Wood & Water offers one-of-a-kind, handmade timber bathtubs, vanities, basins, and custom furniture, each individually crafted to your specifications.
Creator Emanuel Oppliger grew up in Papua New Guinea after moving from Coffs Harbour, Australia as a child. At 16, he relocated to Switzerland to learn carpentry and joinery. While there, he proudly represented Australia at the 2006 Olympic Winter Games.
Emanuel built his first wooden outdoor hot tub for a friend in Switzerland before returning to Australia in early 2009. From these humble beginnings, he now designs and builds bespoke wooden bathtubs and furniture for homes worldwide.
His business, Wood & Water, specializes in beautifully handcrafted Australian-made products sourced from sustainable timber. Emanuel primarily uses Australian hardwoods such as Tasmanian Oak, Blackbutt, Spotted Gum, Red Gum, and Tasmanian Blackwood. Common imported timbers include European and American Oak, as well as Walnut.
Each finished product is composed of over 100 individually cut timber pieces, joined in intricate patterns to form perfectly shaped basins, sinks, or tubs. A unique multi-layer coating, adapted from boat-building techniques, is applied to ensure complete water resistance. This durable finish protects the wood from scratches and UV damage while enhancing the natural grain, adding beautiful depth and texture.
Each Wood & Water piece is made to order with care, intention, and craftsmanship. Here’s how we bring your vision to life:
We begin with a personal consultation to understand your vision, style, bathroom layout, and practical needs. Whether you’re after a freestanding bath or a matching timber vanity and basin, we’ll guide you through the possibilities to create something uniquely yours.
You’ll choose from a range of premium, sustainably sourced hardwoods — each with its own grain, tone, and character. We help you select the perfect timber species to complement your design and ensure durability in a wet environment.
Your bath, vanity, or basin is carefully handcrafted in our workshop using traditional joinery techniques and precision tools. Every curve, joint, and contour is shaped with intention to create a seamless, sculptural finish.
We apply a high-grade, natural finish that protects your timber piece from moisture and enhances the wood’s natural beauty. Our waterproofing method ensures your bath or vanity is built to last — both in form and function.
Once complete, your custom piece is carefully packaged and delivered directly to you, ready for installation. We’ll walk you through care instructions so you can enjoy your timber feature for years to come.