contribute to our production. Our commitment extends to providing exceptional quality, rapid turnarounds, and reliable backup services.
More About Choice of Timbers
In our dedication to cost-effectiveness, longevity, and ease of maintenance, we offer post and rail exclusively in Cypress Pine. This choice is driven by its in-ground class 2 life span, minimal shrinkage rate, lightweight nature, and ease of painting or oiling. While around 90% of Councils and developers specify standard Cypress pine, we also cater to specific needs by offering bollards in Spotted Gum or Ironbark, showcasing our commitment to meeting diverse requirements.