Whether you’ve just finished your training or are an experienced craftsman, basing your business here at Real Wood Studios has huge advantages.
Each maker is self-employed and runs his or her own micro business within the workshop hub. A studio space rental is £325 + VAT per month, includes all machine consumables and allows 7 day access to the workshop. As a non-profit distributing enterprise, the workshop is run on collective basis with all makers contributing time and ideas to the success of the business. Real Wood Studios is a creative hub and a supportive environment where makers can develop their skills. 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.
Bench Spaces
Each maker has a dedicated workshop space of approximately 16sqm 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. We host several open studios weekends throughout the year.
Wood Store
A wide variety and grade of timber is held in stock – from waney edge elm to quarter sawn oak we will have the boards you need. 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 using our Woodmizer LT40 mobile sawmill and twin dehumidifying kilns. Custom sizes and one offs are not a problem. Makers are encouraged to learn about processing timber, selecting logs and the drying process.
Marketing & Promotion
Collective marketing and promotion of makers’ products and services takes place via our website and by exhibiting at national 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.
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 Graham Murdoch (graham@realwoodstudios.com).