English Hardwoods
The Slab Archive
A collection of statement English hardwood slabs curated, sourced, and documented from forest to finish.
Each one a chapter of time. Reclaimed, refined, and ready to endure.
THE ARCHIVE
The Slab Archive is a living record of English hardwood. Each piece is recovered, milled, and finished entirely in-house — selected not for volume, but for character.
No stock lists, no online store. Access is by enquiry only.
PROVENANCE
We don’t sell timber. We preserve it — one surface at a time.
Each slab is photographed, measured, and certified under our heritage and provenance programme.
Available Species
EnglISH OAK
The king of English timber. Rich golden tones, medullary rays, and unmatched durability.
Elm
Warm, characterful timber with flowing grain and natural movement. Valued for its depth, texture, and organic presence in statement pieces.
WALNUT
Rich chocolate and coffee tones with elegant, swirling grain. A refined hardwood prized for fine furniture and architectural detailing.
ASH
Pale and luminous with a clean, linear grain. Strong yet flexible, making it ideal for contemporary interiors and sculptural forms.
YEW
Highly distinctive with dramatic colour variation and intricate figure. Rare and expressive, often reserved for exceptional, one-off pieces.
CHESTNUT
Soft golden hues with a relaxed, open grain. Naturally durable and well suited to both interior and exterior architectural applications.
PROVENANCE & ACCESS
Every slab is traceable — from the woodland it fell in to the day it leaves our yard. We record each step of its recovery, milling, and finish, producing a certificate of provenance and an optional brass identification plaque for architectural installations.
For collectors, designers, and architects, we can document the slab’s journey in a printed dossier — including recovery date, location, drying process, and milling record.
ARCHIVE OVERVIEW
COMMISSION & SOURCING
Some slabs begin as commissions. Others are sourced for specific projects or clients.
PROJECT USE
Whether for a dining table, a boardroom centrepiece, or architectural statement — each slab is sourced and finished with the same care as our oak frames.
VIEWING & ACCESS
The Archive is not open to the public. Private viewings can be arranged by appointment at our Isle of Wight yard or on-site for commissioned recoveries.
DELIVERY
Worldwide delivery is available, with every shipment documented and handled directly by the English Timber team.