Our Materials

Our custom-made table tops are available in two surfaces; linoleum and wood veneer. Each material has unique characteristics and is suitable for a wide range of interior design projects. Faust materials do far more than just look good, each has been carefully selected for its quality, performance, environmental credentials and durability.

Faust partners with carefully-selected industry-leading material suppliers. Where possible these are local to Faust or are a specialist based within the EU. Each supplier shares our commitment to responsible manufacturing. They help us deliver constantly high quality at accessible prices.

Faust is closely associated with linoleum. Our use of linoleum in furniture design began many years ago and since then we have become experts in its application. This wonderful material is endlessly functional. 

It is hardworking and decorative in equal measure, sustainable and highly versatile. Faust uses furniture-grade linoleum sourced from specialist manufacturer Forbo Flooring Systems. Forbo are a like-minded partner; committed to sustainable production and ongoing improvement of their product.

Obtained from natural materials, linoleum has been manufactured in the same way for more than 150 years. Pure oxidised linseed oil and natural pine rosin are combined with wood flour, limestone and colour pigments. From this, a fine granule is produced. A calendering process rolls and compresses the material onto a paper backing. A protective water-based film is added to the surface as a final finish. Our linoleum has a low carbon footprint and is made with 98% natural and renewable raw materials.

Where linoleum really excels is in its dual qualities of durability and visual appeal. Linoleum is resilient because of its high linseed oil content. This lends the material's surface a subtle elasticity that resists marking. A water-based finish adds an extra layer of protection, repelling finger-marks or scratches. Linoleum is extremely tactile, warm to the touch and, since linoleum holds pigment especially well, colours appear particularly rich and vibrant. And, as colour is inherent rather than surface deep, it can’t be worn away. 

Linoleum is our most versatile material, working well as dining, office, work desks, conference and occasional tables. It is naturally anti-microbial and antistatic, dust or dirt is repelled keeping the material hygienic and clean and particularly suitable for furniture surfaces. Over the years linoleum will age gracefully, developing a patina (just as wood and leather do) and individuality.

Faust brings new purpose to linoleum by exploring its capacity as a furniture-making material. We have long championed it as a flat surface material, but in recent years Faust has begun to explore linoleum’s structural properties too. Linoleum is strong and flexible, meaning that it can be cut and curved into almost any form. We have utilised these qualities in designs such as the ALT Table Stand and TIDY Bin where linoleum is bent to create a self supporting shape; as well as in the leg of the OFF-CUT Side Tables. We have 3D-formed linoleum seats of the RAVIOLI Stool in further investigation of how linoleum can be manipulated. Our research continues.

Because of its ability to carry rich, deep and enduring colours, linoleum table tops are popular with those looking to add colour to their interiors. Linoleum can be made in an extensive range of colours, from pale pastels to dark tones. Faust offers the full catalogue of Forbo furniture linoleum colours and can help customers choose the shade that is right for them. Linoleum is not available in white as the bleaching process would require a chemical treatment. 

Linoleum in its purest form is golden yellow in colour and can exhibit slight variations in texture, making each piece unique. Like all materials derived from natural sources, linoleum changes over time. In particular, its colour may develop. This is because the wood flour contained in the linoleum darkens, just as solid wood does. This shift in tone is especially evident in the Pure Linoleum (S558) shade which contains no additional colour pigment at all. Pure Linoleum is an excellent choice for those who admire the beauty of naturally-aged materials.

Wood has a timeless appeal. Our oak veneer table tops integrate effortlessly into any home or office interior, providing an elegant and durable surface that resists scratches and markings for both domestic and professional use. We use the finest quality veneer, an alternative to solid wood that retains many of the same qualities.

Our veneer table tops include beautiful grain and colour variation, just like solid wood. Therefore, each table top is unique and naturally decorative. Faust table tops in wood veneer offer customers a unique opportunity to bring the beauty of real wood into their homes, according to their own specifications. 

The veneers are made using European hardwoods grown in sustainably managed forests. Every veneer table top is oil-treated to enhance the surface’s natural beauty and prolong its life.

Faust extends our commitment to responsible manufacturing and trusted specialist suppliers to all our materials. Long-standing partners in Germany and Italy manufacture Faust metal table frames using steel and aluminium for quality, longevity and recyclability. We source bonded leather from Germany, a tactile and flexible material made from leather offcuts. Small number of metal and plastic furniture components come from China and the UK. The guiding principle in all our supplier relationships is to go where the expertise is, and if we can find materials locally we always will. In addition, Faust offers carefully selected products from a small number of external manufacturers who perfectly share the Faust vision.