Custom-made Shou Sugi Ban table
19 Aug 2019
We have long-standing relationships with many of our clients. We’ve been working with one couple for more than 30 years, 15 years ago we made a kitchen for them when they moved into a new home in London. They recently contacted us after moving house again to ask if we could create a custom-made dining table for their beautiful new home.
Their existing table didn’t fit very well in their new dining space, but there were elements they liked and wanted to keep. The zinc top on their table created an effect that they really liked, but they weren’t keen on how easily it marked. They also wanted to be able to extend and contract their table, so they could host more people if they were having a dinner party.
Getting the brief exactly right
We took exact measurements of their new dining space to make sure the new table would fit perfectly. This included measuring the chairs to make sure there would be room to walk around the table when it was in use.
Our client had seen a copper-topped bar in a local restaurant and loved the idea of a copper-topped table to replace the zinc one. To contrast with the copper top of the table they wanted a Japanese shou sugi ban charring effect on the table legs and supporting framework.
The Shou Sugi Ban technique
We’d recently completed a project using the shou sugi ban technique which creates a stunning charred effect that highlights the wood’s grain in a gorgeous golden-brown colour. The team had done four week’s training with an expert shou sugi ban craftsman, as well as having lots of practice in the workshop, to make sure the results of the charring process would be absolutely perfect.
Made to measure – the perfect solution
The new custom-made table is slightly narrower to better fit the available space and can be extended to comfortably seat an additional four dinner guests.
To protect the copper from tarnishing without concealing the metal’s surface we added a glass top. This makes it easy to enjoy the warm sheen of the metal without marking it in any way.
We completed the table at our workshops in Somerset before delivering it to pride of place the new dining space. Our clients absolutely love their new table and have asked us to help them with another project.