At Porta, we’ve been in the business for more than 70 years. Over time, we’ve become known as one of Australia’s leading suppliers of mouldings, custom moulding services and select Australian timbers.

We’re Australian made and owned, and work across the field in trade, building and commercial sectors. We know, and love, timber.

Porta began as J. Porta & Sons, the first industrial Victorian bellows-making company of its kind. Joseph Porta first established the brand in 1868 and was eventually joined by his son, John. By 1920, the pair had made a name for themselves as Australian timber suppliers.

Establishing ourselves as Victorian timber manufacturers

Through the 1930s, John’s sons Leslie and Jack continued to develop the family business. It was a great time for timber—timber mouldings and dowels were growing in popularity. Jack and Leslie helped establish the timber dowel as an important construction material.

Through the 1940s and 1950s, the business continued to grow. In 1952, after Jack’s son-in-law Norman Pizzey joined the company, the business was renamed J. W. Porta & Sons Pty Ltd.

Growth through the post-war housing boom

In the 1950s and 1960s, the manufacturing market boomed following the war. The company established several large sawmills to keep up with demand, which led to Porta’s appointment as a big name in the hardwood moulding business. The developing DIY market demanded hardwood mouldings for trade stores such as Home Hardware, Mitre 10, Bowens and eventually Bunnings. As a result, we became Porta Mouldings.

Becoming Porta

Over the next 40 years, the company continued to evolve, eventually rebranding as Porta in 2016. The change reflected our new vision as architectural, decorative and outdoor timber manufacturers. These days, we are committed to sustainability and, through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), promote responsible forestry. We’re your local Australian timber suppliers who care about reducing our environmental impact.

And now we’re here today, widely known as passionate, dedicated and reliable Melbourne timber suppliers.

Porta timber is sustainable timber, so if you’re interested in learning more about our products, have a chat with us today. We’d be happy to work with you to attend to any and all of your timber needs.