Why Choose Wood?
These days building and household items can be manufactured from a wide range of materials. Of course, here at Designer Woodworks we favour timber. The natural world is full of awe-inspiring wonders, but modern life has left many of us increasingly disconnected from this world. We feel the character and colours of our beautiful, locally sourced timbers helps to reconnect us and reinforce our appreciation for nature. But wood also has many benefits.
What are the benefits of Australian reclaimed wood?
Sustainability & Habitat Preservation
Responsible stewardship of the land balances the preservation of old growth forests and habitat with resource management. Our forests are vital to support the huge diversity of plant and animal species. Sustainable forestry practice ensures the careful replanting of a wide variety of scarcer local timbers, rather than just monoculture plantations of mainstream, commercial timbers. This ensures a continuous, renewable supply of wood while promoting local biodiversity. At Designer Woodworks we ensure all our timber comes from sustainable sources, whether its natural treefall on neighbouring properties or from responsible forestry businesses.
Carbon capture & Biodegradable
Manufacturing requires energy consumption which releases carbon dioxide into the atmosphere. Trees absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere and release oxygen. Using sustainably sourced wood instead of mining products promotes an industry that helps to mitigate climate change.
Once it's passed it's useful lifespan a wooden product will decompose without causing long-term environmental harm.
Durability
A well made solid timber item can last many lifetimes. Over time it can take on enhanced character and patina, reflecting past lives and experience. It can become a part of family history and serve future generations. Witnessing the devastating floods that have ravaged the eastern seaboard of Australia has been a great sadness, not only for the lives affected but for scale of waste produced from ruined items of cheap and disposable furniture going into landfill. Well designed furniture made from durable timbers can survive immersion and be reconditioned saving money and reducing waste.
Versatility & Beauty
Wood has a vast range of applications be it fencing, house framing, bridges, boat building, paper, mulching, sculpture and of course, fine cabinetry and furniture to name but a few. And there is a myriad of timbers available that are suitable for different uses. At Designer Woodworks we select from a large range of cabinet timbers to make distinctive items with unique allure. View our range of bookmarks and pendants to get an idea of the charm and character of just some of the different species (insert link). Sadly, focus on the use of mining products along with uncontrolled land clearing has meant inadequate reforestation and dwindling access to these rare and beautiful woods.
Lower Embodied Energy
The embodied energy of a product is the sum of all energy consumed to produce or grow that product. Lower energy use equates to less carbon released into the atmosphere. The following graph illustrates the embodied energy of wood in comparison to concrete, steel, plastic and aluminium.
Wood & Wellbeing
Designer Woodworks creates timeless and ethical timber furniture made with an ongoing commitment to the sustainable use of native timbers.
Woods versatility, durability and natural beauty, along with its well-being benefits, make it a decisive choice for many home and business owners.
​
Timber interiors offer various health benefits supported by research. Studies show they reduce stress, lower heart rates and enhance social interactions. Timber also boosts focus, creativity and productivity, contributing to overall wellbeing.
Integrating timber into your home or business creates spaces that promote a happier, healthier environment.
