Handmade Solid Wood Benches
Our made to order wooden benches are built from full stave solid wood and designed to suit both homes and commercial spaces. Whether you are looking for a dining bench to match your table, a hallway seat, or a simple bench for the end of your bed, we offer a choice of three original styles: Complement 45, Henge 20 and Poster 54. Each bench is sized to fit your space, finished in your choice of clear, warm or dark hardwax oil, and made in our London workshop using strong joinery and practical proportions. With clean modern lines, natural wood grain and the option to customise every detail, our oak benches are a reliable and timeless option for everyday seating.
Our Range of Solid Oak Benches
The Tablemaker bench range includes three solid oak designs, each offering something slightly different in shape and character. Complement 45 is a clean, minimal bench that pairs well with dining tables or works neatly in smaller spaces. Henge 20 has angled legs and a softer profile, ideal for bedrooms, entrance halls or relaxed seating areas. Poster 54 is our boldest option, with box legs and a more grounded feel, suited to open plan rooms, cafés or commercial interiors. All benches are made to order in the size and finish you need, using full stave oak and a hand applied hardwax oil for long lasting comfort and durability.
Benches are made to exact measurements. That means if you need a 145 centimetre bench with the right amount of clearance, that is what we build. Edge profiles can be square, rounded or chamfered depending on the design.
Complement 45 Bench (Best Seller)
This is a simple, useful bench with straight square legs and a soft edge seat. It’s the one that goes best with our ATO 55 table, but it also works well on its own in smaller dining rooms, entryways or even as a desk bench.
The legs sit close to the ends, so the seat area is open and comfortable. The standard height is 45 centimetres which lines up with most dining chairs. The length can be anything from 80 to 160 centimetres depending on where you’re using it. The oak can be finished clear, warm or dark, and the legs can be painted to match.
Henge 20 Bench (Popular)
Henge 20 has angled legs that lean slightly outwards and a lighter-looking seat that tapers at the ends. It suits spaces where you want something strong but not too chunky. The design feels modern but still has a nice connection to older furniture shapes.
It’s often used at the end of a bed, along a hallway wall or in kitchen dining corners. You can choose the length and finish to suit the space. Like all of our benches, it comes in any size you need between 80 and 200 centimetres.
Poster 54 Bench
(Practical & Durable)
Poster 54 is the boldest of the three. It has solid box style legs and a thick, flat seat. This one looks great in large open plan spaces, cafés or reception areas. It’s the kind of bench that feels grounded, both in weight and in style.
People often pair it with our Box 85 dining table, but it also works well on its own. We usually make it from 120 to 200 centimetres long, but it can go wider if needed.
Can I customise a bench to suit my space?
Yes. Every order begins with your required size and style. We do not limit you to preset dimensions. You can select the length, width, height and finish that fits your room, your use and your preferences.
Read our customisation guide for full details.
Dimensions to Match Your Needs
Our benches can be built in 1cm increments. This gives you freedom to match alcoves, lighting, or other furniture. We also help you choose the best leg placement for maximum room.
Bench Thickness and Edge Profile
The standard thickness is 24mm but we also offer 30mm or can create a false edge to mimic thicker wood. Edge styles include square, rounded and bevelled options. These details can change the feel of the table from formal to relaxed.
Colours and Finishes
Our standard finish is a clear satin hardwax oil that protects and enhances the oak surface. We also offer warm and dark tints. For legs, you can choose from over 20 colour sprays or ask for custom finishes using paint brands like Farrow and Ball. If you prefer to paint the legs yourself, we can supply them sanded and ready.
Timber Options
Most benches are made in solid oak. We also work in walnut, ash, beech or pine on request. These are useful if you are matching other furniture or creating a different visual effect.
Each piece can be made to your preferred length, width and height before checkout. These are built to order, not held in stock.
Choosing the right size
If you’re buying a bench to sit alongside a dining table, we usually recommend making it around 20 centimetres shorter than the table so it can tuck in nicely underneath. For hallways or bedrooms, just measure the wall or bed frame and let us know the length that works best.
Our standard seat height is 45 centimetres. That suits most people for sitting comfortably at a table. Seat depth is usually 35 centimetres, which gives enough room without taking up too much floor space.
You can order in one centimetre increments so it fits your layout exactly. If you’re not sure what size will work, we’re happy to help you figure it out.
Solid Oak As Standard
All of our benches are made from full stave solid oak. This means the top is built from long strips of oak with a consistent grain running all the way through. We use prime grade wood which has fewer knots and a smooth, even finish.
We never use veneer, chipboard or MDF. The oak is planed and sanded smooth, then finished in hardwax oil to protect the surface and bring out the wood grain. Straightening bars are fitted to the underside of longer benches to help keep them flat.
This makes the benches strong enough for daily use, whether at home or in a busy café.
Woods and finishes
What woods and finishes are available?
Oak is the standard
We use solid European oak for most of our benches. It is long lasting, has a strong grain pattern and holds up well to repeat use. Oak can be sanded back and refinished over time which gives it an extended life.
You can pick from three finishes on all of our oak:
Clear for a clean, natural wood look
Warm for a golden tone that adds a little richness
Dark for more depth and contrast
Legs can be left natural or painted in any RAL colour. We can also colour match to popular shades from Farrow and Ball or Little Greene if you want the bench to match your walls, chairs or other furniture.
If you want to see how a finish will look before you buy, we offer wood finish samples you can order online.
