FAQs - Questions, Care & Guidance

About Our Reclaimed Wood

• What is reclaimed barn wood?

  Our reclaimed barn wood is genuine reclaimed wood recovered from old European barns and agricultural buildings.

  Over decades of use and exposure, the barn wood develops natural grain, texture, colour and character that cannot simply be recreated with new wood. Knots, holes, weathering, saw marks and signs of its previous life all become part of the material.

  At Brandler London, we carefully select and prepare reclaimed European barn wood for contemporary interiors, using it for kitchen and wardrobe doors, cabinet fronts, panels, shelves, worktops and furniture.

  The result is a real, natural wood with history, texture and individuality built into the material itself 

• Why choose barn wood?

  Reclaimed wood combines the warmth and beauty of real solid wood with a depth of grain, texture and history that new wood cannot easily reproduce. Every piece is naturally individual, with its own colour, grain, scars, weathering and signs of age.

  Reclaimed wood is durable and long-lasting, and small knocks, scratches and signs of use can sit naturally within its existing texture and character.

  The grain, texture and warmth of reclaimed wood make it naturally tactile and bring a strong connection to nature, giving interiors richness and character

  Used across kitchen and wardrobe fronts, cabinetry, solid and engineered reclaimed wood shelves and worktops, panels and furniture, reclaimed wood can bring the same natural material, warmth and character throughout an interior.

• How is Brandler London reclaimed wood sustainable?

  Reclaimed wood can be a highly sustainable choice because it gives existing wood a new purpose rather than relying on newly harvested material.

  Longevity is one of reclaimed wood’s greatest strengths. Much of the wood we use has already survived for decades, and with the right care it can continue to be maintained, repaired, refinished and reused for generations. Its useful life can be almost indefinite.

  We work hard to reduce our impact across the wider business too: extending the life of existing wood, reducing unnecessary waste and using responsible packaging with no unnecessary plastic.

  We are also realistic about our impact. Our reclaimed barn wood is sourced from across Europe and transported to the UK, so there is an environmental cost associated with moving the material.

  For us, sustainability is about making considered choices across the whole business — from the wood we rescue and the products we make to the materials, packaging and processes we use around them.

• Where does Brandler London's reclaimed wood come from?

  Our reclaimed wood comes from old barns and agricultural buildings across Europe.

  Over the years, we have scoured Europe for suitable buildings and even negotiated directly with farmers to purchase derelict barns whose wood is still in good enough condition to reclaim and reuse. Some of this wood has been heavily weathered by decades of exposure, and considerable work goes into recovering, selecting and preparing it for a new life in contemporary interiors.

  We also work closely with specialist reclaimed wood suppliers across Europe, sourcing some of the best reclaimed barn wood available and selecting material for its grain, texture, colour, weathering and suitability for use across doors, shelves, worktops, panels and furniture.

  Once sourced, the wood is carefully prepared and machined while retaining the scars, markings and natural character that make genuine reclaimed barn wood so distinctive.

Kitchen & Wardrobe Doors

• Can I replace my existing kitchen or wardrobe doors without replacing the cabinets?

  Yes. If your existing kitchen or wardrobe cabinets are still in good condition, replacing the doors, drawer fronts and visible panels can completely transform the space without replacing the entire cabinetry.

  Brandler replacement kitchen doors and wardrobe fronts are made to order in genuine reclaimed wood, allowing you to keep the existing cabinet structure while changing the material, colour, texture and overall character of the room.

  This works incredibly well for both kitchens and wardrobes where the existing layout still functions but the doors feel outdated, or simply where replacing the full cabinetry would be unnecessary. Custom and standard-size replacement doors can be made to suit existing cabinets, with matching panels and other visible elements added where required.

  Replacing only the visible fronts can reduce disruption, unnecessary material use and waste, while giving an existing kitchen or wardrobe the warmth, texture and individuality of real reclaimed wood. Reusing sound existing cabinetry can also make refurbishment a more sustainable, lower-impact alternative to replacing everything from scratch.

• Do Brandler replacement doors fit IKEA and other cabinet systems?

  Yes. We offer reclaimed wood replacement doors in standard sizes for IKEA, Howdens and other kitchen and wardrobe cabinet systems, as well as custom-size doors and drawer fronts for existing cabinetry.

  Where standard sizes are suitable, you can select the relevant door and drawer dimensions, making it straightforward to replace your existing fronts with genuine reclaimed wood.

