{"id":911,"date":"2015-04-07T14:35:15","date_gmt":"2015-04-07T04:35:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.handkrafted.com/blog\/?p=911"},"modified":"2015-08-09T13:43:34","modified_gmt":"2015-08-09T03:43:34","slug":"timber-furniture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.handkrafted.com/blog\/timber-furniture\/","title":{"rendered":"Timber Tales: Choosing the Best Wood for Timber Furniture"},"content":{"rendered":"

With the abundance of timber species available, choosing a material can come down to aesthetics, usability, and what makers prefer. Kate Milton\u00a0spoke to several makers in the Handkrafted community about which timbers they like to use.<\/em><\/p>\n

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You may think that a piece of bespoke timber furniture is just a piece of wood, but there are many different types of timber\u00a0out there, and each has unique characteristics and qualities. This means that different wood types are suited to different uses so\u00a0how do you know which one is right for your project?<\/p>\n

Walnut<\/strong><\/p>\n

Walnut is a favourite material among makers, with one reason being its versatility.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe best thing is that there is nothing it cannot be used for,\u201d says Tim Noone<\/a><\/p>\n

Originating in North America, Walnut has several common names, among them black walnut and American walnut. The timber ranges in colour from light to dark brown, with the sapwood being a creamy white. Thanks to its versatility and classic beauty, many makers and buyers favour this beautiful wood.<\/p>\n

Nathan Day of Nathan Day Design<\/a> likes working with walnut because it has many great characteristics.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s one of the classic furniture timbers of the world and for good reason. It has a rich, dark colour and a distinctive grain pattern. It machines well and polishes beautifully. It also has the added bonus of a high tannin content, which makes it perfect for ebonising.”<\/p>\n

“If it smelt like oak, it would be the perfect timber,\u201d says Day.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

As Maeker Studio\u2019s<\/a> Spencer Parks explains: \u201cIt is the perfect timber to machine, to plane, to sand, to steam bend, to oil, to lacquer, to lift, to touch, to look at, to cuddle… dare I go on?\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Timber<\/a><\/p>\n

American White Oak<\/strong><\/p>\n

Another timber popular for its versatility, American white oak, as the name suggests, hails from North America and tends to span a pale to mid-brown colour range, although the sapwood is quite pale.<\/p>\n

Jason Stancombe of Relm<\/a> says American white oak is one of their most used materials, and its unique look is one of its selling points.<\/p>\n

\u201cAmerican white oak is a favourite timber of Relm, and is used quite extensively through the workshop. I love the amazing grain and figure it consistently provides”, says Stancombe.<\/p>\n

“For me, it finishes well, and provides a point of difference that my customers love,\u201d he says.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

While it does present challenges with its tendency to shrink, experienced makers can accommodate this characteristic and create a wide range of standout products.<\/p>\n

\u201cYet another reason why I love American white oak \u2013 its versatility. It\u2019s durable and accepts a wide variety of finishes, making it my go to choice for anything indoors,\u201d says Cameron Hird from makimaki Australia<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cI have used it for dining tables, beds, stools and even a ping pong table!\u201d\u00a0<\/strong><\/p>\n

\"Timber<\/a><\/p>\n

Silvertop Ash<\/strong><\/p>\n

An Australian native found in the south east, Silvertop Ash is resistant to fire, making it a popular choice for home construction. Its unique aesthetic, however, means it\u2019s perfect for clients looking for individual custom pieces.<\/p>\n

\u201cSilvertop Ash has a different look to most other Australian hardwoods I work with, which have dark feature and grain patterns,\u201d says Jake Auld of Auld Design.<\/a><\/p>\n

\u201cSilvertop can have incredible silvery tone features, which work well with light and white spaces,\u201d he explains.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

This home grown timber can be used for a range of applications.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ve been using it for tables but also in bathroom vanities and find the lightness works really well on vertical surfaces, such as cabinet doors and drawer fronts,\u201d says Auld.<\/p>\n

\"Timber<\/a><\/p>\n

Western Australian Sheoak<\/strong><\/p>\n

Western Australian Sheoak heartwood grows in a beautiful red brown colour, while the sapling is pale yellow.<\/p>\n

The Australian native is preferred by a number of makers, including Peter Walker of Peter Walker Furniture<\/a>.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt\u2019s generally a clean timber which is easy to work with (both machine and hand tools) and when polished, the grain colour and pattern of the medullary rays create a stunning effect,\u201d he says.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

In the past, Western Australian Sheoak has been popular in construction and flooring. However, it is becoming more difficult to source, and as such is becoming a desirable choice for smaller projects.<\/p>\n

\u201cDue to its increasing scarcity, it\u2019s best for smaller pieces of furniture which will become heirloom pieces for future generations to enjoy,\u201d says Walker.<\/p>\n

\"Timber<\/a><\/p>\n

Bamboo Ply<\/strong><\/p>\n

But not all makers are using traditional timbers. Zev Bianchi of Bcompact Design<\/a> is one of these.<\/p>\n

\u201cBamboo ply board is my organic material of choice for the past seven years for a number of really solid and era specific reasons\u201d, says Bianchi.<\/p>\n

\u201cThere are many different combinations of the man-made, natural material that would satisfy even the most die hard wood aficionado\u2019s.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"Timber<\/a>When having your own bespoke timber furniture created, the wide world of wood can be daunting, but your maker will be able to help you choose the right timber for your task.<\/p>\n

By Kate Milton<\/p>\n

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About Handkrafted:<\/em><\/p>\n

Handkrafted <\/a>has brought together Australia\u2019s most comprehensive community\u00a0of independent bespoke furniture makers. With hundreds of craftspeople and artisans that can cater to all styles, budgets and geographies,\u00a0we’ll\u00a0match you to\u00a0the right maker for your custom furniture project.\u00a0<\/em><\/p>\n

Commissioning a piece of furniture through Handkrafted is a unique and fulfilling experience. Support local makers and\u00a0kickstart<\/a>\u00a0your own project today.<\/em><\/p>\n

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