What goes into sourcing timber for the finest waney edge slabs?

Sourcing Timber: The Art Of The Hunt

Sourcing exquisite timber is paramount in creating our signature waney-edge dining tables. Our commitment to quality and craftsmanship drives us to go the extra mile in finding the perfect wood for each unique piece – and the extra mile often leads us to continental Europe. In this blog post, we invite you to explore our world and understand how we source and transform rough diamonds into works of art.

We invest time researching, visiting remote mills, and establishing connections with trusted suppliers. Timber, like any other crop, is cultivated for maximum bulk and uniformity so that the modern commercial sawmills can mill in the most efficient fashion. However, commercial forestry goals don’t always align with our artisanal needs as so many details are removed in the pursuit of speed (and profit). Throughout the life cycle of trees, they are managed to prioritise many criteria such as growth rate, straightness, and minimal branching etc. Unique characteristics such as movement, excessive branching, or slower growth are often seen as defects and removed. However, we value and celebrate these unique characteristics in our live-edge tables, so it’s so important to source by eye for every single piece we craft.

Our job is to uncover hidden gems with unconventional beauty. With over a decade of experience, we appreciate that our creative journey begins with selecting raw materials. When we unveil these raw boards to our clients, their initial reaction is often a gasp of disbelief, struggling to comprehend how we transform rough pieces of wood into exquisite tables. While our chapter begins at the sawmill, it’s essential to recognise the incredible individuals whose chapter ends here – the family run sawmills and the forestry team before them.

Each mill visit always leaves us with immense admiration for their skills and deep respect for the timber that binds us together. By establishing strong relationships with these mills, we have direct access to their kiln-dried stock, handpicking only the finest boards for our bespoke tables. This ensures exceptional quality and craftsmanship in each piece we create.

Leveraging our expertise in identifying standout boards, we skillfully highlight their unique characteristics, allowing clients to witness the remarkable beauty that lies beneath the surface. Transparency is woven into every step of our process. We engage our customers in every aspect, from sharing stories about timber origins to involving them in the design process, fostering a deep connection between clients and the natural materials we work with.

As we source timber for our furniture, we embrace the understanding that no two pieces will ever be identical, yet each holds its own distinct beauty. Selecting and procuring wood allows us to discover hidden treasures within. Each log tells a story, and it is our role as artisans to bring that story to life in a tangible and meaningful way.

Once kiln dried, our skilled craftsmen shape and craft the table with precision, considering the unique features and contours of the wood. Attention to detail is paramount, from the smoothness of the table’s surface to the perfect alignment of the live edges. Our craftsmen bring their expertise and passion to exceed our clients’ expectations. Throughout the creation process, we pay close attention to every detail, setting us apart and allowing us to create exceptional pieces. A protective finish enhances the wood’s natural beauty and ensures long-lasting durability. This step adds a lustrous sheen and safeguards the table against everyday wear and tear, ensuring enjoyment for generations to come.

In conclusion, sourcing timber is a labour of love and a critical part of our creative process. We journey across Europe in search of hidden treasures with the unique character and beauty we value. By prioritising craftsmanship, attention to detail, and establishing close relationships with trusted suppliers, we create remarkable works of art.

Toby Hardman In Advice, Design

Dining Table Styling Ideas for the Holidays

Dining table styling ideas are an important aspect of creating a memorable and stylish event. The dinner table is truly the star of the holiday season, and it’s easy to see why. With its central location in the home, it’s a focal point for guests and a gathering place for family and friends. The holiday season is a perfect time to put your creativity to the test and style your dinner table in a way that is both festive and functional.

One great way to transform your dinner table is to experiment with different textures. Adding some interest to your table with soft velvet runners, linen napkins, and a metallic tablecloth can create a warm and inviting ambiance. You can also add some greenery to the table to create a natural and vibrant feel. Fresh flowers, garlands, and green foliage can bring a touch of nature to the table, and succulents, herbs, and other potted plants can also be incorporated for a unique and eye-catching look.

