Custom Timber Furniture: Why Local Craftsmanship Beats Mass Production
There’s a growing movement across Aotearoa to slow down and reconnect—with nature, with our homes, and with the things we choose to fill them. In a world of flat-pack sameness, custom timber furniture offers something completely different: authenticity, personality, and soul.
At Plankville, we believe in the power of local craftsmanship. Based in Nelson, we specialise in handcrafted furniture made from sustainably sourced timber, built to last generations. In this article, we’ll explore why choosing NZ-made, custom-built timber furniture isn’t just a beautiful design decision—it’s a meaningful one.
The Beauty and Value of Local Timber
New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most stunning and durable timbers—Macrocarpa, Totara, Rimu, and recycled native hardwoods, just to name a few. When you commission a piece from a local furniture maker, you’re not just buying wood; you’re investing in a story—one that’s rooted in the whenua.
Locally sourced timber has a smaller carbon footprint, is better suited to New Zealand’s climate, and often carries unique grain and character that mass-produced imports simply can’t replicate.
At Plankville, we personally select every slab and flitch used in our workshop. Many of our pieces showcase live-edge designs, where the natural contours of the timber are preserved, making every piece truly one-of-a-kind.
Learn more about the timbers we use at Plankville
Why Custom Furniture Matters More Than Ever
Custom timber furniture isn’t just about size or style—it’s about connection. In a time when furniture is often disposable and assembled with Allen keys, custom furniture feels personal and permanent.
Whether it’s a dining table that fits perfectly in your space, a mantel that tells a family story, or a shelving unit crafted from a tree your grandparents planted, bespoke pieces bring meaning to your home.
You get to be part of the design process, choose your finish, your timber, and see the project come to life. You’re not just a customer—you’re a collaborator.
Support NZ Craftsmanship & Keep Skills Alive
Every time you buy a custom timber piece from a local maker, you’re doing more than just furnishing your home. You’re supporting:
A real workshop with real people
Traditional woodworking skills passed down through generations
The local economy and sustainable forestry practices
A future where furniture is made to last, not to landfill
At Plankville, we’re proud to keep these traditions alive in our Nelson workshop. Every saw cut, sanding pass, and oil finish is done by hand—with pride, precision, and a whole lot of passion.
You can even come and visit us to see the timber, talk about your space, and sketch out your dream piece. It’s a different kind of shopping experience—slower, more thoughtful, and deeply rewarding.
Take a peek inside our Plankville workshop
Mass Production Can’t Compete
Here’s the truth: mass-produced furniture may be cheap upfront, but you pay for it later—in durability, landfill waste, and the loss of character in your home.
Factory furniture is made fast, often overseas, using engineered wood or laminates with synthetic finishes. It lacks the individuality and warmth of solid timber, and rarely lasts more than a few years before showing wear.
In contrast, custom wood furniture from Plankville is built to endure. We use full timber slabs, traditional joinery methods, and finishes that let the wood breathe. Over time, these pieces age gracefully—gathering patina, not peeling veneer.
You’re not replacing your table every five years. You’re passing it down to your kids.
Designed for You, and Your Space
No two homes—or people—are the same. That’s why every piece we build is made to suit your lifestyle, your space, and your story.
Got an awkward nook in the kitchen? We’ll build the perfect bench. Need a desk that’s both a workspace and a piece of art? Done. Want to match the timber of your new dining table to the old rimu beams in your villa? We’ll source the right wood for it.
The design possibilities are endless. We guide you through every step—from concept to finish—so the end result is something you helped create.
Ready to start your custom build? Contact Plankville today
Choosing Sustainability and Sentimentality
In New Zealand, we pride ourselves on caring for the environment. Custom timber furniture fits beautifully into that ethos. It reduces reliance on imported, chemically treated products and supports a circular, low-waste economy.
Many of our clients come to us with meaningful pieces of timber—an old beam from a family home, wood milled from their own land—and we love bringing those stories to life. It’s furniture with feeling.
Real Customers, Real Stories
One of our favourite builds was a bespoke kauri bookshelf for a family in Golden Bay. The timber came from a tree planted by the owner’s grandfather. We shaped it into a clean, floating-shelf design that now holds everything from books to family photos—a living memory in timber.
Another client in Nelson asked us to build a macrocarpa dining table for their bach. It’s now the centrepiece of every family gathering, made from local wood and finished with natural oil. Sturdy, beautiful, and made right here.
Let’s Bring Your Vision to Life
At Plankville, we don’t just make furniture—we make heirlooms. Every piece is handcrafted with care, using the best timber New Zealand has to offer. Whether you want a bold feature piece, subtle shelving, or a practical build with heart, we’re here to create it with you.
So next time you think about buying new furniture, think local. Think custom. Think Plankville.
Visit Plankville.co.nz to explore our custom timber services and start your next project with heart.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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It depends on the piece, but most builds take 4–8 weeks from design to delivery. We’ll give you a clear timeline before we begin.
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Absolutely. We’ll show you timber samples and help you select the best wood for your project and environment.
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Not necessarily. While quality timber can cost more upfront, it lasts significantly longer and offers better long-term value than imported flat-pack options.
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Yes—we ship across New Zealand. We’ll package your furniture securely and work with reliable carriers to ensure it arrives safely.
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Definitely. If you’ve got a meaningful piece of wood or something salvaged from your land or home, we’d love to incorporate it.
