CHARACTERISTICS OF RUSTIC WOOD
Using Rustic and Sap wood in building heirloom furniture adds many interesting and beautiful grain patterns and character. As the tree grows the grain patterns are developed around the branches, mineral pits and other characteristics inspired by nature. The knots in the boards are where the branches were on the tree, resulting in unique grain patterns and colors, creating beauty that is unmatched by regular furniture with more uniform grains and matched boards. Skilled craftsman will incorporate the natural defects such as knots, natural splits, mineral defects and grain distortions in creating your one of a kind heirloom while retaining structural integrity.
Before purchasing Rustic Furniture it is imperative to understand this in order to make informed decisions, and to know what to expect. Please remember the natural defects incorporated in your furniture truly creates a distinctive heirloom that assists in maintaining our responsibility to the environment and reducing waste.
DESCRIPTION OF RUSTIC WOOD
RUSTIC QUARTER SAWN WHITE OAK:
Old world craftsmen used quarter sawn white oak due to the stunning effects of stain applied to the quartered rays. Using rustic lumber adds even more character and one of a kind beauty.
What to expect:
- Small open knots
- Filled knots and voids
- Cracks and checks
- Grain and color distortions
RUSTIC CHERRY:
Cherry knots add character and beauty unsurpassed by straight grained boards and when stain is applied the beauty is enhanced ensuring that each piece is a one of a kind treasure.
What to expect:
- Small open knots
- Filled knots and voids
- Mineral pits
- Cracks and checks
- Grain and color distortions
BROWN MAPLE = PAINT GRADE MAPLE:
Using brown maple allows for a wide range of color options in both stain and paints. Darker stain colors are recommended for less variation in color.
What to expect:
- Color variations
- Visible glue joints
- Slight cracks
SAP CHERRY:
Sap cherry comes from the same log as regular cherry, but more of the outside part of the log instead of the heart. The results are wider more curly grains and some white boards.
What to expect:
- Color variations
- Mineral pits
- Slight cracks
- Small knots
RUSTIC HICKORY:
Hickory wood ranges in color from white to brown and some black streaks. By adding the knots and other natural defects the results are stunningly unpredictable. A great look for your cabin or lodge.
What to expect:
- Major color variations
- Large open knots and voids
- Filled knots and voids
- Slight cracks
SOLID HARDWOODS:
Wood is one of the most valuable raw materials supplied by nature. The unique characteristics of solid wood offers the beauty of the works of nature. Each tree has its own personality and grain pattern in spired by the elements of nature and its environment.
The cells of wood are mostly long and narrow, like small tubes or pipes, and extend up and down the tree. Through the sapwood, the sap is carried from its roots to feed the leaves.
After the wood has been cut, it must be dried, or seasoned. A living tree contains a great deal of water, thus when wood dries it loses this water, causing it to shrink considerably. It takes careful handling to property dry lumber.
Solid hardwoods will expand and contract with the changes in temperature and humidity, therefore, it is important to keep the humidity in the 35 to 45 percent range to avoid cracking or warping, which is a natural character of solid wood.
Furniture made with solid hardwoods can add a rich, warm and charming touch to your home, and when properly cared for, will create a legacy for future generations.