Home / Design / Wood Types & Finish Options

Wood Types & Finish Options

Every piece of our solid wood furniture begins with two important decisions: choosing the right wood type and the perfect finish. Explore our premium American hardwoods, compare the unique character of each wood species, and see how stains and finishes look on different woods. Whether you're designing a dining table, conference table, bed, or custom furniture, this guide will help you choose the wood and finish that's right for your home.

Screens lie — wood doesn't

Order a real finish sample

Return your sample after you buy a furniture piece and we'll refund it.

order finish samples

WOOD TYPES &FINISH OPTIONS

Compare Wood Types & Finish Options

Every American hardwood has its own grain pattern, natural color, and character, so the same stain can look dramatically different from one wood type to another. Compare our wood species, stain colors, and finish options below to find the perfect combination for your custom furniture.

Classic Wood Types

Live Edge Wood Types

Naturally figured hardwoods typically finished with a clear protective coat to highlight their unique grain, character, and live edge. Most often used for live edge dining tables, epoxy tables, conference tables, and one-of-a-kind furniture.

Reclaimed Barnwood

Barnwood

Order Barnwood Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Norway Table with Akron Chairs, natural finish

Reclaimed Barnwood Oak is crafted from authentic oak salvaged from historic American barns, preserving the rich character that only decades of natural aging can create. Original saw marks, weathered textures, knots, cracks, nail holes, and other natural character markings ensure every board is truly one of a kind. Customers can choose to leave many of these natural features untouched for maximum rustic character or have nail holes, cracks, and other voids professionally filled for a cleaner, more refined appearance. Every piece is meticulously handcrafted, sanded smooth, and protected with a premium furniture-grade finish that preserves the wood's history while creating a surface that's both beautiful and forgiving of everyday life. It's ideal for farmhouse dining tables, rustic barnwood tables, and statement conference tables with authentic character.

Common finish options

Natural, Provincial, and Creek Slate

Character

Authentic saw marks, weathered texture, knots, and natural character

Durability

Highly durable and forgiving of everyday wear

Best for

Farmhouse, rustic, industrial, and lodge-style furniture

← Previous Wood

Wormy Maple

NEXT Wood →

Brown Maple

Solid Hardwood · Stained

Brown Maple

Order BROWN MAPLE Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Foles Table in Asbury Finish

Brown Maple is one of the most versatile hardwoods available, valued for its smooth, consistent grain and ability to complement nearly any design style. It accepts stain exceptionally well and is an excellent choice for everything from light natural finishes to rich dark tones. Brown Maple is also our preferred wood for painted furniture thanks to its smooth, uniform grain—see our Painted Wood section to learn more about paint options. Offering an ideal balance of beauty, durability, and value, Brown Maple is a dependable choice for solid wood dining tables and bedroom furniture built to last.

Common finish options

Asbury, Light Brown, and Onyx

Character

Smooth, consistent grain with subtle natural variation

Durability

Durable hardwood that offers exceptional value for everyday living

Best for

Dining tables, painted furniture, and virtually any home style

← Previous Wood

Barnwood

NEXT Wood →

Cherry

Solid Hardwood · Stained

Cherry

These stain samples apply to both Cherry and Rustic Cherry.

Order CHERRY Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Hudson Buffet in Rustic Cherry Wood with Michaels Finish

Cherry is prized for its rich reddish-brown tones, fine, elegant grain, and timeless beauty. One of the few hardwoods that becomes even more beautiful with age, Cherry naturally deepens into a richer, warmer color over time. Its refined appearance and lasting durability have made it a favorite for heirloom-quality furniture and homes seeking classic American craftsmanship. Cherry is a timeless choice for dining tables, buffets and sideboards, and bedroom furniture.

Rustic Cherry is the same wood species and accepts the same finishes but includes additional knots, mineral streaks, and epoxy-filled natural imperfections for added character. If a product only shows one version, the other can usually be ordered—just contact us with any questions.

