commissions

A passion for original, unique, and handmade wooden furniture is what drives Quailwood Designs. The second life that timber gains when it becomes a piece of furniture is reflected in the lives of those that interact with it. Quailwood Designs’ pieces incorporate recycled timber, premium hardwoods, and modern ply, and make use of both modern and traditional design techniques.

I have built a variety of pieces, from chests of drawers and coffee tables, to interactive theatre set pieces and musical instrument parts. If it’s made of wood, I’m interested!

Commission prices are based on individual quotes, taking into account the cost of materials and labour.

Wharf Timber Dining Table

This custom table was commissioned by a client who had kept a number of old sleepers from the former Brooks Jetty in St Kilda. The jetty was severely damaged by a storm in 2014. Some of the timber that washed ashore was salvaged, and after making its way through various share houses, found its way into my workshop.

This original Japanese-style trestle table is constructed entirely using traditional hardwood joinery techniques. This means no screws, no nails, no bolts. As a result it is extremely sturdy, yet maintains the fine lines and loftiness of a table half its weight. The complex, organic patterns of the grain in this highly weathered timber comes to the fore in the surface of the table top, as well as the central pillar legs.

It’s smoothly finished with hard wax, and comfortably sits 8 people.

Spotted gum plant stand

This solid wood pedestal was built from two pieces of spare spotted gum which, truth be told, I had forgotten about. As an extremely heavy and strong timber, spotted gum keeps this relatively lofty plant stand stable. The angled feet also maintain its stability, and like the splayed supports atop the pillar, are recessed through the trunk using traditional joinery techniques. All this makes it extremely strong, albeit heavy.

The beautiful grain of the timber, which alternates between rippled feathering along the central pillar, and straight reddish lines atop the disc, accompanies the greens of indoor plants well. It also fits in nicely with the surrounding furniture.

Finished with hardwax, this pedestal will stand the test of time.

KEEPSAKE STRONGBOX

This strongbox, with its wrought hinges and vintage-style brass Archaize padlock, conjures the security of old. When dusty tombs and pouches of gold were kept, quite literally, behind lock and key.

It’s constructed using hand-cut dovetail joinery from cherry and walnut. Both woods come together in a flowing chevron parquetry lid, contrasting nicely with the rustic look of the box’s body and fittings.

This box measures 530x400x200, but strongboxes such as this can be made to any custom dimensions. Various parquetry designs are also available for the lid.

‘PLATEAU’ COFFEE TABLE

Made of solid spotted gum, this coffee table’s angled legs and bevelled top give it a sleekness and refinement that suit any living room. The inbuilt shelf is deep and spacious enough to store any number of board games, books, or magazines, while the grain structure on top can’t help but draw the eye.

Window Seat

This window seat was specifically built to fit snugly in a bedroom nook, creating a peaceful spot in which to enjoy the light streaming in from outside. Its five, deep drawers provide significant storage space, and are mounted on soft-close runners for smooth and seamless movement.

Made of Tasmanian oak-veneered birch ply, with solid wood Victorian ash drawer fronts, this chest of drawers shimmers with the beauty of the wood’s grain. Its top is the perfect place to relax on a sunny winter afternoon, while its drawers provide discreet storage for large volumes of possessions.

Similar custom cabinets can be made to specific dimensions, designs, drawer requirements, and from a variety of materials.