From Accoya to Walnut: Our Favourite Timbers Explained

When we talk about bespoke furniture and joinery at Blackfields, the conversation almost always comes back to materials. The wood we choose has a huge impact on how a piece looks, feels, performs, and lasts over time. Over the years, our team has developed some clear favourites, each selected for its strengths and suitability for different applications. Here is a closer look at the woods we most love working with and why we use them where we do.

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Accoya

Accoya is our go-to choice for all external joinery and, without question, our favourite material for bespoke front doors. It is a uniquely treated timber with an altered cell structure that reduces its ability to absorb moisture by around 80%. This means it will not swell, shrink, or warp in the way traditional timbers can, making it ideal for applications where a precision fit is essential, such as doors, windows, and their frames.

Because of its altered cell structure and lack of moisture, fungi and insects do not recognise Accoya as a food source. This gives it exceptional rot resistance and earns it a Class 1 durability rating, matching or even exceeding the best tropical hardwoods, with a lifespan of up to 50 years in above-ground use. Its stability also allows it to hold finishes incredibly well, significantly improving durability and reducing ongoing maintenance.

Accoya is also a material we can feel good about using. It is fast growing and sourced from FSC-certified forests and is fast growing which, combined with its longevity means it is considered carbon neutral, or even carbon negative, over its full lifespan. Furthermore, it is completely non-toxic, unlike many other treated timbers considered suitable for external use. For outdoor projects that demand longevity, performance, and sustainability, it is hard to beat.

Tulip Wood

For internal joinery, tulip wood is a firm favourite across the team. We use it extensively for our kitchens, wardrobes, and other bespoke storage solutions. It is a highly versatile and sustainable hardwood that is easy to work with, making it perfect for the intricate cutting and detailing involved in our bespoke joinery techniques.

Tulip wood is also impressively stable, meaning doors, drawers, and shelving continue to fit beautifully and move smoothly even after many years of use. Its naturally smooth, consistent grain also allows it to take paints, stains, and lacquers exceptionally well. This makes it the ideal base for our custom spray finishes, resulting in perfectly smooth surfaces that look great and stay that way.

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Oak

Oak is a classic choice for good reason. Strong, dense, and naturally resistant to moisture and fungal attack, it is well suited to projects designed to stand the test of time. Its structure keeps it stable, making it a good choice for warp-sensitive items such as cabinet doors and its antimicrobial properties make it a fantastic option for food-safe surfaces such as kitchen worktops.While durable, oak is also easier to work with than some other hardwoods, allowing for some stunning fluted or beaded panel details that elevate the look of any room in the house. It’s versatility also extends to the options available for finishes. It works just as well for crisp, modern painted finishes as it does for more traditional, natural wood designs where the grain is celebrated as a feature in its own right, adding depth and warmth to any space.

Walnut

While it is one of the pricier options, nothing beats walnut is when a project calls for richness and impact. With its deep tones and striking grain, it brings a sense of luxury and refinement that few other timbers can match. It is commonly used for statement pieces, feature furniture, and details where the natural beauty of the wood is meant to take centre stage. No two pieces of walnut are the same and our wood stain and lacquer finishes keep the surface protected while allowing the famous grain patterns and shade variations to shine through.

Despite its elegant appearance, walnut is also practical. Its workability allows our skilled joiners to produce complex pieces that are as much works of art as they are furniture. And its durability means that, with care, a piece of walnut furniture can last generations. Finished carefully, it develops a unique patina that adds depth and warmth that only improves with age, making it a favourite for clients looking for something truly special.

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Let’s Build Something Extraordinary

Have a project in mind? Whether you’re an interior designer, architect, or homeowner, we’d love to hear from you. From wardrobes and kitchens to smart storage and statement pieces, we’re here to help bring your vision to life.

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