Common finish options

Michaels and Washington

Character

Fine, elegant grain with warm reddish-brown tones

Durability

A durable hardwood that grows richer and more beautiful with age

Best for

Dining tables, bedrooms, heirloom furniture, and traditional or transitional homes

← Previous Wood

Brown Maple

NEXT Wood →

Flat Sawn White Oak

Solid Hardwood · Stained

Flat Sawn White Oak

These stain samples apply to both Flat Sawn White Oak and Flat Sawn Rustic White Oak.

Order flat sawn white oak Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Emily Arch Bed in Flat Sawn White Rustic Oak with River Rock Finish

Flat Sawn White Oak is one of today's most sought-after hardwoods, prized for its bold cathedral grain patterns, warm natural tones, and timeless character. Its exceptional durability and ability to showcase stain beautifully make it an outstanding choice for everything from modern organic and farmhouse interiors to contemporary spaces. Built to withstand everyday life while offering heirloom-quality craftsmanship, Flat Sawn White Oak is a favorite for solid wood dining tables designed to be enjoyed for generations.

Flat Sawn White Oak is the same wood species and accepts the same finishes but includes additional knots, mineral streaks, and epoxy-filled natural imperfections for added character. If a product only shows one version, the other can usually be ordered—just contact us with any questions.

Common finish options

River Rock, Seashell, and Light Brown

Character

Bold cathedral grain with warm, natural character

Durability

Exceptionally durable hardwood built for everyday living

Best for

Dining tables, busy households, modern organic, farmhouse, and transitional homes

← Previous Wood

Cherry

NEXT Wood →

Hickory

Solid Hardwood · Stained

Hickory

These stain samples apply to both Hickory and Rustic Hickory.

Order hickory Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Beckett Table in Rustic Hickory Wood with Clear Finish

Hickory is one of America's hardest hardwoods, prized for its exceptional strength, dramatic grain patterns, and striking natural color variation. Renowned for its outstanding durability and distinctive character, Hickory is an excellent choice for farmhouse dining tables and other rustic furniture that combine lasting performance with timeless beauty, making it ideal for everyday living and generations of use.

Rustic Hickory is the same wood species and accepts the same finishes but includes additional knots, mineral streaks, and epoxy-filled natural imperfections for added character. If a product only shows one version, the other can usually be ordered—just contact us with any questions.

Common finish options

Clear, Double Time, Sandstone, and Boston

Character

Bold grain with striking natural color variation

Durability

One of America's hardest hardwoods, built for generations of everyday use

Best for

Dining tables, busy households, farmhouse, rustic, and lodge-inspired homes

← Previous Wood

Flat Sawn White Oak

NEXT Wood →

Maple

Solid Hardwood · Stained

Oak

Order oak Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Palmer Chest in Oak Wood, Michaels Finish

Red Oak has been a trusted choice for fine furniture for generations, valued for its bold, open grain, warm natural tones, and timeless appeal. Unlike Flat Sawn White Oak, which features more dramatic cathedral grain, or Quartersawn White Oak, known for its straight grain and distinctive ray flecks, Red Oak offers a classic, familiar look that complements a wide range of styles. Its exceptional durability, beautiful stain definition, and lasting performance make it an excellent choice for handcrafted dining tables designed to be enjoyed for years to come.

Common finish options

Asbury, Antique Slate, Michaels, Natural, Provincial, Onyx, and Washington Cherry

Character

Bold, open grain with warm natural character

Durability

Durable hardwood built for everyday living

Best for

Dining tables, family homes, traditional, farmhouse, and transitional interiors

← Previous Wood

Maple

NEXT Wood →

Painted Wood

Painted Finish

Painted Wood

Painted pieces are built in brown maple.

Order paited wood Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Aurora Murphy Bed in Brown Maple Wood with White Paint

Brown Maple is our preferred hardwood for painted furniture thanks to its smooth, consistent grain that creates a clean, flawless finish with minimal grain showing through. We can match virtually any Sherwin-Williams paint color, along with Benjamin Moore and many other custom colors, making it easy to create furniture that's uniquely yours. One of our most popular options is pairing a painted base with a stained solid wood top for a timeless, custom look that combines the best of both finishes. Many customers also choose painted finishes for bedroom furniture and dining tables.