  If our standard sizes do not suit your cabinetry requirements, we can make replacement doors to your specific dimensions, to the millimetre. This means you can upgrade existing kitchen cabinets, fitted wardrobes and other cabinetry without being restricted to standard sizes.

  Matching reclaimed wood panels, including end panels, scribes and plinths, can also be ordered where required, helping to create a complete fitted finish.

• Why choose reclaimed wood kitchen and wardrobe doors?

  Brandler reclaimed wood doors are designed to give you the depth, grain and tactile character of genuine barn wood in a door that works beautifully with modern kitchen and wardrobe cabinetry. Every surface carries natural variation, texture, scars and character that make each door individual.

  Our engineered construction keeps the door to a slim profile for reclaimed wood while still providing the strength, stability and durability needed for everyday use. The visible face remains genuine reclaimed wood, while the back is smooth, clean and easy to maintain.

  Solid reclaimed barn wood edging conceals the engineered construction and protects the edges of the door, giving the front and edges the same substantial, natural appearance and making the door feel complete.

  The depth of grain, scars and natural character allow the wood to absorb knocks, scratches and everyday wear, adding to the character of the door over time.

  Our reclaimed barn wood is rescued material given a new purpose, helping relieve pressure on our forests and making it a more sustainable choice for kitchens, wardrobes and cabinetry.

  The result is a door that combines the character of wood weathered by time and nature with the strength, stability and durability needed for everyday cabinetry — a natural material that can evolve with the people who use it and the interior around it.

• What is engineered reclaimed wood, and why do we use it for doors?

  For kitchen and wardrobe doors, engineered reclaimed wood offers important advantages over solid wood construction.

  Our doors use a three-layer cross-laminated engineered wood construction, creating a slim reclaimed wood door with excellent strength and stability. The cross-laminated structure helps avoid the natural movement, twisting and splitting that can occur in solid wood, while allowing the door to remain slimmer and more stable.

  The visible face remains genuine reclaimed barn wood, with solid reclaimed barn wood edging concealing the engineered construction and protecting the edges. This gives the door the same substantial, natural appearance across the face and edges and makes the door feel complete.

  Engineered reclaimed wood is particularly well suited to kitchen and wardrobe fronts, especially larger doors where stability and long-term performance are essential.

• Can I complete my cabinetry project with matching reclaimed wood panels?

  Yes. Alongside our kitchen and wardrobe doors, we can supply matching reclaimed wood panels and finishing pieces to complete the wider scheme.

  This includes end panels, scribes, plinths, island cladding, wall cabinet underside panels (pelmets) and other visible panels required around kitchen or wardrobe cabinetry. These can be made to suit both standard cabinet systems and custom installations.

  Using the same reclaimed wood across the doors and surrounding panels carries the grain, colour and character throughout the space.

• How do I measure for replacement kitchen and wardrobe doors?

  For replacement kitchen and wardrobe doors, accurate measurements are essential. Where possible, measure the existing door or drawer front rather than the cabinet opening, recording the width and height in millimetres.

  If your existing fronts are being replaced like-for-like, these dimensions can normally be used to order the new doors. For custom cabinetry or where the original fronts are no longer available, the required door sizes should be established from the cabinet layout before ordering.

  Our doors can be ordered in standard sizes or made to your exact dimensions to the millimetre, so there is no need to compromise if your cabinetry falls outside standard sizes.
  
  If you are using an installer, joiner or cabinetmaker, we recommend asking them to confirm or supply the final door dimensions before you place your order.

  For full guidance, including how to measure individual doors, drawers and larger wardrobe fronts, please see our Door Measuring Guide before placing your order.

• What handles and hinges can I use with Brandler doors?

  Brandler kitchen and wardrobe doors can be configured with our recessed handle options as part of the ordering process, whether you are choosing standard-size or custom-size doors. Our handle configurator allows you to select the handle size and placement for each door or drawer front, with each recessed handle finished with a patinated steel back plate. Alternatively, doors can be supplied without handles, ready for you to fit your own chosen hardware during installation.

  Hinges are not supplied with our doors. Your installer should follow the hinge manufacturer’s instructions when drilling out the doors for the hinges. Most standard concealed kitchen and wardrobe hinges use a 35mm drilling, but the exact position should always be checked against the selected hardware.

  If you are using the IKEA Kitchen Planner, the appropriate hinges can normally be specified as part of your IKEA cabinet configuration.

