Furniture Maker's Notebook

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What You Should Know About Wood Furniture Finishes
Care and Education

What You Should Know About Wood Furniture Finishes

The penultimate phase in the manufacture of excellent wood furniture is the application of a protective or refining coating. The finish on wood furniture can accentuate the grain and impart a lovel...

Wood and MaterialsSycamore tree

What is Sycamore: Defining Traits and Qualities of the American Sycamore

Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) occur natively throughout the United States. As with most hardwoods, it often develops to a considerable height with a solid trunk. However, manufacturers in the t...

Wood and MaterialsWhat is Walnut Wood?

What is Walnut Wood?

The wood of black walnut is dark, hard, dense, and close-grained. Woodworkers value it for its strength, texture, and color. It polishes to an extremely smooth finish and ranges in color from milky...

Wood and MaterialsA lone maple tree stands on a beautiful field

What is Maple Wood: Defining Traits and Other Qualities

Maple wood is extremely sturdy, beautiful, and stainable. Maple is a popular choice for woodworkers and furniture enthusiasts due to its light, creamy hue, smooth grain pattern, and outstanding dur...

Wood and MaterialsWhat Is Reclaimed Furniture?

What Is Reclaimed Furniture?

Related ReadingExplore the hardwoods we use and how to choose between them: our wood options guide → There’s something undeniably appealing about furniture with real character—pieces that feel lik...

Wood and Materialswoodworking joints details

10 Woodworking Joints You Should Know

Discover essential woodworking joinery techniques to help you assess the quality of furniture. Learn what to look for before making your next purchase!