Bough & Burr is me, Duncan.
I founded the studio to chase the joy I first found carving the rails of a wooden surfboard with a spokeshave.
My work is an ode to the imperfect — furniture shaped by the organic form of each unique slab. Like a snowflake, no two are ever the same.
Award-winning furniture design.
Our story
The beginning.
I started nearly fifteen years ago, shaping a hollow wooden surfboard by hand. The joy of making something from timber was all-encompassing, and I was hooked. Today every piece is designed by me and handmade in my Belfast workshop.
The work
By hand.
My workshop is unplugged — every piece is made by hand, with the traditional joinery I have studied for years. I work with Western hand tools alongside Japanese planes, saws and chisels that cut on the pull stroke rather than the push.
What I hold to
Native timber
The finest native Scottish and Irish hardwood, sourced from select local sawmills with guaranteed provenance.
Heirloom quality
Contemporary, live-edge pieces, designed and handmade to last for generations.
Sustainability
The most sustainable furniture I can make — even offcuts become homeware, so nothing is wasted.
Our promise
A tree for every piece.
For every piece of furniture I make, a native tree is planted here in Ireland.
Let's make something that lasts.
Looking for a piece made for you? Start a commission. Prefer something ready now? A few finished pieces and a range of homeware, made from workshop offcuts, are waiting in the shop.