We may be living through challenging times, but the pandemic has made us appreciate what’s on our doorstep. From verdant forests to home-grown food and our rich history of craftmanship, we are realising that our incredible island country has so much to offer. If you’re thinking of investing in furniture, here are five great reasons to buy British…
1. You’re buying for life
When you invest in British-made, solid timber furniture, you’re buying it for life. If your solid timber dining table becomes scratched or stained, it can be sanded back and re-varnished, plus it’s robust enough to withstand wear and tear. Ultimately, this is future-proof furniture that becomes a fixture in your family home. It’s a timeless legacy that can be handed down to the next generation.
In contrast, while mass-produced fast furniture may have an appealing price point, it doesn’t always mean quality. It’s often made from particle board, which is coated in veneer, and simply isn’t built to last. That’s just one of the reasons why over 20million pieces of furniture wind up in UK landfill each year.
2. It a sustainable choice
Perhaps you’re already diligently recycling, replacing your bulbs with LEDS or enjoying locally-produced food. Whatever planet-friendly choices you make, why not add buying British-made furniture to that list?
Buying British means a far lower carbon footprint, because the raw materials aren’t being shipped from abroad. But it runs much deeper than that. At Forest to Home, we only use timber from certified, sustainable sources. That means it comes from well-managed UK forests, where there’s a careful balance of planting and felling. That’s vital, because a responsibly-managed forest soaks up CO2.
We operate from a large, open-sided barn deep in the Wiltshire countryside. As workplaces go, it’s pretty idyllic.
3. You’re protecting our countryside
Buying British also actively supports the countryside we know and love. From each sale, we donate proceeds to Grown in Britain, which ensures new trees will be planted on responsibly-managed land.
That means we (and you) are supporting the UK’s forestry industry and the people who preserve our beautiful woodlands. These are the places that make Britain so unique, the habitats that so many of our butterflies, birds and deer depend on.
4. It’s good for the soul
When you buy British-made furniture, you are buying a unique story and a slice of history. Every slab of timber we use is fully traceable, not just back to the forest but right down to the very tree. Our furniture connects you to nature, and to Britain’s wild beauty.
At our Wiltshire workshop, you can enjoy seeing us in action too. We welcome guests with open arms, and will happily show you the production process. From the vast, raw slabs of timber to the polished end product, it’s an incredible experience.
5. You’re celebrating British artisans
Our island nation has a rich history of craftmanship, one which has been passed down through the generations. By investing in British-made products, you celebrating our artisans and sustaining their skillsets. Of course, you are supporting your local community too, something we’ve come to value more than ever in our recent tumultuous times.
