As urban living spaces become more limited and gardens more compact, the importance of creating an inviting and functional outdoor area has never been greater. Transforming your space into a private retreat is more achievable than you might think. Clever garden zoning can turn your garden from a single, one-dimensional space into a series of beautiful outdoor areas, each with its own purpose and unique character. The Power of Zoning and Partitioning Zoning involves strategically dividing your garden into smaller, designated areas, each with a specific function in mind. Partitioning complements zoning by introducing physical features such as fences, walls, or screens. These barriers not only create visual and spatial divisions between different zones, but also give each area its own distinct character and purpose. Through thoughtful partitioning, you can create private spaces for work, relaxation, or entertainment, enhancing both your sense of privacy and your garden’s overall potential. Ways to Create More Space Slatted Screens for Privacy One way to create a sense of division within your garden is by incorporating slatted screens. Our slatted screens provide an ideal solution for defining boundaries, whether you're looking to separate a garden from a patio or establish a private, tranquil retreat. Combining functionality with aesthetic appeal, these versatile screens can also be easily painted, offering the flexibility to customise their appearance and seamlessly integrate with the overall design of your outdoor space. Enhance the Flow with Outdoor Balustrades Outdoor decking balustrades are an excellent way to zone your outdoor space, enhancing the flow of an area and creating clear distinctions between different zones. By adding balustrades to elevated sections of your garden, you can transform the atmosphere of your outdoor area. Richard Burbidge’s Outdoor Decking Balustrades, like the Metal Victoria Baluster, provide the perfect solution for defining spaces in a smaller garden. Raised areas, such as dining or lounge spaces, can be beautifully framed with balustrades, while the surrounding garden remains open and natural. Add Texture and Colour with Planters Lining paths with plants is an effective way to create a visual barrier, giving each zone its own identity while introducing colour and texture to the space. DIY planters offer an excellent way to incorporate greenery into your garden’s design. Whether you desire a more contemporary style or something with rustic charm, our Sawnwood timber provides the ideal solution for crafting greenery-filled divisions in your garden. Define Walkways Defining walkways with slatted screens is another great way to add both structure and style to your garden. Our Slatted Screens offer a contemporary and functional solution to partitioning different areas of your outdoor space. These sleek, modern screens can be strategically placed along pathways to guide visitors through your garden, the open design of the slats also allows light to filter through, while adding a sense of privacy and separation between zones. Explore our full range of outdoor products here.

Here at Archwood Group, sustainability is a core part of who we are and how we operate. We understand the importance of transparency, which is why we’re proud to share our most recent sustainability milestones with you. Since joining the UN’s Race to Zero campaign in November 2021, we have been taking action to reduce our carbon footprint and increase transparency. In 2024, we’ve reached several key targets in our journey to Net Zero, including a 66% reduction in Scope 1 & 2 carbon emissions. Here are just some of our most recent achievements: Achieved Planet Mark Certification for the fourth consecutive year, with an impressive 18.3% carbon reduction per employee. We’ve Installed 2,600 solar panels which now provide 40-50% of our annual energy needs - the equivalent to planting over 800 trees. We’ve fully transitioned to 100% renewable energy – a significant step in our efforts to reduce our reliance on fossil fuels. We’re proud that 98% of the timber we use is FSC/PEFC-certified, and we are on track to reach 100% certification by 2027. We’ve replaced 95% of our forklift fleet with zero-emissions electric trucks and are working toward fully electrifying our HGV fleet by 2030. We recycle 100% of our wood waste for use in animal bedding, cat litter, and site heating and we’ve made great strides in waste reduction, achieving a 40% decrease in waste over the past three years. In 2024, we were honoured to receive the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development, the UK’s highest recognition for sustainable business practice. As our brands Richard Burbidge and Atkinson and Kirby, were the only Welsh business to receive this prestigious award, we’re incredibly proud of our team’s hard work and dedication to making a meaningful and lasting impact on our environment. Reflecting on the past year, our Managing Director, Josh Burbidge, describes how we have made significant strides toward achieving our Net Zero goal: “We’ve made great progress on our Net Zero journey, reducing our Scope 1 & 2 carbon footprint by 66% versus our baseline year. This is a fantastic achievement, but there is still much more work to be done. We want to do our part in having a positive impact on the environment and our community. Each one of us plays an important role in our sustainability commitments.”. As we continue our journey towards Net Zero, we remain focused on our long-term goals: 2028: We aim to self-generate 100% of our renewable energy needs. 2029: Will see the decarbonization of our entire HGV fleet. 2030: We are on track to achieve a 50% reduction in total emissions. 2050: Will mark our target year for achieving Net Zero. Download our full 2024 Sustainability Report here Find out more about our Sustainability Journey here

