UAFM in Faces: Serhii Tupalskyi, Owner of WOODSUN
«WOODSUN» is a Ukrainian manufacturer of designer furniture crafted from solid wood. Established in 2017 in the Zhytomyr region, the company specializes in producing various types of furniture for yards, gardens, terraces, balconies, verandas, pools, and spa areas, as well as for cafes, hotels, restaurants, and resort spaces. It creates both serial batches and sophisticated custom-made pieces for stylish interiors.
Wood is a noble material, and with skilled craftsmanship and a creative approach, furniture can be elevated to the level of art. This philosophy drives «WOODSUN»’s craftsmen, who embrace the concept of “slow design.” This approach uses visually and tactilely pleasing items, filling interiors with comfort. “Slow design” promotes living in harmony with oneself and nature, surrounding oneself with eco-friendly products and objects that stand the test of time beyond fleeting trends.
For its furniture, the company primarily uses hardwoods like oak, ash, and thermally modified ash. However, upon request, furniture can also be made from alder or pine. All wood is sourced exclusively through auctions and trades organized by the Ukrainian Universal Exchange, ensuring FSC-certified quality. Before being delivered to the company, each piece of wood undergoes careful selection by experts to ensure it meets the necessary quality and suitability for furniture production (Grades A, B). This process guarantees compliance with radiation standards, eco-friendliness, and legality.
Wood processing begins at «WOODSUN»’s own sawmill, where boards are cut to the required dimensions, dried, and prepared for further processing. The quality and longevity of the finished furniture depend heavily on the drying process, for which the company uses state-of-the-art Italian automated drying chambers.
During a conversation with the company’s owner, Serhii Tupalskyi, it was revealed that «WOODSUN» recently relocated its production facilities from Zhytomyr to the neighboring Rivne region, primarily for staffing convenience. Most of the team members are from Kostopil in the Rivne region, and commuting to a different region posed challenges for them and the company. Relocating the furniture factory to the area where most of the team lives allowed WOODSUN to maintain its core workforce, an asset that’s especially crucial in today’s circumstances. Additionally, Serhii himself is from Kostopil.
The relocation was not the only significant event in the company’s history during the wartime period. Market conditions during the war prompted «WOODSUN» to expand beyond just outdoor furniture. Now, its assortment includes living room, bedroom, and kitchen furniture, all crafted from solid wood through manual woodworking.
Through discussions with Serhii, it became clear that this approach is a matter of principle, rooted in the understanding that wood is a truly unique material. To capture and preserve this uniqueness, one must work with it directly by hand, an essential element of the “slow design” philosophy mentioned earlier.
Outdoor furniture requires enhanced maintenance, and «WOODSUN» offers seasonal service to support this. Serhii explained that exterior furniture needs to be treated with protective oils and waxes before each season to ensure its longevity and beauty. The company provides clients with a set of essential components for this service, free of charge. Detailed instructions for use are available on the company’s website, woodsun.com.ua, and on its YouTube channel. This service can be performed by WOODSUN staff or by furniture owners themselves, with the option to purchase necessary materials and tools along with guidance from the company. Individual users often handle maintenance themselves, while corporate clients like cafes, restaurants, and spa centers tend to rely on WOODSUN’s service.
When asked about «WOODSUN»’s plans for the near future, Serhii shared that the company aims to scale up and expand its production. While sales of outdoor furniture have declined by about 20%, demand is growing for high-quality interior furniture made from premium solid wood, a market WOODSUN has successfully entered after settling into its new location. Currently, the company is working on a new bedroom collection developed in collaboration with a renowned Ukrainian product designer.

