Timber & British Craft

A guide to the materials and making behind Sitting Spiritually.
Prime European oak, painted Accoya, and careful workmanship in the South West, designed for year-round outdoor living.

Explore Swing Seats Request a Brochure

Start here

Timber choices, craftsmanship, and what “outdoor ready” really means

Good garden furniture starts long before the first cut of timber. It begins with material selection, seasoning, joinery choices, and the details you never see once a piece is in place. This hub brings together our most useful articles on the timbers we use, why they suit British gardens, and how thoughtful making leads to furniture that can live outdoors and mellow beautifully over time.

You will find guidance on prime European oak and painted Accoya, how they behave in the elements, what to expect as oak weathers to silver, and how simple care helps your furniture stay refined season after season. If you are choosing between wood and other materials, these articles will help you decide with confidence.

Made slowly. Made to last.

Teak vs Oak: Which Wood Is Better for Garden Furniture?

This guide compares teak and oak in terms of durability, appearance, maintenance, cost, and sustainability to help you decide which suits your garden...

Read the full article

How To Maintain Your Wooden Garden Swing Seat

This guide will walk you through the simple steps you’ll need to follow to preserve your swing seat’s wood’s natural beauty and extend the life...

Read the full article

The Story of Napoleon and French Oak

France is home to some of the finest oak forests in the world; and it’s from these ancient trees, with a history that traces back to the days of Napoleon...

Read the full article

Wasps....Friend or Foe of Your Swing Seat?

Why you should be delighted to have wasps in your garden....

Read the full article

Buy Once, Buy Well

Recently two people in the public eye, both poles apart, have been quoted as having very much the same philosophy.

Read the full article

Have a Seat With... Artist Lucy Young

An interview with Lucy Young, a local artist whose bright and uplifting harbour scenes capture the essence of movement and light found on the stunning...

Read the full article

A Message From Martin Young

I wanted to to let you know what is happening here at Sitting Spiritually, and how we can still assist you.

Read the full article

Exploring the History of Springs by Davies Springs

The first spring powered-clocks appeared in and evolved into the first large watches by the 16th century & we find it fascinating that our suspension...

Read the full article

The Story Behind The Kyokusen

Kyokusen is Japanese for “Curves in the air” and this is how it came to be such an integral part of our range....

Read the full article

A simple guide to choosing outdoor timber furniture

If you are comparing materials and makers, focus on the details that determine how a piece will look and feel after years outside.

  1. Choose the timber with the setting in mind
    Oak is naturally beautiful and will weather to a soft silver. Painted Accoya offers long-term stability with a crisp, enduring finish that suits more colourful schemes and coastal gardens.

  2. Look for outdoor-first construction
    Outdoor furniture needs thoughtful joints, accurate fit, and fixings that stand up to weather. These details reduce movement, protect the structure, and keep the finish looking calm rather than tired.

  3. Expect timber to change, and enjoy it
    Timber is alive to the seasons. The best pieces are designed for that reality and become more characterful over time, not less.

  4. Care is simple, but it matters
    Cleaning away algae and grime helps maintain a refined look. Occasional re-oiling for oak, and sensible upkeep for painted finishes, will extend the beauty and longevity of the piece.

  5. Refurbishment is part of buy-once quality
    Well-made timber furniture can be refreshed and restored, rather than replaced. It is one of the most practical aspects of true craftsmanship.

Request our brochure

Discover the artistry of Sitting Spiritually. Request a copy of our brochure to explore our entire collection of luxury garden swings, day beds, benches, rope swings, and pergolas. See why our handcrafted, sustainable furniture is the perfect, lasting addition to your garden.

Get the brochure

Loading... Updating page...