  If you are replacing existing kitchen or wardrobe doors, check the hinge type and drilling position before ordering. In many cases, suitable existing hinges can be reused with your new reclaimed wood doors.

  For installation guidance, see our Door Hanging Guide.

Shelves

• Why choose our reclaimed wood shelves?

  Our reclaimed wood shelves combine the strength and longevity of real wood with the grain, texture and character of genuine reclaimed European barn wood.

  Available in Solid Reclaimed Wood, Distressed Reclaimed Wood and Engineered Reclaimed Wood, the range gives you a wide choice of configuration options, including wood type, colour, thickness, dimensions, edge style and level of weathering.

  This allows you to create anything from cleaner, more contemporary shelving to a deeply weathered and scarred finish that can become almost a piece of art in its own right.

  Knocks, scratches and signs of wear and tear are part of what makes these shelves what they are, adding to the character of the wood and allowing the shelves to evolve naturally over time. Reclaimed wood can also be maintained, repaired and refinished, giving it the potential for an exceptionally long working life.

  Every shelf is fully made to order and can be configured to suit the space, including the option of concealed floating shelf brackets for a clean, minimal installation.

• What is the difference between Solid Reclaimed Wood, Distressed Reclaimed Wood and Engineered Reclaimed Wood shelves?

  Solid Reclaimed Wood has a balanced level of natural weathering, with visible grain, markings and natural edge and surface movement.

  Distressed Reclaimed Wood uses more heavily weathered solid timber, with deeper texture, stronger markings, cracks and more pronounced edge and surface movement.

  Engineered Reclaimed Wood combines genuine reclaimed European barn wood with an engineered construction, giving cleaner lines and a more consistent overall appearance while retaining the natural texture and character of reclaimed timber.

• What is the difference between single sided and double sided reclaimed wood shelves?

  Single sided shelves have the textured reclaimed surface on one face, with a smooth, sanded reverse face.

  Double sided shelves have the textured reclaimed surface on both faces, so both sides display the natural grain, texture and character of the reclaimed wood.

  Both can be installed either way up, depending on the appearance and use you prefer.

• What sizes are available for reclaimed wood shelves?

  Our reclaimed wood shelves are made to order. Length and depth can be specified to the nearest millimetre within the available product limits.

  Please see the available thicknesses and construction methods below:

  Engineered Reclaimed Wood — Single Sided
  Slim — approx. 20 mm thick
  Classic — approx. 40 mm thick
  Chunky — approx. 60 mm thick

  Engineered Reclaimed Wood — Double Sided
  Classic — approx. 40 mm thick
  Chunky — approx. 60 mm thick

  Solid Reclaimed Wood / Distressed Reclaimed Wood — Single Sided
  Slim — approx. 20–30 mm thick
  Classic — approx. 40–50 mm thick
  Chunky — approx. 60–70 mm thick

  Solid Reclaimed Wood / Distressed Reclaimed Wood — Double Sided
  Chunky — approx. 70–100 mm thick

  Because solid reclaimed wood is a natural material, finished thicknesses can vary slightly from piece to piece. Where several shelves are ordered together, we select and prepare them to achieve a closely matched thickness across the set.

  If your project requires dimensions outside the options available through the online configurator, please contact us to discuss a bespoke shelf.

• Do you offer brackets, and can the shelves be fitted as floating shelves?

  Yes. When configuring your shelf, all of our shelf products include a floating bracket option.

  If selected, we will supply the appropriate concealed floating bracket system and prepare and drill the shelf with the required fixing holes ready for installation.

  You are not restricted to our floating bracket system. Other suitable shelf brackets can also be used, provided they are correctly sized for the shelf, intended load and wall construction. We currently only supply floating brackets; alternative bracket types would need to be sourced separately.

  Shelves can be installed by you or by a professional installer. The correct wall fixings will depend on the wall construction and should always be selected accordingly.

  For full fitting guidance, see our Shelf Installation Guide.

• Where can reclaimed wood shelves be used?

  Reclaimed wood shelves can be used throughout residential and commercial interiors, including kitchens, living rooms, bedrooms, dining spaces, home offices, retail interiors and hospitality spaces.

  With a choice of solid or engineered reclaimed wood, colour, thickness and level of weathering, the shelves can work in both contemporary spaces and interiors where a more textured, rustic character is wanted.

  They can also be used in bathrooms and other higher-humidity areas. Occasional moisture is fine, but the shelves should not be installed in wet areas or where they will be regularly exposed to water.

