Choosing the Right Wood
The wood species you choose affects how your furniture looks, feels, and ages over time.
Walnut
Rich, dark elegance with dramatic character
Walnut is known for its deep chocolate-brown color with lighter sapwood streaks that create natural contrast. The grain can be straight or dramatically figured, making every piece unique.
Best For
- Statement dining tables where you want visual impact
- Executive desks and credenzas for home offices
- Media consoles and entertainment centers
- Heirloom pieces meant to be passed down generations
Why We Love It
Walnut ages beautifully, deepening to a richer tone over time. It's incredibly stable—your piece won't warp or crack even decades later. The natural contrast in the grain means no two walnut tables look identical. It finishes to a smooth, lustrous surface with minimal effort.
Design Styles
- Modern
- Mid-century modern
- Contemporary
- Transitional
Practical Considerations
Premium pricing due to limited availability. Softer than oak or maple, so shows character marks over time (which many clients love as part of the patina).
White Oak
Timeless strength with versatile beauty
White oak offers a light to medium brown color with subtle olive undertones and a distinctive ray fleck pattern. Its closed grain structure makes it naturally moisture-resistant.
Best For
- Kitchen and dining tables for growing families
- Built-in cabinetry and shelving
- Bedroom furniture (beds, dressers, wardrobes)
- Any piece that needs exceptional durability
Why We Love It
White oak is incredibly strong and durable—perfect for furniture that will see daily family use. Its closed grain resists moisture and staining better than most hardwoods. It can be finished natural to show its subtle grain, or stained to achieve different looks. The ray fleck pattern adds visual interest.
Design Styles
- Craftsman
- Mission
- Rustic
- Scandinavian
- Contemporary farmhouse
Practical Considerations
Excellent value for durability. Heavier than many woods, which contributes to its substantial, quality feel. Ages gracefully with minimal maintenance.
Cherry
Warm elegance that deepens with age
Cherry starts with a warm, reddish-brown color that darkens and enriches over time when exposed to light. It has a fine, straight grain with a smooth, satiny texture.
Best For
- Traditional or transitional dining furniture
- Bedroom furniture where warmth is desired
- Home office furniture with classic styling
- Any piece where you want the wood to develop character over years
Why We Love It
Cherry's transformation over time is magical—it can deepen several shades in just a few years. The smooth grain takes finishes beautifully, achieving a lustrous surface that feels incredible to the touch. It's easy to work with, allowing for intricate details and refined joinery.
Design Styles
- Traditional
- Transitional
- Shaker
- Federal
- Colonial
Practical Considerations
Color change is significant—pieces near windows will darken faster than those in darker rooms. This natural aging process is considered desirable by most clients. Mid-range pricing.
Hard Maple
Clean, contemporary strength
Hard maple features a pale, creamy color ranging from nearly white to light tan. The grain is typically subtle and fine, though figured varieties (curly or bird's eye) offer dramatic visual interest.
Best For
- Modern or contemporary furniture where clean lines are desired
- Kitchen and dining tables that need exceptional durability
- Children's furniture that must withstand heavy use
- Pieces where you want a light, bright aesthetic
Why We Love It
Hard maple is one of the hardest domestic woods—perfect for high-traffic surfaces. Its light color provides a blank canvas for various finishes, from natural to stained. It's exceptionally dense and resistant to denting and scratching. The subtle grain lets the form and joinery be the focal point.
Design Styles
- Modern
- Contemporary
- Scandinavian
- Minimalist
- Shaker
Practical Considerations
Can be more challenging to stain evenly due to its density (we can achieve beautiful results with proper preparation). Excellent value for its durability. The light color helps smaller spaces feel more open.
Red Oak
Classic American character with pronounced grain
Red oak has a warm, reddish-pink tone with a prominent, open grain pattern that creates bold visual texture. The grain patterns are more pronounced than white oak.
Best For
- Traditional furniture where grain character is desired
- Pieces that will be stained (the open grain takes stain beautifully)
- Rustic or farmhouse style projects
- Budget-conscious projects needing durability
Why We Love It
The bold grain pattern adds instant character and visual interest. It's hard, strong, and extremely durable for daily use. Red oak takes stains exceptionally well, allowing for a wide range of color options. It's readily available, making it more affordable than many hardwoods while still offering quality.
Design Styles
- Traditional
- Craftsman
- Rustic
- Farmhouse
- Country
Practical Considerations
Excellent value—durable hardwood at accessible pricing. The open grain means more visible wood texture (which is desirable for many styles). Widely available in various grades and widths.
Ash
Light, strong, and athletic
Ash features a light, creamy color ranging from nearly white sapwood to light brown heartwood. It has a straight, prominent grain pattern that's bold and visually appealing.
Best For
- Modern furniture where a light, clean aesthetic is desired
- Pieces requiring flexibility (bent components like chair backs)
- Furniture combining light wood with other materials (metal, glass)
- Projects where you want strength without visual heaviness
Why We Love It
Ash offers impressive strength and shock resistance—historically used for baseball bats and tool handles. Its flexibility makes it ideal for pieces with bent or curved components. The light color and prominent grain create a bright, energetic feel. It takes finishes beautifully and is easy to work with.
Design Styles
- Modern
- Mid-century modern
- Scandinavian
- Japanese-inspired
- Industrial
Practical Considerations
Excellent strength-to-weight ratio. The light color can show wear over time (which develops into character). Good value for its performance characteristics.
Mahogany
Refined luxury with timeless appeal
Mahogany is renowned for its deep, reddish-brown color and straight, fine grain. It offers a rich, lustrous appearance that's been prized for centuries in fine furniture.
Best For
- Traditional or formal furniture pieces
- Pieces requiring intricate carving or detailed work
- Furniture where rich color and refinement are priorities
- Heirloom-quality pieces for formal spaces
Why We Love It
Mahogany is highly stable—resistant to warping, swelling, and shrinking. It works exceptionally well with hand tools and machines, allowing for intricate details. The wood finishes to a deep, lustrous surface that exudes quality. It's naturally decay-resistant and ages beautifully.
Design Styles
- Traditional
- Federal
- Colonial
- Formal contemporary
Practical Considerations
Premium pricing reflects its quality and characteristics. Genuine mahogany (not substitutes like African mahogany or sapele) is increasingly rare. Best for clients who appreciate traditional craftsmanship.
