Rustic Carpentry
Handcrafted green & seasoned oak, made to last for generations
Memorial and celebration benches, rustic outdoor furniture, gates and garden buildings, hand made by Ian Varley from local, sustainably managed timber.
Remember someone special
A green oak memorial or celebration bench, personalised and built to last in all weathers.
Memorial & celebration benches →
Improve your home & garden
Furniture, doors, gates, fencing, play structures and timber frame buildings, all made to measure.
See all our work →
Make something yourself
Relaxed, hands-on days in a barn workshop. No experience needed, and gift cards are available.
Green woodworking days →Traditional rural crafts, made for the way you live now
Using the ancient skills of green woodworking and woodland carpentry, we create handcrafted furniture for home and garden, larger bespoke outdoor structures, and beautiful memorial and celebration benches.
- Every piece is unique, made with care and attention to detail
- The best quality, at a price that stays affordable
- Timber from sustainably managed woodlands within the National Forest
- Sizes and designs adapted to suit your space
Find the right piece for you
Everything is made by hand in Ian's workshop on a farm in North West Leicestershire. Click any category to see photos of recent work.
Memorial & celebration benchesA lasting tribute or celebration in solid oak
Rustic oak furnitureBenches and tables built for all weathers
Fencing & gatesCleft oak and hazel, made the traditional way
Timber frame buildingsDoors, porches, garden rooms and extensions
Oak play structuresSwings, dens and play spaces in natural oak
Garden & courtyard structuresShelters, gateways and sedum roofsGreen woodworking daysMake your own stool, staff or bench
Meet Ian Varley
Ian founded Rustic Carpentry and has spent years rediscovering and perfecting the green woodworking crafts of our ancestors.
“I’m passionate about what we make and how we make it. I care about the simplicity and authenticity of every piece we create.”
“We use timber that we can trace as genuinely local, and we respect the woods it comes from by coppicing and clearing to ensure sustainability.”
What customers say
“My woodworking skills are very limited, but I was able to produce a piece of furniture that I am proud of.”Stephen RichardsonStool-making day · 25 October 2025
“Absolutely brilliant course. I will definitely book another course with him.”Guy TeasdaleStool-making day · 25 September 2025
“I am a musician, not a carpenter… the whole day was very chilled and a lot of fun.”Gaz BirtlesStool-making day · 16 July 2025
Have something in mind? Ian would love to hear about it.
Call Ian on 07828 772499 or send a quick enquiry. No obligation, just a friendly chat.