noel mccullough loading a log on to the sawmill prior to palnking it for wood to make furniture

Furniture Maker County Antrim | Noel McCullough

From Design Engineer to Furniture Maker

I am Noel McCullough, a bespoke furniture maker based near Broughshane in County Antrim Northern Ireland.

From my rural workshop, I design and craft handmade furniture, wooden boxes and unique wooden pieces that last.

Each piece combines traditional skills with practical design. The result is furniture and gifts that are useful, beautiful and a joy to own.

From Engineering to Furniture Making

A man in a plaid shirt and brown jacket holding a large piece of wood in a woodworking shop.

Before becoming a furniture maker, I worked as a design engineer in Belfast. Engineering taught me precision and problem-solving. These skills still shape every piece I make today.

I later followed my passion for making things. I trained in furniture design and manufacture. For over twenty years, I have created custom furniture and wooden pieces made with care.

Traditional Skills Meet Modern Tools

Person operating a CNC machine with a touchscreen control panel, cutting a piece of wood on a workbench.

My work builds on classic cabinetmaking methods. I use strong fitted joints, carefully chosen timber and hand finishes that highlight the natural beauty of the wood.

When it helps, I also use modern equipment such as CNC machinery and laser engraving. This gives greater accuracy for detailed work. The goal stays the same: high-quality pieces made with care.

Made in my County Antrim Workshop

A wide view of a rolling countryside with green fields, scattered trees, and misty hills under a cloudy sky.

All my work happens in one workshop on the family farm near Broughshane. This lets me control every step. I select the timber, refine the design, build the piece and apply the final finish myself.

I make everything from bespoke furniture to keepsake boxes, presentation boxes, clocks, mirrors and personalized gifts.

Local Timber from the Farm

A close-up of an orange concrete saw machine covered in sawdust, with its large circular blade partially visible.

When possible, I use wood grown right here in Northern Ireland. Many trees come from the family farm - often ones blown down or needing removal for safety.

I mill the logs in my own sawmill. The boards air-dry for at least a year, then finish in a kiln beside the workshop. This process gives me a deep knowledge of each piece of timber.

I also source other beautiful woods such as walnut, oak ash, elm and sycamore when needed.

Materials and Practical Design

A piece of wood with a semi-circular cutout on top, lying on a workbench in a woodworking workshop.

Wood is the heart of my work. I sometimes combine it with brass, leather, linen or other metal for contrast or function.

I choose every material for a reason - strength, colour, grain or protection. My designs stay simple, practical and balanced. They look good and work well for years.

Beauty, The Workshop Dog

Close-up of a black dog resting its head on a windowsill, with a blurred green background outside.

My constant companion in the workshop is Beauty, my black Labrador. She supervises the work and naps by the wood-burning stove - especially on cold days.

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Commissioning a Piece

Set of six interconnected wooden stools with rounded seats arranged in a circle against a plain white background.

Many projects start with a simple conversation. You may have a clear idea already, or just know the type of furniture, box or gift you want.

I can help develop the design, suggest timbers and explain all the options. Get in touch to discuss your project and learn about commissioning a project.