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Furniture Jun 8, 2025

Crafting Legacy: An Interview with the Visionaries Behind Ouhout Meubels

Founded in 1988 by the passionate father-and-son duo, Piet and Stephan Smith, Ouhout Meubels began as a bold dream during uncertain times. With nothing but vision, craftsmanship, and a deep appreciation for quality, they transformed raw timber into timeless furniture—just as they transformed a small idea into a nationally recognized brand.

Today, over 35 years later, Ouhout Meubels stands as a testament to dedication and innovation, operating from two state-of-the-art factories and boasting 19 retail outlets across South Africa. Having proudly served over 50,000 clients, the brand remains deeply rooted in its founding values: exceptional craftsmanship, personalized service, and a true love for woodwork.

In this exclusive interview, we sit down with the team behind Ouhout Meubels to uncover their journey, the secrets behind their success, and how they continue to shape homes—and hearts—one custom piece at a time.

How did Ouhout get started?

In 1985, Piet Smith, Father of current co-owner Stephan Smith began making furniture in his garage during his spare time. At the time, he was working as a teacher and took up woodworking as a hobby.

One of Piet’s very first projects were collecting old Oregon pine planks that had been discarded and left on a scrap heap, which he used to build shelves.

After Stephan finished school, he became more involved in the business. Together, they started taking on bigger projects and grew their operation, laying the foundation for what Ouhout is today.

What inspired the name “Ouhout,” and what does it represent to you?

What started as a passion project soon grew into a small business. The name “Ouhout” was inspired by this use of reclaimed wood, which Piet turned into handcrafted furniture.

What is the mission or design philosophy behind the brand?

At Ouhout, our philosophy is simple: Where quality meets tradition since 1988.

We’re committed to creating timeless furniture that combines traditional craftsmanship with purposeful, sustainable practices.

Every piece we make reflects our roots, from hand-selecting wood with character to designing furniture that tells a story.

What types of wood do you primarily work with, and why?

We primarily work with reclaimed Oregon pine, Blackwood, Sleeperwood, and other hardwoods. These materials are chosen for their strength, natural beauty, and timeless character. Many of them come from old buildings, which means they carry a rich history that adds depth, authenticity, and a unique story to every piece we create.

Can you walk us through the process of selecting wood for a new piece?

Our factories specialise in a variety of wood types, including Blackwood, Oak, Ash, and Sleeperwood. The selection process is guided by the style of the furniture and the client’s preferences.

For more contemporary pieces, we typically use Oak or Ash for their clean grain and lighter tones. For a more classic or rustic aesthetic, we lean towards Blackwood or Sleeperwood, which offer rich character and depth. Every piece starts with understanding the design intent, ensuring the chosen wood enhances both the look and longevity of the furniture.

How do you balance traditional craftsmanship with modern manufacturing techniques?

We achieve this balance by operating two specialised wood factories: our Graafwater factory focuses on traditional, handcrafted furniture, preserving time-honoured techniques and quality finishes. Complementing this, our Brackenfell factory leans into more contemporary styles, incorporating modern design elements and processes. Together, they allow us to honour our heritage while staying relevant in today’s market.

What makes handcrafted wooden furniture stand out from mass-produced alternatives?

It’s all in the detail. Handcrafted furniture has character, every joint, grain pattern, and finishing touch tells a story. Mass-produced pieces can’t replicate the uniqueness, soul, or care that go into a piece that’s been designed and built by real people who take pride in their craft.

What are your most popular or signature pieces?

Leather sofas and solid wood dining sets

How do you approach designing a new furniture item?

Custom orders are something we handle regularly, with designs based closely on the client’s specifications and brief.

When developing new designs, our team draws inspiration from current trends, identifies gaps in the market, and looks at ways to refine and elevate our existing pieces. With our new range of imported furniture, we also make sure our offering stays fresh, on-trend, and continuously evolving to meet the needs of modern living.

How do your designs cater to both classic and contemporary interiors?