Common finish options

White, Black, Navy, Sage, or Greige

Character

Smooth, clean surface with minimal visible grain

Durability

Solid hardwood construction built for everyday living

Best for

Farmhouse, coastal, cottage, transitional, and contemporary homes

← Previous Wood

Oak

NEXT Wood →

Quartersawn Oak

Solid Hardwood · Stained

Quartersawn Oak

These stain samples apply to both Quartersawn Oak and Rustic Quartersawn Oak.

Order quartersawn oak Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Waterfall Cedar Chest in Quartersawn Oak Wood with Asbury Finish

Quartersawn Oak is cut differently than standard oak, producing straight, vertical grain accented by distinctive ray flecks. This classic look is a hallmark of Mission and Arts & Crafts furniture while also creating exceptionally stable furniture that resists seasonal movement. It's a beautiful choice for craftsman-style dining tables and conference tables.

Rustic Quartersawn Oak is the same wood species and accepts the same finishes but includes additional knots, mineral streaks, and epoxy-filled natural imperfections for added character. If a product only shows one version, the other can usually be ordered—just contact us with any questions.

Common finish options

Antique Slate, Michaels, Onyx, and Asbury

Character

Straight vertical grain with distinctive ray flecks

Durability

Very hard and highly resistant to seasonal movement

Best for

Dining tables, heirloom furniture, Mission & Craftsman styles

← Previous Wood

Painted Wood

NEXT Wood →

Sycamore

Live Edge or Stained

Live Edge

Walnut

These stain samples apply to both Walnut and Rustic Walnut.

Order walnut Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Crawford Credenza in Rustic Walnut Wood with Clear Finish

Walnut is one of North America's most sought-after hardwoods, prized for its rich chocolate-brown color, elegant flowing grain, and timeless sophistication. A favorite for live edge furniture and custom epoxy tables, Walnut showcases the natural beauty of each slab while creating stunning one-of-a-kind dining tables, desks, and statement pieces. Naturally beautiful with little need for stain, Walnut offers lasting durability and heirloom-quality craftsmanship for furniture designed to be enjoyed for generations.

Rustic Walnut is the same wood species and accepts the same finishes but includes additional knots, mineral streaks, and epoxy-filled natural imperfections for added character. If a product only shows one version, the other can usually be ordered—just contact us with any questions.

Common finish options

Clear and Black Glaze

Character

Rich chocolate-brown tones with elegant flowing grain

Durability

Premium hardwood built for generations of everyday use

Best for

Live edge dining tables, executive desks, statement furniture, and contemporary, modern organic, or luxury homes

← Previous Wood

Sycamore

NEXT Wood →

Wormy Maple

Solid Hardwood · Stained

Wormy Maple

Order wormy maple Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Hawthorne Table in Wormy Maple Wood with Clear Finish

Wormy Maple is prized for its naturally occurring worm tracks, mineral streaks, and subtle grain that give every piece its own distinctive character. Its warm, creamy color and unique natural markings create a relaxed, inviting look that adds rustic charm without overpowering a space. Durable and full of personality, Wormy Maple is an excellent choice for handcrafted furniture designed to be enjoyed for generations. Its character marks work beautifully in rustic dining tables and bedroom furniture.

Common finish options

Clear, Blackened Mocha, and Carbon

Character

Warm, creamy tones with distinctive natural markings

Durability

Durable hardwood built for everyday living

Best for

Dining tables, farmhouse, cottage, and rustic-inspired homes

← Previous Wood

Walnut

NEXT Wood →

Barnwood

Live Edge · Clear Coat

Live Edge

Maple

Order maple Samples →

Click to enlarge · Our Custom Spalted Maple Round River Table with Dolphin Gray epoxy

Maple for live edge work is chosen for its striking natural figure. Spalted maple is the most requested option—unique black lines and contrasting tones created through a natural process that makes every slab truly one of a kind—and curly and ambrosia figure are available when the right slabs come in. Primarily used for live edge furniture and custom epoxy tables to showcase this character, it can occasionally be used for other custom pieces when suitable material is available.

