When it comes to furniture and interior design, the choice of wood can significantly impact the overall look and feel of a piece. Each type of timber brings its own unique characteristics, from grain patterns to color variations, making it essential to understand the qualities of different wood types before making a selection. In this guide, we'll talk about mubu’s most popular timber varieties—American White Ash, American White Oak, Canadian Maple, Walnut, and Tasmanian Oak—and explore what sets them apart.

1. American White Ash:

American White Ash is renowned for its strength, flexibility, and very light color. Its light brown, straight & V-shaped grain make it a popular choice for furniture makers seeking a clean and contemporary look. With a pale yellow to light brown hue, American White Ash lends itself well to various finishes, from natural to stained or painted, allowing for versatile design options. Its durability and resistance to warping make it suitable for a wide range of applications, including cabinetry, flooring, and millwork.

2. American White Oak:

American White Oak is prized for its durability, stability, and distinctive grain patterns. With hues ranging from light tan to pale yellow, this hardwood boasts a timeless appeal that complements both traditional and modern interiors. Its prominent grain and texture add character to furniture pieces. Whether used for flooring, cabinetry, or decorative accents, American White Oak exudes warmth and elegance.

3. Canadian Maple:

Canadian Maple, also known as Hard Maple, is celebrated for its strength, density, and light color. Its fine, uniform texture and subtle grain patterns lend a sense of refinement to any space. With a creamy white to light reddish-brown hue, Canadian Maple offers a classic and versatile aesthetic that pairs well with a variety of design styles. Its hardness and resistance to wear make it an ideal choice for high-traffic areas such as flooring, staircases, and butcher blocks.

4. Walnut:

Walnut is prized for its rich, dark color, distinctive grain patterns, and luxurious appearance. With shades ranging from light brown to deep chocolate, this hardwood exudes warmth and sophistication. Its straight, fine grain and smooth texture make it a favorite among furniture makers seeking to create pieces with a timeless appeal. Despite being softer than other hardwoods, Walnut is prized for its workability and ability to take on a lustrous finish, making it an excellent choice for statement furniture pieces, cabinetry, and decorative accents. Walnut is our favourite timber to work with, plus it smells so good! 

5. Tasmanian Oak:

Tasmanian Oak, also known as Australian Oak, is revered for its strength, durability, and pale color. With hues ranging from creamy white to light brown, this hardwood offers a clean and contemporary aesthetic that complements a wide range of design schemes. Its straight grain and even texture make it an ideal choice for furniture, flooring, and joinery. Tasmanian Oak's versatility and natural beauty make it a popular option for both residential and commercial projects. Due to the pressure on supply and our wish to ensure our work is sustainable, we have removed Tasmanian Oak from our online timber selections and will only use it upon request. 

So the choice of timber can have a significant impact on the overall look, feel, and longevity of furniture and interior spaces. Whether you prefer the light, contemporary appeal of American White Ash or the rich, timeless elegance of Walnut, each timber variety brings its own unique characteristics to the table. By understanding the qualities of different wood types, you can make informed decisions that enhance the beauty and functionality of your home and furniture of choice.