In our final (for the moment final) Which Wood Series – let’s focus on reclaimed wood. You never know what you will come across and it’s exciting to see the results!
Remember our first serving tray?
Reclaimed hickory from an old shipping pallet – no kidding. We were quite impressed with the outcome.
Since then, we continue to look for opportunities to use reclaimed wood. We love it, the clients love it, it’s all good. Barn boards are awesome…
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Red Birch is the heart wood of the Yellow Birch Tree and anyone who knows Sandy…knows this is one of her favorite wood types. Why? It offers great color in it’s natural tone and it doesn’t darken and deepen in color like Cherry Wood does. So, if the natural tone you get initially is what you like? You are all set!
Red Birch with Butcher Block Conditioner
Hard Maple
Did you know that the maple wood species are classified as hard or soft? However, the softer maples are still considered a hardwood – did that make sense? The softer option can almost always be a substitute for the hard or rock maple. So why do they differentiate?
Janka Hardness of Maple
Small Maple Cheese Board
The maple we receive is typically leftovers from a cabinet shop – quite a mixed variety, which is fine for cutting boards – cheese boards – cribbage boards, serving trays, etc.
Cabinet makers and furniture makers will usually offer maple, it’s a great option, although be careful when staining. Applying a stain to any hardwood, even with the softer maples can create a blotchy result. Wood toner is a good idea – trust me – and ask for a sample.
Why isn’t Flame Maple in the above maple choices? Because the flame is grain character based on how the tree grows, not a wood species. Get it?
As a fan of wood grain in general, maple doesn’t excite – Unless it’s it’s TIGER or Curly!! This curly – tiger flooring by Hull Forest Products would work for me – totally. It’s so pretty with just enough character, in my opinion.
Although, if the above was my flooring choice (maple is a wonderful flooring choice – hard wood remember), I wouldn’t want curly maple furniture in the same room – what about you?
Maple is also great for creating contrast, as my husband, the artisan who can’t keep it simple knows and these designs have been very popular.
Maple (with sap wood) and Walnut End Grain Cutting Board
Mahogany or Sapele with Maple?