Another way to transform your dinner table is to play with color. Don’t be afraid to incorporate bold and vibrant colors into your table setting, as this can create a fun and energetic atmosphere. You can also choose to stick with a neutral color scheme, such as white or cream, for a more sophisticated and timeless look.

Read on to find some great examples from our team.

Dining Table Styling Ideas 1. The Wishbone Chair

OK, this doesn’t strictly class as ‘tableware’ but we know better than anyone how it feels to be sat on the “spare chair” at Christmas. This could take the form of various sitting apparatus: the swivel chair from Mum’s office, the old bar stool from the garage (there’s no way I’m reaching the gravy from all the way up here!) or some other improvised sitting stations that will leave you holding your lower back through New Year’s Eve and beyond.

Now at Wicked, of course we celebrate practicality and function, but the holiday season is an excuse for us to flex our creative muscles and get stylish. Our pick is the The Wishbone Chair. Also referred to as the 'Y' chair due to its Y-shaped back, the Wishbone can be used as a dining or occasional chair, making it perfect for the holiday season.

Look for a Wishbone chair which is high quality and remains true to the original design.
Beyond its graceful, shapely form, its best attribute is most certainly flexibility. Designers and home decorators alike have used the Wishbone Chair everywhere from preppy dining rooms to bohemian bedrooms and the balance of glam features and organic elements makes a room feel fresh and vibrant. Furthermore, the beautiful woven-paper seat isn't hard and cold like some chairs – perfect for the wiser persons at the party.

We recommend: CH24 Wishbone Chair in Black Oak & Natural Paper Cord by Hans J. Wegner

Dining Table Styling Ideas 2. Large Otto Plate Black – Crafted by Frama

Handmade dinnerware is sure to make any meal that bit more special, and what could be better than eating off these beautiful Scandinavian ceramic plates. Not only are they gorgeous, this stonewear is refuted for its high strength and durability and makes for a sophisticated addition to any kitchen & dining room. The distinctive lip of the Otto series is an enduring and rustic design but combined with a stackable function and subtle glaze, it also celebrates a meeting between luxe and play in the most perfect way.

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Dining Table Styling Ideas 3. Smoke Red Wine Glass - Broste Copenhagen

Whatever holiday tipple, these classy glasses are a great dining table styling idea. The Smoke red wine glass by Broste Copenhagen is a modern take on the classic wine glass, and each glass is mouth blown with a smoke coloured base – it’s all in the details! Since the glasses are mouth-blown, the intensity of the colour will vary slightly from glass to glass, creating a unique finish every time. We know a little bit about one-of-a-kind here at Wicked – all of our tables of 1/1 – and these glasses are the perfect way to add a unique touch to your dining experience.

Dining Table Styling Ideas 4. Silver Candle holder – Crafted by Skultuna

Create an elegant setting with the Nattlight candleholder in silver from Skultuna. The Nattlight was designed by Richard Hutten, one of Holland’s most known designers. The candleholder is made of silver-plated brass with a clean, timeless design that is perfect for both festive occasions and every day. The candleholder is available in different sizes and works well displayed by itself or in a cluster. We recommend choosing silver for its versatility, so that these can be used to dress the table for any occasion throughout the new year.

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Dining Table Styling Ideas 5. Napkins with a fascinating ombre effect

The design on these napkins features an intriguing ombre effect. The fascinating patterns are more intense along one edge of the napkin and become progressively lighter as they disappear across the other side. Their generous size also means that they can roll up inside a napkin ring without looking thin. The natural style of this table linen will elevate your dining aesthetic by introducing characterful patterns and textures into the space.

Dining Table Styling Ideas 6. Flow Napkin Rings in Brass – Ferm Living

Moulded into curving, organic shapes, this set of napkin rings help you set your table with the attractive lines found in nature, introducing more warmth into your space without offsetting the feel of luxury. Each set features four individually shaped rings of solid brass and presents a napkin casually, yet gracefully – now, we’re getting stylish.

