Why We Love Messmate Timber

Some materials stand the test of time, and messmate timber is one of them. Native to south-eastern Australia, this striking hardwood has become a favourite amongst furniture makers and homeowners alike.

Why is messmate our preferred reclaimed timber, and why is it ideal for our handcrafted interior accessories? Find out what makes it unique and how messmate can elevate your spaces.

What is Messmate?

Messmate, also known as stringybark, Tasmanian oak, or Australian oak, originates from magnificent trees that can grow up to 90 metres tall with trunks as thick as three metres in diameter. The wood's versatility makes it a go-to choice in various industries, from construction to furniture making to flooring and beyond.

"Messmate is always full of surprises”, says Ajay, grained artisan and co-founder. "Its unique grain patterns guide what I create. Boards with more 'character' are perfect for distinctive details, while others make more of a statement with their solid presence."

Each piece of timber is carefully selected by Ajay to ensure its grain patterns and natural imperfections are revealed, making every piece truly one-of-a-kind. 

Character in Every Grain

Each messmate piece reveals striking patterns, texture, and features. The wood naturally develops strong rings and grain patterns, gum veins, and pin holes. Even the effects of nature, such as worm tracks, fire marks, or flood stains, contribute to its distinctive charm.

The timber’s variations in colour and grain are not flaws, but rather the very traits that make it stand out. Messmate timber brings warmth and texture to your space in a way that few other materials can.

"Each grained piece is a pleasure to craft because the wood’s unique grains, textures, and natural marks give each creation a character all its own." — Ajay

A Spectrum of Natural Beauty

Messmate features a range of tones, from warm honey to rich, deep hues, complementing any interior style. From a light, airy Scandinavian look to a more earthy, rustic aesthetic, there's a shade of messmate to suit your vision.

This natural variety allows Ajay to create pieces that integrate into a range of environments. The colour diversity adds depth and interest to your interiors, making each product a bespoke addition to your living and working spaces.

Durability Meets Design

The durable nature of messmate makes it an ideal choice for furniture and accessories that are built to last. Our curated collection of side tables, plant stands, home decor, and lighting all benefit from messmate's strength, ensuring they'll be coveted pieces in your living and working spaces for years to come.

Local Sustainability

Our journey with messmate begins right here in Melbourne. By sourcing locally, we are able to maintain a close relationship with our suppliers, ensuring the highest quality timber for our creations while supporting the local economy.

We proudly use reclaimed messmate, timber with decades or even centuries of history. Each piece tells a story while helping us minimise our environmental impact.

Bringing grained Home

We believe your home should reflect your values and bring joy to your everyday life. As more of us seek connection to nature, each grained product brings the natural world inside, creating warm, ambient spaces to unwind and reconnect. Our limited-edition collections offer original, handcrafted creations designed to elevate your spaces. Discover your perfect messmate pieces and bring nature home.