White Ash is most famous for its common usage in crafting equipment for the United States of America’s favourite pastime. That’s right, white ash is what virtually all baseball bats are crafted from! It is also used to make items for plenty of other sports, though, like hockey sticks and pool cues. This very light-coloured wood comes from the Ash tree, which grows across much of the Eastern side of North America. White ash has strength comparable to oak, but is less dense and so, easier to work with, making it a very popular choice for furniture too!
Black Cherry is the only type of cherry tree which grows large enough for proper commercial use! Because of its abundance and visual similarities to mahogany, it was very popular in the making of Colonial era furniture. Black Cherry is softer than Ash or Oak, so it is very easy for carpenters to work with. However, it can be a touch brittle, so placing too much weight on it will potentially cause it to splinter or crack. Black Cherry grows across the Eastern United States, especially Pennsylvania, New York, and West Virginia.
Mahogany’s strength and deep, rich colour have made it a favourite for high quality furnishings and furniture for centuries! Mahogany is excellent at weathering the elements, so is commonly used outside for decking or cladding. Mahogany grows across parts of Africa, Asia, and South America, but buy with caution! Five species of Mahogany are on the endangered list, so ensure you only purchase sustainable mahogany from approved sources.
Maple is another species of tree in abundance across North America. This light wood is incredible hard, so we use it for things that may take a hit, like bowling pins or bats for sports, similar to White Ash. Maple is also known as a ‘tonewood’, meaning it conducts sound waves efficiently and making it perfect for musical instruments!
Oak is prevalent across Britain and other parts of Europe, and has been used in British construction for centuries! Oak’s strength and hardness makes it perfect for load bearing, and its light hue means it makes attractive furniture. Oak is generally a very sustainable choice, but beware! Some sources of European Oak engage in illegal deforestation, so always ensure you purchase from approved and sustainable sources.
If you’re looking for a new wooden mirror, these five woods are your best bet at purchasing a mirror crafted from completely sustainable and renewable materials! IF you’re on the market for a gorgeous and sustainable wooden mirror, check out William Wood’s Oak and Pine Range!