  Solid reclaimed wood shelves can also be used outdoors when appropriately finished and installed. Engineered reclaimed wood should only be used outside in a sheltered, covered location where it is protected from direct rain and prolonged moisture.

  For outdoor applications, please contact us if you would like advice on the most suitable material and finish.

  Because every shelf is made to order, the length, depth, thickness and finish can be selected to suit the space rather than working around a standard shelf size.

Finishes, Care & Bespoke Services

• Do you offer a bespoke service?

  Yes. Alongside our online range, we continue to offer a bespoke service for selected residential and commercial projects.

  This is suited to projects that fall outside our standard online configurations or require a greater level of design input, unusual dimensions, specialist detailing or a wider joinery package.

  With a background in bespoke cabinetry, furniture and construction, we can work with homeowners, architects, interior designers, joiners and developers to develop the right reclaimed wood solution for the project.

  Bespoke work is considered individually and is subject to project scope and availability. If you have something specific in mind, please contact us with drawings, dimensions or plans and we can discuss what is possible.
  

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• What finishes are available for Brandler reclaimed wood products?

  Brandler reclaimed wood products can be supplied with our acrylic finish or unfinished, depending on the product and application.

  Our acrylic finish protects the wood while bringing out its natural grain, texture and colour. It retains the tactile feel of the reclaimed wood while creating a surface that is easier to clean and maintain for everyday use.

  For the most natural possible finish, reclaimed wood can also be supplied unfinished. This leaves the surface closer to its raw state, with the texture and character of the wood left exposed and no added surface protection.

  Both options retain the grain, markings, weathering and individuality that make reclaimed wood distinctive.

• How do I care for and clean reclaimed wood?

  Reclaimed wood is designed to age naturally and, with simple care, can have an exceptionally long life.

  For the textured reclaimed wood face, remove dust and dried spillages gently with a firm natural- or nylon-bristle brush, working with the grain. Smooth backs and edges can be wiped with a lightly damp microfibre cloth where required.

  Avoid excessive moisture and never allow water to remain on the wood. A suitable furniture polish or wood-care product can also be used occasionally where appropriate.

  One of the great advantages of reclaimed wood is that it can be maintained rather than simply replaced. Natural holes, cracks, scars and markings are part of its character, while areas that become worn over time can often be cleaned, touched up, repaired or refinished.

  With the right care, reclaimed wood can continue to evolve and remain in use for generations.

  For full care and maintenance instructions, please see our Barn Wood Aftercare Guide.

• Can reclaimed wood be repaired or refinished?

  Yes. One of the major advantages of reclaimed wood is that it is designed to live with wear and tear rather than die from it.

  Scars, dings, knocks and everyday wear usually add to the patina and character of the wood, so in most cases nothing needs to be done at all.

  Where a small repair is needed, reclaimed wood can often be touched up at home without specialist equipment or the difficulty of trying to colour-match paints, veneers or other applied finishes.

  Only in more extreme cases, where a door or surface has suffered heavier damage, would refinishing normally be required. In those situations, the wood can be sanded back and resprayed, extending the life of the product rather than replacing it.

  This ability to absorb wear, accept simple repairs and, when necessary, be fully refinished is one of the reasons reclaimed wood can remain in use for generations.

Ordering, Delivery & Installation

• What are the typical lead times?

  Most Brandler products are made to order, with a typical lead time of around 3-4 weeks from confirmation of the final specification.

  Lead times can vary depending on the product, quantity, material availability and complexity of the order. Larger or bespoke projects may require additional production time.

  We will always aim to give you a clear indication of timing before production begins and keep you updated if anything changes.

• Can I order reclaimed wood samples before buying?

  Yes. We strongly recommend ordering samples if you would like to see and feel the reclaimed wood before committing to a larger order.

  Reclaimed wood is a tactile natural material, and a sample allows you to properly appreciate the grain, texture, colour and finish in your own space and under your own lighting.

  Samples are available across our doors, shelves and worktop ranges, allowing you to compare different tones, constructions and finishes before making your final selection.

  Choose any 4 samples for £10.

• Who installs Brandler products?

  Unless you are using our bespoke service, Brandler London products ordered through our online shop are supplied for installation by you, your kitchen fitter, joiner or chosen installer.

  We provide practical guidance to help with measuring and installation, including our Door Measuring Guide, Door Hanging Guide and Shelf Installation Guide.

