Can we get a sample of the slats used on your benches to feel the finish?

Of course you can—and I honestly think you should. When someone asks, “Can we get a sample of the slats used on your benches to feel the finish?” my answer is always an enthusiastic “yes.” I understand that choosing a piece of furniture—especially a bench that will live in your home, office, or favorite reading nook—is a tactile decision. A photo can show you color, but it can’t convey the gentle resistance of a hand-sanded edge, the subtle warmth of a natural oil finish, or the way light dances across a hand-brushed grain.

That’s why we keep a selection of actual slat samples ready to ship. Each one is cut from the same timber used in our production benches, finished exactly the same way—whether it’s a matte hardwax oil, a slightly glossy lacquer, or a weathered cerused look. When you hold that sample, you’re not imagining the finish; you’re touching it. You can run your fingers along the length, test its weight, and even place it next to your existing woodwork to see if it sings in harmony.

I want you to feel confident in your choice, not just see it on a screen. So if you’re curious, just reach out. Tell me which bench style caught your eye, and I’ll send you a slat that matches—no strings attached. Because to me, a sample isn’t just a piece of wood; it’s a handshake, a promise that what you’ll receive will feel every bit as good as you hoped.