Finishing is one of those parts of furniture making that most people do not give much thought to. You notice the colour, the feel of the wood and whether it suits your space, but the finish itself often goes unnoticed. For us it is a huge part of what makes a piece safe, durable and enjoyable to live with. After years of testing, we use water based finishes across almost everything we build. They protect the wood, keep your home healthy and let the character of the timber come through. We also offer a range of colours so you can choose a tone that works with your home, and if needed, we can create a custom finish to match existing furniture.
If you would like to explore different colour options before ordering, you can order a sample pack and see the finishes on real wood in your home.
What our finishes are and how we use them
We work with kiln dried, sustainably sourced pine for most of our designs. During the build we apply a water based stain and varnish so the finish becomes part of the piece rather than something painted on afterwards. This approach gives better adhesion and longevity and avoids that sticky, plastic feel you get from some oil or wax based finishes.
Because pine takes stain so well, we can offer a range of colours that suit different interiors. Dark Oak, one of our most popular finishes is neutral, semi dark and goes with most colours in a room. Clear Coat keeps pine pale and natural, Natural Oak adds warmth, English Oak and Jacobean Oak create a more traditional look and Walnut brings depth. Rosewood offers a bold tone, and Black Black or Distressed Black work beautifully in modern or industrial rooms. If you already have furniture you want to match, we can create a custom mix to get it as close as possible.
Choosing the right colour for your space
Each colour has its own vibe.
Clear Coat and Natural Oak keep rooms light and relaxed.
English Oak, Dark Oak and Jacobean Oak bring warmth and a classic feel.
Walnut and Rosewood add richness and impact, especially in modern rooms.
Distressed Black and Black Black provide striking contrast in rustic, minimal or industrial settings.
Samples are the easiest way to decide. Wood looks different in every room due to lighting and surroundings, so having the real thing in front of you makes the choice far simpler.
Better for your home and the environment
Traditional solvent based finishes release strong fumes and can leave smells that linger. Water based finishes have very low or even no VOCs. They are hypoallergenic and safer for children, pets and anyone sensitive to chemical scents. That matters when you are eating, working and living around the furniture every single day.
They are also kinder to the environment and safer for us to use in the workshop. Less harmful waste, fewer chemical fumes and a healthier space for everyone involved.
Low maintenance and built for real life
Water based finishes are one of the easiest options to live with. They don't require regular oiling and do not collect rings from mugs and glasses the way oil and wax finishes often do. Everyday spills can be wiped clean without drama. They hold up to laptops, plates, elbows, pens, kids, pets and anything else a busy household throws at them.
They are incredibly hard wearing and designed to cope with busy environments. A water based finish protects the surface without making you tiptoe around it. This is why our pieces work well in homes, cafes, offices and anywhere people constantly come in contact with the furniture.
Why we offer finish options at all
Handmade furniture is not a one size situation. If something is being built to order, it should feel right in your home rather than forcing you to decorate around it. Offering finish options means you can have a table, desk or shelves that belong in your space, with a colour that works with the rest of your room.
The finish affects the colour, the feel and the way the furniture ages. It should be something you enjoy living with, not something you put up with.
Why this matters
Water based finishes are not just a technical choice for us. They make furniture easier to live with, safer for your home and kinder to the environment. They let the wood look like wood and give you colours that grow with your space rather than fight against it. They suit the way we work and the kind of furniture we want to make.
If you would like to order a sample pack and explore our finishes and colours in person, you can do that here.
If you want to talk about finishes, lead times or a custom piece for your home or workspace, get in touch and we can go from there!
