At our West Sussex woodyard, we welcome furniture makers to book an appointment and handpick their own boards. Visiting in person allows you to compare tones and textures, and select the exact pieces that you have envisioned. Our team will prepare a clear and safe space for you to browse, and we’ll always be nearby if you’d like advice or an extra pair of hands.
If you’re a furniture maker looking for guidance on choosing the right boards, understanding moisture content, and deciding between waney or square edge timber, keep reading – this guide is for you!
From the sweep of the grain to the natural edges left by the tree, no two boards are quite the same. For furniture makers, this is where the project begins – choosing the right timber.
Why handpicking timber matters
Furniture is tactile. You see it, you touch it, you live with it – so the timber has to feel right from the very start. By handpicking your boards at our West Sussex woodyard, you can:
- See the grain in person – photographs rarely capture the depth and detail of real timber.
- Match tones and colours – important when working on larger pieces or a set of furniture.
- Check for character – some makers love the wild knots and curves of waney edge, others prefer the clean lines of square edge.
- Plan your project – by laying out boards, you can visualise how they’ll work together.
That’s why we offer a bookable yard service – so you can take your time, explore and walk away confident you’ve found the right boards.
Waney edge vs. square edge – which should you choose?
When choosing your timber, one of the first decisions is whether to work with waney edge or square edge boards. Both options have their advantages depending on your project.
Waney Edge Timber
Waney edge boards retain the tree’s natural edges, often with gentle curves or variations that highlight its true form. We specialise in waney edge timbers, offering customers flexibility in how they use them. While waney edge may require a little more consideration during planning and cutting, there is no difference in the quality of the wood compared to square edge.
Perfect for: statement tables, shelves, benches, and projects that showcase the natural character of oak.
Benefits: each board is unique, adding individuality and a strong connection back to the tree.
Flexibility: customers can choose to keep the natural edge or have boards cut to square edge or components in our machine shop.
Square Edge Timber
Square edge boards are cut with clean, parallel sides, making them ready for precise joinery and consistent use. The only square edge we keep in stock is 27mm Character Oak, though we can machine waney edge boards into square edge on request.
- Perfect for: cabinetry, fitted furniture, and projects requiring precision.
- Benefits: quicker preparation, easier matching, and minimal waste.
Ultimately, the decision comes down to the look and feel you want your piece to have. Waney edge celebrates the natural, organic beauty of the tree, while square edge offers a refined, uniform finish. With both options available, you can select the format that best suits your project’s personality.
Timber species
Alongside board style, the species of timber you choose will shape the feel of your furniture. Here are some favourites for makers:
- Oak – dense, durable, and timeless. Perfect for traditional or contemporary pieces.
- Elm – striking grain patterns, ideal for feature pieces where individuality is key.
- Sweet Chestnut – a sustainable alternative to oak, lighter in tone and naturally resistant to decay.
- Ash – light in colour with a smooth grain, tough yet flexible.
Each species works differently in the workshop, so think about the qualities you need: strength, colour, grain or workability.
Understanding moisture content
Wood is never static. It expands and contracts as it gains or loses moisture – and this movement can make or break a piece of furniture.
At English Woodlands Timber, we operate our own kilns to bring boards to the right moisture level for use. For furniture making, the moisture content of kiln-dried European temperate hardwoods typically ranges from 10% to 16%, depending on the thickness.
Preparing timber for the workshop
After selecting your timber, the next step is preparation. This is where you turn a raw board into workable material. Some makers enjoy every stage, from sawing to planing, while others prefer to begin closer to the making stage.
At our machining workshop, we can provide:
- Cut to size – saving you time and waste.
- PAR – ready to work with straight away.
- Moulding profiles – ideal if you need custom details.
- Thicknessing and sanding – bringing consistency to boards before you take them home.
Whether you want the satisfaction of doing it all yourself or the convenience of ready-prepared timber, we’re here to support your preferred approach.
Tips for visiting our woodyard
A trip to the woodyard isn’t something to squeeze in between errands; it’s worth giving yourself a bit of time and headspace. The whole experience is much more enjoyable when you can slow down and really explore.
Book ahead
The first thing we’d suggest is to book ahead. That way we can make sure the space is ready for you and double-check that the stock you’re interested in is available. It also means someone will be on hand if you need help moving boards or simply want a second opinion.
Project plan
It’s also a good idea to bring along a project plan – nothing fancy, even just a few rough measurements jotted down. Knowing the dimensions you’re working to makes it much easier to select boards that will work for your design and it saves you from second-guessing yourself later.
Don’t rush
Most importantly, don’t rush! Choosing timber is part of the creative process and it’s meant to be enjoyed. Take the time to lay boards out, compare them side by side, and let your ideas evolve as you look.
Ask questions
Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Whether you’re curious about the drying process, trying to decide between species or want advice on how a particular board might behave in the workshop, we’re always happy to chat and share our knowledge.
Finding Us
We’re located on the A286 between Chichester and Midhurst, just south of Cocking village. Look out for our sign opposite The Flint Barn café – a perfect stop for a coffee after your visit.
Sat Nav postcode: GU29 0HS
Supporting furniture makers at every stage
Whether it’s helping you find the right species for your project, preparing boards to your specifications in our machining workshop, or simply being on hand to share knowledge and practical advice, we’re here to help.
From one-off statement pieces to large commissions, we’re just as excited as you are to get started.
Please call 01730 816941 or email us at sales@englishwoodlandstimber.co.uk to arrange a day and time for a visit.
