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General Information

Wood is a product of nature, each piece being unique.  Each section taken from a tree will be different- it may have the same colour but the grain may be different.  It is this diversity of character, strength, colour and, indeed, scent that makes wood so appealing.

Types of timber

Softwood comes from coniferous trees and includes spruce, pine and douglas fir.  It is generally of a light colour and tends to be less expensive than hardwood (although not as durable). Softwood is ideal for internal use and can be painted or stained.

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Hardwood comes from broad-leaved trees and includes ash, beech, birch, iroko, mahogany, meranti, oak, sapele and teak. Generally more durable than softwood, hardwood also offers a wider choice of colour.  Ideal for external use due to its durability. 

After Care

Timber is a natural product which will react to the environment in which it is located. This could cause joinery products to swell or shrink therefore regular maintenance is vital to ensure many years of enjoyment.

  

Paint as a top coat is available as eggshell, which has a slight sheen, satin , which is slightly less shiny than gloss and becoming increasingly popular, and gloss which is the most hardwearing of finishing paints. Always check that the paint is suitable for the proposed application - e.g internal or external use. 

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Oils tend to bring out the character of the timber.Teak oil will result in a slight sheen whilst Danish oil will leave a more lustrous finish. Tung oil is one of the finest natural finishes for wood, with stunning end results. It is able to move and flex as timber surfaces expand and contract with age and changing temperature.

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Wood stains are often used to add color and appeal and can enhance the natural grain or add depth or tone to timber. They are available in a variety of shades from very light, semi-transparent to dark, nearly opaque. Stains generally penetrate only the top layers of the wood and therefore can be stripped and sanded away, revealing the original color of the wood.

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We are proud to be members of, and supported by, the British Woodworking Federation. This is the trade association for the woodworking and joinery manufacturing industry and all members are required to sign up to a rigorous set of standards of workmanship, company stewardship and environmental disciplines.

The Code of Conduct includes an 8 point assessment:

 

  • Customer care and response to complaints

  • Technical expertise and training

  • Environmental impact and waste management

  • Sustainability: members must use their best endeavours to meet best practice and source from sustainable sources

  • Financial status and stability

  • Full insurance cover

  • Clarity of contractual dealings

  • Compliance with employment, health and safety and education legislation

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