Timber
is a natural material with variations of grain pattern, knots and colour in
every piece. You should not expect timber to show uniformity, instead the
variations enhance the unique nature and individuality of each furniture item.
In order to preserve the rustic character of your furniture, no attempt has
been made to hide the natural characteristics which occur. For example, small
cracks, heavily textured grain and differential colouration of the wood are
frequently apparent in the furniture and enhance it's character.
As timber matures it's colour becomes deeper and richer due to the action of
light and air on the wood. This process is often called "mellowing" and is one
of the most attractive features of natural timber. Some pieces of timber will
colour more than others to form a unique individual pattern, so no two pieces
are ever identical.
New pieces of timber furniture may initially appear lighter in colour than
older pieces. This difference will diminish as the new piece mellows.
Other natural characteristics that may be apparent are;
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Mineral streaks: Greenish grey streaks caused by the oxidation of minerals.
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Knots: Internal marks of branch growth.
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Insect markings: Holes or healed scars evident in even the healthiest of trees.
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Pin Knots: Small darks clusters where branches grow but fail to mature.
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Pitch pockets and contrast between darker heartwood and lighter sapwood.
Freshly sawn timber contains more than 50 percent water and before it is
crafted into furniture it is dried in kilns to reduce the moisture content to a
level which allows it to acclimate to the average relative humidity in most
homes.
The timber in furniture continues to exchange moisture with the air as it
responds to climatic changes in your home. Timber is porous just like your skin
and it responds to dry air by losing moisture and shrinking slightly. for
example, the tounge-and-groove boards used for drawer bases and unit backs may
show some shrinkage in service particularly in centrally heated homes.
This is not considered a defect.
