Materials & finishes

How every
piece is
finished.

The finish on a piece of furniture is as important as the timber it's made from. Here's what we use, why we use it, and what the options are for your piece.

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Our approach

Every finish decision we make is driven by how the piece will be used and what will perform best over time. We don't use finishes for visual effect alone. The oil we apply penetrates and protects. The paint we use is sprayed for an even, durable coat. The steel we specify is chosen to complement the timber, not compete with it.

All finish options are discussed and agreed at the proposal stage — nothing is assumed. If you have a specific finish in mind, tell us when you enquire and we'll advise on whether it's suitable for the piece and how it'll perform over time.

Standard finish

Rubio
Monocoat
Oil Plus 2C.

Penetrating oil Plant-based Matte finish Repairable Food safe

Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is the standard finish on all Kingsley Woodwork pieces unless otherwise specified. It's a penetrating hardwax oil — it bonds with the wood fibres rather than sitting on top of them. The result is a surface that feels and looks like real wood, not one that's been coated.

It's applied by hand in our workshop in controlled conditions and allowed to fully cure before delivery. Allow at least five days after delivery before cleaning with any liquid — the cure continues after the piece leaves us.

The finish is available in a range of colours and tones — from naturals, to smokey and aged, to vibrant and deep colours — each of which interacts differently with the wood beneath. Most commissions use the natural tone of Pure, which enhances the grain and warmth of the timber without changing its colour significantly.

Pure and Natural
Finishes aimed at dark and light hardwoods respectively, which enhance the timber's own colour and grain. The most popular choice — brings warmth without altering the wood's natural tone.
White
A very light whitewash tone that opens the grain. Works well on oak for a Scandinavian or contemporary feel without full bleaching.
Arabica
A dark, rich colour, often used on lighter woods when a darker result is wanted without switching to walnut. When used on walnut, it enhances the already rich darkeness of the natural wood
Shell Grey
Deepens and darkens the grain, giving oak a rich, aged character.
Maintenance: Rubio Monocoat surfaces are easy to live with. Dust regularly, wipe spills promptly, and use Rubio Monocoat Soap for deeper cleaning. Rejuvenate with Rubio Monocoat Renew every 2–6 years depending on use. Full care instructions on our care guide.
Optional finish

Spray
painted
finish.

Spray applied Wide colour range Smooth satin sheen Hardwood frame only Natural top retained

For pieces where colour is part of the brief — hallway benches, coat racks, storage units — we offer a spray-applied painted finish. The paint is applied by our finishing specialist for a smooth, even coat that's more durable and consistent than brush-applied finishes.

The painted finish applies to the hardwood frame only. Solid oak or other hardwood tops, shelves, and seat surfaces are retained in Rubio Monocoat oil — the contrast between the painted frame and the natural hardwood is one of the defining details of this finish.

Tell us the colour you have in mind — a shade name, a paint code, or a description — and we'll advise on what's achievable. If you're trying to match existing joinery or kitchen units, let us know at enquiry stage and we'll do our best to get as close as possible.

Choosing a colour? Get a paint code, or simply describe what you're trying to achieve — we'll take it from there. If you're unsure, neutral grey-greens and warm off-whites tend to work well with both oak and ash tops.
Timber

Wood
species.

The timber is the single most important decision in any commission. Species, grade, and cut all affect the character, performance, and price of the finished piece. We work with a small selection of hardwoods chosen for quality and availability from sustainable sources.

All timber is sourced from certified suppliers and allowed to acclimatise in the workshop before being worked. This reduces movement in the finished piece and ensures the joints stay tight over time.

English & American White Oak
Our most-used timber. Warm golden tones, strong open grain, excellent durability. Works with both oil and painted finishes. Ages beautifully — darkens slightly and develops character over years of use. Available in character grade (with natural knots and variation) and prime grade (more consistent, cleaner face).
American Walnut
Rich chocolate-brown with a fine, straight grain. The premium choice for statement pieces — particularly dining tables, bedroom furniture, and sideboards. More expensive than oak but unmistakable in a room. Finishes beautifully with Pure Rubio Monocoat oil.
Ash
Pale, cream-white timber with a strong open grain. A good choice for contemporary or Scandinavian-influenced interiors where a lighter timber is preferred. Takes painted finishes particularly well — the contrast between the painted frame and oiled ash top is a perfect combinations.
Cherry
Starts pale and deepens to a warm reddish-brown with exposure to light — one of the most rewarding timbers to own long-term. Fine, even grain with a natural lustre. Well-suited to bedroom furniture and cabinets where a refined, warm result is wanted.
Tulipwood and Maple
Hardwoods typically used for painted pieces — stable, smooth-grained, and takes paint extremely well. Used for frames, legs, and carcasses where the timber will be painted rather than left natural. Often paired with an oak, ash or walnut top.
Not sure which timber? Tell us the room, the existing furniture, and your rough budget — we'll recommend the most suitable species for your brief. There's no wrong choice, but some species suit certain pieces and environments better than others.
Hardware

Steel
options.

Powder coated Custom sizing available Tables, benches & shelving

Steel legs and frames are welded and finished by our chosen supplier, a small business focusing on steel fabrications. We don't use off-the-shelf hairpin legs from a catalogue — each set is sized to suit the piece, whether that's a hairpin leg for a nest of tables, a box section trestle for a dining table, or a flat bar frame for a bench.

Steel finish is specified at the proposal stage. The most common options are shown below. If you have something specific in mind — a particular finish, a RAL colour, or a custom profile — let us know and we'll advise on what's achievable.

Matt black
Anthracite
Gold
Matt white
Most popular pairing: Matt black steel with white oak in natural Rubio Monocoat. The contrast is clean and works in almost any interior. Gold legs with walnut is our second most requested combination — warmer and more statement.

Have a finish
in mind? Tell
us about it.

All finish decisions are made at the proposal stage — nothing is assumed. Use the enquiry form to tell us about your project and your preferences, and we'll work through the options with you.

Start your enquiry