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Don't miss out on what's happening at Richard Burbidge, plus lots of guides and tips for successful home renovations.
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.
READ ARTICLEModern 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.
READ ARTICLEA stair balustrade is far more than a finishing detail. It plays a critical role in home safety, building regulations compliance, and the overall look and feel of your interior. Whether you’re a homeowner planning a renovation or a professional joiner working on a domestic project, getting the balustrade right first time can prevent costly delays, failed inspections and disappointing results. Below, we explore five key considerations when installing a stair balustrade, drawing on best practice and decades of stairpart expertise from Richard Burbidge 1. Compliance with Building Regulations Is Essential When installing a stair balustrade in the UK, compliance with Approved Document K: Protection from Falling, Collision and Impact is non‑negotiable. These regulations cover: Minimum guarding heights Handrail continuity Spacing between spindles or infill panels One of the most common causes of failure at building control stage is incorrect measurement. Guarding heights must always be measured from the finished floor level or pitch line, not from unfinished surfaces. Even small errors can result in non‑compliance. Choosing systems designed with compliance in mind can significantly reduce risk. For example, glass balustrade panels remove concerns around spindle spacing altogether, while pre‑drilled handrails and base rails ensure consistent, regulation‑compliant spacing with far less on‑site calculation. 2. Structural Integrity Is Non‑Negotiable A balustrade is a load‑bearing safety system, not just a design feature. During inspection, building control officers may physically test the rigidity of the installation, so every component must work together as a robust structure. Key considerations include: Securely fixed newel posts Strong joints between posts, handrails and infill Minimising movement over time Poorly installed balustrades often develop looseness due to weak fixings or mismatched components. Modern stairpart systems are now engineered and tested as complete assemblies, ensuring predictable performance once installed. Richard Burbidge balustrade systems are designed as integrated solutions, with purpose‑engineered joints that reduce long‑term movement. This is especially important in busy family homes where staircases see daily use. 3. Accurate Setting‑Out Saves Time and Prevents Errors Precision at the setting‑out stage is crucial. Inaccurate marking or uneven spacing can quickly lead to: Misaligned handrails Inconsistent spindle gaps Visual defects that are difficult to correct later Even small errors can compound over the length of a staircase. Traditional stair installations often rely on repetitive manual measuring and cutting, increasing the risk of inconsistency. To reduce this, many professionals now opt for modular or pre‑drilled stair systems. Innovative ranges such as Pürra® by Richard Burbidge are specifically designed to streamline installation, allowing parts to slot into place accurately with minimal adjustment. The result is: Faster installation Improved visual consistency Reduced risk of rework 4. Choose Material for Performance as Well as Style While homeowners often focus on aesthetics, the material choice for a stair balustrade has long‑term practical implications. Popular options include: Glass balustrades – Ideal for darker or enclosed staircases, allowing light to flow through and creating a feeling of space Metal infill systems – Provide a contemporary or industrial look with minimal maintenance Timber stairparts – A versatile, timeless choice, particularly pre‑primed options like PaintReady®, which can be finished or refreshed as interiors evolve Selecting the right material should take into account durability, maintenance and how the staircase will be used day‑to‑day, not just how it looks at installation. 5. Consider Design Style Early in the Project Today, stair balustrades are often a central interior design feature, not simply a functional requirement. The style you choose should complement the wider home aesthetic, whether that’s traditional, contemporary or transitional. Problems often arise when design decisions are left too late. Attempting to retrofit a balustrade style near the end of a project frequently results in compromises, both visually and structurally. Planning the balustrade early allows: Consistent design throughout the home Better material and system selection A more polished, professional finish Richard Burbidge stair systems offer the flexibility to mix and match components within a coordinated range, enabling bespoke results without the cost of full custom joinery. Our new Stair Style brochure which includes style sheets can also help homeowners and professionals visualise the final outcome from the outset. A Professional Finish Starts with the Right Approach Installing a stair balustrade requires both technical precision and design awareness. By focusing on compliance, structural integrity, accurate setting‑out, appropriate materials and early design planning, you can achieve a staircase that is: Safe and regulation‑compliant Built to last Visually cohesive In stair projects, small details matter. Taking a considered approach from day one helps ensure your balustrade not only passes inspection, but enhances the home for years to come. Ready to Plan Your Stair Balustrade? Explore Richard Burbidge’s full range of compliant, design‑led stair balustrade systems and stairparts to find the right solution for your project. Need help with your on stairparts project, our team are on hand to answer questions or help you to plan your project, request design support here.
