Sugar maple (Erable)
Acer saccharum
This species comes from Canada and, like most maples, is very versatile : from furniture making, to fine letter blocks for printing press, to tool handles and even billiard cues. It ages and discolours less than sycamore and its grain can be very wavy.
Brazilian mahogany (Acajou brésilien)
Swietenia macrophylla
Although this species is, without doubt, the best available mahogany from any of the exporting countries, we have a genuine obligation to our environment and the world conservation principles to try to use mahoganies from other sources where conservation is an important factor.
European walnut (Noyer européen)
Juglans regi
If one timber had to be chosen as ‘king among kings’, this would be it. Without doubt, its ease of usage, colour, texture, figure and sheer depth of beauty, combined with stability and its vast range of application, from turning to furniture, make this one species which has to be experienced.
American white oak (Chêne blanc américain)
Quercus alba
This oak is regarded by many as adequate, in that it is durable and tough, has good sectional sizes and length, but is prone to having sapwood included in sawn boards. It is, however, dull and must rank as a functional oak rather than a character oak.
American red oak (Chêne rouge américain)
Quercus borealis/rubra
One could argue that whereas there is a greater depth of colour to red oak, compared to white oak, its main disadvantage (to some) is that it cannot take stain readily. A very similar timber in working qualities to that of the white oak.
Cedar of Lebanon (Cèdre du Liban)
Cedrus libani
A general term, as there are three or four different cedars of similar characteristics, this species is famous for its strong fragrance, which deters moths, and is often used as a drawer lining. It is very light with little constructional strength, but much sought after for small boxes and caskets.
Yew (If)
Taxus baccata
Some trees exceed 1000 years in age. Yew has extraordinary elastic properties, hence its historical use for long bows and finest ‘Windsor chairs’. It has a very high wastage content (up to 40%) and its branches make beautiful veneer oysters. The foliage is poisonous to many animals, including cattle.
Box (Buis)
Buxus sempervirens
One of those woods to which every furniture maker must turn. It is so close grained, with a pale straw-yellowish colour, you will only find it in small sections, but do buy it. Even in small inlay strips it is beautifully hard and provides great protection for vulnerable corners and edges.
Rosewood (Bois de rose, sorte de palissandre)
Dalbergia
There are various rosewoods; Rio, Indian, East Indian, British Honduras, etc. for some years source countries have imposed an export ban so it is difficult to obtain. Difficult to glue and prone to fine surface splits, but equally an amazingly beautiful timber, still much sought after.
European ash (Frène)
Fraxinus excelsior
A slightly confusing name, as it is also called peppermint ash and giant gum ash. In Europe it is known as olive ash, generally occurring after 30 years’ growth when the white heart has turned to streaky olive. Goods, for sports goods, wheelwright’s work and wherever springiness is required.
Kingwood (Bois de violette, sorte de palissandre)
Dalbergia cearensis
A very striking timber from Brazil which is difficult to obtain in anything other than small sections. It is often sold not by cubic content but by weight. A dense wood which polishes well and is often seen as decoration in a piece of furniture.
Macassar ebony (Ebène de macassar)
Diospyros macassar
Rich and elegant with dark brown streaks on a black background. The figuring can be so strong that it can take over from the overall shape of small pieces. In wall panels, or tables it can be very bold.
