Wood: The Art of a Living Material

Wood has been an inseparable part of human life from our earliest shelters to the present day. In furniture production, wood is not merely a building material; it is a living, breathing organic entity that grows more beautiful with time. The tone of a walnut table ten years hence will differ from its first day — and that very difference is wood's greatest luxury value.

Distinguished Wood Species

American Walnut (Black Walnut): With a Janka hardness of approximately 1010 lbf, American walnut is the most coveted timber in premium furniture, boasting a color palette ranging from deep chocolate tones to warm brown and dramatic grain patterns. It is particularly used in dining tables, desks and TV units. Over time, it lightens slightly to develop golden undertones.

European Oak: With a Janka hardness of approximately 1360 lbf — harder than walnut — oak offers the finest balance of durability and aesthetics. Its broad color range from pale straw to deep honey accommodates both modern and classic designs. It is particularly favored for dining tables and flooring.

Ash: With a Janka hardness of approximately 1320 lbf, ash is indispensable to Scandinavian design thanks to its pronounced grain structure and light tone. Its flexibility makes it suitable for working into curved and organic forms. It is frequently used in chair and armchair frames.

Cherry: At 950 lbf Janka hardness, cherry is a medium-hardness wood known for its ease of working and deepening reddish tone over time. It offers classic elegance in bedroom furniture and display cabinets. Its color darkens with exposure to sunlight — this natural patina process makes cherry furniture unique.

Teak: With a Janka hardness of 1070 lbf and natural oils, teak possesses superior resistance to moisture and insects. This tropical wood of Southeast Asian origin can be used in both indoor and outdoor furniture. With its golden-brown tone and silky texture, it remains the number one choice for luxury yacht and hotel furniture.

Hardness Comparison (Janka Scale)

In selecting furniture wood, the Janka hardness test is a standard method measuring the surface resistance of timber. A higher Janka value means better protection against scratching and impact:

Oak (1360 lbf) > Ash (1320 lbf) > Teak (1070 lbf) > Walnut (1010 lbf) > Cherry (950 lbf)

However, hardness is not the sole criterion. Grain pattern, color, workability and aging potential are also determining factors in selection.

FSC Certification and Sustainability

Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) certification guarantees that the timber we use is sourced in accordance with sustainable forest management principles. At Archidecors, we prioritize FSC-certified sources throughout our supply chain. Ensuring that a new tree is planted where each one is felled is a responsibility we owe to future generations.

Surface Treatment: Oil or Lacquer?

Oil Finish: Wood treated with natural oil acquires a matte, organic appearance. You can feel the wood's touch — the pores are not sealed. It requires annual maintenance but offers the advantage of localized repair. If a scratch occurs, only that area can be sanded and re-oiled.

Lacquer Finish: Polyurethane or acrylic lacquer creates a protective film on the wood surface. It is more resistant to stains and moisture. Gloss and matte options are available. However, when damaged it requires professional repair and loses the natural tactile quality.

At Archidecors, we recommend natural oil finish for living spaces and matte lacquer finish for dining tables and other applications requiring enhanced durability.