Material guide — Wood

Ash is a popular choice for those seeking a light-colored wood, thanks to its natural shades of white, yellow, and occasionally light brown. Like oak, ash works well with various surface treatments – especially soap and clear lacquer, but stain also enhances its lively character.

Walnut is a durable and robust wood that conveys a sense of exclusivity through its stunning variation between light and deep brown shades. Furniture made from walnut is generally more expensive than pieces made from lighter woods – especially solid wood tables. To reduce costs, walnut veneer is often used, offering the same elegant look at a more accessible price.

Walnut furniture typically highlights the wood’s natural appearance. For that reason, surface treatments are usually limited to oil or clear lacquer, both of which complement the dark wood beautifully. It’s also common to see lighter woods like oak or beech stained to resemble walnut, offering a similar look at a lower cost.

Cherry wood features a relatively subtle grain but stands out with warm tones ranging from reddish-yellow to reddish-brown. Cherry is usually treated with oil or clear lacquer to bring out its natural beauty. Over time and with exposure to daylight, the wood darkens and develops a beautiful cognac-toned patina.

Maple has a similar brightness to birch but is distinguished by a more vibrant character, thanks to its flame-like, prominently marked grain, which creates a soft, organic pattern. The wood is also virtually free from knots and irregularities, making it especially suitable for bentwood. Maple is compatible with most types of surface treatments and produces a clean, stylish finish.

Pine is characterized by its warm, golden-yellow hue and lively grain pattern with visible knots, giving it a rustic and natural appearance. It is a relatively soft wood, which makes it easy to work with, but also somewhat sensitive to dents and scratches.

Although pine is no longer as popular as oak or ash, it is still commonly used in furniture manufacturing – especially as a frame material in upholstered pieces such as sofas and armchairs. It is also frequently used in plywood production due to its stability and versatility. Surface treatments such as soap, oil, or clear lacquer enhance pine’s natural beauty and help protect the surface.

Clear lacquer is ideal if you want to preserve the wood’s natural tone and color as much as possible. As the name suggests, it provides a transparent – often slightly glossy – finish. It’s a great choice if you want a treated wood that requires minimal maintenance. The main downside is that scratches and marks are more difficult to repair compared to other finishes.

Since the lacquer seals the wood’s pores, it prevents the material from drying out and offers excellent stain protection – most spills can be wiped away easily. However, avoid placing glasses directly on the surface without coasters, as this can still cause rings.

Oiling saturates the wood with liquid, making it far more resistant to grease stains – the wood’s absorption capacity is significantly reduced. However, other liquids should still be wiped up quickly, as they can stain if left too long.

Oiled surfaces require some maintenance. Depending on use, re-oiling once a year may be enough. Heavily used furniture, such as dining tables, will need more frequent care than shelves or chairs.

Important: After oiling, store used cloths and brushes in an airtight container, as they can spontaneously combust. A sealed plastic bag works well – make sure to squeeze out all the air before sealing it tightly.

Staining is an excellent way to add color to wood while retaining its natural grain and texture. Unlike opaque paints, which create a uniform and often glossy surface, stain allows the wood’s unique pattern to show through, adding depth – especially in varying light conditions.

The most popular choice among our customers is a dark shade, often black. Black stain is both stylish and practical – it blends easily with different settings and effectively hides dirt and scuffs. For example, dark marks from shoes or socks on chair legs are often barely visible against a black-stained surface.

Though stained furniture generally requires little maintenance, it’s wise to use a polish specifically made for stained surfaces. This helps restore shine and extend the wood’s life.

Veneer is a very thin layer of wood glued onto a different base material, such as plywood. Visually, veneer often looks identical to solid wood, offering the same beautiful, natural look. The downside is that veneer is typically only a millimeter thick, making it more vulnerable to scratches and dents – and unlike solid wood, it can’t be sanded down once damaged.

Dining tables are often less suited for veneer, especially in high-use environments like public spaces, offices, or homes with young children. However, veneer can be a stylish and cost-effective choice for desks or conference tables.

For items like chairs, armchairs, and shelving, veneer is a more sustainable option. Typically, the legs and frame are made from solid wood, while the seat or backrest may be veneered to make the seat or backrest may be veneered to make the furniture lighter and more cost-effective without compromising on aesthetics or quality.

We often encounter a preconceived notion that veneer is inherently inferior to solid wood – but this isn’t necessarily true. Many classic pieces from renowned manufacturers like Fritz Hansen or Artek use veneered surfaces. A veneered tabletop in good condition can last for many years and often withstand more than expected.