our story
Handcrafting furniture for over three decades
There’s something quietly satisfying about working with your hands—shaping raw wood into something functional, lasting, and beautiful.
We’ve been handcrafting furniture for over thirty years now, and while tools have evolved and styles come and go, the heart of the craft remains the same.
Here’s a note from our founder; Dilwyn Jones about how Celfiderw Oakencraft began
Dilwyn Jones
Founder
looking back
About us
I was born and raised on a busy family farm in the heart of North Wales, part of
the fifth generation to work the land. Life on the farm shaped who I am, instilling
in me a strong sense of loyalty to both the area and its way of life. Growing up
surrounded by agriculture, I naturally got involved in all sorts of hands-on
work—but it was woodworking that really sparked something in me.
At age 12, I joined a hand carving night class at the local school. I loved it, and
that early interest quickly grew into a real passion. Over time, I honed my skills,
especially through school projects where woodworking and metal work became
a real strength of mine.
After school, I was lucky enough to land an apprenticeship with a leading
company known for their bespoke furniture and handmade kitchens. There, I
trained in cabinet making, on-site furniture fitting, and French polishing. It was an
incredible learning experience—not just because of the craftsmanship, but also
thanks to the talented team I worked with. From experienced makers to Oxford
grads, the people around me left a big impression and helped shape my outlook.
My inspiration also came from closer to home. Wales has a rich heritage of
heirloom oak furniture, and the beautiful pieces in my childhood home had a big
influence on me. I’m also proud to come from a line of cabinet makers known as
the “Seiri Cochion”—the “Red-Haired Cabinet Makers” of North Wales, who were
active in the 19th century. Some of their work can still be seen at places like Pale
Hall in Llandderfel, Bala.
With this deep-rooted connection to furniture making, I eventually set up
Celfiderw Oakencraft in a small shed just outside the family home. My dad
bought me a bandsaw at Beeston Market, and that, along with a few hand tools –
was how it all began. I started by taking on one-off commissions and advertising
in the local paper. Things picked up quickly, and before long, I was working a full
day job, then putting in another 6+ hours each evening and weekends, fulfilling
orders from a furniture dealer down in Godalming, Surrey.
As demand grew, I gradually went full-time, developed my own products, invested
in machinery, and brought on staff. Eventually, we moved into our current
workshop, which we’ve expanded over the years as the business continues to
grow.
I still have the original bandsaw my dad bought me—these days, it’s more of a
sentimental piece, though it’s currently on loan in the personal workshop of my
former boss from the company where I trained. These days, our workshop is
kitted out with state-of-the-art equipment, including CNC technology. We’ve
moved from hand-drawn sketches to high-quality CAD designs with detailed 3D
visuals. But even with all the tech, we stay true to our roots. We fully embrace
modern methods, but we never forget the value of traditional craftsmanship and
hand skills passed down through generations.
Outside of work, I stay grounded by still helping out with farm duties and
continuing our family tradition of beekeeping, a practice that’s been passed
down through four generations on the farm. Even though I’m personally allergic,
it’s a hobby I continue because it keeps me connected to nature and to where I
come from. And yes, our long-time customers sometimes get a taste of our
honey—if they’ve been good!
At Celfiderw Oakencraft, we’re known for crafting high-quality, fully bespoke kitchens and furniture each one made to order and built to last.
While we proudly serve clients across the UK, our work has also found homes in Europe, the U.S., and the Middle East.
We’ve had the honour of taking on national commissions for the arts as well, projects that reflect both our craftsmanship and creative versatility.
These days, we’ve grown into a dedicated team of cabinet makers, full-time designers, and skilled furniture finishers.
I stay closely involved in the day-to-day running of the business—overseeing each project and design, and making sure I get to know every customer and the unique details of every commission we take on. By doing this, I feel I’m able to maintain the benchmark quality I’ve built over decades of hands-on work, while also preserving the artisanal, handcrafted, and personal feel that defines everything we create in our workshop and stand for within our industry.
Every piece we make is thoughtfully designed and handcrafted to suit each individual project. We’re proud to contribute to the tradition of fine furniture making—blending heritage with modern living in a way that feels timeless and personal.
We’re one of the few kitchen companies that still truly handcraft every frame and component. We don’t rely on mass-production methods. That hands-on approach means we can pay close attention to every detail and bring out the best in each piece of timber. All our materials are sustainably sourced through FSC certified suppliers, and our furniture is built to last—getting better with age, just like the old classics.
Whether you’re looking to create a single piece of furniture, design an individual room, or fit out an entire home, our approach is always personal.
We take the time to understand your lifestyle, your space, and your style—so we can craft something that feels just right for you. Every piece we make is handcrafted with care, tailored specifically to you—not made for the masses.
Handcrafted
A team that’s small enough to care deeply about the details, and experienced enough to deliver on the big picture
