If you’ve ever picked up one of our pieces at Stories In Wood, you’ll probably notice something straight away — it doesn’t feel plastic, sticky, or overly coated.

That’s completely intentional.

We believe timber should feel like timber. Warm, natural, and alive in your hands — not buried under thick synthetic finishes.

We recently featured in a blog post by an Australian woodcare brand, which got us thinking — we’ve never properly explained why we choose natural oils.

Letting the Timber Speak for Itself

Every piece of timber is different. Grain patterns, colour variation — no two pieces are the same.

Natural oil finishes soak into the timber, enhancing the grain instead of masking it.

The Benefits of Natural Oil Finishes

• Improves with age: Develops character instead of cracking
• Easy to maintain: Simple reapplication
• Better feel: No plastic coating
• Durable: Built for everyday use

Our Approach to Finishing Timber

1. Careful sanding
2. Cleaning the timber
3. Applying oil by hand
4. Letting it absorb
5. Buffing excess
6. Repeating as needed

Why We Use High-Quality Australian Wood Oils

We use high-quality, Australian-made wood oils designed for durability and long-term care.

Read the original feature

Sustainability and Longevity

Natural oil finishes reduce reliance on heavy coatings and extend product life.

What This Means for You

• Natural finish
• Ages beautifully
• Easy maintenance
• Authentic feel

Final Thoughts

Natural oils respect the material and create a finish that feels right.