What is M008 Red Open Lacquer and how does it differ from a standard painted or stained finish?

M008 Red Open Lacquer is a specific open-pore lacquer formulation applied to solid oak that penetrates into the wood fibre rather than forming a film on the surface. The “open” in open lacquer refers to the fact that the natural pores and grain texture of the oak remain visible and tactile after finishing — the lacquer colour enters the wood rather than sitting on top of it. This is fundamentally different from a painted finish (which fully obscures the grain) or a standard stained-and-lacquered finish (which typically uses a film-forming topcoat that creates a smooth, grain-covering surface). The M008 red tone sits in the warm amber-to-burnt sienna range — a saturated, warm colour that enhances the natural grain character of the oak rather than replacing it.

Why is solid oak specified for the frame rather than engineered wood or softwood?

Chairs are subjected to dynamic load cycles — repeated compression, lateral stress, and racking forces — every time a person sits, shifts position, or stands. The joint integrity of a chair frame degrades faster than any other furniture form under this type of use. Solid oak is specified because its density (approx. 700–750 kg/m³) and tight grain structure allow mortise-and-tenon joints to hold their compression and resist loosening over years of daily use. Engineered board (MDF or particleboard) cannot be used for structural chair joints at all — it lacks the shear strength to hold joinery under repeated load. Finger-jointed softwood can be used but degrades faster than hardwood under the same load cycles. For a chair intended to last in a hotel guest room or residential study for a decade or more, solid oak is the correct specification.

What does “mortise-and-tenon joinery” mean and why does it matter for chair quality?

A mortise-and-tenon joint consists of a projecting tenon (tongue) cut at the end of one timber component that fits precisely into a corresponding mortise (socket) cut into the receiving component. When glued and pinned, this joint type creates a large glue surface area and a mechanical interlock that resists both compression and lateral pull. In chair construction, mortise-and-tenon joints at the leg-to-seat-rail and back-upright-to-seat-rail connections provide significantly greater long-term structural integrity than dowel-only or screw-and-glue assemblies, which rely on smaller glue areas and are more susceptible to joint relaxation under repeated dynamic loads. The difference is most apparent after 3–5 years of daily use: mortise-and-tenon joints remain tight; lesser joinery begins to show movement, rocking, and creaking.

What upholstery options are available for the seat and back, and can I choose a custom colour?

Three upholstery families are available: premium fabric (woven or textured weave — 30+ standard colours), genuine leather (full-grain or semi-aniline — natural tones and custom), and high-grade faux leather (microfibre or PU — 20+ colours). The seat and back can be upholstered in the same material and colour (standard) or in contrast material and colour combinations on request. Custom colour matching via Pantone or RAL reference is available for all three material types; custom colours may require a minimum batch of 5–10 pieces depending on material supplier minimums. Contact our team at the quotation stage for specific advice on your colour reference.

What seat height options are available, and how should I determine the correct height for my desk?

Seat height from floor can be specified between 44 and 52 cm. The ergonomically correct seat height is one that allows a seated user to place their feet flat on the floor with knees at approximately 90°, and to work at the desk surface with forearms roughly parallel to the floor and elbows at approximately 90°. For a standard desk height of 75–76 cm, a seat height of 44–47 cm is typically appropriate for users of average height. For taller users or higher desks (78 cm), a seat height of 48–52 cm may be more appropriate. We confirm seat height in the technical drawing and coordinate it with any other custom dimensions at the specification stage.

What back height options are available, and how does back height affect the chair’s appearance?

Back height above the seat surface can be specified at low (35–40 cm), mid (45–55 cm), or high (55–65 cm). Low back chairs have a clean, open profile — the top of the back sits below shoulder height for a seated user, which creates a visually lighter chair that suits contemporary or minimal interiors. Mid-back chairs offer standard lumbar and lower-back support without extending above the mid-back; this is the most common specification for desk and office use. High-back chairs provide full lumbar and upper-back support and create a more substantial visual presence in the room — appropriate for executive-style desk chairs or statement pieces in a hotel suite.