Why does my oak shelf or mantel have twists, knots, or machine marks?Updated 2 months ago

Our oak shelves and mantels are handcrafted from solid, air-dried oak – a natural, living material with its own unique character. Because we don’t use engineered or veneered wood, each piece carries individual quirks that are true to its origin. This includes natural features such as knots, grain variation, colour shifts, splits, and even occasional waney edges.

Twists and movement in the timber can occur as part of the air-drying process. Oak continues to settle and acclimatise to your home environment, especially if there’s a change in temperature or humidity. This movement is a hallmark of authentic, untreated oak and doesn’t affect the structural integrity of the piece.

Knots are formed where branches once grew, and we choose to embrace them as part of the rustic charm of our designs. While some customers prefer a cleaner finish, we believe these details are part of what makes each shelf or mantel truly one-of-a-kind.

Machine marks may also be visible in places. These can appear during shaping or sanding, particularly in the tougher grain of oak. Rather than over-sanding (which would compromise the natural texture), we preserve these slight imperfections in line with our raw, rustic style. If preferred, many customers use a Wax Care Pack to soften their appearance, though we don't view them as faults.

Ultimately, if you’re looking for a product with character, individuality and a more natural finish, solid oak is a beautiful choice – and one that evolves with time.