Rustic Oak Furniture

The first thing you need to realise is that it is heavy. I mean proper heavy. If you are planning on moving house every six months, do yourself a favour and buy something lighter. But if you want a piece of kit that will still be standing when your grandkids are grown up, then Solid Oak is the only way to go. It has got knots. It has got grain patterns that do not always match up perfectly. That is not a defect; it is the point.

I get parents in here all the time asking if it is kid-proof. Nothing is truly kid-proof if they have got a hammer and enough time, but this stuff comes close. I have got an oak dining table at home that has survived three teenagers and a dog that likes to chew. It has got some scratches. It has got a bit of a story. If it gets too bad, I just give it a light sand and a bit of oil. You try doing that with a cheap veneer and you will just find yourself looking at sawdust and glue.

If you are just starting your search, have a look at our Buying an Oak Sideboard guide. It is honest advice, no fluff. And for God’s sake, once you buy it, look after it. I wrote some notes on Oak Sideboard Care because I am sick of seeing good timber ruined by people putting soaking wet mugs directly on the surface. Use a coaster. It is not hard.

We don’t do things the corporate way here. We build things to last. If you are after something for the Bedroom Furniture or maybe some Kitchen Furniture, just make sure you have got a mate nearby to help you lift it. You will thank me later.

Common Questions I Get Asked

Will the colour change over time? Yes. It is a natural product. Sunlight will mellow it out. It is going to happen, so just embrace it.

Is it actually solid wood? Every bit of it. No bits and bobs of chipboard hidden in the back panels or drawer bottoms. That is why it weighs a ton.

How do I get rid of a scratch? If it is shallow, a bit of wax or oil usually hides it. If it is deep, you sand it back and re-finish it. You can’t kill it.

Does it come flat-packed? Not on my watch. Most of our Sideboards and cabinets arrive fully assembled. If I wanted to spend my Saturdays with an Allen key, I would have been a mechanic.

Will it match my existing floor? Probably not perfectly. Wood varies. If you want a perfect match, buy a tin of paint. If you want character, stop worrying about it.

“Expected it to be solid, but this thing is a beast. Took two of us to get it into the lounge. It’s got proper character with the knots in the wood. Feels like it’ll last forever.”