Ladder Wood & Finish Sample Kit
Description
Test your chosen ladder timber and finish before committing to a full order.
Our Ladder Wood & Finish Sample Kit allows you to preview exactly how your chosen timber species and Rubio Monocoat finish will look together — using real materials and the same application process used for full projects.
Each kit includes a solid timber sample in oak, maple or walnut, a Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C sachet in your selected colour, and mini applicators to help you achieve a true-to-life finish at home.
This is the most accurate way to visualise how your finished ladder, shelving or joinery project will look and is strongly recommended before placing a ladder order.
What’s Included
- Solid timber sample in oak, maple or walnut (approx. 100mm × 130mm)
- Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C sachet in your chosen colour
- Mini applicator pads (for application and wipe-off)
- Optional: matching hardware finish sample
- QR code on the sample linking to simple step-by-step application instructions
Wood
Select the timber species you plan to finish. This ensures the most accurate colour result, as Rubio finishes react differently on oak, maple and walnut due to natural grain and tone variations.
Rubio Wood Oil
Choose the Rubio Monocoat colour you’d like to test on your selected timber. The same colour will appear lighter or darker depending on the wood species and grain structure. For the most reliable preview, always test the colour on the same timber type you plan to use for your ladder or joinery project.
Hardware Finish Sample (Optional)
Add a matching metal finish sample to help coordinate your wood tone with your chosen hardware. This is particularly useful when pairing your ladder timber with rails, brackets, hinges or handles, and helps ensure your wood and metal finishes work harmoniously together.
Application & Care
(For use with the Ladder Wood & Finish Sample Kit)
Preparation
- Lightly sand the sample wood if needed (around 120–150 grit)
- Ensure the surface is clean, dry and dust-free
- Use on bare, untreated wood only
Mixing the Oil
- Thoroughly warm and massage the sachet between your hands before opening
(This ensures the oil is fully mixed and gives the most accurate colour result) - If your sachet contains two components (Part A + Part B), mix them together fully before application
Application
- Apply a small amount of oil to the sample using the included beige applicator pad (Scrubby)
- Spread the oil evenly across the surface in a thin layer
- Leave for 2–5 minutes, then wipe off all excess oil with the second, white, applicator pad
- The surface should feel dry to the touch after wiping — not oily or sticky
Drying & Colour Development
- Allow the sample to dry in a well-ventilated area
- The colour will continue to develop slightly as it cures
- For the truest final colour, assess the sample after 24 hours
Aftercare & Safety
- Light handling is fine after 24 hours
- Avoid water contact for 48 hours
- Any used applicator pads or cloths should be immersed in water after use and disposed of safely
(Oil-soaked materials can present a fire risk if left dry due to oxidation heat build-up)
Important Note
Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C is a natural oil. While the oil itself is not prone to spontaneous combustion, oil left on applicators or cloths can generate heat as it oxidises. Always soak used pads or cloths in water before disposal.
Materials & Origins
Our Ladder Wood & Finish Sample Kit is designed to give you a true-to-life preview of the exact materials used in our made-to-measure ladders and architectural joinery.
Each element of the kit reflects the same sourcing standards, craftsmanship and material quality used across our full product range.
Solid Timber Samples — South West England
The timber samples included in this kit are cut from the same hardwood stock used for our made-to-measure ladders, which are crafted in South West England.
We offer oak, maple and walnut — selected for their strength, stability and beautiful natural grain. Each sample reflects the character and tone you can expect from your finished ladder or joinery project.
Wood Finish — Rubio Monocoat (Belgium)
We use Rubio Monocoat Oil Plus 2C as our preferred wood finish due to its exceptional durability, natural appearance and environmentally responsible formulation.
Rubio Monocoat is a Belgian manufacturer specialising in high-performance, zero-VOC wood finishing systems. Their pioneering one-coat technology bonds at a molecular level with wood fibres, enhancing rather than masking the natural grain.
This is the same finish we recommend for ladders, shelving and architectural joinery projects.
