Using locally sourced materials means fostering a deeper connection with our community and environment. By sourcing materials locally, we ensure that our creations reflect the distinctive character of our region while supporting local economies. This practice reduces our carbon footprint significantly as it minimizes the need for long-distance transportation, aligning with our sustainability goals.
Designing with the life cycle of the material in mind is fundamental to our sustainable approach at So Watt. It's not just about creating a beautiful piece of furniture; it's about ensuring that each piece has longevity and adaptability, reducing the need for frequent replacements. Our designs often feature multifunctionality, such as a writing desk that can transform into a home bar or a stool that doubles as a bedside table. This flexibility helps to extend the lifespan of our furniture, making it a valuable part of any space.
So Watt prioritizes materials that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed at the end of their life. For instance, our use of recycled plastic ensures that we are contributing to a circular economy, where materials are continually reused rather than discarded. This approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also promotes a more conscious consumer culture, encouraging long-term thinking about the impact of purchases.
Designing with the life cycle in mind also means being transparent about our processes. We aim to educate and inform about the sustainable choices we make and how these can benefit both people and the environment.
Being involved in every step of the process is integral to how we operate at So Watt, providing full control and peace of mind. From the initial design concept to the final product, our close collaboration ensures that every vision is realized to the highest standards. This hands-on approach allows us to tailor each piece to meet specific needs and preferences, offering a truly personalized experience.
Our Marrickville workshop is the heart of our operation, where our designers and makers work closely together. This proximity fosters a strong designer-maker relationship, enabling us to prototype and test rigorously. Visitors can explore our showroom, interact with our team, and see firsthand the quality and craftsmanship that goes into every piece. Because we’re involved in every step, we ensure that every material used is sustainably sourced and every piece is meticulously crafted. This comprehensive involvement from start to finish ensures a seamless, worry-free experience, resulting in furniture that is cherished for years to come.
At So Watt, being involved in every stage of the process is at the heart of how we work. From the very first idea to the finished piece, we stay hands-on to make sure each creation is crafted with care and purpose. This close connection to every project allows us to deliver exceptional quality, attention, and responsiveness.
Our Marrickville workshop brings designers and makers together under one roof. This close collaboration creates a natural flow from concept to construction, where ideas can be tested, refined, and brought to life with precision. When you visit our showroom, you’ll have the chance to meet the team, explore materials up close, and truly experience how our furniture takes shape.
We design with the full life of each piece in mind. That means thinking about how it looks and functions today, but also how it will adapt and endure over time. Many of our designs have more than one use - a writing desk that transforms into a bar, or a stool that fits just as well by the bed as in the living room. This kind of versatility helps reduce the need for replacement and keeps great furniture in your home longer.
The materials we choose reflect this thoughtful approach. We focus on those that can be reused, recycled, or repurposed, including responsibly sourced timber and recycled plastic. Our aim is to create furniture that stands the test of time while encouraging mindful choices around consumption.
We also believe transparency is essential. We want you to feel confident and informed, knowing exactly how your piece is made, where the materials come from, and how it will perform in daily life. This openness helps us build trust and create furniture that looks as good as it feels.
Explore the So Watt Collection
At So Watt, the strength and character of our furniture begins with the materials we carefully select. Two standout choices in our range are birch plywood and hoop pine plywood, each offering unique qualities that shape the look, feel, and longevity of every piece we make.
Birch plywood is crafted from the White Birch tree, a hardwood native to northern Europe. Since this species doesn’t grow in Australia, we import birch ply from regions that support its sustainable manufacture. We choose it for its durability, impressive strength, and resistance to warping, making it an ideal choice for joinery and interior applications. Its pale tone and unique wavy grain give it a quiet, architectural beauty that suits both residential and commercial spaces. At So Watt, we finish our birch ply using low VOC, water-based finishes. With sixteen house colours, two clear coats, and one stain available, you can find a tone that suits your space. Need something specific? We can source custom colours to match your palette.
Hoop pine plywood is a timber with deep Australian roots. It has a warm, creamy colour, a fine grain, and a softness that’s easy to work with, yet strong enough to hold shape over time. Grown and produced in Queensland, hoop pine supports local industries and allows us to reduce transport emissions while championing home-grown materials. We use hoop pine across our furniture and joinery, especially in designs where subtle character and lightweight durability are key.
Together, these materials reflect the core of So Watt’s design philosophy. By starting with quality plywoods and building outward, we ensure every product is beautiful, functional, and made to last. Birch and hoop pine are more than just materials—they’re part of the story each piece tells, a story of thoughtful design and local making.
If you're working on a project and would like to explore the materials we offer, get in touch with us. Whether it's birch, hoop pine, or something else in our collection of Australian-made plywood furniture, we’ll help you find the right fit for your space.
Furniture is often judged by what you can see, the colour, the finish, the shape in a room. But at So Watt, we believe what’s beneath the surface matters just as much. That’s why we work with materials that not only look good now but hold up to the realities of everyday use, year after year.
We don’t treat sustainability as a label. For us, it’s part of the process. It’s about choosing materials with care, designing with intention, and building things that last. Every decision, from the type of plywood we use to the way we finish a piece, reflects a deeper goal: to create well-resolved furniture that doesn't rely on trends, gimmicks, or disposable thinking.
Our go-to materials, birch plywood and hoop pine plywood, are selected not only for their aesthetic quality but for how they perform over time. They’re strong, stable, and ideal for the kind of refined, honest design we aim to deliver.
Choosing birch ply or hoop pine ply from So Watt means:
It holds its form and strength through years of daily use, whether in a home or a commercial setting. You won’t be replacing it anytime soon—because furniture should last, not just look good for a moment.
We prioritise Australian-made plywood wherever possible. Working with locally made materials helps reduce unnecessary transport and supports the broader ecosystem of skilled manufacturing right here in Australia.
Plywood lends itself beautifully to our kind of work: clean lines, subtle detailing, and refined joinery. It’s a material that works with the hand and the eye, offering the flexibility we need to design pieces that suit all kinds of homes, workspaces, and public environments.
We finish our pieces with low-VOC coatings that protect the timber without masking its character. Every surface is sanded by hand and built to stand up to the wear of daily life, not just for today but for years ahead.
One of the most rewarding aspects of working with plywood is its visual character. With clean edge profiles, layered grain, and natural warmth, birch ply and pine ply offer depth and texture that is rarely found in mass-produced furniture.
We bring out the best in these materials with:
Yes, we offer birch plywood and pine plywood sheets for approved DIY projects. However, we do have a minimum order quantity and do not offer custom cutting services. Each standard sheet is 1200 x 2400mm. If you’re unsure whether your project qualifies, reach out via our Contact page and we’ll be happy to help.
Our benchtops are built on a plywood base and finished with materials such as laminate, Finex, or custom brass and copper metals. These finishes are selected for both their durability and visual appeal.
Yes, it’s ideal for smaller surfaces such as drawer fronts or cabinet doors. We do not recommend it for large panels or full-height doors, as it performs best on more compact areas. For larger applications, we’re happy to help you explore more suitable material options.
Yes. We finish our hoop pine plywood with a low VOC, water-based finish. Our standard range includes 16 colours, 2 clear finishes, and 1 stained finish. If none of these suit your project, we can source custom colours for $80 per colour.
Thanks to our in-house production model, we often work closely with clients to find the perfect finish. Please contact us here to discuss your needs.
