Do you know the difference between a bench and a form? These terms are often used interchangeably to refer to backless and elongated wooden seating. Whatever kind of seating you’re looking for, Steve can find the perfect solution for you.

The bench was the most common form of seating in the days when chairs were reserved for important people of higher rank. This is where we get the term “chairman”. Early benches were very simple, consisting of a plank supported by solid ends connected by brackets or a stretcher. Later developments included benches with joined legs, similar to an elongated joint stool. Then at some point the legs were extended up past the set to form sides and a back.

“It’s thought that originally a ‘bench’ would have been freestanding and movable, whereas a ‘form’ was a bench fixed to the wall.”

Every bespoke handmade bench that Steve creates is produced with care and close consultation with each of his clients. They are beautifully designed to compliment your table. Should you need a traditional or more contemporary seating arrangement, he can craft the right one just for you. Here are a few examples to help get you started:

–HIGH BACK BENCH Often benches are simply a top with legs but of course it doesn’t always have to be that way! Steve handmade this elegant seating shown in the lead image in English oak and included full back support. It has a beautiful curve to it making it a stunning piece of furniture that is both practical and comfortable.

-ANGLED STRETCHER BENCH The simple elegance of this handmade bench in English pippy oak is achieved through the angled stretcher being slightly tapered. This tapering is reflected in the shape of the bench legs and was also repeated in the table that was commissioned at the same time.

-LIVE EDGE BENCH This unusual style handmade bench by Steve combines modern rectangular shaped legs in black walnut, with a live edge top of English pippy oak. It is a very eye-catching design and is quite a talking piece with visitors to the showroom. It is often an inspirational starting point for may other commissioned tables and benches.

If you would like a handmade bench, handmade table or other handmade furniture created to your own specifications, please send an enquiry to info@handmade-oak-tables.com or call Steve directly on 07989 392421