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.

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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.

The Different Types of Timber We Use....

......and The Beauty of Each

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Which timber is right for you?

Whether buying your Garden Furniture from us or another company, we hope the following may help you...

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The Origins of Our Oak

The quality of our materials are absolutely essential to creating such beautifully crafted seats- find...

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Autumn Arrival.....The Affinity Accoya

Bringing you the newest addition to the Sitting Spiritually Stable......

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Should I choose wood or metal for my garden swing seat?

When searching for the right garden swing seat you’re likely to be presented with two material choices:...

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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,...

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How to Restore Wooden Garden Furniture

Summer is really starting to look like a distant memory now, but many of us love to use our garden...

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How To Look After Your Wooden Garden Furniture

If you’ve recently invested in a garden swing seat, you’re likely going to be completely enamoured...

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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...

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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.

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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.

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