Choosing the Right Wood for Your Custom Furniture
Let's talk timber
Every piece of handmade furniture starts with the right foundation. Choosing the right wood is one of the most exciting parts of commissioning bespoke furniture. Each timber has its own character. The grain, tone and texture all sets the mood for the entire piece.
We work with a selection of locally-sourced hardwoods ideal for custom made furniture, fitted cabinetry, and handcrafted kitchens. Here’s a look at our favourite timbers and how to choose what’s right for your project.
Oak: Timeless and versatile
A classic for a reason. Solid oak furniture offers natural warmth, beautiful grain variation and serious durability. We often recommend it for bespoke kitchen worktops, shelving and freestanding pieces. Its golden tone works beautifully in both traditional and modern homes. Plus, it only gets better with age.
Ash: Clean, light, and understated
Ash is lighter in colour than oak, with a soft, subtle grain that feels fresh and modern. It’s a brilliant choice for Scandi-style furniture, minimal kitchens, or anywhere you want a light, airy feel. Some british ash can have a wonderful olive grain running through it which we love using for extra special furniture.
We love using ash for custom built storage, open shelving, and even full painted kitchens when you want a smooth, clean finish underneath.
Walnut: Rich and sophisticated
If you’re looking for a luxury finish, walnut delivers. With deep tones and dramatic grain patterns, it’s ideal for statement furniture (think media walls, home offices, or bold kitchen islands).
Because of its premium quality, walnut adds a sense of depth and richness to any room.
Painted hardwoods
For painted finishes, we use hardwoods like tulipwood, which offer a smooth base and strong structure. These are perfect for bespoke fitted furniture like wardrobes, dressers, or kitchens where colour is the star.
We can colour-match to your dream palette—or help you choose a timeless shade that will still feel fresh in 10 years.
What wood works best?
There’s no right or wrong answer, it all comes down to what works in your home and the feeling you want to achieve. When you work with us, we’ll guide you through every option. We’ll show you samples, talk you through finishes, and help you make a choice that feels both beautiful and practical.
Whether you're creating a bespoke hallway bench, a custom-built dresser, or a full handcrafted kitchen, the right wood makes all the difference.
Let's chat about your project
Got a project in mind? Not sure whether oak or ash suits your space best? We’re always happy to chat and guide you through it. Just get in touch and we can talk through options.