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Dining Table Styling Ideas 7. Lind dna - Table Set Curve

The leather used by LindDNA comes from leather offcuts from the production of bags, shoes and other wears. Cut small and then re-bonded with natural rubber, leather is an environmentally friendly and resource-saving alternative to conventional leather. Thanks to its 20% rubber content, the recycled LindDNA leather is particularly robust, water- and dirt-repellent and so easy to clean. At Wicked we think it’s important to make some environmentally conscious decisions over the holiday period, what with all that wrapping paper and what-not, so we recommend keeping an eye out for sustainable accessories. Sustainable can be choosing an item to last you a lifetime or something that has been made from recycled or reclaimed material.

We have chosen this table set in Nupo Anthracite as it matches perfect with the the colour of our oak tables.

Dining Table Styling Ideas 8. Matte Copper Oslo Cutlery – Canvas Home

We’re in love with this dining table styling idea; matte gold-plated flatware from Canvas Home. This 20-piece cutlery set draws inspiration from the minimal and clean aesthetic of 20th century Scandinavian flatware. OK, you got us – this is a Scandinavian inspired post! With sophistication and glamour, the copper metallic finish is perfect for elevating the Scandinavian aesthetic by adding a touch of luxe. Perfect for the holiday season!

What about your dining table style ideas for the holidays? Head over to our Instagram and let us know!

Toby Hardman In Advice, Design, Timber

What reclaimed wood do we use in our furniture?

Rustic reclaimed wood dining table with metal legs. Sustainable dining table made from reclaimed wood

Reclaimed wood has hit the big time in the furniture world, and for good reason. As Ikea continues to take the world by storm, a certain section of the market is reacting by demanding more character, more individuality in their furniture, which reclaimed is guaranteed to provide. But what does it all mean? How do you know you’re still getting a quality piece of wood?

What is reclaimed wood?

‘Reclaimed’ simply means that the wood has been repurposed or salvaged from another use. Typically this includes floorboards, old beams, barn cladding, railway sleepers, or pallets.

In our case, we stumbled right on a pile of wood just crying out to be rescued, at the foot of the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. We’d been contacted by a bunch of architectural salvage guys, who had stripped the flooring from a group of decommissioned boxcar freight trains and were hunting for a buyer. We, quite gladly, snapped it up.

Boxcar Timber

Boxcar trains became popular in the early 1900s (you’ll recognise them from Western movies – or the opening sequence of Toy Story 3, if you’re a little younger!), when the iconic design became instrumental in shipping all kinds of large items up and down the American railroads. The wildly everchanging weather across the state lines meant that the previous flatbed style of transportation swiftly needed to grow a few more walls to keep everything safely protected! Enter: The Box Car.

To us, the floorboards taken from these trains are simply majestic. Each board is at least 50mm thick, with rich scarring, indentations and bolt holes that secured the flooring to the chassis. When raw and untouched, you’d never know the beauty underneath; they’re so utterly covered in a thick layer of grime, but a quick sand will reveal all of their secrets.

Quality Still Matters

In the boom of reclaimed, it’s important to consider the quality of the wood – just as you would with anything new. Unlike railway sleepers, or some external timber cladding that you often see used for reclaimed furniture – boxcar wood is as dry as any other furniture grade timber. This means that there’s less risk of the wood twisting and cracking over time once it’s in your home – so it’ll last as long as you want it to.

Discover the Character

The second thing that we like to keep in mind is the character ingrained in the wood. Not all reclaimed timber is created equal – and although old oak beams may be aged by time, they’re a little lacking in their ability to tell a good story. We fell in love with Boxcar wood because it’s been through decades of hard work – and it shows it. It’s as if it’s speaking a language that you’re desperate to understand, and yet unable to translate – which we believe is a non-negotiable feature for reclaimed wood.

For all of our Boxcar tables, just take a browse around our shop – there are finished pieces to check out, or simply get in touch to ask for a bespoke quotation.

If you have any questions at all, take a look at our FAQS, or feel free to contact us.