Real Wood Veneers

Oak can be susceptible to cracking and warping over time, particularly in areas where the wood is thinner. That's why at The Cotswold Company, we use real wood veneers and high-grade engineered wood in construction elements where using solid timber would cause quality issues. Not only is our hybrid choice of materials more stable, but it also reduces the risk of ageing, making for furniture that is beautiful throughout its whole lifespan. Read our Sustainability Pledge page for more information on how we source our materials.

“All our products are built to last,” says Lewis High, who is The Cotswold Company Head of Quality. “We use veneers in parts of the construction where using solid wood would cause quality issues.” Veneers are a traditional and structurally sound aspect of furniture-making that can be traced back to Egyptian times, when the tombs of early Pharaohs were sometimes buried with objects that were adorned with African ebony veneer and ivory inlays. “Veneers are less prone to cracking or warping than solid wood, which is why we use them on large sections of oak, like tabletops where solid oak is vulnerable to splitting.” An oak veneer maintains the appearance of solid oak while giving a durable and trouble-free finish that will last for many years.

Timeless Appeal of Wood

“I love to work with wood. It’s beautiful, durable and renewable,” says Lewis. “We use the technique most suitable to the part and the product. There are so many types of timber and finishes available: paint, wax, oil and lacquers all to achieve different looks.” Part of Lewis’ job is to work with the technical teams on drawing and teams in China and Vietnam – where traditional crafts like woodwork are still passed down through the generations – to get the best-quality furniture exactly to our specification.

Sustainable Oak Furniture

Responsibly sourced timber is the most sustainable material for building furniture, and we make sure we trace all timber back to its forest of origin. Currently all of Cotswold Company engineered wood is responsibly sourced with 45% certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) and by the end of 2022, we are aiming to use 100% FSC-certified engineered wood. We’re moving towards 100% FSC-certified cardboard packaging and eliminating polystyrene packaging by then too. Read our Sustainability Pledge page for more information.

Cotswold Company Oak Furniture Ranges

At the Cotswold Company, we use the very best of traditional woodworking techniques alongside new technologies to ensure that each piece of oak furniture is beautifully finished and built to provide you with years of enjoyment. From the living room to the bedroom, each piece is handcrafted from the finest quality oak and finished with a natural wax that enhances the wood's grain. Take a look at our ranges and see how oak furniture can help turn your house into a home.