Choosing the Right Wood: How We Select Wood Species for Custom Furniture at Harrison Daniel Studio
Choosing the Right Wood: How We Select Wood Species for Custom Furniture at Harrison Daniel Studio
At Harrison Daniel Studio, every piece of furniture we create is a collaboration between timeless craftsmanship and nature’s finest materials. One of the most foundational decisions in our design process is selecting the right wood species. It’s not just about aesthetics—it’s about strength, sustainability, workability, and the story each slab of wood tells.
Here’s a closer look at how we thoughtfully choose wood species for each custom piece we build.
1. Start with the Design Vision
Before touching a single board, we begin with your vision. Are you looking for something rustic or refined? Light and airy or dark and grounded? Sleek modern lines or old-world charm?
Each wood has its own visual and tactile language—oak might say tradition, while walnut says sophistication. The design intent drives our material selection from the start.
2. Consider Function and Durability
A dining table sees very different wear and tear compared to a bedroom dresser or a floating shelf. For high-use furniture like tabletops or cabinetry, we opt for hardwoods with closed grain structures like:
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White Oak – Durable, timeless, and water-resistant. Excellent for daily-use pieces.
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Maple – Tough, subtle grain, perfect for minimalist or Scandinavian designs.
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Walnut – Strong but forgiving to work with, and always elegant.
If the piece is more decorative or doesn’t take much impact, we might consider slightly softer species like cherry or even explore mixed materials.
3. Grain, Colour, and Character
Wood is alive—even after it’s been cut and milled. Its grain patterns, natural colour tones, and imperfections are what make custom furniture feel real.
Some clients want clean, consistent grain—others love knots, spalting, or live edges that celebrate natural irregularity. Here are a few wood species we frequently work with and their visual qualities:
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Walnut – Deep chocolate browns with swirling grain and rich tonal shifts.
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Cherry – Warm reddish hues that darken beautifully with age.
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Ash – Light, open grain that pairs well with contemporary styles.
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White Oak – Neutral tone with ray flecks in quartersawn cuts for added texture.
We hand-select every board to ensure the grain direction, colour, and texture align with the final design.
4. Sourcing Locally and Sustainably
We prioritize sourcing from local mills and sustainable suppliers, supporting ethical forestry and reducing our environmental footprint. Some of our favourite slabs come from reclaimed wood—rescued from old barns, industrial buildings, or naturally fallen trees—giving your piece a deeper story.
This commitment to sustainability also allows us to offer you rare or specialty woods in small batches—sometimes even wood with a personal or regional connection right from the heart of Ontario.
5. Workability and Joinery Compatibility
Not all woods behave the same in the shop. Some are more prone to movement with humidity; others resist finishing or can splinter under certain tools. We factor in:
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How the wood cuts, shapes, and sands
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How well it holds joinery (like mortise and tenon, dovetails, etc.)
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How it takes finishes (oils, waxes, lacquers, etc.)
This is where experience really matters—choosing a beautiful wood that also performs well in the specific application and holds up for generations.
6. Finishing the Piece: Enhancing the Natural Beauty
Finally, the wood species plays a critical role in how a piece will finish. Some woods absorb oils evenly and glow with warmth; others pop with grain contrast under a clear lacquer. We test finishes on samples of the actual wood selected for your project, so you know exactly what to expect.
Final Thoughts: Wood with Purpose
At Harrison Daniel Studio, selecting a wood species is never just a technical choice—it’s an artistic one. It’s about honouring the material, respecting the design, and creating a piece that is both functional and full of soul.
Every grain, knot, and texture has a story to tell. We’re here to help you tell it—through custom furniture built to last a lifetime.
Interested in a custom piece?
Get in touch or stop by the studio to see our current wood selections and start the conversation. We’d love to help you bring your vision to life.