04 / MATERIAL LIBRARY
Species is a starting point, not a promise of uniformity. Colour, cut and the individual board all change the result.
OAK & CHISEL / THE CRAFT NOTEBOOK
Inspect a grain. Choose a finish family. Carry the decision forward.
OakCrops from the original generated material study. Screen colour, grain and sheen are illustrative, not samples of available stock.
Oil emphasises a close-to-wood feel. Care, sheen and colour depend on the actual product.
A lighting aid for inspection, not a physical finish simulation.
Use these choices in my tableCherry and elm remain informative studies; they are not choices in this model.
Grounded & expressive
Golden to biscuit brown, with a pronounced grain and visible rays on quarter-sawn faces.
Tables, frames and architectural details.
Open pores remain part of its tactile character. A sample shows whether the finish lifts or quietens that texture.
Deep & sculptural
Rich brown heartwood with lighter sapwood and a grain that can range from straight to strongly figured.
Cabinet fronts, contrasting details and carved forms.
Colour varies by species and board. Decide early whether pale sapwood is a feature to celebrate.
Light & energetic
A pale timber with an assertive, flowing grain. Its visual rhythm suits generous, simple shapes.
Legs, frames and clean contemporary furniture.
A pale finish is not invisible. Test for warmth and colour change on the actual stock.
Warm & evolving
A fine-textured timber whose warm tones can deepen with light and time.
Smaller cabinets, refined details and turned objects.
Leave room for natural colour development; avoid expecting a new piece to match an aged sample exactly.
Expressive & individual
Often marked by lively figure and interlocking grain, with generous visual movement.
Feature panels and character-led sculptural pieces.
Interlocked grain can ask more of tools and technique. Let the board guide the form.
A close-to-the-wood feel. Maintenance depends on the specific product and use; test first.
A low-sheen option that combines oils and waxes. Follow the system’s own preparation and curing guidance.
A film-forming finish with a more sealed feel. Sheen and repair options depend on the product and application.
Solid timber responds to humidity. Keep furniture away from direct heat, standing water and abrupt changes in conditions. Use coasters, wipe spills promptly with a soft cloth and follow the care guide for the exact finish. Never assume a “natural” coating is food-safe.
Material reading: The Wood Database