Hardware Finish Samples — USA (Optional)
Optional hardware finish samples reflect the same premium metal finishes used across our ladder systems and architectural hardware ranges.
Our ladder rails, brackets and hardware components are manufactured in the USA and are selected for their strength, precision engineering and refined finish quality.
Adding a hardware sample allows you to coordinate your timber and finish selection with your chosen metalwork for a fully considered final design.
Returns
Due to the nature of this product, we can only accept returns of unopened sample kits. Returns must be requested within 14 days of delivery, in line with standard consumer regulations.
Items must be returned in their original, sealed packaging and in a resaleable condition.
Unfortunately, we are unable to accept returns on:
- Opened Rubio sachets
- Used timber samples
- Partially used sample kits
as these items cannot be resold.
If you are unsure which timber species or finish is right for your project, we recommend ordering a Ladder Wood & Finish Sample Kit before committing to a full ladder or finish order.
If you have any questions before ordering, our team is always happy to advise.
Shipping & Stock
Ladder Wood & Finish Sample Kits are held in stock and assembled in-house to order to ensure accuracy and freshness.
- UK standard delivery: Free
- Dispatch time: Orders are typically dispatched within 1–2 working days
- Delivery timeframe: 2–3 working days from dispatch
All sample kits are carefully packaged to ensure they arrive in excellent condition.
If you are ordering multiple items or combining a sample kit with other products, delivery will be calculated at checkout and items may be shipped together where possible.
If you require advice on stock availability or delivery timing for a specific project, please contact our team prior to ordering.
FAQs - Ladder Wood & Finish Sample Kit
Ladder & Wood Finish Kit Questions
Is this the same wood used for your ladders?
Yes. The timber samples are cut from the same hardwood stock used for our made-to-measure ladders, which are crafted in South West England. This ensures you are previewing the true grain, tone and character of your finished ladder.
Please note that our stocked standard ladders differ slightly. While our made-to-measure oak ladders use European Oak, our stock oak ladders are manufactured from Red Oak.
If you are considering a stock ladder and would like to preview Red Oak specifically, we are happy to provide a specialist Red Oak sample on request. Please email us and our team will be pleased to assist.
Why does the same colour look different on oak, maple and walnut?
Rubio finishes react differently with each wood species due to natural variations in grain, density and undertone. This is why selecting the correct timber species in your sample kit is essential for colour accuracy.
How do I apply the oil to the sample wood?
Each kit includes mini applicator pads, and a QR code on the sample links to simple step-by-step application instructions. The process is quick, clean and takes only a few minutes.
Do I need to mix or prepare the sachet before using it?
Yes. Before opening, thoroughly warm and massage the sachet between your hands to ensure the oil is fully mixed and at the correct consistency.
This helps achieve the most accurate and even colour result on your timber sample.
How long does the sample take to dry?
After wiping off the excess oil, the surface will feel dry to the touch within a few hours.
For the truest final colour, we recommend allowing the sample to dry and cure for approximately 24 hours before assessing the finished result.
Please note that because the sample sachet contains the oil component only (Part A), drying and curing times will be slower than with a full Oil Plus 2C application that includes the accelerator. This does not affect colour accuracy.
Can I order multiple colours or wood types?
Yes. You can order multiple sample kits if you’d like to compare different timber species, Rubio colours or hardware finishes side by side.
What size is the timber sample?
Each timber sample measures approximately 100mm × 130mm.
Does the kit include a hardware finish sample?
Hardware finish samples are optional and can be added to your kit when selecting your options.
These reflect the same premium metal finishes used across our ladder systems.
Is this kit recommended before ordering a ladder?
Yes. We strongly recommend ordering a Ladder Wood & Finish Sample Kit before committing to a ladder order, particularly if colour accuracy is important to your project.
Why doesn’t the sample kit include the accelerator (Part B)?
The sample sachets contain the oil component only (Part A), as this is sufficient for accurate colour testing and finish previewing on small timber samples.
The accelerator (Part B) is used to speed up curing times on full projects but does not materially affect the final colour. Excluding it from the sample kit allows for a simpler, cleaner and safer sampling process at home.