Business Details
24 Years
experience
Bespoke Furniture & Restoration Services in Reading
Chissock Woodcraft was founded in 2002 by Steve Hedger, a former addict who recognized the transformative power of supported employment in recovery journeys. Our organization operates as a Community Interest Company, reinvesting all profits into training and support for individuals overcoming drug and alcohol addiction. We combine traditional woodworking skills with contemporary design to create bespoke furniture, while prioritizing sustainability through reclaimed timber and FSC-certified materials. Our partnership with Yeldall Manor enables us to provide meaningful work placements, fostering personal growth and skill development. Over two decades, we have established ourselves as leaders in ethical furniture craftsmanship, blending social impact with artisanal excellence.Our teams expertise spans furniture restoration, memorial bench creation, and custom upholstery, serving both residential and commercial clients. We maintain rigorous quality standards, using traditional joinery techniques to ensure durability and aesthetic value. As advocates for environmental responsibility, we actively reclaim materials through our Chissock Woodsave initiative. Our commitment to transparency and community development has earned us trust among local and national clients. This dual focus on craftsmanship and social purpose defines our enduring reputation in the woodworking industry.
Services
Furniture Making
Furniture Restoration
Upholstery
Timber Reclamation
Antiques Sales
Details
- Year established: 2002
Highlights and features
- We use FSC-certified and reclaimed timber for sustainable craftsmanship
- Our bespoke designs incorporate traditional joinery techniques
- We support recovery programs through training and employment
- We offer memorial furniture with personalized inscriptions
- Our team combines decades of woodworking expertise with ethical practices
Associations and certifications
- Forest Stewardship Council (FSC)
Services
Bespoke Furniture Making
We create made-to-order furniture using traditional craftsmanship combined with modern design principles. Our process involves collaborating closely with clients to develop unique pieces tailored to specific requirements. By utilizing reclaimed timber and FSC-certified materials, we ensure environmental sustainability while maintaining exceptional quality standards.
Furniture Restoration
Our professional restoration service caters to antique, vintage, and modern furniture requiring repair or rejuvenation. We employ specialist techniques for cleaning, stripping, and re-polishing while preserving original character. The service includes sourcing period-appropriate fittings and undertaking substantial renovation work for damaged pieces.
Upholstery Services
Partnering with Grace Furnishings, we offer comprehensive upholstery solutions ranging from traditional to contemporary styles. Our expertise covers re-covering dining chairs, restoring treasured furniture, and creating modern headboards. The service combines skilled craftsmanship with fabric selection guidance to achieve both aesthetic and functional improvements.
Timber Reclamation
Through our Chissock Woodsave initiative, we reclaim timber from architectural salvage and industrial sources. Usable materials are repurposed for furniture making while unsuitable wood is processed into kindling or briquettes. We also supply reclaimed timber blanks for DIY projects and accept donations of quality wood materials from commercial and private sources.
Antiques Sales
We offer a curated selection of antiques and collectables sourced through donations and clearance operations. Our inventory includes restored period pieces and architectural salvage items available for purchase. The collection features both functional furniture and decorative elements suitable for various interior design applications.
People
Steve Hedger
Founder
Steve established Chissock Woodcraft in 2002 after overcoming personal addiction struggles. His vision combines woodworking expertise with social enterprise principles to create recovery opportunities. With over two decades of experience, he has developed partnerships with rehabilitation centers while maintaining high craftsmanship standards.
Questions
What social initiatives does Chissock Woodcraft support?
We provide training and employment opportunities for individuals recovering from addiction through supported work placements and skills development programs.
Do you create custom memorial furniture?
Yes, we specialize in memorial benches and tables with personalized inscriptions or plaques to commemorate special occasions or individuals.
What materials do you use in furniture making?
We prioritize reclaimed timber and FSC-certified wood, ensuring environmental sustainability while maintaining traditional craftsmanship standards.
Can you restore antique furniture?
Our restoration service covers antique and vintage furniture, including cleaning, re-polishing, and sourcing period-appropriate fittings for authentic repairs.
Do you sell reclaimed timber for DIY projects?
Yes, we offer reclaimed timber blanks and offcuts suitable for various DIY applications, sourced through our Chissock Woodsave recycling initiative.