  For more complex installations, we recommend involving your fitter or cabinetmaker before ordering so they can confirm final dimensions, fixing requirements and any site-specific details.

  Where Brandler is engaged for a bespoke project, installation requirements can be discussed as part of the individual project scope.

• Do you use sustainable and plastic-free packaging?

  Yes. We aim to keep our packaging as responsible and minimal as possible, using recyclable and paper-based materials rather than plastic wherever we can.

  Our products need to arrive properly protected, particularly larger doors, shelves and worktops, but we try to achieve this without introducing unnecessary packaging or materials that are difficult to recycle.

  It is part of the same approach we take to reclaimed wood itself: use materials carefully, reduce unnecessary waste and consider the full life of the product rather than just the point of sale.

Design & Comparisons

• How does reclaimed wood support biophilic design and wellbeing?

  Biophilic design is simply the idea of bringing more of the natural world into the spaces where we live and work.

  Natural materials such as real wood play an important part in this. The grain, texture, warmth and variation of reclaimed wood create a direct connection to nature that manufactured surfaces cannot reproduce.

  Research into biophilic interiors suggests that stronger connections to natural materials and nature-inspired environments can support wellbeing, reduce feelings of stress and create spaces that feel more restorative and engaging.

  Reclaimed wood adds another dimension through its age, weathering and tactile surface. Used across kitchen and wardrobe fronts, shelving, worktops, panels and furniture, it can bring a natural material through an entire interior rather than limiting that connection to a single feature.

• Reclaimed wood vs MDF kitchen doors — what’s the difference?

  Reclaimed wood begins with something worth celebrating: genuine wood, with natural grain, texture, colour, scars and variation built into the material itself. MDF has no comparable natural surface character and normally relies on paint, veneer or another applied finish to create its appearance.

  Our reclaimed wood doors use a cross-laminated real wood construction designed to provide strength and dimensional stability, with substantial wood for hinges, screws and handles to fix into. MDF can swell and break down if moisture penetrates the surface, while repeated everyday use can also weaken screw and hinge fixings as the compressed fibreboard around them becomes worn or damaged.

  The two materials also age very differently. Knocks, scratches and wear can become part of the patina of reclaimed wood, and damage can often be repaired, touched up, sanded or refinished. Damage to MDF or its applied finish can be more difficult to repair successfully, particularly once the underlying board has been exposed.

  There is also a significant difference in manufacture. MDF is made from wood fibres bonded together with synthetic resins. Machining it creates very fine dust and can also expose workers to emissions associated with the resins used in its manufacture, which is why effective extraction and workplace controls are important.

  At Brandler London, we aim to keep our workshop MDF-free and minimise hazardous dust and unnecessary synthetic materials wherever possible. Our engineered reclaimed wood doors do contain adhesive between the cross-laminated wood layers, as laminated wood products do, but the structural material itself remains real wood rather than compressed fibreboard.

  For us, that distinction matters. We want to with materials that celebrate nature rather than conceal or damage it — materials that can age, be repaired, be refinished and remain useful for generations.

• Reclaimed wood vs wood veneers - what’s the difference?

  Our engineered reclaimed wood products use a substantial layer of genuine reclaimed wood rather than a thin decorative surface. On our doors, the reclaimed wood face is approximately 7mm thick, with solid reclaimed wood edging approximately 4mm thick.

  Wood veneer, by comparison, is a thin layer of real wood applied over another material, often less than 1mm thick. It can provide the attractive appearance of natural wood while using only a very small amount of the visible wood species.

  The greater depth of our reclaimed wood surface gives it genuine texture and character, but it also allows it to tolerate considerably more everyday wear before maintenance is required.

  Veneer can be repaired, but once a thin veneer is damaged there is very little material available before the substrate beneath is exposed. Our more substantial reclaimed wood face and solid wood edging provide far greater scope for repair, sanding and refinishing over the lifetime of the product.

  So, in simple terms, the choice is between a thin veneer, often less than 1mm thick, and a genuine 7mm-thick section of reclaimed barn wood.

• Do you use sustainable and plastic-free packaging?

  Yes .We aim to keep our packaging as simple, responsible and recyclable as possible, while still making sure your reclaimed wood products arrive properly protected.

  We avoid unnecessary plastic and favour paper, cardboard and other recyclable packaging materials wherever possible.

  For us, sustainability does not stop with the reclaimed wood itself. It extends to how we manufacture, pack and deliver our products, with the aim of reducing unnecessary material use and waste throughout the process.