The Nature of Wood and its Environment
All hardwood contains variation in its color and grain. In manufacturing and finishing its tables, our builders strive to bring out the natural beauty and character of each piece of wood. These wood characteristics give each piece of solid wood furniture its unique charm, and, although the finishing processes are identical, no two pieces will be exactly the same.
Because most hardwoods are open grained, solid wood furniture will expand and contract with changes in humidity and temperature, even after protective finishes have been applied. Care in controlling the furniture’s environment will help minimize the minor cracking and warping that is a natural part of the wood’s character. Indoor humidity should be kept in the 35 to 40 percent range to minimize these effects. If the humidity moves out of the ideal range, solid wood tabletops can expand or contract causing a gap in the center or at the ends where the two halves meet. This is perfectly normal as moisture is absorbed through end grains of wood causing more movement on the ends of the table than in the center. Through change of seasons these changes will occur according to humidity levels. Additionally, direct sunlight and fluorescent fixtures that contain ultra-violet rays can cause chemical changes in the wood and finish and should be avoided. Furniture should also be kept away from direct sources of heating and cooling and out of attic or basement storing environments. With proper care, solid wood furniture will provide a lifetime of enjoyment and can be passed on to future generations.
Hardwoods:
Mature hardwoods supply the nation, and much of the world, with timber used for everything from railroad ties to quality furnishings. U.S. hardwoods are coveted the world over for their warmth and lasting beauty in furniture, cabinetry, millwork and flooring. In finished products, hardwoods are the purest expression of nature. They are not synthetic nor are they engineered. Their beauty is not just skin deep. And, thanks to responsible stewardship of America’s hardwood forestlands, their supply is abundant and perpetually renewing. Hardwoods are such broad-leafed trees as oak and walnut, cherry and maple, hickory and poplar, and dozens of other species. Each autumn their green leaves burst into brilliant symphonies of amber, orange, magenta, and thousands of hues in between. Hardwoods grow prolifically, reaching maturity at about 80 years. When harvested, they often begin a second life as home furnishings that we can cherish for generations.
Just as each tree is different from the next, so, too, are hardwood products individually unique. Hardwoods are characterized by an infinite variety of grains and distinctive textures. Trees grow limbs that fall off as the tree matures. What remains is a knot on the hardwood surface. These natural markings add character to the woods appearance and have absolutely no effect on the wood’s durability and stability.
