The Hand Crafted Timber Co. can supply hand carved beams to meet any specification. Owners of period properties or architects looking for a traditional component to a modern design now have a source of high quality timber completely finished by hand.

Hand carving imparts a natural finish to the wood in stark contrast to the clinical surfaces left by modern sawmill techniques. Both natural and artificial light pick up the subtle tool marks left by the craftsman, just as one would expect from original features.

The Hand Crafted Timber Co. works primarily with English oak or chestnut, using locally sourced, sustainable supplies whenever possible. We can work with your own builder or timber framer or suggest other specialist companies.

Rediscovering a Lost Art

The transformation of tree into beam is a process that was unchanged over the centuries before sawn timber became the norm. The Hand Crafted Timber Co. specialises in recapturing this lost art using authentic reproductions of original tools.

The craftsman first strips away the outer bark layer to reveal the sap wood underneath. From this point the rough dimensions of the project are chalked on to the piece which is then mounted onto bearers. Excess wood is removed by cutting notches to the depth of the chalk lines before a broad axe is used to reveal the rough dimensions of the final piece.

The finish is created with a side axe, producing a result that is incredibly smooth to the touch. Each piece has subtle, individual features creating a unique item and an authentic period feel.