A shelf with a past, made for your home. Here’s an honest look at the timber I use, the character it keeps and the size you can expect.
So, where does the wood come from?
From a local scaffolding company. These are real, used scaffold boards that have spent time out on building sites. They’ve been walked on, worked on and weathered. They haven’t been made to look old in a factory, they’ve earned it.
I bring them back to the workshop in Stockport, remove nails, staples, metal end plates and large splinters, then cut and finish them into shelves. A rather calmer retirement than another day on the scaffolding.
What kind of wood is it?
Reclaimed scaffolding timber is generally softwood. Spruce, often sold as European whitewood, is commonly used for scaffold boards. Because mine are reclaimed, I don’t promise a particular species for every shelf.
Some boards feel much heavier and have closer grain than others. That can be down to the species, how the tree grew or how much moisture is in the wood.
Will my shelf look exactly like the one in the photo?
No, and that’s part of the appeal. The photos give you a feel for the finish and style, but your shelf will have its own grain, colour and marks. Even two shelves cut from the same board can look different.
What are all those marks?
A bit of history. You might see knots, dents, knocks, nail or staple holes, dark patches, weathered grain and small cracks or splits. Some boards are fairly quiet; others have clearly had a busy working life.
I sand and finish the timber, but I don’t try to erase every mark. The aim is a shelf that feels finished while still looking like reclaimed wood. The varnish can also bring out colours and grain that were hiding under the weathering.
And the cracks and holes?
Small cracks and old fixing holes can be part of the reclaimed look. They aren’t something I add for effect. If you prefer a very uniform surface with no visible marks, this style may not be the right fit for you.
If you have a particular concern or a look in mind, get in touch before ordering and we can talk it through.
A closer look at the character
This gallery will show examples of the different marks you may find. They’re examples of character, rather than a promise of the exact shelf you’ll receive.
How big will my shelf be?
The finished wood is approximately 215–220 mm deep and 35 mm thick. Reclaimed timber varies a little, so these aren’t factory-perfect measurements.
The brackets add approximately 10 mm to the overall depth once assembled, making the assembled shelf approximately 225–230 mm deep.
I cut the length to your chosen size, from 30 cm to 180 cm. On the product page you can select your length in 10 cm increments. Prices range from £42 for 30 cm to £85 for 180 cm. Choose a length on the product page to see its price. Free UK delivery on orders of £100 or more; orders under £100 have a flat £10 delivery charge.
How does a weathered board become a shelf?
With quite a lot of sanding, a little patience and three coats of varnish. Come into the workshop and see how I make my shelves.