When it comes to furnishing your home, few choices are as rewarding as investing in custom made furniture. For many Australians, mass‑produced pieces often feel like a compromise—wrong size, wrong finish, or simply lacking that personal touch. That’s why more households are turning to bespoke designs that reflect their style, suit their space, and stand the test of time.
At TIMBERWORX, we see this journey every day. From homeowners in Sydney terraces to families in Melbourne suburbs, Aussies want furniture that feels like it truly belongs. Ordering custom made timber furniture may sound daunting at first, but once you understand the process, it’s as smooth as a Sunday arvo by the barbie. Let’s break it down step by step.
Step 1: Defining Your Needs
- Functionality: Do you need a dining table that seats eight for weekend family gatherings? A coffee table for a cosy inner‑city apartment? Or a tall bookcase to showcase your growing collection?
- Style: Australians love a variety of styles—from coastal lightwoods to rustic outback designs. Pinning down whether you prefer sleek modern lines or something with more character will help your furniture maker bring your vision to life.
- Space considerations: Measure your room and account for walkways, natural light, and other furnishings. One of the greatest perks of custom made furniture in Australia is the ability to create pieces that fit perfectly.
Step 2: Choosing the Right Timber
- American Oak: A versatile choice with a light, clean finish and subtle grain, perfect for contemporary Australian interiors. It adapts well to different stains, so whether you want a fresh natural tone or a darker, more dramatic look, American Oak can deliver.
- Blackbutt: A true Aussie favourite, Blackbutt is incredibly durable and suited to the local climate. Its warm honey tones bring life to dining tables, desks, and statement storage pieces, making it ideal for families who want both style and resilience.
- Blackwood: Known for its rich golden-brown hues, Blackwood adds warmth and sophistication to any room. It’s a popular choice for coffee tables and bookcases, especially for those wanting furniture that feels timeless and elegant.
- Spotted Gum: Striking grain patterns and exceptional strength make Spotted Gum a standout. It’s a perfect match for bold designs, such as large dining tables or feature cabinets, and it reflects the rugged character of the Australian outdoors.
- Tasmanian Oak: Smooth and consistent in appearance, Tasmanian Oak is perfect for versatile applications. It sands beautifully, making it a go-to choice for cabinetry, shelving, and minimalist designs.
- Wormy Chestnut: If individuality is what you’re after, Wormy Chestnut is unmatched. Its natural imperfections, from gum veins to small holes, create a rustic, character-filled look that tells a story in every piece.
Choosing your timber is like laying the foundation for your home—it sets the mood for the entire space. A sleek American Oak table might suit a modern Sydney apartment, while a rugged Spotted Gum unit might feel right at home in a larger family house. Because timber has such a tactile quality, many customers visit our Sydney showrooms before deciding. Seeing the grain under natural light, running your hand over the surface, and comparing tones side by side helps you feel confident about your choice.
Step 3: Consultation and Design
- Initial discussion: Whether you meet us in a Sydney showroom or prefer a phone or video call, we begin by understanding how you plan to use the furniture. Do you need a generous dining table for family Sunday lunches? A sleek entertainment unit that saves space in your apartment? Or a sturdy office desk built for years of work-from-home life? These conversations help us set the direction.
- Exploring style and inspiration: Customers often bring along photos, sketches, or Pinterest boards that capture the look they’re after. Some know exactly what they want, while others come with only a vague idea. Either way, our design team helps refine the vision by showing examples of past projects and suggesting styles that complement your home—whether coastal, modern rustic, or Scandinavian-inspired.
- Drafting designs: With your ideas and timber choice in mind, we create sketches or digital renders of the proposed furniture. This step is crucial because it lets you see proportions, scale, and layout in a way that a simple description never could. You get to visualise how the piece will look in your space and make sure it aligns with your expectations.
- Feedback and refinement: Australians love to make adjustments, and this stage is where the fine-tuning happens. Common requests might include making a table “just a smidge wider,” softening the edges for a more family-friendly design, or adjusting the finish to achieve a slightly more rustic look. This back-and-forth ensures the design isn’t just attractive on paper but practical for everyday use.
- Final approval: Once the design is refined and agreed upon, we lock it in. At this point, you’ll have a clear picture of the finished product, including the timber, style, dimensions, and finish. Many customers describe this stage as the most exciting—it’s the moment when the furniture shifts from being just an idea to something tangible and real.
The consultation and design process is about more than aesthetics. It ensures the final product works seamlessly in your daily life, whether that means a bookcase with extra shelving for your growing collection, or a dining table that can expand when guests pop over. By the end of this stage, you’ll know your piece is unique, practical, and perfectly suited to your Australian home.
Step 4: Quoting and Approval
After design comes the nitty‑gritty: costings. Your quote will reflect timber selection, design complexity, and finish. At TIMBERWORX, we’re upfront about pricing—no hidden surprises. Once you approve the quote, it’s all systems go.
Step 5: Craftsmanship in Action
Here’s where the magic happens. Our skilled craftspeople get to work, turning raw timber into a piece built for your home. This stage may take several weeks, depending on the scale of the project. Each joint is carefully crafted, each surface sanded to perfection.
Because our team works with solid timbers like Blackwood and Spotted Gum, you can expect furniture that lasts for generations. It’s this dedication to quality that sets custom made furniture apart from ready‑made imports.
Step 6: Finishing Touches
- Sanding and sealing: Ensures your piece is smooth to the touch and protected from daily wear.
- Stains and finishes: Choose from natural oils, matte coatings, or darker stains depending on your preference.
- Hardware and extras: Drawer handles, hinges, and soft‑close features are added for both function and flair.
This step is like dressing up for a special occasion—the finishing touches bring everything together.
Step 7: Delivery and Installation
Once complete, your furniture is carefully wrapped and delivered to your home. For larger items like wall units or dining tables, we also offer professional installation. Nothing beats the feeling of seeing your custom made piece in its new home—it’s like unwrapping Christmas morning early.
Step 8: Enjoying and Caring for Your Furniture
- Dust with a soft cloth.
- Avoid harsh chemicals.
- Keep out of direct sunlight when possible.
- Oil periodically if the timber calls for it.
Why Australians Love Custom Made Furniture
- Perfect fit: No more awkward gaps or oversized tables.
- Local craftsmanship: Supporting Aussie makers keeps skills alive and strengthens the community.
- Sustainability: Custom pieces often use responsibly sourced timbers, reducing environmental impact.
- Uniqueness: No two homes are the same, so why should your furniture be?
Visiting TIMBERWORX Showrooms
- Explore different timbers.
- View completed furniture pieces.
- Chat with our design team face‑to‑face.
Final Thoughts
Ordering custom made furniture may seem like a big task, but in reality, it’s a rewarding process that combines creativity, craftsmanship, and collaboration. From choosing your timber to seeing your finished piece installed, each step ensures the final product is uniquely yours.
At TIMBERWORX, we’re proud to help Australians bring their visions to life. Whether it’s a dining table for family gatherings or a bespoke bookcase for your study, our team is here to guide you every step of the way. Because at the end of the day, your home deserves furniture that’s more than just functional—it should be a reflection of who you are.