Materials, Finishes and Prices

Timber

Making furniture is very labour intensive, so it is important to use only the very best timber. We travel many miles to specialist timber suppliers to personally select the boards, checking them for grain patterns, moisture content and possible defects.

Small “cats paw” knots and small burrs are not regarded as defects, because the interesting grain patterns that surround them give the timber a sense of character. However, Oak sapwood is always excluded from our furniture because it is vulnerable to woodworm.

The workshop is temperature and humidity controlled to keep the timber at optimum dryness, to avoid any shrinkage or movement when the furniture is installed. However, timber is a natural product and some movement must be expected if it becomes too dry or damp after installation or delivery. We will be happy to advise you further if required.

Our favourite timbers are English Oak and Ash, but we can quote in any suitable timber, including Maple, Cherry, Walnut, Pine, Iroko and Teak.

Construction

Great care is taken when selecting and preparing the timber so that only the best boards are used. The grain of each board is then carefully considered and matched to produce the most pleasing patterns.

All work is made to a very high standard using Mortice & Tenon and other suitable joints throughout. Doors are hung on brass butt hinges for strength, stability and a precision fit. Traditional drawers are made with dovetailed sides and located on waxed timber runners, for a long lasting, smooth, natural action.

English Ash

Ash is blonde timber with distinctive striped grain patterns. It is nearly as hard as Oak, but has a lighter feel to it.
It is suitable for kitchens and general cabinets, but especially bedroom furniture.
Colour : Light golden brown, sometimes with darker streaks in older trees.

English Oak

Oak has the essence of old English woodlands and is a vital part of our countryside. Its hard grain is unique, with strong distinctive medullary rays that interact with the annual rings to form wonderful patterns.
It is suitable for most furniture, but especially dining suites and kitchens.
Colour : Medium to dark golden brown.

Other Materials

To compliment our timber furniture, we can offer the creative use of granite, marble and slate work surfaces; mirrors, leaded & specialist glass and canework (rattan). We can also advise you about flooring, wall tiles and lighting.

Recycling and Conservation

We strive to keep waste to a minimum and recycle as much as possible. Wood and board offcuts are used for home heating and wood shavings are used for animal bedding, which then decomposes to make lovely compost.
We turn machines and lights off when not in use, re-use and/or recycle paper, trade journals and catalogues, etc. and we do not use harmful spray finishes.

We use timbers from the UK whenever possible, or from sustainable managed forests in the USA.