Wood Species

Whether cherry, walnut, ash, maple or white oak, the human connection to wood objects is undeniable and visceral. Our pieces are made from premium-grade North American hardwoods, we predominately work in cherry and walnut, and on occasion or upon request, we also work with a range of other sustainably sourced American hardwood.

Crafting pieces of furniture from different species can have different results; a new character can be seen to emerge. For example, the dark tone of walnut can emphasize form, while the pronounced grain of ash conjures a more tactile experience, and the darkening of cherry over time may establish a more classic and traditional look and feel.

Regardless of the species you choose, handmade wooden furniture will add soul to any space.

Cherry

In 1976, cherry became synonymous with the Moser style. Over time we’ve added alternate wood species to our repertoire, but we still work predominately in black cherry from the Allegheny Plateau in Pennsylvania. Cherry was chosen because of its striking beauty; its auburn hue is rich, warm and begins to develop a magnificent patina in as little as six months – something other wood species only acquire after decades. No other native American wood can rival its color and figure. When finished, it is not only gratifying to the eye, but also luxurious to touch. In addition, cherry is also highly workable and provides the required strength and durability to build furniture that can last for decades of use. American black cherry is growing significantly faster than it is being harvested. For each economically mature tree felled dozens of sapling grow in its place throughout Appalachia.

Walnut

Black walnut is our second most popular wood species, and we source it from to the riverbanks in Missouri. When polished and oiled, walnut immediately assumes the deep brown color of bittersweet chocolate, and then lightens over the years to a honey brown. Paired with the light-colored ash spindles and legs on our rockers and stools, walnut provides a striking visual contrast.

Alternate Wood Species

On occasion and upon request, we also work with sustainably harvested ash, maple and white oak. Our oak, ash and maple are sourced from mills in Maine, New Hampshire and New York. This region produces the finest northern hardwoods in the United States. Ash is used for the turned elements in several of our chairs, stools and benches, not only for its contrasting color and texture, but also because its long fibers allow for both adequate “flex” and deceptive strength where most needed. We avoid the use of exotic hardwoods because we have no way of knowing how those tropical forests are being exploited.