Why does my oak shelf or mantel have a waney edge?Updated 2 months ago

A waney edge is a natural feature that occurs when the timber is cut close to the outer edge of the tree, where the bark once was. Instead of being sawn into uniform, perfectly rectangular pieces, the timber retains a gentle curve or irregular line along one or more edges. This is known as the waney edge, and it’s a detail we deliberately preserve in many of our shelves and mantels to reflect the natural, rustic style we’re proud to offer.

Rather than seeing it as a flaw, we view a waney edge as part of what makes each piece beautifully unique. It tells the story of the tree it came from — its age, its growth pattern, and its organic shape. No two waney edges will ever be the same, which is exactly what makes your furniture special.

We do our best to show these details in our product photos and mention them clearly in our product descriptions. If you’re looking for a super-sleek, manufactured finish, this might not be the right fit — but if you appreciate handcrafted timber with real character and authenticity, then a waney edge is something to celebrate.