Because we work with such timeless materials and use clean, honest craftsmanship, our designs naturally blend into both classic and modern spaces. Whether you’re styling a farm-style home or a minimalist apartment, our pieces add warmth and texture without feeling out of place.

Are your products customizable? Can clients request bespoke pieces?

Yes, absolutely. Customisation is a big part of what we do. Whether it’s adjusting dimensions, choosing between leather or fabric, or even creating a completely bespoke design, we love working with clients to bring their vision to life.

How do you source your wood? Is sustainability a key focus?

Ouhout’s roots in reclaimed wood are still very much alive in everything we do. Over the years, we’ve worked with materials salvaged from old, often demolished buildings not only as a design choice, but as a commitment to sustainability.

In 2002, for example, we used wood from the old prison where Willowbridge stands today. In 2015, we bought and transported wood from 60 buildings at the Elizabeth Conradie Hospital to our factory in Graafwater for manufacturing.

We’ve paid to reclaim and repurpose original wood from historical buildings, bringing character and a sense of history to every piece we create. This approach has become a hallmark of our brand, visible in the texture, age, and authenticity of our furniture. Our focus remains on quality craftsmanship and making sure each item tells its own story deeply rooted in heritage and sustainability.

What steps do you take to minimize environmental impact during production?

We minimise our footprint by working mostly with reclaimed wood, ensuring that we reuse instead of extract. We also focus on efficient manufacturing practices, long-lasting design, and reducing offcuts where possible.

How does supporting local craftsmanship and materials factor into your business model?

It’s core to who we are. Ouhout started as a family-run, local venture, and we’ve stayed committed to keeping our production in South Africa. We employ local artisans, source locally where possible, and invest back into the communities that support us.

What do customers typically look for when choosing wood furniture?

Customers usually prioritize quality above all else when selecting wood furniture. This means they look for durable materials, solid craftsmanship, and timeless design that will last for years. They want pieces made from authentic, well-seasoned wood with strong joinery and finishes that enhance both beauty and longevity. At Ouhout, where quality meets tradition, we ensure every item reflects these values, offering customers reliable, elegant furniture that stands the test of time.

What advice do you have for someone investing in their first quality wood piece?

Choose something that feels timeless, not just trendy. Look for quality in the joinery, grain, and finish. And remember, solid wood furniture ages beautifully, it’s a long-term investment that tells your story as it weathers and wears.

Can you share a memorable customer story or project that stands out?

Since opening our doors in 1988, Ouhout has proudly grown into a trusted name in quality craftsmanship and exceptional service. From our early beginnings, we’ve expanded nationally across South Africa and extended our reach to international markets, servicing clients in Namibia and Mauritius.

Every furniture piece we deliver is a milestone in itself especially when our clients return for more. We take great pride in having supplied exclusive furniture to prestigious developments such as the internationally renowned Val de Vie Winelands Estate in the Western Cape.

Our continued success is rooted in our unwavering belief in quality and customer service. For us, the greatest highlights are not only the big achievements, but every satisfied client and every lasting relationship built through dedication and trust. That’s why, more than three decades later, we are proud to say, we’re still in business and still passionate about what we do.

What trends do you see emerging in wood furniture or interior design?

Natural materials, raw finishes, and earthy tones are becoming more popular. There’s also a growing interest in mixed materials and multifunctional pieces that suit modern, compact living spaces. Quality and sustainability remain key priorities.

Are there any exciting projects, collections, or collaborations coming up?

Yes, we’re proud to have our furniture featured on several VIA TV programmes, including “Hier Sit Die Manne” and “Gesels with Leandie du Randt”. These collaborations allow us to showcase our pieces in authentic, local settings and connect with a broader audience who value quality craftsmanship and timeless design.

Where do you see Ouhout in the next five years?

We see Ouhout continuing to grow as a symbol of quality, tradition, and sustainable design. Our goal is to keep expanding our reach, both locally and beyond, while staying true to our roots. We want more people to experience the value of handcrafted furniture and the beauty of wood that’s lived many lives before becoming part of their homes.