Woods

Selecting wood is a crucial part of the furniture building process.

I respond to a good piece of timber, and enjoy working to bring out its natural beauty. Richness of colour and texture are all important. Similarly, the unusual grain, the knots and "defects" are manifestations of character and can often be brought out and appreciated.

However, as well as cosmetic issues there are issues of durability. Why spend a huge amount of time and effort building a piece with an inferior wood? An object of beauty should be built to last many hundreds of years.

I maintain stocks of Oak, Ash, Cherry, Walnut and Yew. However, I enjoy visiting woodyards and will consider working with any timber, provided it is from a sustainable source.