About Us

Primitive Boards is a woodworking studio founded by me, Radek Mara in 2018. I initially turned to wood carving as a therapeutic outlet, finding solace in the calming and grounding nature of the craft. As my skills and passion grew, I began receiving requests for custom pieces, which I always approached with the utmost care and attention to detail.

During a large order that involved working with whiskey barrels, I discovered the unique beauty of this type of wood. I was struck by the distinctive textures and tones of the burnt oak, which had been soaked in whiskey, resulting in a finished product that was truly one-of-a-kind.

At Primitive Boards, my goal is to create handmade furniture that not only functions as a practical piece in your home, but also serves as a stunning focal point that reflects your personal style. Whether it's a coffee table, dining table, or rocking chair, each piece is crafted with the highest level of quality and care, making it a true centerpiece that will define your space.

Where do you get your whiskey barrels from?

Our whiskey barrels have made a long journey. They were originally used by Jack Daniels and Jim Beam for Bourbon. Bourbon barrels can only be used once. The barrels were then sent to the Dingle Distillery for ageing their own Irish whiskey. When they were finished with them in Dingle the barrels were used in a Dublin brewery for maturing their unique kind of craft beer. After this journey that is 20+years long the empty casks are left to air-dry . Then it's time for me to create unique pieces of home decor that will tell this story in your home.

What wood are the whiskey barrels made from?

The whiskey barrels we use are made from a quarter-sawn american oak.

What whiskey distillery are the barrels from?

Originally used for bourbon by Jim Beam & Jack Daniels. Later used by The Dingle Distillery

How old are the barrels?

The barrels we use are 20+years old

Do you use bourbon or whiskey barrels?

Both. The barrels were first used for bourbon and after that for irish whiskey

Do you ship to the USA?

No. We do not ship to the USA at this moment

Do you ship worldwide?

We ship to EU & UK.

Are the barrels from Irish whiskey?

Yes. The barrels were used by the Dingle distillery for ageing their Irish whiskey

Why is the wood burnt on one side?

The barrels get charred on the inside before the bourbon is poured in for ageing. It gives the bourbon its smoky earthy flavour and golden colour. It also helps to release a whole list of flavours from the oak wood. And lastly, it makes the wood rot ressistant.

Do you burn the wood?

No. The inside of the whiskey barrel is charred already when I open it.

Do you gift wrap?

Yes. Gift wrapping can be arranged. Please write a note with the order or contact us.

Where do you sell your rustic furniture?

Or whiskey collections are available online and at the craft market in Herbert park, Dublin 4, every Sunday 10am - 4pm

Do you do quantity discounts?

Yes. We offer quantity discounts on furniture for order of 2 items and more. Please contact us as it is priced individually.

Where is your woodworking studio?

In the heart of the Dublin Mountains in Cruagh woods

Can I visit your woodworking workshop?

We do not accept visitors into our workshop without a prior agreement

Can your products can be personalized?

Yes. All products we make can be personalized with laser engraving. Contact us for more details

Can I use the barrel furniture outdoors?

The natural wood finish we use is only for indoors. We can make the same piece of furniture for you with a finish that is suitable for outdoors.

How do I care about the whiskey barrel products?

Furniture: Do not leave them outdoors. Wipe only with a damp cloth.

Bowls & platters: Wipe with a damp cloth or wash with soapy water if necessary. Treat with mineral oil when items start to show signs of drying out.

Can you make it different size?

Yes. 50% of our orders are custom-made items. There is literally no limit to what can be done. Please contact us with more details

How long for delivery?

Please allow 1-2 weeks for delivery in Ireland (depending on the size of the item)

Can I collect?

Yes. You can collect any of the available products at the Craft Market in Herbert Park, Dublin, every Sunday 10 am-4 pm.

Alternatively items can be collected at our location prior to agreement

Is the wood treated?

Yes it is treated for indoor use. The wood is treated with a natural wax Rubio monocoat plus. It is the hardest-wearing non-toxic wax on the market at the moment. It seals the wood while enhancing its natural color.

Does it really still smell like whiskey?

The barrels are completely air-dry when we start working with them however the wood is still soaked with the delicious whiskey smell. You can usually smell it upon bringing the item home after the wood warms up. The whiskey smell will unfortunately slowly disappear over time

Do you use wine barrels?

Not at the moment. We use bourbon / whiskey barrels . We are on a lookout for nice wine barrels though

Do you stain the wood?

No. We do not stain the wood. We only use a natural finish that enhances the natural colour of the wood

What type of finish do you use?

Rubio monocoat plus is our number one product when it comes to long-lasting non-toxic indoor finish

Is it comfortable?

Yes. The whiskey barrel chairs are more comfortable than they look. It's thanks to the curve of the barrel that makes the seat and backrest very comfortable. On top of that sitting on a solid-wood chair feels very warm

Do you do craft markets?

Yes. We attend one craft market at the moment. It's an outdoor market that runs all year round.

Location: Herbert Park, Ballsbridge, Dublin 4.

Every Sunday 10am-4pm

Can you put our logo on it?

Absolutely. Please email us your high-resolution black&white logo with more details

What's the difference between bourbon and whiskey?

What makes bourbon different from whiskey? The main differences between bourbon and whiskey are the kind of grain used and where the spirit is produced. Bourbon is an American-made whiskey that must contain at least 51 per cent corn in its mash and be aged in new, charred oak barrels.

Bourbon is always whiskey, but whiskey is not always bourbon.

Bourbon and whiskey are both delicious, and neither is better than the other. Bourbon has a bit of a sweeter taste, while the taste of whiskey varies. Price points also vary for both, so taste a few brands and go with whichever you prefer!

What is Irish whiskey?

The word 'whiskey' (or whisky) comes from the Irish uisce beatha, meaning water of life.

Irish whiskey needs to be distilled in the country of Ireland from a mash of malt and cereal grains. Irish pot still whiskey can only be distilled in pot stills within Ireland from a mash of cereal grains that are ordinarily grown in Ireland.

The Four Types of Irish Whiskey are Single Malt Irish Whiskey (both peated and unpeated), Single Grain Irish Whiskey, Single Pot Still Irish Whiskey and Blended Irish Whiskey.