Recycled & Natural Timber Furniture

Timber that has already done a job somewhere else has a different look to it. The grain runs deeper, the colour shifts from board to board, and small marks hint at where it came from. This collection brings that character into dining rooms, living rooms, studies and bedrooms, alongside natural timber pieces for anyone who loves the warmth of wood with a cleaner finish.

What is the difference between recycled and natural timber furniture?

Recycled timber, often called reclaimed timber, has had a previous life. It’s salvaged from sources like the frames of old houses and old buildings, then cleaned up, cut and made into new furniture. Natural timber is new wood, finished to show its grain rather than hide it under paint.

You’ll find a few different timbers in this range:

• Reclaimed teak: a tropical hardwood used for long dining tables and benches.
• Recycled pine: a paler timber with plenty of visible knots and rings.
• Mixed recycled hardwoods: planks from several timber types combined in one piece, so the colour changes across the surface.
• Mango wood: a natural timber with a visible grain, sometimes paired with black steel frames.

What should you expect from reclaimed timber?

Reclaimed timber is never uniform, and that’s a big part of its appeal. Knots, rings and natural imperfections are expected. Colour can vary from one piece to the next, and when a piece is made from mixed recycled planks, the timber type can change within the same item. Two tables from the same range won’t look exactly alike.

If an even, consistent finish matters more to you, a natural timber piece is usually the easier fit.

Where does recycled timber furniture work best?

The dining room is the obvious place to start. A long reclaimed timber dining table can seat a crowd, and a few marks from everyday meals only add to the look. Put a dining bench along one side to fit more people in and keep the setting relaxed.

In the living room, timber coffee tables and side tables bring warmth to a space full of upholstered seating. Tall bookcases and shelving in reclaimed wood give a wall of books or ceramics some texture. A solid timber desk makes a study feel less like an office, and in the bedroom, timber bed frames and bedside tables give the room a grounded, natural feel.

Can recycled timber furniture be used outdoors?

Some of it can. Several reclaimed teak dining tables and benches in this range are made for outdoor dining, and they suit a covered deck or alfresco area as well as an indoor dining room. Timber kept outside asks more of you, though. Plan on regular care, and store pieces undercover when you’re not using them.

Most other pieces in the collection are designed for indoors, so check the product page before taking anything outside. For more outdoor options, take a look at our outdoor dining tables.

How do you care for recycled and natural timber?

Keep the routine simple. Dust regularly, wipe with a soft, damp cloth and dry it off straight away. Skip harsh chemical cleaners, which can strip the finish. Coasters and placemats protect the surface from hot dishes and drinks, and keeping pieces out of strong direct sun helps the colour fade more evenly over time.

Care needs vary between timbers and finishes, so follow the instructions on each product page.

Styling recycled timber with the rest of the room

Timber looks best when the tones don’t match perfectly. A reclaimed dining table with painted, rattan or upholstered dining chairs feels relaxed rather than heavy. If you’re torn between all-timber seating and something softer, our guide to timber vs upholstered dining chairs walks through the trade-offs.

Repeating the wood once more in the room helps everything hang together. A timber sideboard near the dining table or a reclaimed side table beside the sofa is usually enough. Black metal, linen and stone all sit comfortably alongside recycled timber, so you don’t need to commit to a full rustic look.

See the timber up close

Photos can’t show every knot and colour change, so it’s worth seeing recycled timber in person before you choose. Early Settler has been designing and sourcing furniture since 1985, and our team in store can talk you through the grain, tones and sizes across the range. Find your nearest store and bring your measurements along.

FAQs

Is recycled timber the same as reclaimed timber?

Yes. The two terms are used interchangeably. Both describe timber that has been salvaged from an earlier use, such as an old building, and made into new furniture.

Does reclaimed teak change colour outdoors?

Yes, over time. Reclaimed teak left outside without treatment gradually weathers to a soft grey. Regular oiling helps hold the warmer tone if you prefer it.

Does recycled timber furniture need assembly?

It depends on the piece. Larger items such as bookcases and long dining tables may need some assembly, and heavy pieces can need two people to collect. Check the product page for the details on each item.

Can you mix recycled and natural timber furniture in the same room?

Yes, and it often looks better than matching everything. Choose one main timber tone for the largest piece, then bring in other woods through smaller pieces like side tables or shelving.