Whether you’ve just finished your training or are an experienced craftsman, basing your business here at Real Wood Studios is a fantastic opportunity.
Each resident maker is self-employed and runs their own business within the workshop hub. A studio space rental is £325+VAT per month, and allows 7 day access to the workshop, display space in our showroom and a discount on timber. As a non-profit distributing Social enterprise, the workshop is run on collective basis with all makers contributing time and ideas to the success of the business. On a day to day basis this includes helping customers with any timber or furniture enquiries and keeping the studio clean and operational. Real Wood Studios is a supportive environment where makers share and develop their skills and benefit from being part of a woodworking community where you can get help and advice. If you’re just starting out this can be an invaluable support in the success of your business. Customer enquiries generated from the showroom, website and exhibitions are collectively pooled and shared between the makers.
At our inspirational two acre woodland site we offer a full range of facilities:
Machine Shop
Our modern machinery is fully PUWER compliant with full dust extraction system. Select powertools are also available for use including a festool Domino DF 500 and DF 700XL.
Bench Spaces
Each maker has a dedicated workshop space of approximately 12sqm to set up their bench and store equipment. There are also designated communal areas for gluing up and finishing, as well as overflow workshop space for larger project assembly. We have a small collection of hand and power tools available to share but we recommend that makers build their own collection.
Showroom
Display and sell finished pieces through our onsite showroom. The showroom is a useful platform for illustrating different design styles and varieties of timber to prospective customers. Periodically we host open studios events.
Wood Store
A wide variety of timber is held in stock and is available to the makers as well as the wider public. Makers receive a discount off list price. Limited storage for makers own timber is available – including sheet material.
Timber Processing
We process all our own timber onsite using our wide Trakmet sawmill, drying sheds and dehumidifying kilns. Makers are encouraged to learn about sourcing and processing timber, selecting logs and the drying process and you can work with our Sawmiller to produce timber required for specific projects.
Marketing & Promotion
Collective marketing and promotion of makers’ products and services takes place via our website and by exhibiting at shows and events. Makers are free to promote their own websites and attend shows and events as individuals.
Established Customer Base
We have a high repeat customer rate and good referral network both locally and nationally. General enquiries for furniture are shared amongst the makers.
Support & Advice
Help is always on hand and advice freely given – from lifting a heavy board to critiquing a design.
We’d be happy to answer any questions or if you’d like to arrange a workshop visit, please get in touch with Alasdair Wallace for a chat 07580512869 or email info@realwoodstudios.com.