In the creation of many of my projects including Intarsia and Welsh Love Spoons, a diverse range of wood is utilized to bring out the unique qualities of each piece. From the rich warmth of oak and walnut to the vibrant hues of cedar and purpleheart, these different woods are carefully chosen to enhance the beauty and character of the final creations.
Here is a list of some of the wood I use. A lot of what I do varies as to what I have in stock or have to place on order. Wood hardness also determines the use, or non-use in certain projects.
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Aromatic Red Cedar is known for its distinct reddish-brown color and aromatic fragrance, which is often described as earthy and warm. This wood species is highly valued for its natural resistance to decay and insects, making it a popular choice for various projects. I particularly like using it for Welsh Love spoons.
Cherry, also known as Black Cherry wood, is revered for its deep reddish-brown color and rich, lustrous grain patterns. The wood possesses a subtle, pleasant aroma that intensifies as it ages, adding to its appeal. Cherry is highly sought after for high-end woodworking projects due to its exceptional beauty and versatility.
Alder is native to North America and Europe. It is a light-colored hardwood with a warm, pale yellow to reddish-brown hue. Alder wood is prized for its straight grain and smooth texture, making it a popular choice for cabinetry, furniture, and woodworking projects where a balance of stability and beauty is desired.
Walnut originating from walnut trees found predominantly in North America, Europe, and Asia, is renowned for its rich, dark brown color and lustrous grain patterns. The wood possesses a natural elegance and sophistication, often featuring a striking combination of straight lines and swirling figures. With its exceptional durability and distinctive beauty, walnut makes an excellent project choice.
Canary wood*, known as Centrolobium spp., is a hardwood that originates from the tropical regions of Central and South America. It is characterized by its vibrant and striking coloration, ranging from pale yellow to deep orange with streaks of red and purple. Canary wood's distinctive appearance, coupled with its medium texture and straight grain, makes it a sought-after choice.
Birdseye Maple is a unique and visually stunning wood that exhibits small, circular markings resembling tiny bird's eyes scattered across its surface. It is found primarily in North America, particularly in regions where maple trees grow, such as the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. Birdseye Maple's intriguing figure, combined with its light-colored background and tight grain, makes it highly prized in projects.
Black Limba, also known as Terminalia superba, is an exotic hardwood native to West Africa, particularly found in countries such as Ghana, Ivory Coast, and Cameroon. It is highly valued for its distinctively attractive appearance, featuring a pale yellow to golden-brown base color with striking dark brown or black streaks that create a unique striped or mottled effect. Black Limba's captivating grain patterns, combined with its moderate density and ease of working, make it a favored choice for varied projects.
Curly Maple, also known as Tiger Maple or Quilted Maple, is a type of maple wood that exhibits a captivating figure characterized by wavy or curly patterns. It is found primarily in North America, particularly in regions where maple trees grow, such as the northeastern United States and parts of Canada. Curly Maple's stunning figuring, ranging from gentle ripples to bold waves, adds a touch of elegance and uniqueness to all projects.
Wenge wood*, also known as Millettia laurentii, is an exotic hardwood native to the tropical regions of Central Africa, particularly found in countries such as Cameroon, Congo, and Gabon. It is renowned for its dark brown to nearly black coloration, often accompanied by pronounced black streaks that create a striking contrast. Wenge's rich color, coupled with its straight grain and coarse texture, makes it a favored choice for high-end furniture, flooring, cabinetry, and specialty woodworking projects, adding a touch of sophistication and elegance to any design.
Lacewood, scientifically known as Cardwellia sublimis, is an exotic hardwood native to Australia. It is renowned for its striking figure, featuring a combination of curly or wavy patterns with pronounced lace-like markings that create a mesmerizing visual effect. Lacewood's distinct appearance, combined with its reddish-brown color and fine texture, makes it a popular choice where a touch of elegance and uniqueness is desired.
Basswood, also known as American Linden or Tilia Americana, is a light-colored hardwood that primarily grows in North America. It is prized for its soft and even texture, making it an ideal wood for carving and other woodworking projects. Basswood's fine grain and lack of prominent figure provide a smooth, uniform surface, making it a preferred choice for applications such as toys, puzzles, clocks, and other projects requiring intricate detailing.
Red Oak*, also known as Quercus rubra, is a popular hardwood that is native to North America. It is known for its distinctive reddish-brown color and prominent grain patterns, which can vary from straight to pronounced cathedral-like patterns. Red Oak's durability, strength, and attractive appearance make it a versatile choice for a wide range of projects.
Padauk *, the scientific name is Pterocarpus spp., is an exotic hardwood that originates from various regions in Africa, including countries like Cameroon, Congo, and Nigeria. It is renowned for its vibrant orange-to-reddish-brown color that deepens with age, and it often features striking grain patterns. Padauk's distinct hue and durability make it a popular choice, infusing warmth and visual interest into any design.
Yellowheart*, known as Euxylophora paraensis, is a vibrant and striking hardwood originating from Central and South America, particularly regions such as Brazil and Venezuela. It features a brilliant yellow to golden hue that remains vivid even after prolonged exposure to light. Yellowheart's bold coloration, coupled with its fine texture and moderate density, makes it a sought-after choice for woodworking, and specialty projects, adding a warm and cheerful touch to any creation.
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Notes:
There are many other types of wood that can be used. The use of a particular type of wood varies according to the project being created.
* These woods are very hard and used in limited project types. I am not carving these woods, at this time. However, I may carve on a very limited basis.
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