Timber Selections

Solid Timer

All solid timbers used by BUILT Furniture are furniture grade hardwoods grown in Australia and America and sourced through FSC and PEFC Chain of Custody Certified suppliers. This ensures the timber that is used in our custom timber pieces is sourced through the best available methods.

Our solid timber is air dried for a period of 12-18 months to reduce the moisture content to around 18% before it is kiln dried for 5 days to ensure the moisture level is between 12-18% as per Australian Standards (AS-2796-1999). Reducing the moisture content to this level ensures it is stable and is less likely to warp or shrink once constructed into a piece of furniture.

The majority of our solid timbers are crown cut with the exception of Tasmanian Oak which is quarter cut for stability and structural integrity during the drying process. We lay all of our solid timbers up randomly displaying all of the natural characteristics and colours found in solid timber. All of our solid timber pieces are finished entirely in a 2 Pack Polyurethane ensuring the timber is sealed and therefore minimizing the amount of natural movement displayed in solid timber and ensuring minimal maintenance is required.

Solid hardwoods are our most commonly used material due to their versatility and natural beauty. Solid timber can also be easily refurbished if it is damaged unlike its veneer counterpart. Some timbers can only be used in their solid form as natural holes/markings make it un-workable as a veneer.

Veneer

Veneer is produced by slicing selected logs to 0.6mm thick before it is dried and laid onto a timber substrate such as MDF, particle board or plywood depending on the type of application the board will be used for. It is then ready to be cut, shaped or molded before being edged and given a protective 2 Pack Polyurethane finish. Multiple slicing techniques are used to create different timber grains and patterns. Two of the most common are Crown cutting and Quarter cutting, both resulting in a different appearance. Crown cut timbers are produced by slicing the width of a log along the length resulting in a more natural timber appearance. Crown cutting displays natural timber rings towards the center and straighter grain towards the outside. Quarter cut veneer is produced by slicing the log at right angles to the growth rings and displays a straighter grain. When being laid up the timber slices can be positioned in a number of ways also affecting the final appearance, these being randomly laid, book match or slip matched with randomly laid boards being the most commonly used at BUILT Furniture.

Timber veneer is a cost effective and stable material used in furniture construction and with one cubic meter of log producing approx. 1000 square meters of veneer it is an extremely sustainable option.

Timber Types

Tasmanian Oak

Is a hard wood that is grown in Tasmania, Victoria and southern NSW and has a Janka hardness rating of 7kN. It has a straight grain with the occasional gum vein and ranges from pale yellow to light brown with a pinkish touch. Other names for this timber are Australian Messmate, Victorian Ash or Australian Oak. Available in solid timber and timber veneer and can be stained extremely well due to its light colour appearance.

American White Ash

Is a hard wood grown in North Eastern America and has a Janka hardness rating of 6kN. Colour varies from light to almost white with pale to yellow brown streaks with a mostly straight grained appearance.

Wormy Chestnut

Is a hard wood that is grown in Victoria and has a Janka hardness rating of 8kN. Gum veins caused by fire, Ambrosia beetle and weaving worm marks all add to the character of this pale yellow to pinkish brown timber.

Marri

Is a hard wood grown in southern Western Australia and has a Janka hardness rating of 7kN. It has a varied grain and a high presence of deep gum veins and ranges from yellow to pale brown which appears honey coloured once a finish has been applied.

American White Oak

Is a hard wood grown in Eastern America and has a Janka rating of 6kN. Colour varies from light blonde with light to dark brown features. Growth rings and medullary rays are often present in American White Oak.

Tasmanian Blackwood

Is a hard wood that is grown in Tasmania and has a Janka hardness rating of 6kN. It has a golden brown to reddish appearance with some darker growth rings featured.

American Black Walnut

Is a hard wood grown in North Eastern America and has a Janka rating of 5kN. Colouring for Walnut ranges from a creamy White to a dark chocolate brown with some purplish tinges. It has a mostly straight grain appearance with some wavy features.

The higher the Janka rating the stronger the timber is.

Whilst it is good to consider the Janka rating for your timber selection, the finish that is applied to your piece is the first point of contact. We use a premium Italian 2 pack polyurethane finish to protect all our natural timber pieces which can be finished in the following gloss levels;

• 0% flat
• 10% matte
• 30% satin
• 50% semi-gloss
• 100% gloss