At Archwood Group, continuous investment in people, technology and manufacturing capability is helping us deliver greater efficiency, support innovation and strengthen our UK production operations. As part of our ongoing commitment to modern manufacturing, we have recently upgraded key machinery at our Chirk manufacturing facility, reducing production times by up to 50% on several high-volume stairparts components while creating new opportunities for product development.  The investment forms part of a wider programme focused on increasing productivity, expanding manufacturing flexibility and ensuring we can continue producing high-quality timber products in the UK. Investing in Advanced CNC Technology A key part of the programme has been the replacement of our Maka ME machine with a new Masterwood CNC machine. The upgrade has significantly increased production capacity while enabling the manufacture of more complex components that were previously difficult or impractical to produce.  Alongside this investment, we have introduced a Comec Top XXL and an Intorex TMC 5-axis machining centre, providing enhanced capability for the manufacture of intricate timber components and supporting future product innovation. Creating New Opportunities for Product Development Modern manufacturing technology is not only helping us improve efficiency but also expanding what is possible from a design and engineering perspective. One example is the development of Richard Burbidge's Purra stairparts system, which combines advanced CNC machining, innovative product design and skilled programming. The range demonstrates how investment in technology can help transform new ideas into commercially viable products while supporting more efficient manufacturing processes.  Using 3D Modelling to Improve Development We are also embracing digital technology through the use of 3D modelling, allowing potential design and manufacturing challenges to be identified before physical prototypes are produced. This enables our teams to collaborate with customers earlier in the development process, ensuring products can be manufactured efficiently while maintaining their design intent. Technology Supporting People While automation and advanced machinery play an increasingly important role in manufacturing, people remain at the heart of our business. Josh Burbidge, Managing Director of Archwood Group, said: “Automation has never been about replacing people with machines. It is about giving our people better tools to solve harder problems, create better products and help our customers grow. ‘Capital investment shouldn't only make today's range faster; it should make tomorrow's range possible.’” As machinery takes on more repetitive tasks, our employees are able to focus on developing specialist skills in areas such as CNC programming, technical problem-solving and process improvement, building on the expertise that exists throughout the business.  Continuous Improvement Across Manufacturing Alongside new machinery investments, we are also improving existing equipment. Working with machinery specialist JJ Smith, we have retrofitted auto-feeders to selected profiling machines, helping to increase productivity while extending the lifespan of equipment that continues to perform effectively.  By combining advanced manufacturing technology with targeted upgrades and skilled teams, Archwood Group is continuing to improve efficiency, support innovation and develop the products of the future.

When you’re working with a smaller home, every design choice can make a difference. A staircase can have a big impact on how open or enclosed a hallway, landing or living space feels.  While a traditional balustrade can add definition to a staircase, solid materials can also block light and interrupt the view between floors. Glass stair panels offer a simple way to keep the staircase feeling open, while still giving you the safety and structure you need.  Let More Light Through  One of the easiest ways to make a small space feel bigger is to make the most of the light you have. Glass allows light to pass through the stairwell rather than stopping it at the balustrade.  This can be especially useful in hallways and landings that don't receive much natural light. With fewer visual barriers, the staircase feels less enclosed and the space around it can feel brighter and more spacious.  Keep Your Staircase Connected to the Room  A staircase doesn't have to feel separate from the rest of your interior. Glass panels help maintain clear sightlines, making it easier for the staircase to sit naturally within the wider space.  This works particularly well in open-plan homes, where the staircase may be close to a living room, kitchen or entrance hall. Instead of breaking up the room, a glass balustrade can help the different areas feel connected.  Find a Style That Works for Your Home  Glass doesn't have to mean a completely minimalist look. Richard Burbidge glass panels are available across the Fusion, Elements, and Elements Inset collections, giving you different options depending on the style of your staircase.  You can choose panels with or without metal fittings. Fittings can add a subtle industrial or architectural detail, while a more minimal installation keeps the focus on the glass and the space around it.  A Practical Choice for Smaller Homes  As well as helping to open up a staircase visually, Our toughened glass panels are designed with strength, safety and style in mind, making them suitable for both new staircase projects and updating an existing staircase.  If you're looking to make the most of a compact hallway, landing or open-plan space, glass could be the detail that makes the difference. By allowing more light through and keeping views open between floors, glass panels can help a smaller home feel brighter, lighter and more connected.  Explore the full range of Richard Burbdige products here; https://richardburbidge.com/shop/stairparts/glass-panels  

