Wood's unique grain and character come from being a natural, living material. Real wood furniture, having grown for decades in a forest, will never be perfect.
Here's what you can expect and what is considered normal:
- Color Variation: Even boards from the same species can vary in color. This is due to the difference between sapwood (the outer part of the trunk, which is lighter) and heartwood (the inner part). Color matching is done to ensure your furniture looks its best.
- Color Changes: Over time, wood furniture will change color when exposed to light. Cherry wood darkens, walnut lightens, and maple turns honey colored. Natural wood furniture will look different after about six months.
- Grain Variation: The grain patterns come from the tree's growth rings, creating swirly lines on the wood surface. Grain visibility varies by species: ash has a pronounced grain, while maple's grain is subtler. Even within the same species, each board's grain will be unique.
- Handmade Furniture: Furniture with leaves and moving parts will have minor movement, shifting, and mismatched boards, which are normal and expected.
- Knots: Knots are circular patterns where branches intersect the trunk. Pine, for example, has many knots, adding to its character. Larger knots are removed before making furniture, but smaller "pin knots" are part of the wood's charm.
- Pitch Pockets: These small marks are caused by insects injuring the trunk cells, resulting in gum spots. They appear as darker spots on lighter wood or as differences in sheen on stained wood.
- Mineral Streaks: Darker lines that follow the wood grain are caused by minerals absorbed from the soil during the tree's growth.
All these features add to the character and beauty of solid wood furniture. If you prefer less visual variation, choose a dark stain to hide darker marks and make color changes less noticeable over time.
Feel free to contact the Luxe Furniture Team, we’re happy to answer any additional questions you may have.