Woods
Amboyna
Amboyna is widely considered one of the most prestigious and expensive timbers in the world. It is a product of the Narra tree, specifically appearing as a burl growth.
Ash
Ash is a resilient native British hardwood celebrated for its pale colour, open grain, and exceptional flexibility under steam. Essential to 18th and 19th-century country workshops, it formed the bent hoops of turned Windsor chairs, coach frames, and resilient drawer linings.
Boxwood
Scientific Name Buxus sempervirens (European Box) Geographic Origin Southern Europe, Western Asia, and Northern Africa Classification Hardwood, extremely high density (Janka hardness rating approx. 2,840 lbf) Growth Cycle Extremely slow growing; often takes over 100 […]
Burr Elm
Scientific Name Ulmus procera (derived from a growth anomaly on the elm tree) Geographic Origin Native to Europe, specifically the UK and parts of Western Europe Classification Hardwood, medium density, highly figured decorative veneer […]
Burr Myrtle
Scientific Name Myrtus communis (Common Myrtle) Geographic Origin Mediterranean region, parts of Western Asia, and introduced to Southern England Classification Hardwood Growth Cycle Slow growing, reaching maturity over several decades; burr formations are rare, localised […]
Burr Oak
Scientific Name Quercus robur (derived from a growth anomaly on the oak tree) Geographic Origin Native to Europe, particularly the UK and France Classification Hardwood, high density, highly figured decorative veneer Growth Cycle Not a […]
Burr Walnut
Scientific Name Juglans regia (derived from a growth anomaly on the walnut tree) Geographic Origin Primarily Europe, specifically the UK, France, and Italy Classification Hardwood, medium density, highly figured decorative veneer Growth Cycle Not a […]
Burr Yew
Scientific Name Taxus baccata Geographic Origin Native to the UK and Europe Classification Softwood, high density, highly figured decorative veneer Growth Cycle Not a distinct species; occurs as a burl growth on ancient yew […]
Calamander
Scientific Name Diospyros quaesita Geographic Origin Sri Lanka Classification Hardwood, extremely high density Growth Cycle Very slow growing; trees rarely reach significant diameters Primary Historic Usage Luxury veneering, ornamental cabinet making, writing boxes, and high-status […]
Chestnut
Scientific Name Castanea sativa Geographic Origin Native to Southern Europe, Western Asia, and North Africa; naturalised extensively in the UK Classification Hardwood, medium density Growth Cycle Moderate growth; matures in 50 to 100 […]
Coromandel
Scientific Name Diospyros ebenum (related to other species within the Diospyros genus) Geographic Origin India, Sri Lanka, and Southeast Asia Classification Hardwood, extremely high density Growth Cycle Very slow growing; requires over a century to reach a […]
Deal
Scientific Name Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine) or Picea abies (Norway Spruce) Geographic Origin Northern Europe, particularly the Baltic region (historically imported to the UK as “Baltic Deal”) Classification Softwood, low to medium density Growth Cycle Fast-growing, harvestable […]
Ebony
Ebony is a dense, heavy tropical hardwood native to regions of Africa and Asia, prized for its deep, uniform black colouring and exceptionally fine texture. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, elite cabinet-makers utilised ebony for fine stringing, crisp geometric inlays, and decorative veneering where striking contrast and durability were required.
Elm
Scientific Name Ulmus procera (English Elm) and Ulmus americana (American Elm) Geographic Origin Northern Hemisphere, native to Europe and North America Classification Hardwood, medium density (Janka hardness rating approx. 830–900 lbf) Growth Cycle Moderate growth; typically requires […]
Fiddleback Sycamore
Scientific Name Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore Maple) Geographic Origin Europe and Western Asia Classification Hardwood, medium density Growth Cycle Moderate growth; matures in 60 to 80 years Primary Historic Usage Musical instruments, high quality veneering, decorative inlay, […]
Goncalo Alves
Scientific Name Astronium graveolens Geographic Origin Central and South America, primarily Brazil and Mexico Classification Hardwood, extremely dense (Janka hardness rating 2,160 lbf) Growth Cycle Slow growing, typically requiring 80 to 120 years to […]
Harewood
Scientific Name Acer pseudoplatanus (Sycamore Maple, when stained) Geographic Origin Native to Europe and the UK Classification Stained Hardwood (typically Sycamore) Growth Cycle Fast-growing, typically 40 to 80 years to reach harvestable maturity Primary Historic […]
Kingwood
Scientific Name Dalbergia cearensis Geographic Origin Northeastern Brazil Classification Hardwood, extremely high density (Janka hardness rating approx. 3,300 lbf) Growth Cycle Extremely slow-growing; typically found as small-diameter logs Primary Historic Usage Marquetry, cross-banding, fine stringing, […]
Laburnum
Laburnum is a dense European hardwood prized by 17th and 18th-century cabinet makers for its rich chocolate heartwood and creamy sapwood. Sliced into distinctive oyster veneers across the William and Mary period, it also became the premier native timber for Scottish country furniture, turned clock cases, and highland bagpipes.