READ ARTICLEIntroducing the new Richard Burbidge Stair Style collection – where design inspiration meets exceptional craftsmanship. For over 150 years, Richard Burbidge has helped homeowners, joiners and retailers create beautiful staircases that stand the test of time. Today, we're excited to launch Stair Style – a fresh new approach to staircase design that makes it easier than ever to create a stairway that's not just functional, but a true reflection of your interior style. More Than a Staircase A staircase is one of the first features people notice when they enter a home. It connects spaces, influences the flow of interiors, and can make a powerful style statement. With Stair Style, we've brought together our most popular stair systems, latest innovations and current interior design trends into one inspirational collection that helps customers create stairways that complement their homes perfectly Whether your style is minimalist, contemporary, traditional or somewhere in between, Stair Style offers a solution designed to elevate your space. Designed Around Today's Interior Trends The Stair Style collection showcases a range of trend-led design concepts, including: Nordic Simplicity Clean lines, natural tones and understated elegance combine beautifully with our innovative Pürra® stair system. Perfect for modern homes seeking a calm, Scandinavian-inspired aesthetic. Coastal Living Soft curves, airy colours and flowing forms create a relaxed, seaside-inspired atmosphere using the Pürra® system and Runa spindles Art Deco Revival Bold geometric patterns meet contemporary materials with our Elements® Loop metal balusters and oak stair components, delivering a dramatic statement staircase. Japandi Combining Japanese minimalism with Scandinavian functionality, this enduring trend creates warm, uncluttered spaces using our Trademark collection. Serene Sanctuaries Featuring Elements® inset glass panels, this style maximises light and openness while creating a calm, restorative environment. Meet Pürra® – The Future of Stair Renovation At the heart of the new collection is Pürra®, the UK's first full modular timber stairparts system. Designed for speed, simplicity and style, Pürra® dramatically reduces installation time by cutting the number of saw cuts required from more than 100 to fewer than 10. Precision-engineered components and slot-in spindle technology create a cleaner, faster and more efficient installation process. Sustainability at Every Step As a business, sustainability has always been central to what we do. A significant proportion of our timber is FSC® or PEFC certified, supporting responsible forest management around the world. Many of our products are manufactured at our Chirk facility in North Wales, and our ISO 14001 certification demonstrates our commitment to environmental responsibility. In 2024, Richard Burbidge was proud to receive the King's Award for Enterprise for Sustainable Development, recognising our ongoing investment in responsible manufacturing and sustainable business practices. Why Choose Richard Burbidge Stair Style? ✔ Over 150 years of craftsmanship and expertise✔ Design-led collections inspired by the latest interior trends✔ Innovative systems for faster installation✔ Sustainable timber sourcing and manufacturing✔ Solutions for every style and budget✔ Manufactured and supported from our North Wales headquarters Discover Your Style Whether you're renovating a tired staircase, creating a stunning centrepiece for a new home, or helping customers bring their vision to life, Stair Style offers the inspiration, products and quality needed to transform any space. The staircase is no longer just a route between floors—it's a design feature in its own right. Welcome to Stair Style. Transforming your space, one step at a time. Download our latest brochure here.
