Choosing your wood type

Picking the right wood type plays an important role in the style, strength, durability, and character of your furniture. To make it easier, here’s a simple guide to some of the most popular woods we use and what makes each one special.

Choosing solid wood means investing in furniture built to last a lifetime, unlike much of today’s store-bought furniture made from soft or engineered woods like rubberwood or MDF with veneer, solid wood offers true durability, strength, and timeless quality that only improves with age.

Oak

Grain & Appearance: Distinctive, prominent grain with streaks, often with wavy patterns; typically light to medium brown tones.

Oak is a classic for a reason. It’s strong, durable, and timeless, with a beautiful grain that suits almost any style. Oak can take the wear and tear of everyday life, making it perfect for dining tables, chairs, and cabinets. It’s a solid investment that gives a touch of elegance without feeling over-the-top.

One of the most popular hardwoods
Strong, durable, and long-lasting
Suits both modern and classic interiors
Ideal for high-use pieces
Elegant without being overpowering

Ash

Grain & Appearance: Light to medium tones with prominent grain.

Ash wood is a strong, flexible, and highly durable hardwood known for its light, natural tones and beautiful, flowing grain. It has a clean yet character-rich appearance, making it a popular choice for both modern and classic furniture designs. Ash takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, allowing it to be customised from light and airy to warmer, deeper tones.

Strong and durable hardwood
Ideal for tables, chairs, beds, and cabinetry
Modern, timeless aesthetic

** If you would like to order any item in Ashwood, please select the Oak option on our website and notify us of your preferred wood type in the notes section. Ashwood pieces are priced the same as Oak. We kindly request that you confirm this change via email once your order has been placed.

Kiaat

Grain & Appearance: Rich reddish-brown tones with bold, striking natural grains. Contrasting colours varying from redish-brown, to medium and light brown tones.

Kiaat is strong, heavy, and exotic. Its deep reddish-brown hues and striking grain give furniture a bold, sophisticated look. It’s durable, naturally insect-resistant, and perfect for pieces you want to last a lifetime while making an impact.

Strong, heavy, and highly durable
Ideal for statement furniture pieces
Long-lasting, heirloom-quality wood

Blackwood

Grain & Appearance: Rich dark tones and striking grain patterns. Blackwood naturally features beautiful contrast between darker and lighter grain variations.

Our blackwood is localy sourced from our beatiful Knysna forrest right here in South Africa. It’s a dense, strong, and surprisingly affordable wood option.

Locally sourced
Strong, dense, and durable
Affordable solid wood option

Beech Wood

Grain & Appearance: Pale cream to soft pinkish-brown tones with fine, even grain with a smooth, consistent finish.

Beech offers a clean, refined aesthetic for furniture, with a smooth, uniform surface and subtle grain that creates a calm, minimalist look. Its soft, even colouring allows furniture pieces to blend effortlessly into modern and contemporary interiors without overpowering the space.

Minimal natural variation for a clean, uniform look
Takes stains and paint evenly for versatile styling
Ideal for modern, Scandinavian, and minimalist furniture designs