Exotic Wood Furniture. Consider having your next custom furniture project custom made with exotic wood from Africa. “When people hear the word exotic they first think expensive, but that is not always the case. There are some that are absolutely gorgeous and reasonably priced.” Guest contributor Michael Huber of Chesapeake Cabinet and Woodworks strives to introduce customers to the variety and beauty of exotic woods.
When I sit down with a potential client my first question is: have you thought of what type of wood you want to center the project around? I usually hear cherry, oak, or maybe maple. These are the three most commonly known woods. At that point I’ll suggest: how about some woods like bubinga, zebrano, shedua, or maybe sapele? I want to let them know we can build a very unique piece with some incredible wood. Africa is home to these woods, some of the most beautiful in the world.
Live Edge Frame and Panel Bubinga Desk by Chesapeake Cabinet and Woodworks at CustomMade.com
Deciding on the wood may take some time and effort. At this point in my career I have pretty much every exotic sample imaginable, but if necessary I will make samples of the finished wood so the client can see what the wood truly looks like once a clear coat is applied. Once a customer decides on the wood, then the project begins to take shape.
Zebrano Kitchen Island by Chesapeake Cabinet and Woodworks at CustomMade.com
In dealing with exotics each wood requires a different expertise. To make furniture from these woods you need to know how they machine and what glues and finishes are compatible. My advice to anyone getting custom woodworking done is to make sure the woodworkers really know their wood. You can judge their expertise by having them describe the impact different types of woods would have on both the look and construction of the project and then recommend a type of wood for the project.
Sapele Mahogany Vanities by Chesapeake Cabinet and Woodworks at CustomMade.com
Browse CustomMade’s galleries to see works in Bubinga, Zebrano, Shedua, and Sapele.