Bespoke Timber Design – Quality handmade furniture, cabinetry and joinery

Meet Ben Zanker, a self-taught “maker” from Geelong.

Always hands-on from as early as he can remember, Ben vividly remembers being in the shed as a kid, often with his dad, pulling things apart and constructing new things.
His passion for woodworking really developed in his late 20s after becoming fascinated with rustic and recycled timber and furniture. What started off as a hobby quickly turned into making one-off pieces for friends. “In the early-days it was really just about making some money on the side to buy more tools” he laughs. “Before too long I had enough work to make the transition from hobby to a full-time career and I haven’t looked back.”

A true passion for woodworking

“I think what really drew me to working with wood (apart from having an inbuilt love for it that I can’t really explain) was that whatever you made was a true representation of the time you put into it. The hours that go into a piece are tangible and are stored in that piece forever and it’s incredibly rewarding” he explains.

So it was inevitable that Ben would go on to take the woodworking world by storm.
His company Bespoke Timber Design designs and makes exceptional-quality timber furniture using traditional woodworking techniques paired with modern design.

Each piece is unique and crafted using Australian native hardwood. Designed to be enjoyed for many years to come. So let’s hear more about it…

Ben, tell us more about your business. What makes your designs unique?

“In the early days, my business solely relied on commissions from clients based on their designs and requirements, so the name “Bespoke Timber Design” was really fitting as it truly reflected the nature of the business. Nowadays, whilst we still work on client-based bespoke pieces, more and more we have commissions for our own developed pieces, which is always super exciting to get orders for.”

Being completely self-taught, Ben always had the mantra of keeping it simple and always striving for the highest quality outcome. This philosophy has kept him in good stead.

“I believe we have a reputation that our clients always know they are getting a high-quality piece regardless of the complexity of the piece and the price tag” he proudly muses.

Do you think that there is a growing demand for Australian-made woodworking products, and if so, why?

“I think as a nation, we would always prefer to shop locally, however quality, personally, is what drives my purchasing. And I think if the quality was there we would be happy to pay a bit more if it was made locally.”

What would you say you have learned over time while perfecting your craft?

“Patience and respect (for both the timber and the piece). If you fight the timber, you will lose. If you rush the process, it will come back to bite you EVERY TIME.

I think also, the beauty of woodworking is you never finish learning. You can always improve on your technique and once you feel like you have gone as far as you can with that you can learn a new more challenging method. It doesn’t end.”

We agree with you there, Ben.

Finding great stockists is key…

Now a small business with a couple of employees, Bespoke Timber Design uses a lot of stationary machines, power tools and hand tools where required. Being based in a regional area you’d be mistaken if you think it’s difficult to find a local stockist for his
tools. “We have a couple of good shops locally for the bits we need. Otherwise, Melbourne is just up the road” he says. Easy!

Balancing sustainability with producing high-quality and visually appealing woodworking products…

Always a balancing act, Bespoke Timber Design mainly uses recycled timber and all their timber sourced must be FSC certified. Which is something they are very proud of as a company. “It’s nice that there is a demand for this. We are also extremely mindful of the waste the workshop generates. All of our sawdust is collected by like-minded people that use it – gardens etc. We shop efficiently and try to keep landfill to a minimum, always reusing where possible.”

Who are your typical customers? How do they hear about you?

“Our customers are generally clients looking for high quality, locally sourced pieces. There is no particular type of client. Quite often we get repeat custom or businesses referred to us by existing customers.

As previously mentioned, recycled timber is often a requirement but knowing they can be involved in the design and get what they want seems to be a big draw card. Early days it was all local word of mouth, friends of friends etc, now (apart from referred or repeat business) the website is our biggest source of new clients.” And it’s a beautiful website too… https://www.bespoketimberdesign.com.au/

Ben, one last thing before you leave… As a self-taught maker, do you have any advice for people looking at getting into woodworking?

“Woodworking is a funny one. It’s addictive. In my experience, those that love it, do it and they don’t really stop once they start. There’s no entry point either so you don’t need to have any ability to start. Just find something you like and get into it. Lots can be achieved in a small space and a small budget. Also, woodworking provides an awesome community too and most are happy to offer advice and assistance so ask questions and most of all, make as many mistakes as you can! My only advice to those wanting to start a business, focus on the piece and not the money and you can’t go wrong.”

We think that is sound advice!

Looking to get into woodworking or grow your existing customer base? Here at Carbitool, we have a wide range of timber tools to suit all projects. Browse our full range online. Or, contact us at sales@carbitool.com.au for more information.