Looking to add more colour, character and personality to your home? Eclectic Maximalism is all about combining bold colours, interesting textures and pieces you love to create a space that feels unique. This maximalist approach to home styling has grown fast in popularity through 2026, as homeowners move away from plain, neutral schemes in favour of rooms with real personality. Rather than matching everything perfectly, eclectic maximalism celebrates contrast: think vintage finds sitting alongside modern furniture, warm colour palettes paired with statement patterns, and clean architectural details like wall panelling grounding playful, curated accessories. Our PaintReady® Shaker Style Wall Panel Kits and Classic Wall Panel Kits make it easy to introduce this trend into your home. Whether you’re creating a statement feature wall or adding detail throughout a room, our wall panel kits offer a versatile solution for both traditional and modern interiors. Eclectic Maximalism Made Simple Eclectic Maximalism is about layering different colours, patterns and textures to create a home that reflects your style.  Wall panelling helps bring the look together by adding structure and interest to your walls. Why Choose Wall Panelling for the Eclectic Maximalist Look? Wall panelling provides the perfect base for experimenting with colour and texture.  It allows you to introduce statement shades while adding depth and detail to your walls. Easy ways to create the look: Paint your panels in a bold colour to create a standout feature wall Use the same colour across your walls and panels for a more dramatic finish Combine painted panelling with patterned wallpaper for added texture and interest Layer with artwork, mirrors and accessories to make the space your own Our PaintReady® Wall Panel Kits come primed and ready to paint, making it simple to create a finish that works with your chosen colour scheme. Create the Look Room by Room Whether you're updating one area or refreshing your whole room, wall panelling can help bring this style to life. Living Room Create a feature wall using Shaker Style Wall Panel Kits and pair with colourful artwork, patterned cushions and statement accessories. Hallway Add interest to your entrance with half-height wall panelling.  Choose a rich colour to create a bold first impression. Bedroom Use Classic Wall Panel Kits behind the bed to create a decorative backdrop, then add layered bedding and your favourite accessories. Discover our full range of Wall Panel Kits here.

Whether you're renovating an existing staircase or starting a new build, choosing the right stairparts supplier is an important part of the process. The products you select need to look good, perform well and be straightforward to install, but the supplier behind them matters just as much. Here are five things worth considering before you make your choice. 1. Quality That Lasts A staircase is one of the hardest-working features in a home, so quality should always come first. Well-made stairparts not only create a better finish but also make installation easier and are built to withstand everyday use. Richard Burbidge stairparts are manufactured using quality timber and engineered timber components, designed to provide strength, stability and a consistent finish across the range. Careful selection of materials helps ensure parts are reliable to work with and perform well once installed. 2. Practical Support When You Need It No two staircase projects are the same. Whether you're replacing a few components or designing a completely new staircase, having access to knowledgeable technical support can make the process much simpler. At Richard Burbidge, our team offer a free design service to help with product selection, quotations, parts lists and technical guidance, giving both trade professionals and homeowners the information they need to move their projects forward. 3. Clear Installation Guidance Good products should be backed up by clear, accessible information. Installation guides, fitting instructions and technical documents help take the guesswork out of fitting stairparts and can save valuable time on site. They're also a useful resource for DIY projects, helping to achieve the best possible finish. That's why we've made a wide range of technical downloads and fitting guides available through our online Resources hub. 4. A Range That Works Together Choosing stairparts from one supplier helps create a consistent finish and makes it easier to find components that work together. From traditional timber stairparts to contemporary glass and metal balustrades, refurbishment products and accessories (i.e cladding kits), having everything in one place means that your Stairparts suit both your home and your style without compromising on compatibility. 5. Strength Tested for Complete Peace of Mind When choosing a stairparts supplier, appearance and style are important, but safety should never be overlooked. Staircases are a key structural feature within the home and need to be capable of withstanding the demands of everyday use for years to come. For added peace of mind, it's worth selecting a supplier whose stair systems have been strength tested to meet relevant UK domestic building regulations. This provides reassurance that the products have been designed and tested to perform as intended, helping to ensure a safe and reliable staircase for homeowners and installers alike. At Richard Burbidge, our stair systems are strength tested to domestic regulatory requirements, giving confidence that our balustrade and stairpart solutions combine style with proven structural performance. 6. A Supplier You Can Rely On Experience counts when it comes to stairparts design and manufacture. Established suppliers understand the challenges of different projects and invest in the products, technical knowledge and customer support needed to help them run smoothly. It's also worth looking for manufacturers that demonstrate a commitment to responsible sourcing and recognised quality standards. With more than 150 years’ experience in timber design and manufacture, Richard Burbidge has supported both trade professionals and homeowners with stairparts and stair renovation solutions. Finding the Right Fit The right supplier should make your project easier from start to finish, providing quality products alongside the advice and resources to help you achieve the best result. Whether you're updating an existing staircase or creating something entirely new, Richard Burbidge offers a comprehensive range of stairparts, refurbishment solutions and technical resources to help bring your plans to life. Explore our full range here.

