Founded in 1897, the year of Queen Victoria’s Golden Jubilee, our family business began life as timber merchants and sawmillers in Burton-on-Trent. From the very beginning, we have specialised in converting quality hardwoods through our own sawmill, developing a deep understanding of timber selection, grain structure, durability and traditional woodworking techniques.
More than a century later, we remain proudly family owned and operated from the same location, making us one of Burton-on-Trent’s oldest independent family businesses. Today, the fifth generation of our family continues to build on the skills, values and craftsmanship established over 125 years ago.
In the years following the Great War, around 1918, we expanded into woodturning. Our early work was primarily focused on supplying traditional ale brewers across the UK — an industry closely linked with the heritage of Burton-on-Trent itself. This period shaped our reputation for precision craftsmanship and durable hardwood products.
Working with hardwoods daily refined our knowledge of timber movement, moisture content and finishing — expertise that continues to influence every personalised wooden gift and product we create today.
In 2003, we launched Just Wood, bringing together our traditional woodworking skills with modern laser engraving technology.
Our goal was simple: to create beautifully crafted, personalised engraved wooden gifts that combine natural materials with meaningful customisation.
Today, our personalised collection includes:
Custom engraved wooden spoons
Personalised wooden coasters
Engraved keyrings
Wooden hearts for weddings and special occasions
Bespoke laser-engraved gifts for birthdays, anniversaries, retirements and corporate commissions
Each item is carefully crafted from quality hardwood, then precision laser engraved and professionally finished to ensure clarity, durability and a timeless aesthetic.
Because we understand wood at its source — from log to finished product — we are able to maintain quality control throughout every stage of production.
Alongside our engraved gift range, we also produce smooth, tactile natural wooden pebbles. These are popular for:
Arts and crafts projects
Wedding table decorations
Sensory and educational use
Retail display
Interior styling
Each pebble is shaped and finished to retain the beauty of natural hardwood while providing a smooth, pleasing texture.
Our background as timber merchants allows us to select and prepare wood to the highest standards, ensuring consistency and quality across every product we supply.
In addition to our wooden products, we supply high-quality leatherworking tools designed for hobbyists, skilled makers and professionals. Our long-standing experience working with traditional crafts means we understand the importance of durability, reliability and precision tools.
We are proud to support craftspeople who value skill, sustainability and quality materials.
Sustainability is central to our philosophy. As timber specialists, we recognise the importance of responsible woodland management and sustainable timber production.
We support environmentally responsible forestry practices and acknowledge the vital role that both commercial and amenity woodlands play in today’s world.
We are proud members of:
Woodland Heritage
Made in Britain
The Federation of Small Businesses
By sourcing responsibly and working efficiently, we aim to honour the natural resource at the heart of our craft.
What began as a local sawmill operation in 1897 has grown into a respected supplier of personalised wooden gifts and specialist wooden products across the UK and Internationally.
From corporate businesses, gift shops and independent retailers to individual customers ordering bespoke commissions, we now ship our engraved wooden gifts and natural products worldwide.
Despite this growth, our core values remain unchanged:
Quality hardwood materials
Skilled craftsmanship
Personal service
Sustainable practice
Family ownership and continuity
Every personalised wooden spoon, engraved coaster, keyring or heart carries with it over a century of woodworking knowledge.
In a world of mass production and imported goods, we remain committed to traditional woodworking values combined with modern engraving precision.
From the sawmill to the finished product, Just Wood represents over 125 years of experience, skill and dedication to working with timber properly.
Whether you are searching for a personalised wooden gift, natural wooden pebbles for creative projects, or quality leatherworking tools, you are choosing a business built on heritage, craftsmanship and care.