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

All of our pine shelves and mantels are made from solid, kiln-dried timber — and with that comes all the beautiful quirks and features that make real wood so unique. Because we don’t use veneers or engineered boards, your shelf is a natural product through and through.

Knots are a natural part of timber, marking where branches once grew. These can vary in size and colour, and are one of the key features that give rustic furniture its charm.

Twists and slight warping can occasionally occur as the wood adjusts to the environment in your home, especially if there's a shift in temperature or humidity. Though rare in kiln-dried pine, it’s part of the character of real wood and doesn’t affect the strength or durability of the piece.

Shakes are small, surface-level splits in the grain that can appear during the drying process. They don’t compromise the structure, but instead add to the natural, timeworn look many customers love.

Finally, machine marks may be visible from the manufacturing process — especially along the edges or faces of the wood. These are not considered defects but rather are part of our rustic aesthetic, and they are often left visible intentionally to give the furniture an authentic, handcrafted feel.

If you’re ever unsure about a feature in your timber, we’re always happy to take a look and advise further.