Elevate Your Staircase with the New LOOP Iron Baluster We’re excited to introduce the latest addition to our popular Elements collection—the LOOP iron black metal baluster. A striking new baluster designed for homeowners looking to create a bold and contemporary focal point within their homes. Modern Twist on a Classic Design Wrought iron has long been a staple in stair railing design, and it’s now making a strong comeback with a modern twist. Today’s designs are more intricate and artistic, and our iron balusters are a perfect example of this shift. With their curved shapes, these balusters bring a sophisticated touch to any staircase, creating a sleek, modern aesthetic that enhances the overall interior of your home. Mix and Match The bold yet refined look of iron balusters makes a striking statement, especially when paired with white-painted walls or natural wood staircases. The growing trend of mixing materials has become a defining choice in modern home design. As black metal remains a dominant preference in interior aesthetics, homeowners are increasingly combining metal with wood elements to create personalised, unique looks that add depth and character to their spaces. With seven distinct baluster designs in our collection, combining styles to create custom patterns has never been easier. This fusion of designs adds both substance and personality to staircases, transforming them into striking focal points while maintaining their functional integrity. Easy Installation Designed for effortless installation, our Elements balusters seamlessly fit into our pre-drilled rails, ensuring a streamlined process. Crafted from durable, powder-coated steel, they are rust-resistant and require no additional painting or finishing—delivering a smooth, hassle-free setup that makes transforming your staircase simple and efficient. Achieving a high-end look for your staircase doesn’t have to come at a premium. Our Elements Collection provides an affordable way to elevate your space with sophistication and style. Whether you're seeking a bold, eye-catching design or a more subtle, refined elegance, the LOOP baluster offers a flawless finish that effortlessly transforms your staircase with maximum impact. The Elements Collection, available in both Oak and Pine newels and rails, provides the flexibility to pair the LOOP baluster with plain materials to achieve a striking visual effect. By combining the LOOP baluster with elements pine rails painted to match the rich, earthy brown tones of Pantone’s Colour of the Year, Mocha Mousse, you can create a stunning, cohesive design that reflects the warmth and depth of current trends. Explore the full Richard Burbidge Elements Stair Systems range here

As we head into the new year, it’s the perfect time to give your home a fresh start and shake off the winter blues. Revamping your space doesn’t have to mean expensive renovations or major overhauls. With a few simple updates, you can transform your home and create a space that feels as good as it looks - without excessive costs. Wall Panelling Wall panelling is back in a big way, and for good reason. It’s an interior design trend that’s not only easy to install but also offers a timeless way to elevate your home. Whether you want to add character to a bare wall or create a bold statement, our ready-to-install wall panelling kits such as our PaintReady Classic Wall Panels make it easier than ever to incorporate this stylish feature into your home.  Or why not elevate your space with our new FibroTech Acoustic Panel collection? Acoustic panels are becoming the go-to choice for anyone looking to enhance both the atmosphere and sound quality of their rooms, offering the perfect combination of form and function. Mouldings Sometimes, the smallest changes can make the biggest difference. Decorative mouldings like our Pine Decorative Panel Mouldings are a simple and affordable way to add charm and character to your home. From freshening up your living room to adding a styling touch to your hallway, these easy-to-install features are an excellent way to transform any space without the need for a major renovation. Affordable and Easy DIY Solutions DIY projects can be a practical and rewarding way to transform a space, no matter your experience level. For simple joinery improvements, materials like our handy packs of joinery timber and pine boards are excellent choices. These versatile materials are suitable for a variety of projects, such as building shelves, creating cupboards, or updating windowsills. Pine boards, available in a range of sizes and thicknesses, offer flexibility for different needs and provide a timeless, natural look that complements many styles To explore our full collection of Wall Panelling, Mouldings and Timber products, click here  

