Materials and provenance
Where our wood comes from
All the wood at Veta & Lux is reclaimed: we do not fell trees to make lamps. We find it fallen in the forest, as driftwood at river and stream mouths, in areas burned by wildfires and in ruined houses, or we buy it as firewood from controlled pruning. Before working it, we treat it against insects and dry it in our warehouse until it reaches the right moisture level.
Five sources
Fallen trees in the forest
Trunks and branches from trees that fell on their own. We collect wood the forest has already let go of, in the shape the tree gave it.
Driftwood from rivers and streams
Wood carried by the water down to the mouth of rivers and streams: what is known as driftwood. The current and the sand polish and round it over the years.
Wildfires
Wood from trees affected by wildfires. Rafa is a forest firefighter and has found many of these pieces after a fire.
Reclaimed beams from ruined houses
Fallen beams left behind in ruined houses, which we recover before they are lost. Timber that once held up a home.
Firewood from controlled pruning
We buy firewood from controlled pruning and hand-pick the pieces with the most character, which would otherwise end up in a fireplace.
How we prepare it
- 01
Selection
We choose each piece for its shape, grain and condition. If the wood is not fit to last, we do not use it.
- 02
Insect treatment
We apply treatments against woodworm and other insects, preventively and, when needed, curatively.
- 03
Drying
The wood rests in our warehouse until it reaches the right moisture level. It can take months, which is why we always have dry, treated wood ready to work.
- 04
Cleaning and finishing
We remove weakened parts by hand and apply the finish, keeping the textures and stable cracks that give each piece its character.
Woods we work with
Olive, eucalyptus, chestnut, oak, walnut and pine. Each product page names the wood of the piece and, when we know it, its origin.
Frequently asked questions
Do you fell trees to make your lamps?
No. We only work with reclaimed wood: fallen trees, wood carried by rivers and streams, wood from wildfires, beams from ruined houses and firewood from controlled pruning.
Are reclaimed wood lamps durable?
Yes, as long as the wood is sound, treated and dry. Every piece is treated against insects, dried in our warehouse to the right moisture level, and we remove weakened parts by hand before turning it into a lamp.
Can the wood have woodworm?
We treat the wood against woodworm and other insects, preventively and curatively, before drying and working it.
Why are no two lamps the same?
Because every piece of wood has its own shape, grain and marks. We design each lamp around the piece in front of us, which is why every one comes numbered with its certificate of authenticity.
Can I know where the wood in a specific lamp comes from?
Yes. Each product page describes the wood and its origin when we know it. If you have questions about a piece, get in touch.