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Consumer's Guide to |
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Hardwood Tables |
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With the hardwood used in the
manufacturing of our tables each board has it's own story. You can rest in
the fact that your solid hardwood table looks like no other. Not even the
one in our showroom. |
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The hardwoods used in these
tables originate mostly from forests east of the Mississippi. It takes
approximately 60 years for a hardwood tree to reach maturity. As it does,
each tree has it's own story, it's own unique grain patterns and textures.
When you get to know this tree, the individual boards reflect this unique
process. |
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The
tree's main story
is written in it's unique grain
pattern. Grain patterns
are made by the tree's growth
rings---one for each year.
The distinctive differences
come about as the wood
is prepared for use in you home
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A board's knots
mark the growth of limbs that extended from the main trunk. Trees
grow limbs, which fall to the forest floor as the tree matures. What
remains are knots in wood. Each time you see a knot on a hardwood
surface, you'll know a tree limb once grew form that spot. These natural
markings have absolutely no effect on the wood's durability and
structural integrity. Knots and other characteristics are much like the
nubs you find in fine natural fabrics as silk and linen; they are
indications of genuine quality. |
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Color variations are a standard trademark of hardwoods. Our solid
hardwood tables are made up of many pieces of wood. Each is unique and you
may notice natural variations in color. The lighter pieces were closer to
the tree's bark, while the darker pieces were closer to the tree's center.
Other color variations are created by minerals and other elements affecting
the tree's growth. All are equally strong and impart the beauty and value
that make solid hardwood second to none.
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The durability and integrity of our
hardwood table is not affected by these naturally occurring variations, in
fact these variations are exactly what most people want, giving them warmth
and charm of individuality. |
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DON'T
ACCEPT SYNTHETIC SUBSTITUTES! |
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Solid hardwood tables
have many synthetic substitutes, don't accept them! Solid hardwoods have
become the standard in top quality home furnishings, especially dining room
tables.
What you may think looks like a solid hardwood table may very well
be a cheap. synthetic substitute. Ask questions. Take a critical look at all
aspects of the table. Artificial wood substitutes will never look quite as
authentic, won't hold screws as well, nor will it bear the shocks, stresses,
or loads of the daily life of your table.
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Solid wood means that
each part
is made of genuine hardwood
lumber. Nothing else.
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"All Wood" is often
counterfeit,
and is the term used to describe
thin slices of veneer bonded
to composite boards or plywood. |
Artificial laminate are
surfaces
made of plastic or other synthetic
materials bonded, again, to composite board. Often this veneer
is printed with wood images. |
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Real or
Imitation? |
Not sure if you're buying solid hardwood or a cheap imitation?
A check point is the glue joints. Put your finger on a glue joint
and trace it along the top of the surface, over the edge, and to the
underside. If the line disappears it's probably an imitation. Solid hardwood
joints on the other hand can be traced across the top the side and the
underside |