Common finish options

Clear coat

Character

Distinctive spalting with bold natural contrast

Durability

Durable hardwood with unique natural character

Best for

Live edge dining tables, desks, coffee tables, and one-of-a-kind statement pieces

← Previous Wood

Hickory

NEXT Wood →

Oak

Live Edge · Clear Coat

Live Edge

Sycamore

Order sycamore Samples →

Click to enlarge · Clear coat only

Sycamore is admired for its flowing grain and exceptional natural character, creating furniture unlike any other hardwood. Spalted sycamore is the most sought-after option, its dramatic dark spalting lines wandering through pale wood, and quartersawn sycamore with its distinctive fleck is available on request. Most commonly chosen for live edge furniture and custom epoxy tables, it may occasionally be available for select custom projects when the right slabs are available.

Common finish options

Clear coat

Character

Flowing grain with dramatic natural spalting

Durability

Solid hardwood with lasting beauty and natural character

Best for

Live edge dining tables, desks, conference tables, and distinctive custom furniture

← Previous Wood

Quartersawn Oak

NEXT Wood →

Walnut

All Woods at a Glance

Every wood at a glance

Barnwood

Norway Table with Akron Chairs

Brown Maple

Foles Table

Cherry

Hudson Buffet

Flat Sawn White Oak

Emily Arch Bed

Hickory

Beckett Table

Maple

Custom Round River Table

Oak

Palmer Chest

Painted Wood

Aurora Murphy Bed

Quartersawn Oak

Waterfall Cedar Chest

Sycamore

Clear coat only

Walnut

Crawford Credenza

Wormy Maple

Hawthorne Table

Compare Our Wood Types

Compare the unique character, grain pattern, and ideal uses of our most popular American hardwoods. Every wood type is crafted into heirloom-quality furniture the biggest differences are appearance, grain, and the style each wood complements best.

Wood Type

Replace 

Natural color

POPULAR USES

Brown Maple

Smooth

Creamy

Dining tables & dressers

Cherry

Fine grain

Warm reddish

Traditional dining & bedroom 

Hickory

Bold character

High variation

Rustic furniture

Reclaimed Barnwood

Rustic texture

Aged patina

Rustic & industrial furniture

Brown Maple

Smooth

Creamy

Dining tables & dressers

Cherry

Fine grain

Warm reddish

Traditional dining & bedroom 

Compare the unique character, grain pattern, and ideal uses of our most popular American hardwoods. Every wood type is crafted into heirloom-quality furniture the biggest differences are appearance, grain, and the style each wood complements best.

Live Edge Wood Types

Walnut, spalted maple & sycamore aren't stained

These three are used mainly for our live edge pieces slab tops, river tables and one-of-a-kind benches where the wood's own color and figure are the entire point. They're finished with a clear coat rather than a stain, so there are no stain options to choose from. Walnut is the one exception: clear coat, or clear coat with a black glaze to deepen the grain.

 

Rustic grades

Same color, more character

We often build cherry, hickory, quartersawn oak, flat sawn white oak and walnut in a rustic grade. Rustic is the same wood species and accepts the same finishes, so the color matches the sample you order  the same stain samples apply to both grades. What changes is the character: additional knots, mineral streaks and epoxy-filled natural imperfections, left in and celebrated rather than sorted out. If a product listing only shows one version, the other can usually be ordered — just give us a call at 610-672-6454.

How to Choose

Four things worth knowing first

01

Judge it in your own room

Screens shift color, and so does your lighting. A finish that looks warm under a showroom light can read cooler at home — that's exactly what samples are for.

02

The wood changes the stain

Identical stain, different species, different result. Open-grained oak drinks it in; smooth brown maple takes it evenly. Always compare on the wood you're actually buying.

03

Order more than one

Finishes look different beside each other than they do alone. Two or three samples side by side on your floor tells you far more than one sample held up on its own.

04

Wood keeps changing

Real wood mellows with light and age — cherry especially deepens and enriches over the first year. It's a feature of solid hardwood, not a flaw. 