At Richard Burbidge, we're always looking for new ways to help you create a home you love. That's why we're excited to introduce our new Home Style Brochure – a beautifully designed guide packed with ideas, inspiration and practical solutions to help you refresh and transform your living spaces. Bringing together our Mouldings, PaintReady® Panelling Kits, Acoustic Panels and Project Timber ranges in one easy-to-browse brochure, Home Style makes it simpler than ever to discover products that work together to create stunning interiors. Designed Around the Way People Style Their Homes When planning a home makeover, most people don't start by searching for individual products – they start with a vision. Whether you're dreaming of a cosy country cottage, a calm and relaxing retreat or a bold statement space, Home Style helps you explore different looks and find products that bring your ideas to life. Instead of browsing product by product, you'll find inspiration through beautifully styled room settings and carefully curated interior trends. Explore Five Inspiring Home Styles Cottagecore Create a warm and welcoming home inspired by countryside living. Think natural materials, timeless details and character-filled spaces that feel relaxed and inviting. Modern Deco Bring a touch of luxury to your interiors with rich colours, elegant wall panelling and striking geometric details that make a statement. Zen Create a calm sanctuary with clean lines, soft tones and natural textures. Acoustic panels help enhance both the look and comfort of your space. Shaker Simple, stylish and effortlessly versatile. Shaker-inspired interiors combine clean design with timeless appeal, making them perfect for every room. Regency Revival Inspired by classic British design, this look features decorative mouldings, elegant wall panelling and refined finishing touches that add sophistication to any home. Transform Your Space with Confidence Home Style is built around three simple ideas: Space – helping you make the most of every room. Style – inspiring looks that suit your taste and personality. Purpose – products that not only look great but also work hard in your home. Whether you're creating a feature wall, updating a hallway, improving room acoustics or tackling your next DIY project, Home Style shows how different products can work together to achieve a beautifully coordinated finish. More Than a Brochure – A Source of Inspiration Home Style has been created to help make home improvement easier, more inspiring and more enjoyable. With practical ideas, trend-led styling and products designed to work together, it's the perfect starting point for anyone looking to refresh their home. Discover Home Style Today Whether you're making small updates or planning a complete room transformation, the new Home Style Brochure is packed with ideas to help you create a space that's uniquely yours. Browse the Home Style Brochure today and start turning inspiration into reality.

Modern homes are increasingly designed around detail, functionality and visual consistency. While kitchens and bathrooms often dominate renovation priorities, staircases are rapidly becoming a key interior feature that can significantly influence both the appearance and value of a property. A well-designed staircase no longer serves just a practical purpose. It plays a vital role in shaping first impressions, improving interior flow and elevating the overall finish of a home. Staircases Have Become a Central Design Feature  In contemporary homes, staircases are often positioned in entrance halls, hallways or open-plan living spaces, making them one of the first elements visitors and potential buyers notice. Outdated timber spindles, worn handrails or traditional staircase components can quickly date an otherwise modernised property. In contrast, upgrading to a modern staircase design can instantly refresh the space. Replacing traditional stairparts with modern iron balustrade systems is an effective way to achieve a clean, updated look. These designs offer: Sleek, minimalist lines Durable, long-lasting materials A cohesive, contemporary finish Black iron balusters remain particularly popular in UK interiors, especially when paired with: Oak handrails and base rails Neutral colour palettes Modern or Scandinavian-inspired styling This combination creates a staircase that feels both timeless and on-trend. How Modern Staircases Improve Buyer Appeal When it comes to selling a property, presentation is crucial. An outdated staircase can detract from an otherwise well-presented home, while a modern upgrade can significantly enhance perceived value. A professionally updated staircase helps create a strong impression of a well-maintained, high-quality interior, which can increase buyer interest and confidence. Benefits of staircase upgrades include: Improved visual flow between floors A brighter, more open feel in hallways Added architectural detail and contrast Enhanced entrance areas and open-plan spaces Increased overall interior appeal For homeowners preparing to sell, investing in a staircase renovation can be a strategic and cost-effective way to stand out in competitive property markets. A Cost-Effective Home Improvement Compared to large-scale renovations, updating your staircase can deliver a high-impact transformation without major structural work. Simple changes such as replacing: stair balusters, handrails  newel caps or posts can dramatically modernise your home while staying within a manageable budget. Staircase renovations are ideal for: Homes preparing for sale Property refurbishment projects Interior modernisation Hallway and entrance upgrades Finishing touches in new build homes Additionally, the flexibility of mix-and-match stairparts and cladding kits allows homeowners to create a bespoke look that suits both modern and traditional interiors. Upgrade Your Staircase with Richard Burbidge A thoughtfully designed staircase is more than just a functional feature — it’s an opportunity to enhance your home’s style, flow and value. Explore the full Richard Burbidge staircase range here to find high-quality solutions that bring your interior vision to life.