General

I recognise the importance of privacy, and am committed to protecting the privacy of my clients. If you have any questions regarding privacy with respect to this website, please feel free to contact me by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. , or by telephone on 0416246437 and 0755210201.

Information Handling.

Any information obtained via either the contact page, or through direct contact, will be used only for the purpose for which it was provided, and will not be released to a third party.

All reasonable effort, in accordance with the privacy act, is made to prevent access to, and misuse of, all personal information.

Cookies.

We do not use cookies.

Children's Online Privacy Protection Act Complience.(COPPA)

We are in full complience with COPPA, and do not collect information from anyone under 13 years of age.

This Privacy Policy may change from time to time, and any changes will be published on this website. This Policy was last updated on 28 November 2012. By Denis Murray.

Handmade Timber Furniture

I relish the challenge of creating unique pieces of handmade timber furniture that will be used and treasured by their owners. I am dedicated to producing custom furniture that functions beautifully, is pleasing visually, and will withstand years of everyday use.

The majority of furniture sold today is mass-produced; much of it in Asia, and by design has a limited lifespan. I have coined the phrase "limited-life-furniture" which aptly describes such furniture. We in the West live in a throw-away society. Little of what you purchase today will be in your possession in five years time. How old is your mobile phone? Such is the case with furniture!

Commonly, when considering a furniture purchase, "value" is perceived and assessed only by considering the purchase price. This seems reasonable if the item has a short life, but when one considers ownership cost of an item to do that job over a lifetime, the answer is somewhat different.

The handmade timber furniture I make has the potential, if properly cared for, to outlast the purchaser. Custom furniture has a higher initial cost, but because of its quality, in both materials and construction, has a "life-cost" far less than the "life-cost" of owning a succession of "limited-life-furniture" to fulfill that function. By careful design choice a piece of furniture will not "date" over time. Having been made in solid wood the item can be refurbished and returned to as new condition numerous times throughout its life, and is repairable following all but catastrophic damage.

If my assessment above strikes a chord with you, and you would like to escape the throw away cycle, I offer this suggestion: Next time you need to replace an item of furniture, replace it with a piece of handmade timber furniture. Do this each time you need to replace furniture, and slowly but surely you will acquire a home full of quality, long-lasting handmade timber furniture. Bookmark this page just in case.

Furniture pieces and settings can be built to your requested design, or I can help to custom design and create furniture from both Australian and imported timbers.

To discuss your requirements or ideas you can contact me, Denis Murray, directly by phone or email.

For inspiration, here are a few furniture pieces that might give you some ideas: By Denis Murray.

Shoji: pronounced "shore-g"

In western homes a Shoji screen is typically used to replace curtains, drapes and blinds, that is, in front of windows and patio doors. However, as the following photographs show, they can be used throughout a home.

Traditional screens in Japan were made with rice paper, which had to be replaced every year. Other more durable materials are now also used, including fabrics, plastic sheeting, fibreglass and frosted glass. I favour fibreglass because of its strength, long life, and ability to withstand exposure to sunlight. Fibreglass sheeting is manufactured to have the appearance of the traditional papers, allowing filtered light to pass through the screen.

The photograph at left shows two types of installations, both screening sliding glass doors, which are exposed to sunlight during part of the day. The screens to the left slide on timber tracks, and can be slid out of the way completely to give maximum light when required.

The other screen is made up of four panels arranged in hinged pairs to form a bifold screen. The pelmet conceals a track, and the pairs can be folded to each side to expose the view.

The members which make up the lattice pattern in shoji screens are called Kumiko, and there are many patterns used. You can even design your own!

Shoji screens can also be used as mobile partitions. Some further installation options are shown below, but please don't let these images restrict your imagination. I custom build Shoji screens to suit your particular requirements, so give me a call to discuss your needs.

Fixed, sliding Shoji screen installation for doorways, windows, cabinets, and more.	Hinged Shoji panels, used as mobile screens in the home or office.	Single Shoji panel with base supports.

Shoji Accessories

In addition to using Shoji screens for doors, windows and partitions, I can also apply the same techniques and effects to other items, including floor lights, lamps, wall light fittings, and many others. The following images might provide you with some inspiration. Depending on your needs, most pieces can be built to accommodate either candles or electric light bulbs. By Denis Murray.

Gift Pieces

If you have ever been given a unique hand made gift, you will understand the feeling such a gesture will engender in the recipient. I take pride in creating such gifts, and give clients the opportunity to participate in the design process. Such a custom wood gift piece will, like your friend, be unique. It will be a reminder to your friend, that you see both them, and your friendship with them, as unique and valuable.

The piece, since it is a custom wood gift piece, can take one of many forms. The list is long, but to name a few more common options there are, Jewellery Boxes and Jewellery, Vases, Bowls, Ornaments, or Wooden Pens. 

To create custom wood gift pieces I use solid wood shaped and formed using traditional techniques, because I know that the beauty and lifespan of an item is dependent on both the quality of the material it is made from, and the workmanship used in crafting it. I can create a custom wood gift piece you would be proud to represent your affection, friendship or respect.

The Jewellery Boxes I make I prefer to call "Treasure Chests". Every woman has her treasure with which she adorns herself and enhances her natural beauty, so where she stores her treasure must be her Treasure Chest. Sadly most of this treasure is not stored as treasure deserves to be stored, but instead is tossed into a drawer. I can create a custom wood gift piece, as a unique Treasure Chest that you or your recipient will love.

Every day we use pens to record information and take notes. Usually the pens are made of plastic, have little value, and so are little valued. The wooden pens I offer are different. They are attractive, distinctive, and each is unique. If desired, a presentation case can be provided as well. Wooden pens are a welcome gift and always well received.

Should you wish to discuss your requirements or ideas please contact me, Denis Murray, directly by phone or email.

For inspiration, here are a few pieces that might give you some ideas: By Denis Murray.