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Wood Species

Choosing the right wood is one of the most important decisions you'll make when commissioning custom furniture. Each species brings its own character, durability, and beauty to your piece. 

Here are the wood types I most commonly work with. 

White Ash

Ash is a strong, light-colored hardwood, valued for its bold grain pattern and natural brightness. Its clean look and resilience make it well suited for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Characteristics

  • Creamy white to light brown

  • Bold, prominent grain with dramatic figure

  • Exceptional strength and shock resistance

  • Takes stain beautifully for versatile finishing

Hardness Scale

8/10

Soft Maple

Soft Maple is a versatile domestic hardwood, valued for its smooth grain and lighter tone compared to hard maple. Its clean appearance and workability make it a practical choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Characteristics

  • Creamy white to pale reddish-brown

  • Fine, even texture with minimal grain variation

  • Smooth, consistent appearance

  • Accepts stain well for custom color matching

Hardness Scale

8/10

Red Oak

Red Oak is a classic American hardwood, valued for its warm undertones and strong, open grain. Its durability and familiar character make it a reliable choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Characteristics

  • Warm pink to reddish-brown tones

  • Open, prominent grain with distinctive cathedral patterns

  • Excellent durability and hardness

  • Rich texture that adds depth and interest

Hardness Scale

9/10

Birch

Birch is a fine-grained domestic hardwood, valued for its pale color and clean, uniform appearance. Its subtle grain and bright tone make it a versatile choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Characteristics

  • Pale cream to light reddish-brown

  • Fine, uniform grain with subtle variation

  • Hard, dense, and highly durable

  • Smooth finish with natural luster

Hardness Scale

9/10

Cherry

Cherry is a highly regarded domestic hardwood, valued for its warm reddish-brown tones and smooth, refined appearance. Its rich color deepens naturally over time, making it a classic choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Characteristics

  • Light pink to reddish-brown

  • Fine, straight, satiny grain

  • Darkens significantly with age

  • Smooth, lustrous finish

Hardness Scale

8/10

Hard Maple

Maple is one of the hardest domestic hardwoods, valued for its strength and clean, bright appearance. Its subtle grain and light tone make it a versatile choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Characteristics

  • Creamy white to light brown

  • Fine, uniform grain texture

  • Occasional curly or bird's eye figure

  • Extremely hard and durable

Hardness Scale

10/10

White Oak

White Oak is a durable domestic hardwood, valued for its light brown tones and pronounced grain character. Its strength and timeless look make it a versatile choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Characteristics

  • Light to medium brown color

  • Prominent ray fleck patterns

  • Strong, durable, water-resistant

  • Takes stain beautifully

Hardness Scale

9/10

Black Walnut

Walnut is one of the most prized American hardwoods, valued for its rich, chocolate-brown color and naturally sophisticated appearance. Its deep tones and elegant grain make it a timeless choice for both contemporary and traditional spaces.

Characteristics

  • Deep brown with purple undertones

  • Straight grain with occasional waves

  • Medium to coarse texture

  • Naturally darkens over time

Hardness Scale

8/10

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