Why Australian Timber

Timber - Naturally

Beautifully crafted timber furniture is renowned for its natural beauty, strength and endurance. It has been the choice of discerning people for centuries and it is an obvious asset in any home or office.

When you buy furniture from local, sustainably managed timber, you have selected a quality product and made the right choice for the environment.

Quality

Australia’s timber craftspeople are among the world’s best and the enormous range of designs ensures timber furniture will appeal to both traditional and modern tastes.

Beautifully crafted Australian timber furniture is built to last. Age old techniques such as dovetails, mortice and tenon joints and biscuit joints contribute to the longevity. Whether it is an exquisite dining table and chairs, bedroom suite or cabinet a well made piece will last a lifetime and become an heirloom of the future.

You can express your individuality by selecting furniture made from a variety of Australian Timbers. No two pieces will ever be the same. Fiddlebacks, pinholes, knots and birds eye are just a few of the colloquialisms used to describe the intricate details and patterns etched into the character of timber furniture, each piece of timber has it’s own finger print…it’s as unique as you are.

Colour

A kaleidoscope of colour can be found in Australian timber. Colours range from deep red and burgundy to the palest of pinks and straw. Add simple enhancements such as stains and oils, and timber furniture can adapt to suit any décor. There’s something for everyone.

Timber looks superb in any environment, from cool modern interiors to elegant and classical living spaces.

An Environmental Choice

Australia is amongst the worlds leaders in forest management so you can be sure that furniture made from Australian natural timbers is green by nature and beautiful by design. ¹ Timber when managed sustainably, comes from renewable resource and its manufacture has far less impact on the environment when it comes to other materials such as aluminium and plastic. ² Lasting the Distance. Able to withstand the wear and tear of modern lifestyles, Australia’s natural timbers perform well in any environment. Australia’s hardwoods are amongst the strongest in the world with excellent resistance to denting, scratching, splitting and the every day knocks of family life. ³

How does Timber Furniture stack up ?

When you purchase furniture crafted from Australia’s natural timbers you can be confident it comes from well managed renewable resource. Sustainably managed timber is permanently available, energy efficient and recyclable.

Compare the manufacture of timber to other materials such as aluminium, plastic or steel and it is very clear that timber has the least impact on the environment and our health.

The manufacture of aluminium for example, consumes more natural resources such as brown coal and natural gas and produces vast amounts of waste such as carbon dioxide, slag, ash and fluoride emissions. Plastic furniture also consumes non-renewable resources and creates non biodegradable wastes.

In contrast, timber uses solar energy to grow, requires minimal energy during its manufacture and is recyclable. And sustainably managed timber ensures our forests continue to absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen. That all adds up to a healthier planet ⁴

Choosing Australian timber furniture

Australia’s forests are governed by stringent laws and regulations to ensure Australian timber furniture is made from managed natural forests. ¹ , ⁶

In time, the Australian Forestry Standard AS 4708 will act as a clear identifier for timber products derived only from Australian forests where sound management practices are applied.

When looking to purchase timber furniture you have the assurance that when you buy furniture made from Australian Hardwoods, you are protecting the future of our forests and planet.

References: ¹. Wood lives on, brochure, Timber Promotion Council ². J Taylor and K. Van Langenberg (2002), A literature review on the Environment Impact of Wood and Alternative Materials for the Furniture industry. . ³. Technical Data Sheet 4.3.1 Timber promotion Council ⁴. Bureau of Rural Sciences Australia, a commonwealth, States and Territories cooperative project, National Forest inventory 2003 ⁶. The Australian Forestry Standard, www.forestrystandard.org.au.