Oak

This strong and durable hardwood can soak up wood stains to create colour and contrast, whilst retaining the character of a real-wood feel. Beginning with a light texture and feel, oak matures over the years to grow gradually warmer, with any knots and deep grain detail increasingly defined. Extremely strong and durable, oak finishes well, works well and has very little shrinkage.

Disadvantages: European oak is very heavy, expensive and splits easily. It contains tannic acid, which corrodes steel and iron fittings. The effect on the fittings can cause permanent blue stains to the wood surface.

Walnut

European Walnut is a hard wood renowned for its strength and interesting curving patterns of grains. Far lighter than American Black Walnut, this wood is less popular, but still has a slightly figured grain that can be polished to give stronger character.