HardwoodRefers to all leaf-bearing trees rather than any degree of hardness. Those most often used in furniture construction include ash, birch, butternut, cherry, gum, mahogany, maple, oak, pecan, rosewood, teak, walnut and yellow poplar. Woods for Frame Construction Ash, gum and yellow poplar are often used in frame construction and other interior areas for their strength, stability and shock absorption qualities. Wood Preparation Wood contains natural moisture that accounts for as much as one-third of the total weight of lumber when it is first received. “Curing” lumber requires tremendous care and expertise. Our wood is air dried three to six months, depending on its thickness; then placed in a dry kiln for two to eight weeks. Moisture content of six to eight percent assures the stability of finished furniture, in either humid or desert climates. After the lumber is properly dried, it is planed and cut to various widths and lengths, then matched for color. Even within the same tree, color varies greatly. | SoftwoodTrees with needles or foliage that remains green year round. These include cedar, fir, pine and spruce. Woods for Exterior Surface Cabinet woods are those used on exterior surfaces and must be carefully worked, carved, finished and polished. Cabinet woods include birch, cherry, mahogany, maple, oak, pecan and walnut. |
