|
|
Though this section could be called furniture 101, what we tried
to do is compile the most frequently asked questions about the furniture
we build into sub categories...all pertaining in one way or another
to wood. The information here, is simply a snapshot. If you want
more in depth information, please check out the links and books
the left column.
This first page pertains to wood types. Click on any of the other
categories below to find out more about that category.
|
Hardwoods vs. Softwood |
|
You
may have heard the term, "hardwood" and wondered
what the difference between hardwoods and "softwoods"
are. To spite the terms, hardwoods are not actually "harder"
than softwoods and visa-versa. The only real difference
between hardwoods and softwoods are their leaves...Hardwoods
are deciduous (leaf bearing) where as softwoods come from
trees that bear needles, like pine trees. In some instances
there are softwoods that are more dense/harder than some
hardwoods and conversely hardwoods can also be "soft".
In either case, you have a wealth of choices for your build
and Michael will help you make the best choices for your
particular situation.
There
may be a situation where you would want a highly figured
wood in your piece. ("figure" is the pattern or
design in the wood grain that occurs naturally over time.
Different woods exhibit unique figures specific to that
wood type). In this case, a veneer would probably work best.
Veneers are made from shaving thin layers of figured wood
and then vacuume pressing/gluing this thin layer to the
top of a thicker composite of wood panels. A good veneer
panel will not be made from cheap paper or vinyl material
that appears to look like wood (which is what most people
are familiar with), but rather is taken from actual wood.
Veneers can be incorporated into many types of pieces.
|
| |
|
Samples |
|
The
following are just a small sampling of some of the types of
wood that we use. Please note that in most situations we try
to use sustainable or harvested woods, and endeavor to recycle/reuse
wherever possible. We also belong to the National
Arbor Day Society and actively promote tree planting. For
more information on wood and trees see the links and books to
the left.
|
 |
Cherry
(American Hardwood)
Color: light red to reddish brown.
Structural Characteristics: Moderately hard
and strong with a closed grain. it is highly resistant to
warping.
Uses: Veneers and solids used for styles
including contemporary Arts and Crafts, Provincial and Colonial.
|
 |
Maple:
(Hardwood)
Color: Light cream, tan and light brown/red
figure.
Structural Characteristics: hard, resistant
features with a fine grain. Variations in grain create several
types of wood such as curly, fiddleback, birdseye and leaf
which are mostly used for veneers. (sample to left is Curly
Maple).
Uses: All styles but mainly colonial and
traditional American pieces.
|
 |
Mahogany
(Tropical Hardwood)
Colors: Reddish Brown and deep red brown
Structural Characteristics: Very strong with
uniform pores.
Used For: Excellent for carving and used
for more ornate styles such as Victorian, Georgian as well
as Empire and Federal.
|
 |
Red
Oak (Hardwood)
Colors:
pinkish tan to light reddish brown
Structural Characteristics: Heavy and strong
porous wood with a coarse texture and prominent grain pattern.
(sample is curly Red Oak)
Uses: This very popular wood and its sister
wood: White Oak is widely used for Arts and Crafts and mission.
Also used for Gothic and some traditional and contemporary
pieces
|
 |
Walnut
(Hardwood)
Colors: Light to dark chocolate brown
Structural Characteristics: Strong, hard
and very durable but is not heavy in weight. Variations in
figure include: strips burls, crotches and curls.
Uses: Popular for cabinetry and 18th century
reproductions.
|
| |
| |
| |
|
| |
|
| <<Go
Back |
|
|
