Learn About Materials Used

Understanding the Different Materials Utilized at DWSL Woodworks

Hello everyone!

This post aims to educate you about the various materials we use in our thoughtfully crafted products. Many may not fully understand the different types of hardwood available or how specific milling techniques can significantly affect both the quality and price of our offerings. Additionally, I would like to take a moment to explain why our darker wood products carry a price tag that is $10 higher than that of the lighter alternatives. I will attempt to provide a high-level overview of the following subjects:

White Oak Lumber

Walnut Lumber

Cherry and Maple

Finishes used

Hopefully, this information will help you make more informed choices when purchasing our products.

Flat vs. Quarter-Sawn White Oak Lumber

At DWSL Woodworks, we take pride in our craftsmanship, using flat-sawn and quarter-sawn white oak for our products. Flat-sawn wood has a varied grain that gives a traditional, rustic look, while quarter-sawn wood has a straight grain that makes it stronger and more durable. I love how quarter-sawn lumber looks, with its unique medullary rays that stand out. Although it is usually more expensive because of how it's sourced, the quality is worth it for many projects. Choosing between flat-sawn and quarter-sawn wood depends on your aesthetic and functional needs. I am fortunate to have access to about 900 board feet of white oak, allowing us to create a variety of items. This versatile wood is well-known for flavoring bourbon, enhancing its character. At DWSL Woodworks, we use white oak in many of our products, including whiskey smokers, wine and whiskey caddies, and cribbage boards.

Walnut Lumber

Walnut is a sought-after hardwood in our products. Its dark brown color adds elegance and style. It's durable and easy to work with, perfect for long-lasting furniture. However, walnut lumber is rare, representing only 0.9% of U.S. hardwoods. We mainly source our walnut from local people who want to recycle fallen trees. I used to search for walnut logs on Facebook Marketplace. I also buy from Bennett Hardwoods, our local dealer, but it’s quite expensive. Additionally, purchasing a log, milling it, drying, and storing it can be challenging. Because of this, our walnut products are priced higher than cherry and white oak. Choosing a walnut piece from us means getting a timeless treasure.

Cherry and Maple

We also love to utilize cherry and maple lumber for a wide variety of our woodworking projects. I have a particular appreciation for the unique look and characteristics of both these beautiful species, especially the rich and warm beauty of cherry. Cherry lumber possesses a distinct grain pattern, a rich color that deepens over time, and a delightful smell that truly sets it apart from other woods in our collection. Many of our serving trays are crafted from cherry, showcasing its striking features while adding a touch of elegance and sophistication to any table setting. Both cherry and maple lumber are not as scarce or hard to find as quarter-sawn white oak or walnut, making it a more affordable and accessible choice for our creations. My absolute favorite is using cherry wood chips in our whiskey smokers, as they impart an incredible flavor to the spirit.

Different Finishes Used

We typically use two different finishes on our beautifully crafted products to enhance their aesthetic and durability. The first is a combination of natural mineral oil and beeswax, while the second option is a hard wax oil. Both of these finishes are food-safe and relatively durable, making them ideal for items that will be used regularly. A mineral oil and beeswax finish is particularly easier to maintain and repair, which can be an advantage for everyday use. On the other hand, we use high-quality finishes, and the hard wax oil used on our cribbage boards, for example, tends to be more expensive compared to other options. However, we typically do not pass that cost on to you because we take immense pride in the way the hard wax oil enhances the appearance and longevity of our products.

With much appreciation,
-David