LumberJocks
DAILY DEALS Painter’s Pyramids  |  Makita Makita Recon LCT203W 10.8 Volt Lithium Ion Impact Driver 2 Pc Kit

What wood to use on new bed project?

Blog entry by DrSawdust posted 566 days ago 223 reads 0 times favorited 9 comments Add to Favorites Watch

My wife has decided on a Greene and Greene style bed for the double bed in the guest bedroom. However, I would like to use a different type of wood that I haven’t used before. I have worked with Oak, Maple (hard and soft), Walnut, Cherry, Poplar, and of course Pine. I’m looking for some ideas of other types of wood that are not too dark in color and are moderately priced. If any of you have a suggestion I would appreciate it.

Thanks,
Dean

-- Making sawdust is what I do best


9 comments so far

View teenagewoodworker's profile

teenagewoodworker

2480 posts in 661 days


posted 566 days ago

Hickory, thats just my suggestion. I haven’t actually worked with it yet but i have a commision for a frame made out of hickory now and they wanted it modeled off of thier cabinets so i took a look and it is a beautiful wood. its very hard too as i’ve heard so it would be pretty stable. or you could try ebony ;)

View tenontim's profile

tenontim

1319 posts in 637 days


posted 566 days ago

The Greene and Greene furniture seems to look best with cherry, but you might consider pecan or hickory. They’re fairly nice to work with.

-- Tim -- http://tmuli.com

View FlWoodRat's profile

FlWoodRat

582 posts in 802 days


posted 566 days ago

Why not mahogany?

-- I love the smell of sawdust in the morning....

View Lee A. Jesberger's profile

Lee A. Jesberger

3710 posts in 873 days


posted 566 days ago

Hi Dean;

With so many choices available it’s like asking what kind of car to buy.

Too many unknowns for us to be of much help with this one.

I’m sure whatever you end up with, it will be beautiful.

Lee

-- by Lee A. Jesberger http://www.prowoodworkingtips.com http://www.ezee-feed.com

View teenagewoodworker's profile

teenagewoodworker

2480 posts in 661 days


posted 566 days ago

i agree with Lee. if you get some nice wood really anything will look beautiful if.

View Greg3G's profile

Greg3G

770 posts in 979 days


posted 566 days ago

a lot of Greene and Greene items were built using Mahogany with Ebony and/or Teak accents. This is a beautiful contrast. Here is a link that may help

http://cwis.usc.edu/dept/architecture/greeneandgreene/

-- Greg - Charles Town, WV

View Grumpy's profile

Grumpy

14914 posts in 744 days


posted 566 days ago

Dean, I am making a bed for my grandaughter out of radiata pine, it will be painted, but could be oiled or lacqured. It is a good price down under and easy to work with.

-- Grumpy - "Always look on the bright side of life"- Monty Python

View Todd A. Clippinger's profile

Todd A. Clippinger

5632 posts in 993 days


posted 566 days ago

My general rule of thumb is NO OAK.

The “wow” factor goes up dramatically if it is not done in oak. That is in reference to the standard red oak.

I have a tough time envisioning this in pine too, but I really don’t make anything in pine because it is too soft.

You have to think that this may also be a portfolio piece in your house and what do you want people to see when they look at it.

Hickory with black walnut accents would be pretty cool.

My experience with hickory is that it takes a long time for any sanding that you have to do because it is so hard.

Black walnut with maple or sycamore would be smokin’ hot. But I saw that you did not want anything dark.

Good luck with your decision. I look forward to the finished project.

-- Todd A. Clippinger, Montana, http://amcraftsman.com

View GaryK's profile

GaryK

9521 posts in 881 days


posted 566 days ago

I vote for mahogany and ebony the same as Greg. Two of my favorite woods.

-- Gary, East TX -- The longest journey begins with a single step.

You must be signed in to post the comments.

  • View all advertisers
  • Advertise with us

DISCLAIMER: Any posts on LJ are posted by individuals acting in their own right and do not necessarily reflect the views of LJ. LJ will not be held liable for the actions of any user.

Latest Projects | Latest Blog Entries | Latest Forum Topics

HomeRefurbers.com

Latest Projects | Latest Blog Entries | Latest Forum Topics

GardenTenders.com :: gardening showcase