How Plankville Crafts Timeless Timber Furniture by Hand
A Deep Dive Into the Workshop Process
Handcrafted timber furniture has a magic to it. You can see it in the grain, feel it in the finish, and sense it in the way each piece holds a story. At Plankville, that story begins long before a stool, planter box, or table reaches a home. It starts in a workshop where time slows down, tools become an extension of skilled hands, and raw timber is shaped with patience and purpose.
This is not mass-produced furniture. This is New Zealand–made craftsmanship—real wood, real makers, and real care.
Today, we take you behind the scenes so you can see exactly how Plankville transforms locally sourced timber into pieces that last a lifetime.
Key Takeaways
Plankville handcrafts every piece in-house using skilled techniques and traditional craftsmanship.
Timber is carefully selected, dried, and prepared for long-lasting quality.
Every step—from cutting to finishing—is completed by hand.
Handmade timber furniture offers strength, beauty, and a unique story.
Plankville provides custom timber services alongside ready-made products.
Supporting Plankville means supporting local NZ makers and sustainable craft.
The Magic Behind Every Handmade Timber Piece
If you’ve ever admired a beautifully crafted planter box, a solid timber stool, or a rustic outdoor bench, you already know the power of real wood. It feels warm, natural, and alive. But what most people never see is the journey that comes before the final product.
At Plankville, every item begins with a simple question:
“How can we make this strong, beautiful, and built to last?”
This commitment to quality is what makes Plankville different. There are no shortcuts, no automated machines shaping every inch, and no flat-packed pieces waiting to be assembled. Everything is made by hand, right here in Aotearoa.
Whether it’s custom furniture, garden beds, sheds, or raw slabs and flitches, the heart of Plankville’s work lies in one place—the workshop.
You can explore more of what they create here:
👉 Wood Products
Where It All Begins—Choosing the Timber
Timber is the foundation of everything Plankville creates, and not all timber is equal. The team has years of hands-on experience choosing the right wood for the right job. Some pieces need strength. Others need flexibility, character, or a unique grain pattern.
The workshop often works with:
Macrocarpa for its strength and warm colour
Pine for outdoor projects
Recycled timber that carries natural, rustic charm
Native species when available through responsible sources
You can learn more about the timber used here:
👉 Plankville Timber
Timber is carefully inspected, trimmed, and dried. This is one of the most important steps. Rushed drying can cause cracks, warping, or weakness later. Plankville takes its time, because good furniture deserves patience.
Inside the Workshop: From Raw Wood to Finished Craft
Once the timber is ready, the real transformation begins.
Cutting & Shaping
Every plank is measured, cut, and shaped by hand. The team follows the natural lines of the wood, not the other way around. If a piece of timber has a beautiful knot, a sweeping grain, or a unique curve, the design evolves to highlight it.
Sanding & Smoothing
Sanding is where the wood’s personality comes to life. Layer after layer is gently removed to reveal patterns and tones beneath the surface. This step is slow and precise, because a perfect finish can’t be rushed.
Joining & Building
Plankville uses proven joinery techniques that make a piece strong for decades. Every joint must fit perfectly. Every angle must align. This is where craftsmanship matters most—machines can cut wood, but they can’t match the judgement of a trained eye.
Finishing Touches
Once assembled, each product is polished, oiled, or coated using finishes that protect the wood without hiding its natural beauty. Whether the piece is an indoor stool or an outdoor garden bed, the finish is designed to keep it strong through years of use.
You can see these techniques in action here:
👉 Plankville in Action
Why Plankville’s Handcrafted Pieces Are Worth It
People don’t choose handmade timber furniture because it’s the quickest option. They choose it because it’s the better one.
Here’s why:
You Get Furniture with a Story
Each planter box, shed, or slab carries marks of skilled hands—not factory machines.
Browse the range:
👉 Planter Garden Beds
👉 Sheds
👉 Flitches, Slabs & More
Built to Last
Handmade furniture stands the test of time. The care that goes into choosing and preparing timber means your piece won’t bend, warp, or fail easily.
Custom Work That Fits Your Space
Plankville offers custom builds, letting you shape your ideas into reality:
👉 Our Services
From kitchen stools to outdoor structures, everything can be designed to suit your home.
Supports Local Makers
By choosing Plankville, you support a small Kiwi business that values craft, sustainability, and community.
Bring Your Timber Project to Life
If you love the idea of owning something real, natural, and made with true craftsmanship, Plankville is ready to help. Whether you’re dreaming of a custom piece, need a garden bed, want a unique slab, or simply appreciate fine woodwork, the team is only a message away.
👉 Full range of handcrafted wood products here.
Your next piece of timeless timber starts in the workshop—let Plankville craft it by hand just for you.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
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Handcrafted timber furniture is made by skilled makers, not machines. Every piece is shaped, assembled, and finished by hand, giving it better quality, strength, and a unique look.
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The time depends on complexity. Some pieces take a few days, while larger custom projects can take several weeks. Plankville focuses on quality, not speed.
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Yes. Handmade furniture lasts longer, uses higher-quality materials, and has a unique character you won’t find in mass-produced items.
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Absolutely. Plankville offers custom services where you can bring your ideas and have them built to your exact size and style. Learn more here.
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Plankville uses Macrocarpa, Pine, recycled woods, and responsibly sourced native timber when available. Every piece is chosen for strength and beauty.
