Which wood species is right for you?
Walnut, cherry, maple cutting boards, charcuterie boards and candle centrepieces. Designed and crafted by Allan Scarfe at Harrison Daniel Studio.
Deciding on custom furniture all begins with a spark of inspiration or an initial idea. Once you have a clear vision of whether you want a new accent chair, a stylish dresser, a unique decor piece, or perhaps something completely one of a kind that reflects your personal taste, you will advance to the next stage of the process. But what materials do I want it made out of? There are a vast majority of wood species available that can suit almost every aesthetic preference, and once you know the colour palette you intend to work with, you can start delving into which type of wood will work best for you and your overall desired look.
Some questions I will ask you. Are you considering white counters? Perhaps you envision a set of walnut kitchen essentials to complement them wonderfully, and if walnut—which is known to be one of the most expensive wood species—is beyond your budget, you can easily work your way down the list of alternatives. Maybe roasted ash offers a more budget-friendly option without compromising style. Additionally, does this item need to be food safe? If so, this consideration opens you up to choosing a more affordable option and gives you the flexibility to stain it to achieve the exact colour you want. A significant reason certain wood species, such as walnut and white oak, are so highly sought after is because no matter what type of stain you use, they deliver a distinctive look that is nearly impossible to replicate with other woods. Every type of wood boasts its own unique qualities that make them stand out, with some having more striking features than others and certain species being stronger and more durable than their counterparts. Below is an image of walnut grain patterns that are near impossible to get without using walnut.
Single slab walnut desk, designed and crafted by Allan Scarfe at Harrison Daniel Studio.
One of the first questions I like to ask new clients when discussing their project is, "What is your budget or price point?" At first glance, this question may seem quite straightforward, but there is an important reason behind it. Once I have a clear understanding of their financial framework, I can effectively guide them through the various list of wood species that fit within that designated budget. Occasionally, clients may express a desire for walnut, yet find that solid walnut exceeds their budgetary constraints. In cases like this, it is always possible to consider alternative wood species that may offer a more budget-friendly option; however, it is essential to acknowledge that those alternatives will never capture the exact essence of walnut (reference picture above) due to its unique characteristics and rich appeal. This is something I always ensure to remind my clients as we navigate through their options. It is also crucial to remember that wood is a natural material, meaning that it will come with inherent imperfections such as knots, sapwood (which is a lighter colour), and heartwood (which presents a darker hue) in every variety.
As your furniture builder, it will be my responsibility to harmoniously integrate these elements in a way that creates a natural flow. Additionally, I may need to strategically slice out certain portions to achieve a uniform design without any interruptions in the visual pattern. Below, you will find a photo showcasing an impressive waterfall technique. If you closely examine the jewellery box drawers, you will notice that they are crafted from the same piece of wood, sliced sequentially so that they seamlessly flow into one another. Designs like this are integral to my creative process, as they contribute a distinct aesthetic that many may shy away from due to the complexity involved in executing them flawlessly.
Custom walnut jewellery box, designed and crafted by Allan Scarfe at Harrison Daniel Studio.
So when deciding on simple things, such as the type of wood you would prefer to use for your project, there are many important questions that I will carefully ask in order to evaluate and determine the best type that suits your specific needs, preferences, and budget effectively. My goal is to ensure that every piece of furniture we create together is not only unique to you but also something truly distinct that isn’t just mass-produced or machine-made in any way. Everything built at Harrison Daniel Studio is meticulously designed, expertly crafted, and personally delivered by me, Allan Scarfe. I have been building and designing furniture for over a decade, and after my dedicated service in the military, I decided to turn my lifelong passion into something that is handled with extreme care and well-thought-out designs and craftsmanship. Therefore, if you are considering custom furniture for your cherished home, you can always book a free consultation with me, or simply fill out the form below to contact me directly and together we can embark on the exciting journey of creating a beautiful lifelong heirloom piece that is designed to last for generations to come.
Thank you very much for taking the time to read this blog and gain some insight on how to choose the best type of wood species for your furniture/decor.
