When you are building something out of wood, or just looking to buy a piece of furniture that is made from the authentic hardwood, you don't want just any type. Different woods have different characteristics and costs associated with them.
When working with wood, especially exotic hardwood we want to make sure that the best quality material is being utilized. We are proud to work with lumber supplier from British Columbia, Reimer Hardwoods, who have been in the business for over 40 years and offers us a range of hardwoods in different styles. It allows for maximum creativity and design capabilities when it comes to our product lines offered here at Krasava Builds Co.
When starting a project that requires some wood, it can be confusing and daunting to try to choose the right species for your needs. There are many characteristics of each species and they vary from climate, density and colors just to name a few key ones. This article meant to give you an overview on what kind of choice there is out there and what types are available for selection at our shop.
MAPLE. Maple wood is popular and in demand for its durability, crack resistance and smooth texture. Maple desks are neither too common nor rarely seen. And that’s very unfortunate since this wood is just great in terms of quality and aesthetics, but at the same time it enjoys lesser popularity because of two main obstacles: a limited supply and a high price-cost per square meter.
There are few different types of maple wood, each with its own unique and interesting qualities and appearance.
Hard Country Maple varies from creamy white to yellowish or pale tan with dark brown bands and streaks. The variety of inconsistent color gives it a rustic, or country appearance. It grows in North America, in particular available on west coast of Canada and in Great Lakes region. It is most used for furniture, flooring, industrial parts, desks, cabinetry, doors, cutting boards, small boxes and accessories. You can notice that it present on most of the cutting and charcuterie boards made at Krasava Builds Co.
Hard White Maple varies from creamy white to yellowish or pale tan. It is known for its durability and strength, hence it's commonly used for flooring, butcher blocks, and large furniture. It grows in North America.
Curly Maple varies in color from cream white to reddish brown. Curls appearing across the board are the result of contortions in the grain that reflect light at different angles. This feature gives depth to the grain and creates beautiful 3D affect. Beside being popular for furniture, cabinets, accessories, it is centerpiece and sometimes solo wood used for our cutting and charcuterie boards. It is popular, fast growing decorative tree that grows in North America.
Ambrosia Maple varies cream white with irregular streaks of gray, dark brown, tan or black. It displays a patchwork pattern of stunning gray streaks infused with maple's usual clear white color and plain grain. This nature gives us plenty of creative possibilities and is very popular choice for solo board charcuteries or as decorative piece for furniture. Ambrosia maple isn't necessarily a specific tree, but an effect on the appearance of the Maple tree that's been infested by the Ambrosia beetle. The infestation results in numerous gray fungus streaks and discolorations. But be aware there are no bugs left in the tree after it was dried and processed. It is 100% safe and grows in North America.
WALNUT has always been known for its strength, as well as beautiful wood grains and color tones. I is one of the most enjoyed North American hardwoods for its fine-yet-open grain, unique patterns, and bold dark color. Walnut is easy to cut, shape and sand, and the wood takes on an amazing look with a clear finish. At Krasava Builds Co. we use it to for framing lighter color wood while putting together cutting boards, or make it centerpiece of exotic wood butcher clocks. Walnut is one of the most popular options for luxury, custom built tables and furniture. Despite high cost it is definitely a piece that will stand out and last many many years at your home.
CHERRY grows in North America and has reddish brown with a golden luster color. Freshly cut cherry is often very pale, but the wood oxidizes to its famously favorable rich brown red in time. Cherry is a durable and beautiful hardwood. Growing in popularity as an exotic domestic choice, it has no rivals that are as easy to work, fine textured, strong and regal in color. It's highly rated in all working properties including wood bending and turning. Due to its nature we recommend it for projects with round shape designs.
PURPLE HEART is our most favorite and definitely eye catching type of exotic woods. It is actually dull gray brown in color when freshly cut but soon oxidizing to a violet purple. It very common in tropical regions of Brazil, South, and Central America, with some countries forbidding commercial exploiting. Due to its popping color and high cost it is more of decorative types of wood and rarely used solo for furniture or other product design, unless you really desire lots of purple at home. Purple heart is one of the most durable and stable species of hardwood available.
PADAUK grows in Africa. It has bright orange red color when freshy cut or planed, often with dark stripes; oxidizes to dark chocolate brown or light brown. It is moderately heavy, strong, and stiff, with exceptional stability. Also it is rated as durable reported to be resistant to termites and other insects. As another favorite exotic wood it is also well used as decorative part and accessory in wide variety of projects from cutting boards to furniture items.
ZEBRAWOOD looks exactly as it's named and comes to us from South Africa. It has beautiful golden brown color with pronounced dark brown streaks. Zebrawood is durable and resistant for long time use. It is a heavy hardwood with a somewhat coarse texture, often with an interlocked or wavy grain. The interlocked grain of this wood, like that of many tropical woods, can make it difficult to work, but we still love it and never leave behind when planning design for our new projects at Krasava Builds Co.
MAHOGANY GENIUN grows in Latin America and ranks among the finest cabinet woods. It is very stable and clear with a natural luster, has a straight, fine, and even grain, and is relatively free of voids and pockets. Its color varies from yellowish brown to reddish or orange brown.
WENGE is probably our most favorite exotic wood, used for luxury custom designs. This tree is found mainly in Tanzania and Mozambique. Heartwood is medium brown, sometimes with a reddish or yellowish hue, with nearly black streaks. Upon application of a wood finish (particularly an oil finish) the wood can become nearly black. It is very durable but can be difficult to work with hand and machine tools. Sanding is quiet challenging due to differences in density between light and dark areas. Prices are high, and are likely to remain so as supplies dwindle.
Woods are an amazing source of inspiration, and we love to play with all the different options. We have a great variety in stock at our shop, but if you want something really special - just let us know!