Secrets of wood Finishing

Which Wood.

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Below you will see many different species of wood and things made out of them.  All woods are not suitable for all finishes and uses, so I hope that the information below will give the reader an indication of what to make with different woods.
 

 

Heartwood

 This page shows ,many
different woods their grain
and furniture,
made from each.
If you mouse-over each of the names, you will see the Latin name of the wood, when holding the mouse over the capital letter of the wood's name, and a description of the wood properties when holding the mouse over the remainder of the word.
Grain of Afromosia wood.  

Afromosia

Afromosia gives a very hard wearing finish to flooring and is easy to maintain.
Grain of Ash wood.  

Ash

 An Ash drop leaf dining table is easy to maintain and does not easily stain if anything is spilt on the surface.
Grain of Beech.  

Beech

 Beech is the favourite for making woodworking benches. Very tough wood, so one has to be very rough in using it to make marks on the surface.
Grain showing Beech steamed  

Beech Steamed

Steamed beech gives a uniform colour to the wood.
Grain of White Beech  

Beech
White

 Beech can be easily shaped to give flowing lines and is a strong wood for this.
Grain of Birch  

Birch

Nice silky rays give this piece a striking effect.
Grain of Cedar  

Cedar

One of the features of cedar is that it may be used outdoors and can last a lifetime.
Grain of Cherry  

Cherry

Elegance is the watchword of Cherry. An even texture and understated finish make this piece desirable.
Grain of Chestnut  

Chestnut

 If you can get it, Chestnut makes for very good furniture.
Grain of Ebony  

Ebony

Most people put the term 'exotic' when describing Ebony. This table looks very exotic.
Grain of Elm  

Elm

 Another wood becoming rarer and rarer nowadays, really delivers for looks and beauty.
Grain of Lime  

Lime

 As well as carving, with care, Lime may be used in furniture construction too.
Grain of Brazilian Mahogany  

Mahogony Brazilian

 For sheer luxury, build your furniture in Mahoganu and you will find the finishing an experience.
Grain of Cuban Mahogany  

Mahogony Cuban

Though Cuban Mahogany is lighter than Brazilian, it looks just as elegant.
Grain of Maple  

Maple

Many think that Maple can be insipid in its colouring, but the subtle grain can be attractive.
Grain of Oak  

Oak

Timeless Oak. This wardrobe would outlast its owner.
Grain of Red Oak  

Red Oak

Jewelry box in Red Oak. This wood is lovely to work with and has rich tones.
Grain of Padauk  

Padauk

This wood is becoming more and more popular as the more exotic woods from Asia and South America get more and more rarified.
Grain of Pear  

Pear

This European Pear built sideboard has its own charm. The grain and robust knots add to the look of the piece.
Grain of Pine  

Pine

 Many shops now earn their bread-and-butter with Pine products. Still popular, but very many species of Pine (and quality), are in the market.
Grain of Indian Rosewood  

Rosewood Indian

Another exotic wood that is becoming more scarce as the years go by.
Grain of San Domingo Rosewood  

Rosewood San
Domingo

From Central America, this wood is expensive and elegant.
Grain of Santos Rosewood  

Rosewood Santos

Fine work such as this is really enhanced if using an exotic like Rosewood.

Grain of Sapele  

Sapele

Easily steam bent, Sapele lends itself to this type of design with ease.
Grain of Satinwood  

Satinwood

Satinwood is generally used in banding a piece.
Grain of Sheesham (Teak)  

Sheesham

 Sheeesham is becoming more widely available to the home builder. A nice wood to work with and a lovely finish may be achieved.
Grain of Sycamore  

Sycamore

 A handmade sycamore blanket chest; simple design, striking effect.
Grain of Ripple Sycamore  

Sycamore Ripple

On a piece such as this, the ripple of the grain in Sycamore is shown off to good effect.
Grain of Teak  

Teak

Teak is one of the few woods that need no finishing. But if the piece is for outside, an oil finish and keeping it out of the sunshine when not in use is good advice.
Grain of Dark Teak   Teak dark

For inside use, a piece made in Teak should have some protective finish to guard against things being split.
Grain of Tulipwood  

Tulipwood

Grain of Walnut  

Walnut

As the years go by, Walnut furniture just looks better and better.
Grain of Burr Walnut  

Burr
Walnut Cluster

Walnut was favoured as furniture hundreds of years ago, and still is now. Becoming more and more rare and difficult to find, the home builder can expect to pay a lot for Walnut.
Grain of Wenge  

Wenge

Wenge is another wood that is enjoying wider circulation.
Grain of Yew  

Yew

With is distinguished grain and colouring, Yew will be the favourite of many woodworkers for years to come.
Grain of Zebrano  

Zebrano

 Another 'new' wood in wide use today. Easy to work, for the home woodworker and not too expensive, when compared to the more exotic woods.
       
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