Frequently Asked Questions | Woodbender
Answers to common questions about Woodbender's steam-bent furniture: timber, finishes, fabrics, customisation, pricing, lead times, international shipping and our six-year guarantee.
Craftsmanship & Materials
Where is Woodbender furniture made?
Every Woodbender chair and stool is made in Cape Town, South Africa. We have been specialising in steam-bent solid timber furniture for nearly 40 years, combining traditional bending techniques with contemporary manufacturing and upholstery.
What timber do you use?
We currently manufacture exclusively in European Ash. It is selected for its strength, consistency, appearance and, importantly for us, its suitability for steam bending.
What timber finishes are available?
We offer a curated selection of standard timber finishes across the collection: Taupe, Light Brown, Dark Brown and Black. For projects requiring something more specific, we can also develop custom finishes and stain-match on a project-by-project basis. Physical finish samples are available on request.
Can you match an existing timber finish?
Yes. We regularly work with designers and project teams to develop finishes that complement existing joinery, furniture or material palettes. Stain matching is assessed individually and may require a physical control sample.
What fabrics can I choose from?
Our products are available in a selection of standard upholstery fabrics, and we also work with many leading fabric houses.
You are also welcome to specify your own fabric. If you are supplying your own material, we can confirm the required meterage and suitability before production.
Physical fabric samples are available on request.
Can I supply my own fabric?
Yes. COM, or Customer's Own Material, is available across upholstered products where suitable. Our team will confirm fabric requirements, quantities and any technical considerations before the order goes into production.
Customisation & Samples
Can I customise a product for my project?
We can customise elements such as timber finish and upholstery, and we regularly work with designers on project-specific requirements. More substantial changes are considered individually depending on quantities, manufacturing feasibility and the nature of the project.
Do you offer samples?
Yes. We can provide timber finish samples, fabric samples and specification support. For suitable professional projects, physical chair samples can also be arranged where practical.
Can I see Woodbender furniture before ordering?
Depending on your location, you may be able to visit one of our reseller partners. Professional clients can also request finish and upholstery samples, and physical product samples may be available for suitable projects.
Can you help me choose the right product or specification?
Yes. If you are unsure about a chair, stool, timber finish, fabric or configuration, simply get in touch. Our team can help you work through the options and recommend the most appropriate specification for your space or project.
Working With Professionals
Do you work with interior designers and architects?
Absolutely. Professional specifiers are a major part of our business. We work with interior designers, architects, hospitality groups and other project professionals on residential, hospitality and commercial projects around the world.
Professional clients can also enquire about trade and project pricing, samples and specification support.
Learn more about working with Woodbender
Do I need to buy through a reseller?
No. You are welcome to work directly with Woodbender.
In some locations it may still be preferable to work through one of our reseller partners, particularly if you would like to see or experience the furniture locally. We can help you decide which route makes the most sense for your project.
Can you provide specification information, CAD files or 3D models?
Yes. Product dimensions, specifications and digital resources are available for professional specification. Our professional portal also provides access to tools and information designed for designers and specifiers.
Can Woodbender furniture be used commercially?
Yes. Our furniture is specified across hospitality, restaurant, hotel, workplace and other commercial environments as well as residential projects.
If your project has particular performance, upholstery or compliance requirements, let us know when enquiring so that our team can advise appropriately.
Pricing & Ordering
How do I get pricing?
Select the products and configurations you are interested in and request a quotation through our website. Your pricing will be prepared for the relevant market and sent directly to you.
If you are working on a larger project, tell us a little about it when requesting pricing so that we can consider any appropriate trade or project pricing.
Why don't you publish prices online?
We work across a wide range of countries, project types, quantities and delivery requirements, so pricing is prepared for the specific market and project rather than displaying a single public price.
This also allows us to support professional projects properly and provide the most relevant pricing for the enquiry.
Is there a minimum order quantity?
We are happy to work with both individual customers and larger projects. There is no general requirement to purchase large quantities, although project pricing, freight and certain custom requirements may depend on order size.
How long does an order take?
Our furniture is made to order in Cape Town. Lead times vary depending on the product, quantity, upholstery requirements and time of year, and will be confirmed with your quotation or order.
If you are working to a specific installation date, let us know and we will advise what is achievable.
Shipping & Delivery
Do you ship internationally?
Yes. Woodbender ships worldwide.
Our furniture is manufactured in Cape Town and we can manage the international freight and delivery process for you. Depending on the destination, quantity and required timing, we will recommend the most appropriate shipping method.
Do I need to organise my own freight?
No. We can manage the shipping process from Cape Town through to your required destination.
If you already work with your own freight partner or prefer to arrange collection yourself, we can accommodate that too.
Can you ship directly to a project site?
Yes. We regularly supply residential, hospitality and commercial projects and can arrange delivery to the project location where appropriate. Provide the delivery city and country when requesting your quotation so that we can advise on the best route.
Guarantee & Support
What happens if there is a problem with my furniture?
We take the quality of our furniture extremely seriously and stand behind what we manufacture.
Woodbender furniture carries a six-year guarantee against manufacturing defects. If something is not right, contact us and we will work with you to understand the issue and find an appropriate solution.
Can I return my furniture if I change my mind?
Because Woodbender furniture is manufactured to order and often made in a customer-selected timber finish and upholstery, we generally cannot accept returns simply because a customer changes their mind after production.
This does not affect your rights where a product is faulty, damaged or otherwise covered by applicable consumer legislation. If there is ever a problem with an order, we want to hear about it and will work with you to resolve it.