Macassar Ebony
Scientific Name Diospyros celebica Geographic Origin Indonesia, specifically the island of Sulawesi (formerly Celebes) Classification Hardwood, extremely dense (Janka hardness rating approx. 3,220 lbf) Growth Cycle Very slow growing; often requires 100+ years to […]
Mahogany
Scientific Name Swietenia macrophylla (Honduran Mahogany) and related Swietenia species Geographic Origin Tropical Americas, Caribbean, and West Africa Classification Hardwood, medium density Growth Cycle Moderate to slow growing; historically harvested from massive, ancient trees Primary Historic Usage Fine […]
Mulberry Wood
Scientific Name Morus nigra (Black Mulberry) or Morus alba (White Mulberry) Geographic Origin Native to Asia; Morus nigra was introduced to Britain in the 17th century for the silk trade Classification Hardwood Growth Cycle Moderate growth; trees are often […]
Oak
Scientific Name Quercus robur (English/Pedunculate Oak) and Quercus petraea (Sessile Oak) Geographic Origin Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia Classification Hardwood, high density (Janka hardness rating approx. 1,120–1,360 lbf) Growth Cycle Slow growing; typically, 80 […]
Olivewood
Scientific Name Olea europaea Geographic Origin Mediterranean basin, Middle East, and parts of North Africa Classification Hardwood Growth Cycle Extremely slow growing; trees are prized for longevity and historical significance rather than rapid timber […]
Padouk
Scientific Name Pterocarpus soyauxii (African Padouk) Geographic Origin Central and tropical West Africa Classification Hardwood, high density (Janka hardness rating approx. 1,725 lbf) Growth Cycle Slow-growing; trees typically harvested at 50 to 80 years Primary […]
Partridgewood
Scientific Name Andira inermis Geographic Origin Central and South America, the Caribbean, and parts of West Africa Classification Hardwood, extremely dense (Janka hardness rating approx. 2,600 lbf) Growth Cycle Moderate to slow growth, taking […]
Pine
Scientific Name Pinus sylvestris (Scots Pine / Baltic Pine) and Pinus strobus (Eastern White Pine) Geographic Origin Native across the Northern Hemisphere; extensive trade history from Northern Europe (Scandinavia/Baltic) and North America Classification Softwood, low to […]
Pollard Oak
Scientific Name Quercus robur (produced through the “pollarding” silvicultural practice) Geographic Origin Native to Europe, with a strong historical tradition in the UK and France Classification Hardwood, high density, highly figured decorative timber Growth […]
Purpleheart
Scientific Name Peltogyne species Geographic Origin Central and South America Classification Hardwood, very high density Growth Cycle Slow growing; trees typically reach maturity in 60 to 80 years Primary Historic Usage Fine marquetry, inlay […]
Rosewood
Scientific Name Dalbergia species (notably Dalbergia latifolia or East Indian Rosewood) Geographic Origin India, Brazil, Madagascar, and Southeast Asia Classification Hardwood, high density Growth Cycle Very slow growing; requires decades to reach maturity Primary Historic Usage Fine cabinet […]
Sabicu
Sabicu is a dense tropical hardwood native to Cuba and the Caribbean, prized for its exceptional strength, rich reddish-brown colouring, and attractive interlocking grain. During the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries, elite cabinet-makers utilised sabicu for fine furniture, library tables, desks, and structural components where durability was essential.
Satinwood
Scientific Name Chloroxylon swietenia (East Indian Satinwood) and Zanthoxylum flavum (West Indian Satinwood) Geographic Origin East Indian variety from India and Sri Lanka; West Indian variety from the Caribbean and Florida Classification Hardwood, dense and fine […]
Tulipwood
Scientific Name Dalbergia frutescens (Brazilian Tulipwood) Geographic Origin Eastern Brazil Classification Hardwood, very high density (Janka hardness rating approx. 2,360 lbf) Growth Cycle Slow-growing; trees are typically small, rarely exceeding 30-40cm in diameter Primary Historic […]
Walnut
Scientific Name Juglans regia (European Walnut) and Juglans nigra (American Black Walnut) Geographic Origin Native to Europe, Asia, and North America Classification Hardwood, medium density (Janka hardness rating 1,010 lbf for European, 1,010 lbf for American […]
Yew
Scientific Name Taxus baccata (European Yew) Geographic Origin Native to Europe, North Africa, and Western Asia; significantly associated with British landscape and history Classification Softwood (though exceptionally hard and slow-growing) Growth Cycle Extremely slow; often […]
Our encyclopaedia of antique furniture woods details the primary timbers and veneers utilised throughout the defining periods of English design. Drawing on our daily experience in evaluating, sourcing, and authenticating period pieces, this directory guides collectors through the distinguishing physical characteristics of historical timbers. From the early reliance on native oak and walnut to the widespread importation of dense Cuban mahogany, exotic rosewood, and decorative satinwood during the 18th and 19th centuries, each entry examines the grain, patination, and historical context of these essential materials. Understanding these variations in timber is critical to accurately identifying and dating antique furniture.
