At Lighouse, every custom wooden furniture piece we make starts with one key decision: the wood. Quality begins at the material level, and that’s why we’ve chosen to work exclusively with SPF wood, also known as spruce-pine-fir. This remarkably versatile, sustainable, and sturdy softwood forms the backbone of our handcrafted furniture, delivering warmth, charm, and long-lasting durability to homes across South Africa.

SPF Wood: What’s in a Name?

The term “SPF wood” may sound technical, but it’s actually an acronym for the three closely related softwood species it encompasses: spruce, pine, and fir. These aren’t just any trees – they’re predominantly native to colder climates in Russia and Northern Europe, where the slow growth of the trees results in tighter grain, denser fibres, and stronger boards. That slow-and-steady growth pays off. Despite their classification as softwoods, the spruce, pine, and fir trees can rival certain hardwoods for strength owing to their impressive strength-to-weight ratio.

And that’s exactly why we love working with it.

Strong, Light, and Surprisingly Durable

In the world of custom furniture, the strength-to-weight ratio is essential. Spruce, pine, and fir wood are lightweight enough to make our handmade furniture easy to move and rearrange, yet strong and robust enough to support everyday use for decades. This balance allows our artisans to focus on design and detailing without compromising on practical durability.

From thick table legs and solid bed frames to shelving units and wine cabinets, SPF wood shows up in some of our most iconic, everyday pieces. Best of all, it takes beautifully to staining and sealing. That means we can enhance its natural grain with eco-friendly finishes (free from harmful chemicals) to bring out the wood’s best qualities while ensuring it’s safe for your family.

Sustainable by Nature – and by Design

As a company powered by solar energy and committed to ethical practices, we don’t choose our wood lightly. One of the biggest reasons we use SPF is its sustainability credentials. These trees grow faster than most hardwoods, especially when cultivated in responsibly managed forests across Europe and North America. This natural renewability means less pressure on forests and a faster replenishment cycle, making SPF a planet-friendly option.

More than just the growth rate, the way SPF forests are managed plays a massive role. Forestry industries in Europe and Canada follow rigorous regeneration procedures: for every harvested tree, many more are planted, and biodiversity in the surrounding ecosystem is preserved. This thoughtful forestry sets the global benchmark for sustainable timber production.

Adding a deeper layer of meaning, our identity at Lighouse reflects this value. Our very name combines ‘Lig’(Afrikaans for ‘light’) and ‘House’ to symbolise our mission of creating handcrafted wooden furniture that brings warmth and light to homes. Choosing SPF lets us stay aligned with that mission – creatively, ethically, and environmentally.

Crafted by Hand, Inspired by Nature

SPF wood has the visual and tactile charm that makes rustic furniture so beloved. Its character shows in its soft grain patterns, little knots, and organic imperfections, which, far from flaws, are the “birthmarks” that make each piece of furniture unique. Our artisans celebrate these features, leaning into nature’s quirks rather than sanding them out. It’s why each piece from Lighouse looks so alive.

Pair that with the softness of spruce and pine, and the strength of fir, and you’ve got a raw material that practically asks to be carved, shaped, joined, and fitted together by hand.

Why We Keep Choosing SPF

SPF wood fits our ethos as a Christian-owned, family-run workshop: a material that lets us honour God’s creation, work ethically with our team, support local sustainability efforts, and offer our customers something truly meaningful.

It’s no accident that so many people fall in love not just with the look of our pieces, but with how they feel. That’s the magic of real, handcrafted furniture made from real, responsibly sourced wood. And that’s why when you invest in a Lighouse piece, you’re also investing in spruce-pine-fir: in the story of where your furniture comes from, and the care that goes into every part of it.

So, the next time you admire that handcrafted bookshelf or run your hands along the surface of your solid wood dining room table, remember that’s SPF wood at work. Sustainably sourced. Designed with heart. And made to last a lifetime.

Now’s the time to explore more beautiful pieces on offer. Or, better yet, get in touch with your vision and we’ll create something custom-made especially for you.