the bESTWOOD story
Bestwood
Architectural wood surfaces, specified with intent.
Bestwood partners with architects and interior designers to deliver high-performance, design-led wood solutions for interior and exterior architecture.
Founded in 2005, Bestwood has become a trusted specification partner for premium residential and hospitality projects across Southern Africa and select international markets.
We support specification with technically rigorous, design-forward wood systems from leading European manufacturers.
Our Focus
We specialise in three core categories, each chosen for architectural relevance, longevity, and design integrity:
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Interior wood surfaces – flooring, stairs, walls and ceilings
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Decorative veneer surfaces for bespoke interiors
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Exterior decking for demanding environments
Hakwood — Engineered Hardwood Architecture
We are the exclusive South African partners of Hakwood, the Netherlands-based pioneer of luxury engineered hardwood surfaces.
Hakwood designs and manufactures all flooring, stair, wall, and ceiling systems in-house in the Netherlands. Their work is defined by:
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Advanced engineered construction for dimensional stability
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Deep expertise in colour, texture, and surface treatment
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A production process combining hand craftsmanship with high-precision technology
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Up to 17 quality control stages per product
Hakwood is specified worldwide by leading architects for projects in which wood is treated as an architectural material, not a mere finish.
Cape Dutch Solution
For projects with tighter timelines or budgets, we offer the Cape Dutch Solution:
European Oak boards, professionally pre-finished in Cape Town using Osmo hard-wax oils or Bona water-based systems — preserving Hakwood quality while improving speed and cost efficiency.
Leeuwenburgh Fineer — Veneer for Architectural Expression
Since 1976, Leeuwenburgh Fineer has produced premium veneers and decorative wood surfaces for high-end interiors worldwide.
Their surfaces are developed for:
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Interior wall cladding, doors, joinery & cabinetry
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Large-scale, visually consistent applications
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Textural and three-dimensional effects, including Beamwood and 3D Carbon
Leeuwenburgh balances natural material expression with industrial precision, making their products highly suited to bespoke architectural detailing.
Kebony — Exterior Timber, Engineered to Last
We are the exclusive South African partners of Kebony® decking.
Kebony uses a patented, environmentally responsible modification process that transforms fast-growing softwoods into:
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Exceptionally durable and dimensionally stable decking
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A hardwood appearance without tropical hardwood extraction
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Low-maintenance exterior timber suitable for residential and commercial use
Kebony is widely specified internationally for projects where sustainability, performance, and longevity are non-negotiable.
How We Work
We collaborate early in the design process to support:
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Specification writing and technical guidance
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Sample curation and finish selection
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Budget alignment and programme constraints
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Long-term material performance considerations
Our value lies not in volume, but in precision, clarity, and trust.
For Architects & Designers
If you are specifying interior wood surfaces, veneers, or exterior decking and require a knowledgeable partner with direct access to leading European manufacturers, we would welcome the opportunity to collaborate.
KEBONY
Kebony is a Norwegian-engineered wood solution developed for exterior architectural applications where durability, dimensional stability, and longevity are critical.
Using a patented bio-based modification process, sustainably sourced softwoods are permanently enhanced at a molecular level, resulting in timber with the strength, hardness, and appearance of tropical hardwoods—without the environmental cost.
The process alters the wood cell structure rather than applying surface treatments, producing material that performs consistently throughout its full thickness and requires minimal ongoing maintenance.
Kebony’s modified timber is widely specified for decking, façades, screening, and exterior joinery, offering architects a reliable natural material for exposed conditions.
Kebony products are FSC® certified and sourced from fast-growing, responsibly managed forests, supporting long-term environmental stewardship and low-impact construction.
Exceptional dimensional stability ensures reduced movement, improved fixing performance, and predictable behaviour across varying climates and site conditions.
Over time, Kebony develops a natural silver-grey patina when left untreated, allowing designers to specify a weathered aesthetic without waiting for uneven oxidation.
Today, Kebony is used in residential, hospitality, and public realm projects worldwide, trusted by architects for its balance of performance, sustainability, and refined material expression.
Our Collections
Hakwood is defined by a deep commitment to craftsmanship, material intelligence, and design integrity.
For over four decades, the brand has set the benchmark for engineered wood surfaces that combine refined aesthetics with technical performance.
At the core of Hakwood’s offering is DuoPlank®, an engineered wood construction that delivers the authentic look and feel of solid timber while achieving exceptional dimensional stability.
This makes it suitable not only for flooring but also for stair elements, wall panelling, and ceiling applications, allowing a cohesive architectural language across interior surfaces.
Hakwood’s collections are developed through meticulous processes that balance traditional European woodworking expertise with contemporary innovation.
Every board is crafted to meet exacting standards of consistency, precision, and finish, ensuring reliability from specification through to long-term use.
Recognised internationally for advancing the technical and aesthetic possibilities of architectural veneer, Leeuwenburgh Fineer is known for precision-engineered wood surfaces with exceptional visual depth.
By combining advanced manufacturing with a deep understanding of natural timber, their collections deliver consistent performance and highly refined surface expression, making them suitable for demanding interior applications.
Standout ranges include 3D Carbon and Beamwood—each developed to introduce dimensionality, rhythm, and texture across a wide spectrum of colourways, species, and finishes, allowing designers to respond precisely to spatial intent.
Leeuwenburgh’s veneers are engineered for stability, repeatability, and specification confidence, making them suitable for large-scale joinery, wall panelling, ceilings, and bespoke architectural detailing.
These surfaces are trusted by leading architects and interior designers worldwide and are available locally to support professional projects throughout Southern Africa.
browse our favourite creations
Bespoke flooring & wall panelling by Hakwood; luxurious handknotted rugs & cushions by The Rug Company.
Kebony Character Decking
By Kebony
Segura
By Hakwood
Mayenne
By Hakwood
Lena
By Hakwood
Conte
By Hakwood
Chaumont
By Hakwood
Beynac
By Hakwood
Amboise
By Hakwood
Vivaldi
By Hakwood
Promise
By Hakwood
Heritage
By Hakwood
Valor
By Hakwood
Tranquility
By Hakwood
Aura
By Hakwood
Locke
By Hakwood
Forza
By Hakwood
our commitment
to you
We understand that well-designed material systems play a critical role in building performance, indoor comfort, and long-term project success.
Selecting the right surfaces is not purely aesthetic. It requires technical clarity, reliable information, and confidence that materials will perform as intended over time.
We are committed to supporting architects and interior designers throughout the specification process, offering informed guidance grounded in material science, manufacturing knowledge, and real-world application.
Our role is to simplify complex decisions, align with project requirements, and translate design intent into durable, well-executed outcomes using responsibly sourced natural materials.
see our hard wood floors in real life
Bestwood collaborate with leading design firms on high-profile projects across residential and commercial settings. Each application requires a specific aesthetic and functional specification, from luxurious lodges in Tanzania and Botswana to contemporary retreats on the Atlantic Seaboard.
