All wood is not equal

All wood is not equal

 

Solid, Real Wood

Dapwood handcrafts eco-friendly furniture using only solid, premium Midwestern and Appalachian hardwoods that are sustainably managed and in plentiful supply. There is no substitute for solid wood.

Since solid wood is created by nature, there will be beautiful variations that enhance the uniqueness of each piece. Variations you may see include figuring, quilting, ray flecks, mineral inclusions, color variations, small knots, and more. These characteristics assure you that you are receiving only the highest quality solid wood.

Real Wood Texture

Every piece of wood used in Dapwood furniture is unique. Their craftsmen meticulously inspect each piece of lumber to make it flat, straight, true, and free of cracks. They carefully select which side of the wood will be visible, ensuring that only the most beautiful parts of the wood are showcased.

For headboard glue-ups, every piece is hand-selected to find exceptional specimens. This attention to detail extends even to each individual support slat, with each piece being evaluated and worked to perfection.

Dapwood’s process is so thorough that they estimate only 60% of each piece of lumber is usable, with the rest being considered fall-off. This level of scrutiny ensures that only the best wood is used in their furniture, while they work with other craftsmen and community organizations to utilize the leftover materials.

Wood-like vs. Wood

At Dapwood, they understand that most people are accustomed to furniture made from engineered materials or wood-like products, often manufactured to be uniform and devoid of character. In contrast, Dapwood celebrates the natural diversity and beauty of real wood, highlighting and showcasing its unique textures and variations.

Wood Character

Gnarled-wood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The wood texture you may see in Dapwood furniture includes figuring, quilting, ray flecks, mineral inclusions, color variations, small knots, sapwood, heartwood, insect bores, shotgun holes, and more. These textures enhance the uniqueness of your furniture and are your assurance that you are receiving the highest quality solid hardwood.

Wood Grain

Managed Hardwood Forests

Dapwood uses only the finest American hardwoods from Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) managed forests. FSC is an internationally recognized program that signifies responsible forestry. Dapwood’s hardwood supplier’s 50,000+ acres of timberland are all FSC certified. By utilizing wood from FSC forests, they encourage sustainable practices that contribute to long-term environmental stability.

Dapwood’s Hardwoods

Dapwood uses the following hardwoods in their products, allowing the natural color, grain, and texture of the wood to come to life with natural finishes:

Walnut (Juglans nigra) 

Black Walnut closeup

Cherry (Prunus serotina)

Black Cherry closeup

Hard Maple (Acer saccharum)

Hard Maple closeup

Red Oak (Quercus rubra)

 Red Oak closeup

Wood Finish Options

Hand applying natural linseed oil finish to solid walnut

There are countless wood finish options on the market today, often filled with toxic industrial chemicals. In contrast, Dapwood Furniture chooses to use only pure, plant-based products with recipes passed down for centuries. Not only are they beautiful on solid wood, but they are also time-tested and eco-friendly.

Linseed Oil and Flax Seeds

  • Linseed Oil: The most popular finish made from the seeds of the flax plant.
  • Stains: Eight vibrant colors for oak made from plant oils.
  • Teak Oil: Derived from the Tung Nut, not actually from teak wood.

Dapwood’s linseed oil finish is 100% pure polymerized linseed oil, free from petroleum distillates, volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and heavy metal driers. It penetrates the wood’s pores, leaving a satin surface that emphasizes the grain and natural beauty of the wood, continuing to harden over time for added durability.

What is a Wood Stain?

A wood stain is composed of colorant suspended or dissolved in a solvent. However, Dapwood doesn’t use traditional stains but instead uses a hard wax oil that is VOC-free and plant oil-based, bringing out the wood's natural patterns and beauty.

Dapwood Colors:

  • Onyx
  • Snow
  • Sterling
  • Sky
  • Sun
  • Forest
  • Fire
  • Berry

These colors are specifically designed for oak, as they complement the natural beauty of this wood without overshadowing its texture.

Dapwood colors- Onyx, Snow, Sterling, Sky, Sun, Forest, Fire and Berry

Teak Oil

Teak oil, made from the nuts of the Tung tree, enhances the natural color and wood texture without changing the color, allowing the natural beauty of hardwoods to shine.

Tung Tree

Dapwood Furniture is committed to crafting eco-friendly, solid wood furniture that not only showcases the beauty of natural wood but also contributes to a sustainable future. With every piece, you can rest assured that you are investing in quality, longevity, and environmental stewardship.  

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