Choosing Wood for a Project

The modern world has changed how artists work with wood, and color is one of them. Years ago, craftsmen did not have a variety of colored stains for their wood pieces, so they often chose wood that would retain its original color without embellishment. Cherry was widely popular for a long time, and there is plenty of antique furniture around to see the value in it. This is one wood that ages well, and the color changes to enhance the piece if it is cared for over the years.

Hand-crafted furniture pieces have often been made of red and orange toned woods such as cherry and maple. These are harder woods, but their color is the real draw for those seeking pieces that will last through several generations. As each of these pieces ages, their colors become richer. An aged piece of cherry or maple will tend to have an orange glow to it, and this gives any room a welcoming look.

Red cedar has long been used in closets and trunks, but its color is another one that will not fade completely with time. It ranges from light to dark red when the tree is cut, and the color will moderate throughout the years. Unlike cherry and maple, it also retains its fresh scent, and this is part of its charm as the color of the wood enhances the area around it.

Mahogany is a hard wood that has rich reddish-brown tones that will last for years, and it is highly prized by those who want pieces to pass on. As it ages, the welcoming brown tones continue to enchant and delight the owners when the light hits it. For those who prefer more variation in their wood, walnut offers dark brown wood from the center of the tree, but it naturally fades to yellow-brown when the outside wood is used. The different cuts used together can form a piece of hardwood furniture that will be cherished for many decades.