Project

Bench seat (Puketapu)

Project description

We recently completed a special restoration project for a customer whose built‑in bench seat was damaged during Cyclone Gabrielle in Hawke’s Bay. The client asked us to bring it back to life using the original timber, preserving both the character and the history of the piece.
To achieve this, we carefully removed, repaired, and reused the existing timber. Each component was sanded, polished, and restored to bring back its natural colour and original warmth. The goal was to revive the bench seat exactly as the customer remembered it — and the result exceeded their expectations.
Under the seat, we built custom pull‑out drawers by hand, providing practical storage while maintaining a seamless look. These were finished in a white 30% gloss shaker style, perfectly matching the existing kitchen cabinetry and tying the whole space together.
Seeing their restored bench seat back in place — in the living area beside the dining table — meant a lot to the customer. It was more than just furniture; it was a part of their home that they were thrilled to have back again.
This project highlights how thoughtful craftsmanship can restore not only function, but also the emotional value of a piece.

Last updated on 30-12-2025