Background
Brightleaf Carpentry was formed and is run by Keith Sault who is based in Oxford but works across Oxfordshire and the surrounding counties. Keith qualified in Furniture Design and Making from Rycotewood College in Thame in 2000 and has 14 years’ experience in the woodworking world.
Brightleaf specialise in bespoke and fitted furniture and work within a wide variety of settings including with private and commercial clients, designers, architects, contractors and structural engineers. Work can be produced either on or off site in locally sourced solid wood; oak, maple, sycamore, walnut or ash among many others, as well as affordable veneered panels or materials finished according to the needs of the client. For bespoke work other processes include vacuum forming, steam-bending, laminating of veneers and wood-turning for the production of unique individual designs.
We are highly experienced in interior and external woodwork and joinery; architraves, skirting, doors, windows, stud-work, staircases and re-configuration of spaces.
In addition Keith is a skilled traditional timber framer and can undertake large timber out-buildings, extensions, garages, car-ports as well as garden and exterior furniture including timber feather boarding. We have excellent knowledge of historical buildings and timbers for restoration purposes.
Some previous projects have included:
- Free-standing furniture both large and small pieces including engineered un-bracketed oak tables, a series of rusted steel finished oak side-tables, ash and glass free-standing display cabinets.
- Fitted furniture ranging from the smallest of spaces to large libraries and retail environments
- Timber framed buildings and garden features, mainly in green oak, with new build construction, over 40 structures to date, and restoration of existing buildings including a 13th century tithe barn
- Domestic and commercial fit-outs and refurbishments including exhibition displays and student accommodation
Commissioning
Commissioning is an exciting and enjoyable process for all concerned which is why we approach this very important step with enthusiasm and care, working closely with you within your budget to come up with a solution that works for you. With many years of experience working with clients with unique individual needs, Keith will listen carefully to your requirements and use his well trained ear and eyes to devise something bespoke and perfectly executed for the space and budget. His skill in problem solving means he is able to use resources economically and efficiently and provide you with a carefully thought-out and perfectly finished product.
We find that the best approach is to have an in-person consultation in order establish exactly what is involved and provide an accurate quote. We will provide a variety of material and finish options.
Where desired a full design service can be undertaken and detailed drawings will be provided before confirmation is required. We are also happy to produce products from the client’s own designs or drawings provided by designers and architects.
Testimonials
The satisfaction of our clients is of the utmost importance, ensuring the process is rewarding for all and as a result we have built up a large network of regular clients and very satisfied customers over the years. A selection of testimonials is below:
“Keith’s excellent to work with: give him an idea of what you’re looking for, he’ll offer suggestions and ideas and then come up with a clear proposal. His craftsmanship is excellent and he’ll not deliver the piece until he’s 100% happy with it.”
Mr S Degg, Cheltenham
“Keith’s design and carpentry skills helped us create really useful storage, and turn an awkwardly shaped attic room into a real feature of the house. Throughout the job, Keith proved to be extremely hard working, totally trustworthy and reliable – even working over a bank holiday to ensure he finished on time.
We’d have no hesitation in recommending Keith – in fact we’re now considering a hand-made kitchen.
Great job!”
Dr. Green, Oxford
“Keith is always very enthusiastic in anything he does. He has a wide range of experience, and so was able to help us several times on traditional carpentry work. I would definitely recommend for similar work as this seems to be his forte”
Mr G Soame, South Leigh
“I commissioned Keith in June 2013 to fit some pine cladding and build a bespoke shelving unit. He also created some floating waney oak shelves, made a cupboard door and repaired some damaged timber-framing.
I already had a good idea what I wanted it all to look like, but was a bit hazy on the practicalities. Keith tactfully helped me tweak my designs so that they worked much better, e.g. altering shelf heights to fit our books. He is very knowledgeable about timber-frame, and gave me really helpful advice about maintaining our property. My experience was that he was versatile, conscientious and reliable.”
Mrs F Hordern, Wantage