Exploring wood species for your custom furniture | beyond the ordinary

Walk into any higher end furniture store and most products you see will be made from domestic hardwoods such as cherry, maple, walnut and oak.

And for good reason, as these are beautiful, durable woods. Yet where do you turn if you’re interested in something more unique to set your custom furniture apart?

This cabinet on stand was handcrafted from Sapele, a tropical hardwood known for its rich coloring and durability. When quartersawn, a method of cutting the log, Sapele exhibits beautiful straight ribbons of grain pattern. There is movement in the wood, but it is not busy. It takes finish very well, and has a wonderful shimmer when light hits it just so.

Envisioned as a whisky cabinet, I donated the piece to the charitable Foundation at the hospital where I practiced for 16 years. It was auctioned at a yearly fund raising event, garnering a generous amount of money for the Foundation, and a wealth of pride for me. I was grateful to give back to the organization where I practiced and grew professionally.

In the end, the auction was won by former colleagues, with whom I worked closely for many years, making the experience that much more meaningful. It sits proudly in their home, housing not only whisky, but some tequila and wine as well. To paraphrase the TV commercial, “What’s In Your Whisky Cabinet?”