Business

ITW In Timber White Artisan Furniture

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Product

1. What In Timber White (ITW) Means

ITW refers to a fully built piece of furniture supplied in raw, unfinished natural wood. No stain, lacquer, wax, sealer, paint, or protective coating is applied. The product is constructed as furniture, not as planks, lumber, or loose timber. The wood surface remains in its natural state and is prepared for customers who wish to apply their own stain, paint, wax, varnish, limewash, or bespoke finish. ITW is ideal for customers, designers, and workshops seeking full creative control over the final appearance of the product.

2. Technical Advisory: Moisture, Movement, and Sea Transport

Raw, unfinished timber is highly responsive to environmental conditions. Because the wood is supplied without any sealing layer, it will absorb and release moisture throughout the journey. During international sea freight, furniture travels for extended periods through multiple climate zones. Inside a cargo container, humidity levels fluctuate significantly due to temperature changes, atmospheric moisture, and condensation.

This condensation, commonly referred to as container rain or cargo sweat, occurs when warm air inside the container meets colder surfaces, causing moisture to drip from the container ceiling. Finished furniture is protected by lacquer; raw ITW furniture is not, making it more susceptible to moisture absorption.

During transport, the wood may be exposed to equatorial heat, cold oceanic winds, and varying humidity levels. As a natural result of these changing conditions, unfinished timber may exhibit movement such as mild warping, slight twisting, fibre lifting, micro-cracks, expansion, or contraction. These characteristics are natural and expected in raw wood transported across long distances by sea and are not considered manufacturing defects.

3. If You Request Lacquer Instead of ITW

Customers who prefer the product to be sealed before shipping may request a lacquer coating. Once lacquer is applied, the timber becomes sealed and non-absorbent. This prevents any form of future finishing, as stain, wax, paint, or pigment will no longer penetrate the wood surface. Lacquer should only be requested if no additional DIY finishing is intended. Customers who wish to customise the finish must choose the raw ITW option.

4. ITW Classification as Bespoke Custom Orders

ITW items are supplied in an unfinished condition specifically for custom finishing. They do not align with standard catalogue finishes and cannot be reintegrated into general stock once returned. For this reason, ITW orders are classified as bespoke custom furniture. Return eligibility is therefore handled under bespoke product criteria. This classification ensures clarity and reflects the customised nature of the request.

5. Closing Statement

Artisan Furniture is pleased to offer ITW products for customers who wish to create their own bespoke finishes. Raw wood naturally responds to variations in humidity and temperature during sea transport, and such movement is a normal characteristic of unfinished timber. Lacquered products cannot be customised further, as the sealing layer prevents absorption. ITW orders are treated as bespoke due to their unfinished state and the inability to resell such items in standard markets. This guidance ensures transparency and supports our commitment to a clear, informed customer experience.

CONTRACTUAL CROSS-REFERENCE
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Published January 2026 | Effective from January 2026 until Superseded or Amended