Wood Types

Mature hardwoods supply the nation, and much of the world, with timber used for everything from railroad ties to quality furnishings. U.S. hardwoods are appreciated around the world for their warmth and lasting beauty in furniture, cabinetry, millwork and flooring. Just as each tree is different from the next, so too are hardwood products individually unique. Different species of hardwood are characterized by an infinite variety of graining and distinct textures. Additional characteristics occur when, as the tree grows and matures, limbs fall off leaving behind a knot on the hardwood surface. All of these natural markings add character to the woods appearance without effecting the durability or stability of the wood. Here is some specific information about the different wood types we offer:

Red Oak

Red Oak

Red Oak is characterized by its orange reddish hue with the sapwood being white to light brown. The wood has a pronounced opened grain and is very durable with good wear-resistance. The stain absorbs into this open grain pattern becoming darker where the grain is close and lighter where the grain is more open. This is an ideal choice if you desire a warm look.

Red Oak has a rating of 1290 on the Janka Hardness Scale*.

Brown Maple

Brown Maple

Brown Maple is a unique combination of brown, tan, white and cream streaks, and has a more rustic appearance. It is a softer wood so it is more prone to scratches and denting with heavy use. Brown Maple’s naturally soft grain best absorbs medium to dark stains and its smooth surface is ideal for painted finishes. Choosing a lighter colored stain will best showcase the natural range of grain colors in Brown Maple, while a darker stain will blend the grain colors better.

Brown Maple has a rating of 950 on the Janka Hardness Scale*.

Quarter Sawn White Oak

Quarter Sawn White Oak

Quarter Sawn White Oak has a unique grain pattern which is achieved by cutting the wood at a 90 degree angle to the tree’s growth rings. If you love furniture with texture, then Quarter Sawn is a great choice. This wood has a cooler white to sage undertone and is very durable with good wear-resistance. Because Quarter Sawn White Oak is cut at an angle, it exhibits a tight grain with dramatic light and dark tones. Quarter Sawn White Oak absorbs stains richly and evenly. The natural variation of color exhibited in the wood grain is enhanced with staining.

Quarter Sawn White Oak has a rating of 1360 on the Janka Hardness Scale*.

Cherry

Cherry

Cherry wood has a fine satin-smooth texture and a circular grain pattern. The heartwood of cherry varies from a rich red to reddish brown, while the sapwood is creamy-white in contrast. Over time it will darken with exposure to light and heat. The wood may also naturally contain brown pith flecks and small pit pockets. Because it is a softer wood, it is more prone to denting with heavy use. Cherry wood has a natural reddish hue and this warmth is intensified by all of the cherry stains. When stained, this fine grain has a very even-toned finish.

Cherry has a rating of 950 on the Janka Hardness scale*.

Rustic Cherry

Rustic Cherry

Rustic Cherry is simply less refined than traditional Cherry wood. Here the natural characteristics of Cherry are accentuated and it is common to see natural knots on the surface. This is the perfect choice for a natural rustic look. Color range includes white, brown, and deep red with brown flecks.

Rustic Cherry has a rating of 950 on the Janka Hardness scale*.

Sap Cherry

Sap Cherry wood is cut from the same tree, however when grading this lumber at the mill, we allow the lighter “sap streaks” to be used, which adds more variation, and keeps cost down, because we can use most all of the tree. Sap cherry may contain some streaking, pitch pockets and gum pockets.

Sap Cherry has a rating of 950 on the Janka Hardness scale*.

Hard Maple

Hard Maple

Hard Maple is one of the hardest domestic woods in the USA. Because of its hardness, it is very durable. The sapwood is creamy white with a golden hue and the heartwood varies from light to dark golden brown. The wood has a close, fine texture and a light circular grain pattern. The light tone of Hard Maple makes the stain colors appear bold and bright, while the hard and smooth texture makes it less suited to dark stains. The hardness can prevent the stain from soaking into the wood, which can create darker stained areas. This wood captures light and brightens any space.

Hard Maple has a rating of 1450 on the Janka Hardness Scale*.

Grey Elm

Grey Elm

Grey Elm is known for it’s beauty and strength.  It is known for it’s medium density, as well as it’s interlocking feather type grain.

Grey Elm has a rating of 830 on the Janka Hardness scale*.

Walnut

Walnut

Walnut has a rich chocolate or purplish brown color with hints of grey, black and even dark blue. It has a beautiful grain pattern and is the only dark brown hardwood grown domestically. Over time it will take on a light golden brown color, which is slight and almost unnoticeable.

Walnut has a rating of 1010 on the Janka Hardness Scale*.

Hickory

Hickory

Hickory has a contrasting reddish and cream color graining and it is a beautiful wood for furniture. It has a medium grain that gives an earthy feel with a smooth look. It is also the strongest wood type that we offer.

Hickory has a rating of 1820 on the Janka Hardness Scale*.

Live Edge

Live Edge means that the wood used has not been cut in a straight line.  Natural edge pieces are carefully handled to retain the shape of the trees natural edge so that a rustic, one of a kind piece is created. There are width variations in the dimensions of live edge furniture. All of our live edges come with the bark carefully removed, and then our artisans   lightly sand the edge to present splintering.  Our live edges are coated with a catalyzed conversion varnish just like all of our furniture. No two pieces of live edge furniture can ever be alike. Due to the materials and handcrafted process, variations in shape and wood grain are to be expected. Live Edges typically come in Rustic Cherry, Rustic Walnut, and Wormy Maple.

Rustic Wood

Rustic Wood

Rustic woods will have natural defects such as knots, mineral streaking, grain distortions, and sapwood. Most rustic woods are filled with Epoxy.

Reclaimed/Rough Sawn Wood

Natural Reclaimed Wood

Reclaimed/Rough Sawn wood can be natural or simulated. Natural rough sawn wood is typically made from reclaimed wood.   Rough sawn wood features markings that are added to give you that “True” reclaimed look. Nevertheless, no Rough Sawn pieces are ever the same which makes there uniqueness quite desirable.

Rough Sawn Wood