Cheap wood products - ask why.
Cheap Wooden Products Often Have Hidden Costs
Walk through almost any homewares store and you'll find inexpensive teak and other hardwood products imported from overseas that are mass produced.
Many imported timber products come from countries such as Indonesia, Myanmar, India and the Philippines. Low-cost imported products may be produced under conditions that prioritise low prices over environmental stewardship and fair wages.
The true cost of a very cheap wooden product may include:
unsustainable forestry or poorly managed plantations
low-cost labour that may not provide workers with a living wage (‘Fair Trade’ does not mean a living wage)
chemically treated timber
mass production
thousands of kilometres of shipping before the product reaches Australia.
When a timber product seems unbelievably cheap, it's worth asking why.
Sustainable Timber Means Knowing Its Story
One of the best ways to shop sustainably is to understand where your timber comes from.
At Wildflower Fusion, we work with locally sourced Australian timber from trees that have:
fallen naturally during storms
been damaged by insects
been removed for safety reasons
reached the end of their life
been felled as they are a weed species in Australia.
Chemical Treatments: What Could Be in Your Timber?
Imported timber products often travel thousands of kilometres before reaching Australia. To meet international biosecurity requirements and reduce the risk of insects, mould and fungal decay during storage and transport, some timber products may be treated with chemical preservatives or fumigants.
Depending on the product and its intended use, treatments may include:
synthetic fungicides to inhibit mould and fungal growth during shipping and storage
insecticides to protect timber from borers, termites and other wood-destroying insects
borate preservatives, which can provide long-term protection against insects and decay in some timber products
fumigation treatments, used on timber packaging or some wood products to meet international quarantine and biosecurity requirements.
Would you prefer chemical free timber, particularly for products used around food, children’s toys or displayed inside the home?
At Wildflower Fusion we source locally salvaged timber that has never been chemically treated. Instead of relying on chemical preservatives, the timber is carefully dried and microwaved to ensure any remaining wood-boring insects are eliminated before it is crafted and sanded into a finished piece.
Each wood item is then protected using a food-safe finish, allowing the natural beauty of the timber to shine without unnecessary chemical treatments.
For us, sustainability isn't just about where the timber comes from—it's also about how it's prepared, finished and enjoyed for generations to come.
Why Buying Local Matters
Choosing locally handcrafted timber products offers benefits far beyond your own home.
When you buy from Australian artisans, you're helping to:
support local families and small businesses
reduce transport emissions
encourage responsible use of local natural resources
preserve traditional woodworking skills
invest in quality rather than mass production.
You're also buying directly from the people who designed and crafted your piece, rather than from an anonymous global supply chain.
Quality Over Quantity
A handcrafted wooden bowl, vase, chopping board or kitchen utensil isn't designed to follow short-lived trends.
It's made to become part of your home for years—perhaps even generations - stirring a stew or porridge with your Nan’s favourite wooden spoon or spurtle can bring fond memories when cooking.
Unlike factory-produced décor, handcrafted timber pieces develop character over time, making them heirlooms rather than disposable homewares. They can also be rejuvenated by sanding and reapplying a food safe finish.