Many kinds of wood are used to make furniture in different combinations that can used to make a bold and tasteful statement. As an example my brother made a beautiful mahogany and birch piece that is a brilliant combination of sideboard, credenza or bureau, it was designed for multi-purpose use, and it was built to be appreciated.
Red Mahogany is the main wood used, and the birch is used as a contrast on the edges all around. The finish is almost dull, allowing the natural grain of the wood to be highlighted, and in this way, there is a contrast with the birch and the mahogany, but there is also a subtle blend, it is a beautiful piece that has stood the test of time as a classic in its own right.
For those of you who would like to get into making your own furniture, don't be afraid to experiment, if you know you have a talent for it and aren't sure which way you should go with it, the best rule is to go with your gut, because ultimately, the furniture will be a reflection of you, and if you are listening to that little voice instead of what you think you should be doing then your pieces will stand out as a statement of you, and that will only improve with time and experience.
White Pine is always good to start with, it is easy to work with and you can make mistakes with it that will not stand out. If you are working with Pine, be sure that when you have finished with your piece, that you do not use a stain on it. Pine darkens with age, and if you use a clear finish, you will see that happen over the years, but if you stain it, the results years later can be disastrous, and that fine table you made will have to go down to the basement.
If you like making chairs, you can try the wicker weave effect using willow for the outdoor kind of chairs. You can also get the kids involved in this kind of project, from gathering the willow branches to bending them and helping to nail them onto the chair, depending on their age of course.
Maple is a beautiful wood to use, as is oak. I saw a beautiful maple coffee table that was simple in design but stunning in effect. It was the conversation piece of the whole house because she used curly Maple, which is Maple with a distorted grain.
I have seen combinations of woods used to great effect, like Maple and Red Oak, or Poplar and Birch, or White Pine and the rare Black Walnut that used to be barn board.
As you can see there is much that you can do with using your imagination when it comes to the combination of various woods in furniture. You just need to let your creativity lead the way and you will have some great looking furniture.
By:T.O. Chuong
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