Story
Brandler London grew from a background in bespoke cabinetry and a fascination with reclaimed wood. Since 2010, we have been working with reclaimed European barn wood, continually refining the way we source, prepare and use this extraordinary material.
Over that time, we have developed a deep understanding of reclaimed timber and its possibilities. Today, our collection includes both solid and engineered reclaimed wood, allowing us to offer different textures, grain, colour, thicknesses and levels of character for a wide range of interior and exterior applications — from cabinetry, kitchen and wardrobe fronts to shelving, worktops, furniture, wall cladding and architectural joinery.
We are passionate about creating beautiful, highly textured centrepieces and captivating living spaces. Every piece of barn wood carries the marks of its previous life, bringing a connection to nature and a quality of material that cannot simply be manufactured.
Our philosophy is to preserve what makes this timber unique while combining it with considered design and precise craftsmanship. The result is a distinctive, natural aesthetic that brings warmth, texture and individuality to interiors, architecture and the home.
Founding
In 2010, recalling his own childhood, our founder Chris Brandler decided to build a garden den for his adventurous young son. It became known as The Hideout.
The design was ambitious, but Chris was underwhelmed by the standard timber available at the local timber yard. The Hideout itself was fantastic; the material simply wasn’t living up to the thought, effort and design that had gone into it. He wanted something with more texture, character and a stronger connection to nature.
Not long afterwards, Chris mentioned almost off the cuff to his friend Michael that if he ever came across any interesting timber cheaply, he should let him know...
A few days later Michael called.
“Chris, you can buy a barn from Poland.”
Photos followed, and on something of an impulse Chris decided to go for it. Through Michael’s family in Poland, a deal was negotiated with the farmer, including the dismantling, treatment and transport of the reclaimed timber back to the UK.
Not long afterwards, around six tonnes of reclaimed European barn wood arrived.
That first delivery changed everything. The weathered grain, texture, colour and imperfections had a depth and individuality that new timber simply couldn’t reproduce. It became the beginning of a fascination with reclaimed wood — and ultimately the foundation of Brandler London.
Since then, we have reclaimed and worked with timber from dozens of European barns, continually developing our understanding of the material. Today we work with specialist reclaimed wood partners across Europe to source, salvage, treat and prepare exceptional barn wood for furniture, bespoke cabinetry, architectural joinery, interiors and exterior applications.
Origins
By 2016, Brandler London was beginning to take shape as a business in its own right.
After several years working across property development, furniture and bespoke cabinetry, Chris began bringing reclaimed barn wood more deliberately into commissions. The material had already become a fascination, but the challenge was learning how to use it consistently at a high level across interiors, furniture and fitted joinery.
A series of increasingly ambitious projects helped refine the approach... combining traditional cabinetmaking, contemporary design and the highly individual character of reclaimed timber.
One of the early turning points came through work for Tom Daley, whose support and endorsement helped bring wider attention to Brandler London and its use of reclaimed barn wood.
From there, the business developed as a broader bespoke cabinetry and joinery studio while the reclaimed-wood side continued to grow in depth, capability and confidence.
Over the following years, that experience allowed us to refine both the material and the way we work with it — developing a much clearer understanding of where solid reclaimed wood works best, where engineered reclaimed wood offers advantages, and how each can be used across different applications.
Today, that long evolution has come full circle. Brandler London brings together more than a decade of experience in reclaimed European barn wood with a focused collection for cabinetry, kitchen and wardrobe fronts, shelving, worktops, furniture, cladding and architectural applications.
What began as an experiment with one barn has become the core of the business.
Aftercare
Reclaimed barn wood is a natural material designed to be lived with.
Its texture, grain and colour will continue to respond subtly to light, touch and everyday use. Rather than trying to prevent that evolution, our approach is to protect the timber while allowing it to retain the scars, markings and surface character that make reclaimed wood so distinctive.
Barn wood is strong, durable and long-lasting, and when cared for properly can outlast many conventional interior finishes. That longevity is an important part of our approach to sustainable interior design and responsible material use.
With straightforward care, reclaimed timber can be maintained, refreshed and, where necessary, repaired rather than replaced.
Natural marks and imperfections are part of its character, and over time everyday use can deepen the appearance and patina of the wood. We believe materials of this quality should be used for the long term, whether in cabinetry, kitchen and wardrobe fronts, shelving, worktops, furniture, wall cladding or architectural joinery.
For cleaning, maintenance and minor repair guidance, see our Barn Wood Aftercare guide.