Handbook Design – The IFO Sawmilling Handbook – Where Function Meets Form
When it comes to design, clarity and engagement are king. So, when The Department of Agriculture, Food and the Marine tasked us with transforming dense, technical forestry knowledge into something visually appealing and easy to digest, we knew we had to strike the right balance between form and function.
Enter the IFO Sawmilling Handbook—a comprehensive guide to small-scale sawmilling in Ireland, packed with everything from timber conversion techniques to grading, drying, and storage. This isn’t just some generic industry document—it’s a blueprint for Irish forest owners to get the most out of their hardwoods, build a sustainable local timber economy, and reduce reliance on imports.
So, how do you take a practical, no-nonsense guide and make it engaging, structured, and actually enjoyable to flip through? That’s where we come in.
What’s Inside the IFO Sawmilling Handbook?
This handbook was developed as part of the Adding Value to Our Hardwoods initiative—because let’s be real, if you’re growing top-tier Irish timber, you should know how to process it properly and profit from it.
Key Takeaways from the Handbook:
- Timber Conversion Methods – Breaking down through and through, cant, tangential, and quarter sawing(because yes, how you slice a log matters).
- Tools of the Trade – Whether it’s a chainsaw mill, mobile sawmill, or bandsaw mill, knowing the right tool for the job makes all the difference.
- Timber Drying & Storage – Air drying vs kiln drying? Measuring moisture content? Proper storage to avoid warping? Covered.
- Timber Grading – Understanding appearance grading so you can actually sell high-quality timber for what it’s worth.
- Irish Hardwood Species – Deep dive into oak, ash, beech, sycamore, alder, birch, and elm, with insights into their strengths, drying quirks, and best applications.
The bottom line? This isn’t just theory—it’s practical knowledge designed to help Irish forest owners move from trees to premium timber products.
Our Design Approach: Making Technical Look Sexy
A handbook like this can’t just be a wall of text—that’s a one-way ticket to getting ignored. Instead, we built a visual system that makes technical information effortless to navigate and easy on the eyes.
Bold, Clear Sections – No one wants to search through endless text. We used clean layouts, structured headings, and easy-to-read fonts so readers can find exactly what they need fast.
Earthy, Natural Colour Palette – Inspired by the forests and wood textures, our greens and browns aren’t just for aesthetics—they tie the visuals back to the subject matter.
Infographics & Charts – Because no one wants to read a paragraph when a well-designed chart can do the job better.
High-Quality Images & Mockups – Real-life sawmilling processes, Irish hardwood textures, and tool breakdowns—because seeing is understanding.
Modular Layout – Every spread flows naturally, guiding the reader through the process step by step without feeling cluttered or overwhelming.
At the end of the day, good design isn’t just about looking pretty—it’s about making complex information accessible, engaging, and functional.
FAQ: Brochure & Handbook Design in Dublin & Ireland
If you’re a business, organisation, or government body looking to get a handbook or brochure designed in Ireland, here’s what you need to know:
1. What separates a great brochure from a forgettable one?
A killer brochure or handbook has:
- A strong identity – Clear branding and visuals that match your message.
- Logical flow – Information needs to guide the reader, not bombard them.
- A balance of text and imagery – Too much text? People tune out. No visuals? Boring. Get the mix right.
- Usability – It should be intuitive and practical, not just a fancy piece of print.
2. How long does it take to design a brochure or handbook?
It depends on size and complexity. Quick turnaround (8-12 pages) might be 1-2 weeks, but a detailed handbook (50+ pages) could take 4-6 weeks, including feedback rounds.
3. What’s the best format for brochures in Ireland?
Depends on purpose, but the most common are:
- A4 (210 × 297 mm) – Standard for corporate & government docs.
- A5 (148 × 210 mm) – Portable and perfect for guides/handbooks.
- DL (99 × 210 mm) – Sleek, often used for tri-fold leaflets.
4. What are the best print options?
- Digital Printing – Cheaper for small batches.
- Offset Printing – Better for large runs, higher quality.
- Eco-Friendly Printing – Recycled paper, soy inks—great for sustainability.
5. What’s the price range for brochure or handbook design in Dublin?
- €250 – €500 for small brochures.
- €800 – €2,500 for full-scale handbooks.
(Custom quotes vary depending on complexity and revisions needed.)
6. What industries benefit most from professional brochures?
- Construction & Engineering – Manuals, safety guides, project proposals.
- Agriculture & Forestry – Industry reports, sustainability documents.
- Education & Training – Course handbooks, learning materials.
- Corporate & Marketing – High-end brand brochures, pitch decks.
Final Thoughts: Why This Handbook Works
The IFO Sawmilling Handbook is a textbook example of functional design done right. It’s a dense technical document, but thanks to strong visuals, structured layouts, and an intentional colour scheme, it remains accessible, engaging, and—most importantly—useful.
If you’re looking for brochure or handbook design in Dublin or Ireland that tells a story, makes an impact, and actually works, we’ve got you covered.