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FAQS

Got questions? We've got answers! Whether you're pondering the origins of our materials, curious about the process behind our custom pieces, or simply wondering how to care for your wooden treasures, you're in the right place. Dive into our Frequently Asked Questions where we spill the beans, share our secrets, and maybe even crack a joke. "

  • What’s the story behind Woodruff & Holmes?
    We are a small independent company that was born out of a passion for working with wood and leather and joy from using the materials available around us here in Devon. The business was formed after we sold our hospitality business following COVID and the cost of living problems. It's our pleasure to make things people love. We care about the environment and sustainability so when we can use re-claimed materials for our gifts and rustic furniture it gives us that extra little spark of joy!
  • Why reclaimed materials? Are the ghosts of furniture past included?
    It takes years for a tree to grow and we all know the good that trees do for our environment and ecology. For every piece of reclaimed wood we use, there is less chance of another tree being felled and less waste for the planet to deal with. Every piece of re-cycled wood has it own unique knocks and marks that tell the stories of it's previous life, the same goes for the up-cycled furniture we love to rescue for a second chance. We have great fun making up tales of how the marks were made, like the notches on a side table made in a pirate brawl!
  • How does solar power influence the making of my furniture?
    We have a large solar panel array which provides electricity for both the workshop and our house. When the sun is shining all our energy comes from renewable sources. Even when the weather is dull most of our energy use still comes from solar and surplus grid energy stored in batteries. It is our aim that everything we produce has as little impact on the environment as possible, both from energy use and materials. Net Zero is incredibly hard to achieve, but we want to get as close as we can! By buying from us you can be reassured that your gift or furniture has not been mass produced in a huge polluting factory using virgin timber.
  • What kinds of wood do you use, and can I choose my wood type?
    The majority of our rustic designs are made using up-cycled scaffold boards which are very strong, well-seasoned and full of character. We also source a lot of wood from construction sites, either surplus wood or demolition waste. All of which would generally go up in smoke if it's not taken away. We do occasionally use some character woods for some of the more refined pieces we make, but this will always come from an FSC-certified source. If you would like bespoke furniture built from a certain type of wood, we can discuss this with you. If it is not possible to purchase the wood species responsibly then we will not go ahead with the project, otherwise we can source most things.
  • How do I care for my rustic furniture to ensure it ages as well as I do?
    Our internal furniture generally comes with a wax finish which does like to be well treated, use coasters for hot drinks for example. If the finish is regularly given a good dusting and clean with a damp cloth it should be fine with a top-up with a good wax polish every six months to a year, depending on position and use. The furniture is well seasoned and sturdily built so should last years and years! We would expect our personalised gift items to last a lifetime.
  • Can you make a table that will fit my awkwardly shaped dining room?
    Yes! We specialise in making custom pieces to fit where you want them to fit! Contact us to have a chat about what you are thinking, we are very friendly.
  • How do I order a custom piece, and what’s the process?
    The first step is to either give us a call on 07976567746 or drop us an email or complete the form on our site. If it is a simple request like altering the size or colour of one of our existing furniture designs we can take the order and get straight on to making the piece. For a more complex bespoke furniture design, we would draw up plans and make sure you are happy with everything before we take payment and get your project made. There may be additional shipping fees if we are building items that exceed our couriers' size limits. We know that you will be excited about your new furniture so we try to get it made and out to you as soon as possible. We would aim to get most orders out to you within 7-10 days after receiving the order.
  • Do you deliver outside of Exeter, and how are the delivery owls trained?
    Yes. We deliver across the entire UK. Larger furniture items tend to be delivered the next day once they are ready to ship. Smaller items are sent out through regular couriers with 2-4 days delivery, unless you want them in a hurry.
  • What’s the turnaround time for a custom piece? Will I grow a beard waiting?
    If it is a straightforward order such as changing the size or colour of one of our existing furniture designs we would expect to get it made and sent to you within 7-10 days. There will be a period of consultation if it is a custom piece we are building form scratch, but unless it is a very complex design we would still aim to get it made and delivered to you within 2 weeks. This time may be extended if we need to source unusual materials.
  • How do you ensure your materials are ethically sourced?
    We buy or find all the reclaimed wood we use in person so can see where it has come from. We use large reputable mills when we need to source new timber so we can be assured it is FSC-certified or comes from a sustainable source.
  • What happens to the waste produced in your workshop?
    Our wood offcuts are either used in other projects or go to a neighbour's wood-burning stove. A lot of our sawdust is composted. Where possible product and delivery packaging is either reused or recycled. What is left, which is not much, goes to a zero landfill waste facility.
  • What if I’m not in love with my piece as much as I thought I would be?
    We'd be very sad if you didn't love your piece, but you can always return it within 14 days of receipt. If it is a bespoke item that we have discussed and you have ordered, then we cannot accept returns unless it is faulty or damaged. The customer is responsible for carriage on items returned unless they are faulty or damaged.
  • How do I get in touch if I have a problem or just want to chat about wood?
    You can give us a call at 07976567746 or email us Hello@woodruffandholmes.co.uk Alternatively, you can fill out the contact form on our site and we will get right back to you. We'd always love to hear from you, so don't be shy!

Still Have Questions?

Can't find what you're looking for? Reach out to us – we love a good wood-related chat as much as we love a fine grain.

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