WOOD GRAIN, COLOR AND FINISHES

Natural wood grains have been providing the unique characteristics and charm in furniture that have been appreciated for centuries. Recently, it seems that the trend towards perfection may be moving us away from the appreciation of natural materials.

WOOD COLOR MATURING PROCESS

Freshly finished wood - with or without a coloring stain - is not the same color it will be in a year, five years or even 20 years from now. Wood naturally ages, darkens, changes color and mellows over time. This is primarily due to exposure to light. UV inhibitors are used in the finishes to slow this natural change but will not prevent it.

Natural Maple Begins as a golden light yellow. Changes very slowly to a darker yellow with most change taking place in years 2-3 through 5. Sunlight is strongest agent.

Natural Cherry begins light (almost golden) and changes fairly rapidly to a richer brown/red tone. Most dramatic change occurs in months 2-6, depending on light exposure, peaking at about one year. Any light source creates the change.

Dark Cherry begins strong reddish/brown and begins mellowing in about one month. Will continue to become richer in brown and red tones peaking at around 12 - 18 months. Tone variations usually mellow in about 6 months.

Light Oak begins a golden color and moves very slowly and consistently toward a darker gold but not a wide swing. Remember, as these changes take place the natural color variations begin to get closer together.

IMPERFECTIONS

Again, wood is natural. Checks (small surface splits), pitch pockets (small dark holes), or darker mineral streaks are natural and add to the beauty of the product.