READ ARTICLEAt Archwood Group, sustainability continues to be central to how we operate as a business. As a North Wales-based timber manufacturer with over 150 years of heritage behind our Richard Burbidge and Atkinson & Kirby brands, we recognise the responsibility we have to reduce our environmental impact while supporting a more sustainable future for our industry. We are proud to announce that we have achieved Planet Mark certification for the fifth consecutive year, following independent verification of our carbon footprint and continued year-on-year improvement. This milestone reflects the significant progress we have made since joining the UN’s Race to Zero campaign in 2021, during which time we have reduced our Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 73% against our baseline year. This forms part of our long-term commitment to achieving Net Zero by 2050. Driving real progress across our operations Our continued reduction in emissions has been achieved through sustained investment and action across energy generation, electrification, responsible sourcing and waste reduction. Key achievements include: A 73% reduction in Scope 1 and 2 emissions versus our baseline year since joining the UN Race to Zero campaign in 2021. Installation of 2,600 solar panels at our North Wales facility, now generating 40–50% of our electricity needs and saving over 2,260 tonnes of CO₂ – equivalent to planting 1,250 trees and exporting more than 800,000 kWh of renewable energy to the national grid. A long-term Power Purchase Agreement (PPA) ensuring all remaining electricity is sourced from 100% verified renewable UK energy. 98% of all timber sourced is FSC or PEFC certified, supporting responsible forest management and sustainable supply chains. 90% of forklifts now operating as zero-emission vehicles, with plans in place to fully decarbonise our HGV fleet by 2030. 100% of wood waste recycled into animal bedding, cat litter, panel boards and site heating, alongside a 40% reduction in total waste over the past three years. Ongoing investment in our local communities, including school engagement, work placements, mock interviews and charitable fundraising initiatives. Looking ahead While we are proud of the progress made to date, our long-term sustainability strategy remains ambitious and focused: 2028: Self-generate 100% of our renewable energy needs 2029: Fully decarbonise our HGV fleet 2030: Achieve a 50% reduction in total emissions 2050: Reach Net Zero We continue to work closely with suppliers, partners and our wider value chain to support meaningful emissions reductions beyond our own operations. At Archwood Group, we remain committed to leading by example within our industry - continuing to invest, innovate and act responsibly to create a more sustainable future for generations to come.
READ ARTICLEAfter years of searching for the perfect countryside home, interior enthusiast and content creator Victoria Summer (@summerhousestyle) found her forever house closer to home than she ever expected. Having explored locations much further afield, it was a property almost on her own doorstep that ultimately won her over. From the very first viewing, Victoria could see the potential. While her husband needed a little more persuasion, she was undeterred even by the considerable challenges the house presented. The Victorian property had been untouched for decades; there was no heating, visible disrepair and even a leaking roof that once sent water pouring into the kitchen. Yet beneath it all were beautiful original features; fireplaces, coving and cornicing, just waiting to be celebrated. Following a full renovation, Victoria and her family transformed the house into a warm and welcoming home. However, four years on, one space still felt incomplete: the hallway. Despite its generous proportions and retained period detailing, something was missing. Determined to restore the hallway’s architectural integrity, Victoria turned to Richard Burbidge to find the perfect dado rail. She ordered samples of each available profile and held them against the walls, carefully considering scale and proportion, an important step in a narrow Victorian hallway, where every detail needs to enhance the space without overwhelming it. Her final choice was the Pine Dado Rail (DEC6011), installing 26 metres throughout the hallway. Its slim, refined profile added subtle definition without dominating the room, complementing the original coving and cornicing while bringing the hallway together. The installation was carried out by Victoria’s husband, a confident DIYer but new to fitting dado rails. He found the process straightforward, particularly since many of Richard Burbidge’s dado rails come pre-primed, helping to make preparation quicker and easier to achieve a smooth, ready-to-paint finish. For Victoria, the addition of the Richard Burbidge dado rail was the finishing touch that pulled everything together, transforming the hallway into a restored, cohesive space, proof that the right moulding can make all the difference. Explore Richard Burbidge’s full range of dado rails and stairparts here.
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Combining fantastic design with the finest craftsmanship
Established in 1867, family run Richard Burbidge has been passionate about the design, manufacture and supply of timber products for over 150 years. Today we offer a range of innovative products designed to transform your home.
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