Insights
From the workshop
Timber guides, furniture care, design inspiration and trade insights — from 15+ years of making furniture by hand in Cape Town.

Buying Guide
Cord vs Plastic Woven Chair Seats: Which Weave Is Right for You?
Cord or plastic weave? The honest comparison — feel, durability, cleaning and where each belongs — so you choose the right hand-woven seat for your space.

Timber Guide
Iroko Wood Furniture: The Sustainable Hardwood Guide
Warm, tough and naturally decay-resistant, Iroko is our go-to alternative to teak. Everything you need to know about this excellent West African hardwood.

For Designers
Choosing Furniture for a Safari Lodge or Boutique Hotel
Lessons from furnishing some of Africa's most celebrated lodges — how to specify furniture that is beautiful enough to define a space and tough enough to survive it.

Timber Guide
The Best Timber Species for Dining Chairs: A Complete Guide
Ash, Iroko or American Walnut? We break down the characteristics of every timber we work with — helping you choose the right wood for your dining room.

Care Guide
How to Care for Hand-Woven Seat Furniture: The Complete Guide
Cotton rope, leather and sisal all require different care. Here's everything you need to know to keep your woven seat furniture looking its best for decades.

For Designers
Sourcing Custom Furniture as an Interior Designer: What to Look For
How we work with interior designers and architects — from brief to specification sheets, material samples and on-time project delivery.

Timber Guide
What Is Kiaat Wood? South Africa's Favourite Hardwood Explained
Kiaat is our most popular timber — warm, durable and distinctly South African. Here's everything you need to know about this beautiful hardwood.

International
Shipping Handcrafted Furniture Internationally: What to Expect
From custom crating to customs clearance — everything you need to know about ordering and receiving handcrafted South African furniture internationally.

Sustainability
Sustainable Timber Furniture in South Africa: Our Approach
Our approach to responsible timber sourcing, closed-cycle manufacturing and why sustainability has been part of our practice from the very beginning.
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