About me

Hi, I'm Charles Lloyd, founder and maker at Snowdonia Rustic Pine.

My journey into furniture making began over 15 years ago when, at the age of 16, I started working as an apprentice for a local furniture maker. It was there that I learned traditional woodworking techniques and developed a deep appreciation for the skill, patience and attention to detail required to create furniture built to last.

After realising that my true passion had always been in the workshop, I decided to build a dining table to sell online. That table became the first version of what is still, to this day, our most popular piece, the Original Rustic Shabby Chic Dining Table. What started as a single handmade table quickly grew into something much bigger, and before long I was able to dedicate myself to furniture making full time.

Working from a small shed on my dad's land in the heart of Snowdonia, I refined my designs and expanded the collection. Over the years, I introduced new styles, including our popular X-base tables, moved into beautiful oak pieces, and began creating bespoke furniture tailored to each customer's exact requirements. As the business continued to grow, I eventually moved into my own workshop in Colwyn Bay, where I still work today.

Over the years, I've had the privilege of handcrafting and delivering more than 1,000 tables to homes across the UK. It's something I'm incredibly proud of, and every single piece represents the trust that customers have placed in me to create furniture that becomes part of their home and family life.

Every table that leaves my workshop is handcrafted by me from start to finish. From selecting and cutting the timber, through sanding, staining, painting and finishing, to carefully packaging or personally delivering each piece, I oversee every stage of the process myself. When you order from Snowdonia Rustic Pine, you'll deal directly with me throughout the entire journey, from the first conversation to the finished piece arriving at your home.

One of the things I love most about working with wood is that no two pieces are ever truly the same. Every plank has its own grain, character, knots and markings that tell a story of the tree it once was. Wood is a natural, once-living material, and I believe there's something incredibly special about bringing that warmth, authenticity and individuality into your home.

In a world increasingly filled with mass-produced furniture designed to look identical, I think there's real value in owning something genuine. A handcrafted table carries its own personality and character that simply can't be replicated on a production line. Rather than hiding the natural beauty of the timber, I embrace it, allowing each piece to celebrate the details and imperfections that make it one of a kind. It's this appreciation for the material, and the belief that furniture should have meaning as well as function, that inspires me every time I step into the workshop.

For me, a dining table is far more than just a piece of furniture. It's where everyday life happens. It's where families gather at the end of the day, children do their homework, friends share stories over good food, and memories are made during birthdays, celebrations and Christmas time. Knowing that something I've built becomes part of those moments is something I’m incredibly proud of.

Whether you choose one of my established designs or commission something completely bespoke, my aim is always the same, to create a piece that reflects your home, suits your lifestyle and will be enjoyed for many years to come. Built with care, made by hand, and designed to be treasured rather than replaced.

When you choose Snowdonia Rustic Pine, you're not buying from a factory, a warehouse or a production line—you're buying directly from the person who designs, builds and takes pride in every single piece that leaves the workshop. That's something I'm incredibly proud of.