As we promised last week, we’re continuing our list on wood varieties used in the furniture industry and we’re listing the more expensive types: cherry wood, walnut, teak and the supreme symbols of elegance – mahogany and ebony.
Cherry wood is quite loved and the high demand seems to be increasing its price. But there’s a good reason why it’s so popular, since it’s easy to work with (although it’s a bit of a challenge if you try it manually) and it looks great in any range of colors (it varies from light brown to darker shades), even when it’s only finished in oil. Also, it ages beautifully.
Although expensive, it’s worth it, and some even think of it as a “king among kings” in the wooden kingdom. It’s hard, beautiful, versatile and easy to work with, stable and it has a rich chocolate brown color that’s easy distinguishable from other varieties of wood.
Teak comes from South-East Asia and it’s a favorite among furniture pieces for the outdoors, because of its natural quality of protecting itself from tempest – unlike other woods, it manages to retain in its grains rubber and oil, and these make it waterproof and resilient against fungi and other parasites that usually damage wood in conditions of moisture. And so, expensive as it may be, it’s earned its place in the industry and it furnishes exclusive terraces from all over the world in golden brown shades.
Ebony is dense and black and it always leaves a strong impression. That’s exactly why it’s been a symbol of luxury starting from Ancient times. Unfortunately, ebony species are on the endangered list and that raises the price and it also limits the use to smaller parts, mostly decorative, such as sculptures, statuettes, piano keys (they go great with ivory) and so on. But there are a few lucky ones out there that actually got to shape furniture pieces (chairs, for example) from this special resource of Asia and Africa.
Mahogany is, probably, the most famous wood in the furniture industry. Unfortunately, just as ebony, it’s becoming increasingly harder to find, especially since it was not harvested in a sustainable manner. However, this reddish wood (in lighter or more aggressive notes) will always be a highlight in the field, distinguished and very attractive, even with only one coat of oil.
Do you know any other varieties (more or less) exotic that might complete our list?
