What Kind of Wood Do You Use to Make a Dresser?
If you’re thinking of crafting or buying a quality dresser in Mornington, Australia, the most crucial question isn’t just about style or size—it’s what kind of wood do you use to make a dresser? This isn’t just a matter of taste; it’s the key to longevity, functionality, aesthetics, and value.
Whether you’re a DIY enthusiast building a custom piece or a homeowner investing in a solid timber unit, understanding the types of wood used for dressers in the Australian context will help you make informed decisions. With Mornington Cabinet Makers, let’s dig into what makes some woods better than others and why the timber you choose matters—especially in a coastal town like Mornington.
🌳 1. The Importance of Choosing the Right Wood
In furniture-making, not all timber is created equal. The type of wood impacts:
- Durability and wear resistance
- Visual appeal and finish
- Weight and ease of movement
- Sustainability and environmental impact
- Cost and accessibility in local markets like Mornington and wider Victoria
So, choosing the right timber isn’t just about what looks pretty—it’s about building a dresser that will last generations or hold up against the salty sea air of the Mornington Peninsula.
🪵 2. Popular Types of Wood for Dressers in Australia
Let’s walk through some of the most popular and practical wood choices for dressers in Mornington and beyond:
A. Tasmanian Oak
- Origin: Native to southeastern Australia
- Characteristics: Light in tone with straight grain; moderately hard
- Why it’s great for dressers: Readily available across Victoria, including timber yards in Mornington. It stains well, making it a versatile option for both modern and traditional styles.
- Sustainability: Often harvested from responsibly managed forests.
B. Victorian Ash
- Origin: Mainly from Victoria’s mountainous regions
- Look & Feel: Pale pink to straw hues, fine texture
- Strengths: Durable yet easy to work with—ideal for both mass-produced and bespoke dressers
- Local edge: It’s widely used in Melbourne-area cabinetry and furniture manufacturing, so supply is consistent.
C. Blackwood (Acacia melanoxylon)
- Origin: Indigenous to southeastern Australia
- Visual Appeal: Rich golden-brown tones, sometimes with dark streaks
- Durability: Excellent for heirloom-quality furniture
- Pro Tip: Often used in high-end dresser builds across artisan studios in Mornington and surrounding suburbs.
D. Pine (Radiata Pine)
- Origin: Grown in plantations throughout Australia
- Advantages: Affordable, easy to work with
- Downsides: Softer and more prone to dents, making it better for budget-friendly or children’s furniture
- Environmental Bonus: One of the most sustainable options due to its rapid growth cycle.
🧠 3. Hardwood vs. Softwood: What’s the Difference?
Knowing the difference between hardwood and softwood is crucial:
| Feature | Hardwood | Softwood |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Deciduous trees | Conifers |
| Density | Typically higher | Lower |
| Examples | Blackwood, Tasmanian Oak, Jarrah | Radiata Pine |
| Best for Dressers? | ✅ Yes | ⚠️ Sometimes—depends on purpose |
In coastal towns like Mornington, hardwood is typically the better choice. The added durability helps resist humidity and wear caused by the nearby ocean climate.
🧰 4. Custom vs. Store-Bought Dressers: Wood Quality Matters
If you’re hiring a Mornington-based cabinetmaker or doing a DIY dresser build, you may get better timber quality than from flat-pack furniture stores. Local professionals often source sustainably harvested Australian hardwoods, whereas mass-produced furniture may use engineered wood (like MDF or particleboard), which lacks the resilience and aesthetic appeal of solid timber.
TIP: Ask your local builder or supplier in Mornington about FSC-certified wood to ensure eco-friendly practices.
🏗️ 5. Engineered Woods: An Affordable Alternative?
Engineered woods are often used in store-bought dressers and include:
- MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
- Particleboard
- Plywood
They’re cheaper and easier to mass-produce but fall short in strength and water resistance. While suitable for temporary or low-budget furniture, they’re less ideal for a dresser expected to last in the changing temperatures and moisture levels common around Port Phillip Bay.
🖌️ 6. Aesthetic Factors: Grain, Colour, and Finish
In Mornington’s trend-forward interiors, wood tone and texture matter. Homeowners lean toward coastal-modern and Scandi-inspired designs, so consider these:
- Light woods like Tasmanian Oak or Victorian Ash pair beautifully with minimalist décor
- Darker woods such as Blackwood or Jarrah lend warmth and depth—ideal for rustic or heritage styles
- Paint-grade timbers like Pine are perfect if you’re going for a bright, white-painted dresser
For customized work, visit Mornington Cabinet Makers.
🛒 7. Where to Source Timber in Mornington, Australia
For locals looking to source quality wood for a dresser build, the following are reliable options:
- Mornington Timber & Decking – Wide range of hardwoods, expert staff
- Bunnings Mornington – More geared toward DIYers with ready-cut panels
- Britton Timbers – Offers Tasmanian Oak and other native hardwoods
- Specialty Furniture Makers – Artisans in nearby Mt Eliza and Frankston often have private timber stocks for bespoke builds
♻️ 8. Sustainability: Making the Ethical Choice
Consumers in Mornington increasingly care about ethical sourcing. Look for:
- FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) certification
- Chain of Custody documentation from your supplier
- Recycled Timber Options – Repurposing old hardwood from demolished homes or barns can offer character and reduce waste
💰 9. Price Considerations by Wood Type
| Wood Type | Average Cost (AUD/metre) | Availability in Mornington | Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tasmanian Oak | $8–$12 | ✅ High | ✅ High |
| Blackwood | $12–$18 | ⚠️ Moderate | ✅ Very High |
| Victorian Ash | $10–$15 | ✅ High | ✅ High |
| Pine | $4–$7 | ✅ High | ⚠️ Moderate |
| MDF/Plywood | $2–$5 | ✅ High | ⚠️ Budget-Only |
🧠 Final Thoughts: What Kind of Wood Do You Use to Make a Dresser?
If you’re building or buying a dresser in Mornington, Australia, the best woods are those that balance durability, style, and sustainability. Tasmanian Oak, Victorian Ash, and Blackwood stand out as top picks—especially for coastal climates. While Pine and MDF offer more affordable options, they lack the long-term value and resilience needed for a quality piece of furniture.
Whether you’re strolling through a Mornington boutique or working with a local carpenter to design your dream dresser, keep your eyes on the grain—and your values rooted in sustainability.