Sapele is my choice for handmade windows.

It is a tropical hardwood that’s incredibly rot and weather-resistant. It takes paint well, but looks rather beautiful when finished with clear wood preserver or wax.

Reclaimed materials can bring a unique look or flavour to a project, which I utilise where possible, including this fantastic pine from a refurbished army barracks that’s over a century old.

The reclaimed pine has been sensitively prepared to maintain the rich depth of colour acquired over its long life, and the original saw marks made over 150 years ago, when the wood was first milled, have also been preserved in places.

Western red cedar is a beautiful wood with many natural colours. It is actually quite soft and marks easily, but it’s exceptionally weather-resistant and smells delicious when worked with.

It’s a fine choice for the inner trims around windows, door frame and skirting.