Healthy, Reliable & Long Lasting Real Wood
We use solid American oak and walnut because they are hardy and last. Unlike veneered furniture, there's less damage from wear and tear so you don't have to throw it out to replace it with something equally replaceable.
Sustainable Forestry
We only use real wood sourced from American forests embodying sustainable principles. This means it is sustainably harvested, restores the ecosystem, has replanting processes which are consistent environmental monitoring and the land rights of indigenous peoples.
Carbon Efficient
Solid wood furniture is a provider of carbon storage and has a positive effect on the planet by not releasing this carbon. Regrowth in sustainably managed forests adds to carbon emission reduction by further increasing carbon storage.
At IconByDesign we do the best by our planet by making pieces that last. We reject the trend to flat-pack, cheap, disposable veneer furniture. With a focus on sustainability, value, design and durability, we take pride in the fact that we use solid American oak and walnut timber to craft our products – and the quality speaks for itself.
So, if you’re after a makeover for your dining or living rooms, if your home office needs a fresh WFH update, your bedroom needs to be spruced up or if you're looking for some additional storage options that will last for many years, we strongly suggest you choose solid wood furniture.
Here’s why...
At IconByDesign, we know that nothing beats the warmth, richness and sheer beauty of natural wood. Each piece of naturally-sourced wood varies in tone and grain, making each piece unique. Unlike veneers and chipboard that bend and bow as the years wear on, solid timber gets better with time. The bulk of our furniture is built using solid wood. If veneered furniture gets damaged, it usually can't be repaired, which means it gets goes into landfill since it doesn’t last very long.
Solid wood, especially hardwood like American oak, is naturally hard wearing, which makes it more cost effective and sustainable in the long run. The typical life of a solid wood item is ten to fifteen times longer than that of a veneered wood item. The manufacture of solid wood furniture is also very clean and a sustainable process.
We do use engineered woods where the design requires it. An example is the reversible doors on our Magnus and Bastian storage units. We have used engineered woods on these sliding doors because their simple open construction needs the stability that engineered wood provides. All our other products are made from solid American oak or walnut.
When you buy an IconByDesign product, every knot in the wood tells a story; every piece is designed to convey its inherent simplicity and strength; every item speaks of integrity, timeless design and refined elegance. What’s more, we used sustainably sourced solid wood so that your furniture has minimal impact on the environment.
Solid timber lends itself beautifully to the design and creation of our furniture. Let us make your house a home with solid timber furniture that’s your forever furniture.
Unique by Design
From the grain pattern and knots to natural shifts in tone, no two pieces of timber are ever the same. These variations reflect the life of the tree, and we embrace them as hallmarks of authenticity and character.
At IconByDesign, we work with premium, number one grade wood, selected for its durability and refined appearance.
You may notice fine, ribbon-like lines across the surface. These are medullary rays - natural structures that carry nutrients from the centre of the tree to its outer layers. When timber is quarter sawn, a traditional and most ideal cut for strength - these rays become visible as shimmering flecks or cross-grain patterns that add both beauty and strength.
The result is furniture that celebrates the honest character of real timber, made to last for generations.
Sustainability and Solid Wood
At IconByDesign, sustainability begins with respect: for the forests our timber comes from, for the people who craft our furniture, and for the homes where each piece is lived with and loved.
We believe that choosing solid wood over disposable alternatives is a more thoughtful choice for the planet. Fewer, well-crafted pieces that last a lifetime reduce waste and create a deeper connection between you and the things you live with every day.
Wood is one of nature’s most remarkable materials. Trees absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen, and even once harvested, timber continues to store carbon, helping to reduce its presence in the atmosphere.
That is why we source our oak and walnut from responsibly managed forests. These hardwoods are chosen not only for their strength and reliability but also for their beauty and character. Over time, they evolve in colour and texture, telling the story of how they have been used and loved.
Solid wood furniture doesn't just last, it adapts. It can be repaired, refinished, or left to age gracefully, wearing the marks of a life well lived.
For us, sustainability is not a trend. It is about creating furniture with enduring purpose, genuine value, and timeless character. Pieces you will take pride in owning and passing on.
Solid American Oak
A premium hardwood valued for its strength, natural beauty, and ease of maintenance.
Distinctive grain pattern unique to genuine oak species adds warmth and texture.
Pale straw in colour, maturing into a rich honey or golden blonde with subtle pink or mottled tones over time.
With a Janka hardness rating of 1360, it’s highly resistant to dents and wear. Ideal for everyday use!
Solid American Walnut
A luxurious hardwood prized for its deep colour, elegant grain, and refined appearance.
Naturally durable and resistant to warping and wear, with a higher Janka rating than cedar or mahogany.
Colour ranges from chocolate brown to deep red, often with darker streaks that deepen beautifully with age.
Fine, open grain features unique patterns like waves, curls, and burls, making each piece one of a kind.
A Smart Pairing: Veneer & Solid Timber
At IconByDesign, every material is chosen with care to balance beauty, strength, and practicality. While we favour solid timber, some designs combine solid timber structural elements with high-quality veneer to enhance performance where needed.
In some products, we use veneers to:
- Improve dimensional stability across larger surfaces,
- Reduce the risk of warping or swelling in variable climates,
- Maintain the natural beauty of timber with greater consistency, and
- Create lighter and easier-to-handle, without compromising quality.