Other woods we use
Ash, beech, pine, walnut and birch ply are also available. These can suit different budgets or match a specific look. Ash has a lighter tone and more visible grain. Beech is smooth and pale. Birch ply is strong with a clear edge and is good for smaller tables or tighter price points.
Finishing choices
We use hardwax oil for its durability and ease of repair. It comes in clear or pigmented tones. We also offer food safe oil for café tables or kitchen use. All finishes are low VOC and easy to maintain with oil refreshers or gentle cleaning products.
What are the long term benefits of choosing solid oak over veneer or MDF?
Oak has a higher density than MDF and a more stable surface than particleboard with laminate. This means better resistance to wear, higher load tolerance and no peeling or bubbling over time. A veneered surface, once scratched or chipped, cannot be repaired effectively. By contrast, a solid oak desk can be lightly sanded and re oiled without loss of material.
We use full stave oak boards for every top, which are cut and joined to reduce movement and warping. These boards have fewer joins and deliver better visual consistency across the surface. The desk is supported by internal straightening bars to help keep it flat, even in central heating or mixed humidity environments.
Get a Quote for a bench
Choose between straight benches and curved desks that have been designed to suit modern decors. Our wooden benches provide comfort and durability.
Can these benches be used in cafés, shops or commercial spaces?
Yes. Every bench we make is built from solid oak and joined with reliable fixings so they can handle daily use in both homes and public spaces. We have supplied benches for cafés, wine bars, waiting areas and retail displays. Because the size and finish can be adjusted when you order, it is easy to get the right proportions and look for a commercial setting.
For example, the Poster 54 bench works well in reception areas where a strong and steady bench is needed, while the Henge 20 bench fits nicely in changing rooms or entrance halls with limited floor depth.
If you are ordering for a trade project or need a bench to be wall mounted, we can help. Just use the custom order enquiry form to tell us what you are planning. You can also upload a layout or reference image if that helps explain the idea.
How do I look after a solid oak bench?
Keeping your bench in good shape is easy. The oak top is sealed with a protective coat of satin hardwax oil which helps to stop spills and surface wear. For day to day cleaning, use a damp cloth and a small amount of soap, then dry it with a towel. Avoid strong chemical sprays or abrasive sponges.
Over time, especially with regular use, the surface may start to look a bit dull or dry. This is usually a sign that a fresh coat of hardwax oil is needed. Applying it is simple and can be done with a soft cloth and a small amount of oil. We recommend doing this once a year for home use or more often in busy commercial spaces.
You can read more about long term care in our wood furniture maintenance guide.
Specialists In Making Benches From Wood
Why Choose Tablemaker For Benches
Handmade in the UK
We make all tables in our London workshop. This helps us keep control over the materials, sizing and finish and means you can get help or advice from the people building your table.
Made to measure
Everything is cut and built to your measurements. That means better fit, easier placement in your home or business and less compromise on layout.
Faster than average
Most tables are built and delivered in two to three weeks. If you have a deadline, let us know and we will confirm if it is possible.
Real Solid Oak Benches
Our benches are made from full stave solid oak and built in our own workshop, not mass produced or imported. They are made to size in simple, useful shapes that fit comfortably into homes, cafés and workspaces.
We use real wood because it lasts, ages well and can be repaired or refinished if ever needed. There are no veneers, MDF or low grade fillers. The finish is smooth, safe and designed for daily use.
Customers tell us they like the look and feel of our benches, but also that they arrive quickly and are made to fit. That is the part we focus on most — helping people get something that works in their room, without the wait or guesswork.
If you would like to match a bench with one of our tables, visit the dining tables section or view our coffee and side tables for smaller rooms.
Questions We Get Asked
Table Making
If you have a question of your own, then please ask.
Yes. We offer both wood samples and finish swatches which can be ordered directly from our Samples page. They’re a great way to see how each option looks in your space, under your lighting.
Because our tables are made to your specifications, they are not eligible for return unless faulty. We always send order confirmations with measurements and options for your approval before we start, so make sure to check everything carefully.
Need help choosing size or care?
How to choose the right size bench
If you are not sure what size bench to order, our sizing guide gives examples of space per seat, table spacing and clearance.
Looking after your bench
See our care guide for how to keep solid wood looking good. Includes advice on cleaning, oiling and handling small marks.
How to order a made to measure desk
You can place your order directly on our website by choosing the bench you want, selecting your size and finish, and adding it to the basket. Most benches are made and delivered within two to three weeks. That includes the build time in our Hornsey shop and delivery anywhere in the UK.
If you are looking for something specific or want help with sizing, just send us a custom request. You can tell us what you need, upload a sketch or photo, and we will get back to you with clear options.
If you live in or near London and want to see samples before ordering, you are welcome to visit the workshop. Just let us know in advance using the contact form so we can make sure someone is there to meet you.
Visit The Tablemaker Store
Our workshop and retail space is located in London, UK. Visitors are welcome by appointment. If you would like to see oak samples, go over a sketch or ask for technical advice, please contact us to arrange a time.
We are happy to offer help choosing a desk or planning a room layout. You can reach us through the contact form on our website, by phone or by email. If you have plans or drawings to send, we will respond with feedback and recommendations quickly.
Contact Form For Bench Customers
To get in touch about a product, custom project, restoration or to make a general enquiry, please use either the contact form, email address or phone number.