Archwood Group, a leading manufacturer of timber products, has been awarded the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development 2024. The prestigious accolade was presented by the Lord-Lieutenant of Clwyd, Henry George Fetherstonhaugh OBE, at a ceremony at the company’s headquarters in Chirk, North Wales. Local dignitaries, including the mayor and councillors, were in attendance to celebrate Archwood Group’s commitment to sustainability.  Founded in 1867, Archwood Group has been at the forefront of timber manufacturing for over 150 years. As a family-owned business, the company is proud to be recognised for its ongoing dedication to sustainable practices and its efforts to minimise its environmental impact. The event included a site tour, a presentation on Archwood’s sustainability initiatives, and a formal award ceremony. Lord-Lieutenant Fetherstonhaugh presented the King’s Award to the Archwood team, acknowledging their commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting sustainability across the business. Josh Burbidge, Managing Director of Archwood Group, said: “Receiving the King’s Award for Enterprise in Sustainable Development is a proud moment for our entire team. It validates the hard work we’ve put into making sustainability an integral part of our operations, and it underscores our commitment to leading by example in the timber manufacturing industry.” The award is proof of Archwood Group’s dedication to sustainable practices, following a remarkable 66% reduction in emissions. Installation of over 2,600 solar panels underscores their proactive stance on reducing carbon emissions and transitioning to 100% renewable energy. In 2021, Archwood Group partnered with the sustainability accreditation, Planet Mark, and also joined the United Nations Race to Zero campaign, whereby the business has committed to achieve Net Zero by no later than 2050. This follows Archwood Group’s appointment of its internal Environmental Action Group. The King’s Awards for Enterprise, previously known as The Queen’s Awards for Enterprise, were renamed last year to reflect His Majesty The King’s desire to continue the legacy of HM Queen Elizabeth II’s by recognising outstanding UK businesses. The Award programme, now in its 58th year, honours UK businesses that have made outstanding contributions to the economy, society, and the environment. Archwood Group is one of 11 winners from Wales to receive the award this year, joining an esteemed group of enterprises. Archwood Group, based in Chirk, North Wales, operates under two trading brands: Richard Burbidge, a leading manufacturer of stairparts, decking, and mouldings, and Atkinson & Kirby, which supplies premium hardwood flooring. As a local, family-owned business, Archwood Group is committed to sustainable development and strives to make a positive contribution to both the economy and the environment. Find out more about our Sustainability Journey here

Following the announcement of this year’s King’s Awards for Enterprise, Archwood Group and JJ Smith have strengthened their partnership to drive sustainable innovation in timber manufacturing. Archwood Group, recently honoured for Sustainable Development, and JJ Smith, awarded for International Trade, are combining their expertise to lead the industry in eco-friendly practices and advanced production technology.  Archwood Group, a leader in sustainable timber products, has invested over £500,000 in CNC machinery from JJ Smith, a trusted partner of over 35 years. This cutting-edge equipment enhances Archwood’s production capabilities for its Richard Burbidge brand, supporting increased efficiency while reinforcing the company’s sustainability targets. Josh Burbidge, Managing Director of Archwood Group, commented: “Receiving the King’s Award for Sustainable Development was a proud moment for everyone at Archwood. Strengthening our partnership with JJ Smith allows us to continue making strides in sustainability while expanding production capability. Their advanced machinery supports our goals of reducing emissions and minimising our environmental impact.” Lee Burford, Operations Director of Archwood Group, highlighted; “Investment in state-of-the-art machinery from our long-standing partner, JJ Smith, demonstrates our commitment to UK manufacturing. It broadens our manufacturing capabilities, allowing us to offer a wider range of products to our customer base including new & innovative designs. To celebrate their shared success in the King’s Awards, Archwood Group hosted JJ Smith’s Managing Director Rachael Baker for an exclusive tour of Archwood’s North Wales production facility. During the visit, both teams reviewed current projects and explored new opportunities for further automation and innovation in sustainable timber manufacturing. Rachael Baker, Managing Director of JJ Smith, added: “We are thrilled to partner with Archwood Group on their sustainability journey. Our long-standing collaboration is built on shared values and a commitment to creating positive environmental impact, and together, we are advancing what is possible in the woodworking industry.” As two of the UK’s most recognised family businesses, Archwood Group and JJ Smith are setting a new standard for innovation in the timber industry. The King’s Award achievements underscore their dedication to sustainable development and international trade, and their continued collaboration is expected to drive further advancements in environmentally friendly timber production. For more information about JJ Smith, please visit jjsmith.co.uk