It has been argued that a reason for using exotic timbers is because of their distinctive and interesting colours and grain patterns. But just look at those pictured - all are locally sourced Scottish timbers. As well as being sustainable, minimising environmental impact for transport, and aligned with a circular economy they are truly beautiful, boasting vibrant colours, spectacular grain patterns, and age defying longevity. It is said that Scottish timber is particularly distinctive as a result of the wild weather and climate promoting slow growth, a dense timber, and extraordinary grain patterns. What more could you wish for when looking for a product that is beautiful, vibrant, long lasting, and environmentally friendly?
At Highwood Furniture we love to use timber that is as sustainable and local as we can. We are fortunate to live in a country with an abundance of beautiful and high quality natural resources. Unfortunately we also live in a country that imports two thirds of its timber, while leaving beautiful windblown trees to rot at the roadside. While there is of course an important place for allowing nutrients to return to the environment in which they grew it is also key to the future of our planet that we strive to use sustainable resources wherever we can.
Timber choice is often as much about aesthetics as anything else, however there are characteristics that will make different woods more suitable for some projects than others. Questions we will ask when making this decision for a project will include:
What physical features are required for the project? e.g. Does the design invite characterful wood for a large surface area? Does the design require specific physical properties (such as straight grains for steam bending)?
Are there timbers that hold specific meanings for the customer that it is desired are incorporated into the design.
What tones or characteristics will suit the home environment it is being designed for?
Here is an insight into some of our favourites and what we use them for:
Elm: Elm brings a little magic to a project, with greens and yellow tones complementing a range of brown and reddish colours. Elm is warm, comforting, and calming. Burr Elm with its intricate patterns regularly finds its way into Highwood Sgian Dubhs, and other handles and smaller projects. Recently Burr Elm was used for a coin display, and Elm regularly sees its place in Highwood shelving, panels, and work/counter tops. Its striking grain and gnarly edges makes it well suited to pieces where it is on show. Elm’s colouring and grain also makes for a beautiful cabinet destined for a classy and distinguished home.
Ash: A timber with multiple personalities, some sporting ostentatious grain patterns and colours, and others with straight strong grains well suited to techniques such as steam bending. Steam bending is a technique much loved in the Highwood workshop, particularly in our loopy desk and chair design, so Ash is a firm favourite for this reason. However, Ash is also a firm favourite for its delicate and refined tones and dramatic grains that make their way into tables, particularly side tables, coffee tables, and table nests, chairs, and cabinets.
Beech: Beech has an unfair reputation of being a little boring, based on imported timber grown in more consistent weather conditions with uniform grain and colour; Scottish Beech is a different beast with a flamboyant personality. From vibrant flamed colouring to the thoughtful and whimsical patterns brought on by the spalting effect that occurs in many timbers, but especially beech, when it is allowed to spend time mellowing before it is processed. Beech can be found in many a Highwood handle, cheese/serving board, bottle openers, and other small items. It has also held the starring role in many a table top, as well as supporting roles in table and chair legs. Beech may also be found as the timber of choice in a bespoke hardwood kitchen where character alongside reliability are so important.
Yew: A tree steeped in mythology, lore and superstition, which produces a timber that is every bit as mystifying and beautiful. Yew is a fickle timber, which firmly demands that designs for which it is to be used fully earn the right to be even be considered on the same page as Yew’s splendour. We have found that Yew tends to choose the design rather than the other way round, and this makes a Yew piece even more special when it chooses our workshop in which to come to life. The colours that are on show in a piece of Yew timber can range from pale yellow to deep purple, with pinks, reds, greens and occasionally brown tones also having their place. The swirls and patterns that appear in the grain and complex features that are so distinctive in a Yew tree can at times impact on the strength of the timber. This invites creativity and tests skills to showcase Yew’s beauty while still producing a strong and resilient piece of furniture. The consequence of this is that when a Yew piece comes to life it shines with a quality that can only come from complexity that has been carefully nurtured and understood. This quality holds its own unique and special place in the world and should always be treasured.
Oak: A sturdy choice with a well deserved reputation for quality and reliability. Always present in the Highwood furniture workshop, and a favourite for many. Oak will often be the first choice when a strong, reliable, and adaptable timber is required. Whether the project is a simple board, a bed, wardrobe, or full kitchen Oak is a safe bet that oozes classic understated charm. Our most recent Oak projects have included a dining table with a heavy quartz tabletop; Oak offered the perfect choice providing strength and style that worked well with classic joinery techniques.
Let us know what you think in the comments. What timber would you choose for your piece of dream furniture?
For further information in anything in our blogs feel free to get in touch.
Or reach out if you would like to find out more about commissioning a Highwood piece: kitchens, tables, cabinets, fitted bedrooms, chairs, wardrobes, sgian dubhs, and many more
