The 4 Types Of Wood We Use For Our Signature Line

At Dredge Design, we're committed to crafting exceptional indoor furniture. Our signature line is built on the foundation of four distinct types of wood: White Oak, Myrtle Wood, Black Walnut, and Big Leaf Maple. Each wood type brings its own unique aesthetic and functional attributes, contributing to the durability, longevity, and beauty of our furniture. To enhance these qualities, we finish each piece with Rubio Monocoat.

White Oak: The Epitome of Strength

White Oak is the hardest wood we use, making it the ideal choice for heavy-duty furniture like dining tables, cabinets, and bookshelves. Its consistent color tone and unique texture offer versatility, fitting seamlessly into various interior styles. When quarter-sawn, White Oak reveals medullary rays that add a unique, linear texture, enhancing its visual appeal. This wood is also highly resistant to moisture, reducing the risk of warping over time. Its tight grain pattern allows for a smooth finish.

Myrtle Wood: A Local Treasure

Myrtle Wood is a true gem from the southern Oregon coast. As the second hardest wood in our lineup, it's perfect for intricate furniture pieces like coffee tables, bookshelves, and custom cabinetry. The wood's dramatic color variations, from deep blacks and vibrant oranges to soothing honey and greens, make each piece a unique work of art. The wood's grain pattern is generally straight but can also be wavy, adding complexity to its appearance.

Black Walnut: The Classic Choice

Black Walnut is a timeless classic, ranking third in hardness but first in sophistication. Its rich, dark chocolate brown color lightens towards the sapwood, creating a natural contrast that adds depth and elegance to any room. The wood's grain is generally straight but can be irregular, adding character to the furniture.

Big Leaf Maple: A Symphony of Colors

Big Leaf Maple is the softest wood we use, but it's a visual powerhouse. Known for its spalting—a natural process that creates unique patterns and color variations—this wood can display a stunning array of colors, from blacks and whites to pinks. The wood's grain pattern is typically straight but can also be wavy or curly, making it ideal for decorative pieces where visual appeal is paramount.

The Finish We Use: Rubio Monocoat

Like our choice in wood, the finish we use is equally important. We opt for Rubio Monocoat, a 2-part hardwax oil that brings out the richness and beauty of each wood type, much like a traditional oil finish, while adding a layer of protective durability. This hardwax oil blend truly shines in the long-term use of the piece. We all know that it's inevitable for furniture to undergo wear and tear. Unlike traditional film finishes like polyurethane or varnish, which chip and flake, our hardwax oil finish wears with the product. As dings and dents happen, the finish stays with the wood. In instances where a deep scratch or other unsightly blemish occurs, the hardwax oil finish allows for spot finishing. Simply sand the affected area and re-apply the hardwax oil to blend in seamlessly with the rest of the pre-existing finish.