Waiting is a luxury. But why do handcrafted products take so long?

Can’t it be done faster? After all, it’s just a piece of wood! The wait for sustainable products can stir up impatience and frustration. You've placed your order and paid for it (often a hefty amount), but the courier is nowhere in sight. With mass production and lightning-fast delivery now the norm, we're used to having everything at our fingertips. So when we have to wait, it makes us uneasy – and rightly so. That’s why it’s worth taking a closer look at what goes into the making of handcrafted goods.

Wood carries many stories

Every piece of wood, every log, every shelf and desk, or even a tiny tray – tells a story that begins long before it ever leaves the workshop. The wood we use to create our desks and accessories doesn't grow on store shelves. Each log comes from a tree that has taken years to grow. At Oakywood, we follow sustainable practices and responsible sourcing – caring for forests, ecosystems, and the future. And that too takes time.

Craftsmanship teaches patience

Creating sustainable desks and accessories is a multi-step process involving many skilled hands. Even the first stage – initial wood processing – can be a challenge. “Planning the woodcuts is often tricky due to the natural, unpredictable grain of the wood. The operator has to decide on the spot what product a specific log will become, and that decision directly affects the quality of the final board,” says Waldemar Kleniewski, CEO of our partner sawmill.

Read more about how our eco-friendly production works.

Once we receive the wood, we plan every cut carefully to avoid waste, starting right at the design stage. Logs are then sliced, planed, glued, and milled. We don’t rush the glue – it needs time to set properly. The natural oil wax also takes time to seep in and bring out the wood’s unique character. And we’re deliberate with sanding too – we want your hands to feel smoothness, not compromise. Only with such care can we create something real. Something that doesn't mimic plastic but breathes, smells, and lives.

Everything under control – the power of transparency

However, during the waiting period, time tends to slow down, particularly when you're unaware of the status of your order. That’s why we’ve introduced a new notification system for Oakywood desk orders. From the moment you place your order to the day it ships, you’ll receive regular updates on production progress.

Knowing what’s happening makes the wait more bearable – and gives you time to plan your setup: pick accessories, reflect on the tools you really need, get inspired, and think about the atmosphere you want to create in your workspace.

Who’s making your desk?

Asking who, how, and where makes the items we order is something we should do more often. Because it’s not just about quality – brands like Oakywood guarantee that. It’s about human dignity. When you choose our handcrafted products, you can be sure the people behind them have time to enjoy lunch, spend time with loved ones, and pursue their passions. Our workshop isn’t a soulless factory. We don’t run on exhausting shifts where fatigue is ignored and survival is the goal. We’re aware that sustainable production also means work-life balance for all employees.

So yes – when you buy a handcrafted desk from our small workshop in the Polish Highlands, you're also “buying” peace of mind. You’re choosing a product that wasn’t made at the expense of anyone’s health or dignity. That’s what makes waiting a form of luxury. The idea that someone is building your product with care and utmost precision, not in haste – that’s true luxury.

So even if you can’t wait to sit (or stand) at your new desk, give yourself permission to wait. Because behind those few weeks on the calendar lies something much bigger: responsibility, respect, craftsmanship, and integrity. When you order something made sustainably, you’re not just buying an object. You’re investing in timeless values.