 

The Topcoat

Built to be used, not protected

Every piece gets a pre-catalyzed polyurethane finish over the stain you choose. It's what makes these tables durable and scratch-resistant enough for everyday family life — not just for looking at.


Steel bases are powder-coated for roughly ten years of weather resistance before meaningful rust, and the coating also guards against chips and corrosion.

Compare wood types & strength →

Free Design Help

Get a custom wood furniture quote

Tell us the wood and finish you're considering and we'll come back with pricing, options, and honest advice on what works best for your room. No design fee, no obligation.

Order Finish Samples

or call 610·672·6454

or call 610·672·6454

Good to Know

Finish questions

What does a finish sample cost?

Return your sample after you buy a furniture piece and we'll refund it — that refund doesn't apply to smaller décor items.

Can I get a sample of a rustic wood?

Yes — the same samples cover both grades. Rustic is the same wood species and takes the same finishes, so the color matches the sample you order. What changes is the character: additional knots, mineral streaks and epoxy-filled natural imperfections. If a listing only shows one version, the other can usually be ordered — just give us a call at 610-672-6454.

Which wood is the most durable?

Hickory is the hardest of the group, with oak and quartersawn oak close behind. Cherry and brown maple are softer but still fully suited to dining furniture — and every piece carries the same protective topcoat. See our wood types and strength guide for a direct comparison.

Can you match a finish I already own?

Often, yes. Send us a photo or bring the piece in and our designers will get as close as the wood allows. Because species and age both affect color, an exact match on a different wood isn't always possible — we'll tell you honestly what to expect.

Can I see finishes in person instead?

Absolutely — our Perkiomenville, PA showroom has the full finish library alongside finished pieces. Not local? We'll do a video call and walk you through the samples on camera. Plan a visit →

What wood is best for dining tables?

Some of the most popular wood types for our solid wood dining tables are White Oak, Brown Maple, Walnut, Cherry, and Hickory. White Oak offers timeless character, Brown Maple provides versatility, Walnut delivers rich natural color, and Hickory creates bold rustic appeal. If you're looking for a more weathered, character-rich look, reclaimed barnwood and Hickory are outstanding choices for rustic dining tables.

What's the difference between White Oak and Walnut?

White Oak and Walnut are two of our most popular wood types, but they create very different looks. White Oak has a lighter color and more pronounced grain, making it ideal for modern, transitional, and solid wood dining tables. Walnut features a naturally rich chocolate-brown color with elegant flowing grain, making it a favorite for live edge tables, custom epoxy tables, and solid wood conference tables. Both are premium American hardwoods built to last for generations.

Which wood type hides scratches the best?

Wood types with more natural variation — such as Hickory, reclaimed barnwood, Wormy Maple, and Rustic Walnut — tend to disguise everyday wear better than woods with a smoother, more uniform appearance. Natural grain, knots, and character marks help blend small scratches into the wood over time, making them excellent choices for busy households. These species are especially popular for rustic dining tables and other furniture designed to embrace natural character.

Which wood is best for families with kids?

Every American hardwood we offer is built for everyday life, but Brown Maple, White Oak, Hickory, and reclaimed barnwood are especially popular with families. Their durability, forgiving grain patterns, and premium protective finish make them excellent choices for solid wood dining tables that see daily meals, homework, crafts, and family gatherings. If you prefer furniture with more natural character that helps hide everyday wear, many families also choose a rustic grade.

What's the difference between reclaimed barnwood and new hardwood?

Reclaimed barnwood furniture is crafted from authentic oak salvaged from historic American barns, giving it natural saw marks, weathered texture, nail holes, and decades of character that simply can't be replicated. New hardwoods such as White Oak, Brown Maple, Cherry, and Walnut offer a cleaner, more refined appearance while still providing the same heirloom-quality durability. If you love authentic rustic character, browse our reclaimed barnwood tables to see reclaimed wood in finished furniture.

NEXT STEP

Hold it in your hand before you commit

Order the finishes you're weighing, set them on your floor next to your chairs, and live with them for a few days. Then let's design your piece.

order finish samples

start a custom design