Woods & Finishes

Walnut wood grain is generally straight and consistent, but it can be irregular and uniquely wavy or curly, a feature that makes it so attractive to so many. It’s common to see grain patterns such as burl, curl, crotch and more, enhancing the character and depth of this species. Walnut is dense, tight-grained and hard, and can be polished to a very fine, smooth finish.

Not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or the CITES Appendices.

Although Walnut isn’t as abundant as it once was, it can be a great, eco-friendly option when purchased from a sustainable source. Materials purchased from domestic, sustainable sources don’t have to travel as far, therefore minimizing our carbon footprint. Buying locally makes sense environmentally and economically. By doing so, you are ensuring that the harvested material will be regrown in this unique environment for the same purpose, instead of being harvested from a non-sustainable forest. This protects against deforestation and keeps local forests and habitats intact. It’s also important to note that walnut’s strength and durability generally ensures a piece can last 50+ years when built by a quality craftsman.

White Oak wood grain is straight and can have a slightly coarse texture. While straight, it’s also a unique grain pattern, making it one of the more easily recognized wood species. Oak is known for having small, thin grain markings (or rays) that run alongside the grain and add an interesting, attractive touch.

Not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or the CITES Appendices.

Oak or White Oak wood makes a great choice for the environmentally-conscious. Due to its strength and durability, it is generally diverted from landfills and put to good use. Oak is one of the more popular hardwoods that is now grown and harvested sustainably, meaning it’s harvested from managed forests designed to maintain the local, natural balance of plant and tree life. Buying locally makes sense environmentally and economically. By doing so, you are ensuring that the harvested material will be regrown in this unique environment for the same purpose, instead of being harvested from a non-sustainable forest. This protects against deforestation and keeps local forests and habitats intact. And because local wood doesn’t have to travel as far, we’re minimizing our carbon footprint at the same time.

Ambrosia Maple is typically straight-grained with a consistent, even texture. Sometimes, unique grain patterns such as curl and burl are seen, which many woodworkers and furniture owners find particularly appealing. Depending on the variety of maple species (hard or soft maple), there may be some variation between more and less pronounced grain. Ambrosia Maple’s streaks are a tapered, oblong shape.

Not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or the CITES Appendices.

Maple wood (and Ambrosia Maple) is a terrific option when it comes to considering the environment. Maple trees grow in abundance, especially in parts of the southeastern US. Maple can be grown and harvested sustainably, meaning it’s sourced from managed forests designed to maintain the local, natural balance of plant and tree life. Buying locally makes sense environmentally and economically. By doing so, you are ensuring that the harvested material will be regrown in this unique environment for the same purpose, instead of being harvested from a non-sustainable forest. This protects against deforestation and keeps local forests and habitats intact. And because local wood doesn’t have to travel as far, we’re minimizing our carbon footprint at the same time.

Ash wood has a medium to slightly coarse texture, similar to Oak. Its grain is typically straight and consistent, though sometimes you will see sections of grain that are moderately curly or figured. Certain growing and environmental conditions can cause Ash trees to create these unique grain patterns, like curly or birdseye grain, to name a few.

Not listed in the CITES Appendices.

Traditionally, Ash trees have prospered throughout North America. So much so, that they have been considered “invasive” because they can grow in so many different environments and locations. However, in recent years, a wood-boring pest (the Emerald Ash Borer) made its way into the US and is wrecking havoc on our Ash tree population. Once infested, a healthy Ash tree may only live for a few years. Fortunately, the government has intervened and is haulting transport/export of Ash trees from certain parts of the country in an effort to prevent the spread of this pest. Sadly, Ash trees are now considered “critically endangered.” With that being said, numerous government, environmental, and forestry agencies are working together to eliminate the pest, and Ash trees can continue living long lives if they’re properly treated. 

Ash can be grown and harvested sustainably, meaning it’s sourced from managed forests designed to maintain the local, natural balance of plant and tree life. Buying locally makes sense environmentally and economically. By doing so, you are ensuring that the harvested material will be regrown in this unique environment for the same purpose, instead of being harvested from a non-sustainable forest. This protects against deforestation and keeps local forests and habitats intact. And because local wood doesn’t have to travel as far, we’re minimizing our carbon footprint at the same time.

For many of the same reasons listed above (age, weathering, exposure to the elements and other factors), every board is unique and no two pieces are alike. Generally, Reclaimed Oak has a consistent, tight grain pattern. Many reclaimed wood boards have a “rough-sawn” look with an uneven, coarse texture, which can be planed and sanded smooth if desired. This texture and natural luster is sometimes reflected in a wood patina, a natural effect from years of ageing and use, along with oxidation and exposure to sunlight. This aesthetic feature of reclaimed wood is often replicated with “faux” manufacturing processes to attempt to achieve the look of real reclaimed lumber.

Not listed in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species or the CITES Appendices.

Reclaimed barnwood is an excellent source of sustainable, green materials for furniture and building projects. Many construction projects incorporating barn wood are commonly eligible for LEED points. Choosing reclaimed barn wood means you’re essentially reusing or recycling lumber (often stronger, more durable wood that has withstood the test of time) instead of using new wood from a newer tree. While many of today’s common wood species can be sustainably grown and harvested, it’s hard to beat using reclaimed or salvaged materials when it comes to environmental impact. And because so much reclaimed wood is sourced locally, the wood doesn’t have to travel as far, therefore minimizing our carbon footprint.