Materials and Safety
Solid Timber Montessori Furniture Made in Australia
At Handcrafted Montessori, we don’t just care about beautiful furniture — we care about how it’s made and where it comes from.
That’s why we choose our timber carefully, sourcing from sustainable forestry to make sure every piece is as kind to the planet as it is sturdy and safe for your little ones. We work with a thoughtful mix of Australian native timber, Beech, and Rubberwood, all selected for their strength, beauty, and low environmental impact.
When you choose Handcrafted Montessori, you’re not just investing in quality furniture — you’re supporting local craftsmanship and sustainable practices that protect the world our kids will grow up in.
Because good furniture should feel good in your home — and on your conscience.
Every piece is designed, crafted and finished in our Perth Hills workshop.
Solid Timber Construction
Our Montessori shelves are crafted from solid beech or rubberwood.
Our toys are handcrafted from native Australian timbers including jarrah, marri, blackbutt and sheoak.
We do not use plastic laminates, veneers or flat pack panels.
Every piece is made from real solid timber, built to be sturdy, repairable and heirloom quality.
Low VOC Adhesives
We use Titebond II, a professional grade water based wood adhesive. It is low VOC and non toxic once fully cured, and commonly used in professional furniture making.
Natural Beeswax & Tung Oil Finish
Every piece is sealed using a natural blend of:
• Pure beeswax
• Tung oil
• Orange oil
• Clove oil
This finish is carefully blended in our workshop to ensure quality, consistency and full control over every ingredient used.
We do not use synthetic varnishes, lacquers or harsh chemical sealers.
Once fully cured, the finish is food safe and low VOC, allowing the timber to remain breathable while being beautifully protected.
Designed for Children’s Environments
Every piece is thoughtfully designed with children in mind. Edges are carefully softened and hand finished, surfaces are sanded smooth, and proportions are considered to support independence in line with Montessori principles.
We finish and fully cure each item in our workshop before it leaves, ensuring it is ready for everyday family life.
Built from solid timber and natural materials, our furniture is created to be used, moved, explored and enjoyed — not simply admired.
Timber Choices
Beech
Solid & Durable
Beech is a dense hardwood known for its strength and resistance to everyday wear. It holds up beautifully in busy family homes and provides excellent structural stability for shelving.
Fine, Smooth Grain
Its clean, consistent grain creates a calm, refined look that suits both modern and classic interiors.
Natural Warmth
Beech features subtle golden and reddish tones that deepen over time, giving each piece a timeless finish.
Why We Use It
We choose solid beech because it is strong, reliable and long lasting — ideal for furniture designed to support independence and daily use.
Rubberwood
Sustainable & Responsible
Rubberwood is harvested from retired rubber trees that have completed their latex producing life cycle. This makes it a responsible and environmentally conscious material choice, giving timber a second purpose rather than allowing it to go to waste.
Light, Natural Grain
Rubberwood features a soft, pale tone with gentle golden undertones. Its clean grain creates a light and airy look that works beautifully in calm, child focused spaces.
Durable & Stable
As a hardwood, rubberwood offers excellent strength and stability. It resists warping and handles everyday family use with ease, making it well suited to children’s shelving and furniture.
Why We Use It
We choose solid rubberwood for its balance of durability, sustainability and natural beauty — ideal for furniture designed to support independence and daily life.
Native Timbers
Locally Sourced
We work with a carefully selected range of Australian native hardwoods including jarrah, marri, blackbutt, sheoak, karri, spotted gum and ironbark.
Naturally Strong
Native hardwoods are known for their exceptional density and durability, making them ideal for furniture designed to last for generations.
Unique Character
Each piece carries its own natural grain, tone and variation — no two are ever identical. From the deep reds of jarrah to the warm honey tones of marri, these timbers bring depth and character into the home.
Custom Options
We offer custom shelving in native hardwoods for those seeking a specific timber or finish to suit their space.