FAQ
About Our Furniture
Q: Where is your oak furniture made?
All of our handmade oak furniture is designed and crafted in our own workshop in Sussex, UK. We have been making high-quality oak furniture here since 1987 using traditional woodworking methods and carefully selected solid oak.
Q: Is your furniture truly handmade?
Yes. Our Sussex Collection furniture is genuinely handmade to order by skilled craftsmen. Each piece is individually built in our workshop using traditional joinery such as mortice and tenon joints, rather than mass-produced in factories.
Q: What makes Country Ways Oak Furniture different?
We combine traditional craftsmanship with bespoke flexibility. Unlike many retailers, we are real furniture makers with a physical workshop and showroom. We offer made-to-measure sizes, custom finishes, and personal service, with over 35 years of experience.
Q: Do you only sell handmade furniture?
We specialise in handmade bespoke oak furniture, but we also offer a carefully selected range of high-quality ready-made oak furniture. This gives customers the choice between fully bespoke pieces and faster delivery options.
Q: What type of oak do you use?
We use high-quality solid oak, carefully selected for each commission. We offer different grades including character oak, pippy oak, and more uniform finishes, depending on the customer’s preference.
Bespoke & Custom Furniture
Q: Can you make furniture to custom sizes?
Yes. Bespoke furniture is one of our main specialities. Almost all of our handmade pieces can be made to your exact dimensions, including custom lengths, widths, heights, and design details.
Q: How bespoke is your bespoke service?
Very bespoke! We can adjust sizes, designs, finishes, leg styles, edge profiles, drawer layouts, and more. We work with you to create a piece that perfectly suits your home and requirements.
Q: Do you help with design and measurements?
Yes. We offer personal advice to help you choose the right size and style. Customers are welcome to visit our Sussex showroom with room measurements, photos, or plans so we can guide you through the options.
Q: Can you match existing furniture?
In many cases, yes. We can match wood tones, styles, and dimensions to complement your existing furniture. Please contact us with photos and details of what you are trying to match.
Q: Can I see samples before ordering?
Yes. We can provide wood and finish samples, and you are always welcome to visit our showroom to see examples of our craftsmanship in person.
Ordering & Lead Times
Q: What is your current lead time for handmade furniture?
Lead times vary depending on the piece and time of year. Typically, handmade orders take around 4–8 weeks, although this can occasionally be longer during very busy periods.
Q: Do you require a deposit?
Yes. For bespoke and made-to-order furniture we usually take a deposit at the time of order, with the balance due before delivery.
Q: Can I change my order after placing it?
We will always try to accommodate changes where possible. However, once production has begun, changes may not be possible. Please contact us as soon as possible if you need to amend anything.
Q: Do you offer trade or interior designer services?
Yes. We regularly work with interior designers and trade clients. Please contact us directly to discuss trade pricing and bespoke commissions.
Delivery
Q: Do you deliver across the UK?
Yes. Although we are based in Sussex, we deliver our furniture nationwide using specialist furniture couriers.
Q: How is handmade furniture delivered?
Our larger pieces are delivered by professional furniture carriers who specialise in handling high-quality handmade furniture. Items are carefully protected and delivered to the room of your choice whenever possible.
Q: Can you deliver upstairs or into difficult spaces?
In most cases, yes. Please let us know in advance about any access restrictions such as narrow staircases, tight corners, or parking limitations.
Q: Do you offer international delivery?
We primarily deliver within the UK, but we can sometimes arrange international shipping. Please contact us to discuss your requirements.
Showroom & Visiting Us
Q: Do you have a showroom?
Yes. We have a physical showroom at our workshop in Sussex where you can see examples of our handmade furniture, discuss bespoke options, and view different oak grades and finishes.
Q: Do I need an appointment to visit?
You are welcome to visit during our opening hours, but appointments are recommended if you would like dedicated time to discuss a bespoke project.
Q: Can I collect my furniture?
Yes. Customers are welcome to collect from our workshop by prior arrangement.
Care & Maintenance
Q: How do I care for solid oak furniture?
Solid oak furniture is easy to maintain. We recommend regular dusting, using coasters and placemats, and avoiding excessive heat or moisture. We provide full care instructions with every handmade piece.
Q: Can oak furniture be refinished?
Yes. One of the advantages of solid oak is that it can be refinished or restored many years later, making it a long-lasting investment.
Q: Will oak change colour over time?
Yes. Oak naturally matures and mellows with age, often becoming slightly deeper and richer in tone. This is part of the natural beauty of solid wood.
Q: Can scratches or marks be repaired?
Most minor marks can be improved or repaired. We are always happy to offer advice on caring for and maintaining your furniture.
Materials & Construction
Q: Is your furniture made from solid oak or veneer?
Our handmade furniture is made from solid oak, not veneers or MDF. We use traditional construction methods designed to last for generations.
Q: What finishes do you offer?
We offer a range of finishes including natural oil, wax, lacquered finishes, and colour options. We can help you choose the best finish for your home and lifestyle.
Q: Are your tables extendable?
Yes. We can make extendable oak tables in a range of sizes and styles, including designs with extension leaves.
Q: Is oak furniture sustainable?
Yes. We use responsibly sourced timber and create furniture built to last a lifetime, making it a sustainable alternative to mass-produced furniture.
Returns & Guarantees
Q: Do you offer a guarantee?
Yes. We stand behind the quality of our craftsmanship. If you ever have an issue with one of our handmade pieces, we will always do our best to help.
Q: Can bespoke furniture be returned?
Because bespoke furniture is made specifically to your requirements, it is generally non-returnable. However, we work closely with you throughout the process to ensure you are completely happy with your order.