• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Marketinia

Marketing Solutions for Moving Forward

  • Home
  • Topics
    • Business
    • Construction
    • Family
    • Fitness
    • Furniture
    • Health
    • Swimming Pool
  • Ask a Question
  • Contact Us

Understanding Wood’s Tendency to Change Color – Part 3

Last updated on February 13, 2019 by Sozo Staff Leave a Comment

FEQ Teak wood boards

Wood changing color over time is an inevitable reality. As we mentioned in the previous articles (see Part 1 and 2), much of this change is due to both environmental factors, such as wind, weather, and sunlight, and also to chemical components like extractives and lignins. When these chemical components come in contact with the waxes, varnishes, and finishes which we apply to indoor wood floors and furniture, the chemical components can cause color changes to occur. Even when a tree is living, these chemicals, which are naturally present in the tree, are already at work helping to determine the wood’s color. Once the tree is cut down, they’ll immediately begin to react to the air and other environmental factors, causing a darkening effect in the wood.

Teak boat decking

Chemical Compounds can Impact the Mystique of Teak

The lignins and extractives we see in certain wood species are particularly noticeable. Teak, for example, has such elevated silica and oil levels compared to many other species. This is ideal for shipbuilding and other maritime uses, but it can cause consternation for interior decorators who choose teak on the basis of color. Its chemical makeup can cause it to include an unpredictable amount of varying colors and streaks, unlike the warm brown tone which many are hoping to find with this species of wood.

Genuine Mahogany dresser

Looking for Dark Mahogany? Be Prepared for a Long Wait

It may come as a shock to some people, but mahogany actually begins its life as an extremely light pink colored wood. Over time, it will begin to take on a rich, brownish red color as it’s exposed to sunlight and air. It’s only from many years of chemical reaction and accumulation of dirt that mahogany finally begins to develop its signature dark color. That’s one reason why mahogany antiques are so highly prized. You simply can’t achieve that kind of color in mahogany naturally overnight or even over years of time. It can take decades upon decades to achieve that dark, majestic look.

Seek Expert Advice When Choosing Wood Species for Various Uses

Nearly every wood species out there undergoes some sort of long color variation process. And the type of project you choose to use that wood for will help to determine the color it will eventually become in the future. That’s why it’s a good idea to speak to a professional lumber dealer or furniture maker when selecting which species of wood to use for different projects. They should be able to tell you which species of wood react best under certain circumstances. They’ll also help you to predict the color changes that you can expect for that type of wood, so you won’t have too many unpleasant surprises.

FEQ Teak wood boards

Give Wood a Sunlight Treatment Before Using It

Many experts agree that putting wood out in bright sunlight for at least the span of one day is a smart move before applying any finish to it. Allowing its exposure to the light can often start the chemical process of color change, giving you a clearer picture of the change that will occur in your wood over time.

Wood’s unpredictable nature makes it both challenging and inviting. That’s why, when working with this wonderful organic medium, it’s important to keep an open mind and be ready for whatever natural changes take place regarding your wood’s color.

Continue Reading About the Lumber Industry

• Lumber Math: Fractions You Need To Know
• Value Engineering: For the Customer’s Good

J. Gibson McIlvain Company

With its headquarters located just outside of Baltimore, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company (www.mcilvain.com) is one of the largest U.S. importers of exotic woods. As an active supporter of sustainable lumber practices, the J. Gibson McIlvain Company has provided fine lumber for notable projects throughout the world, including the White House and Capitol building. Contact a sales representative at J. Gibson McIlvain today by calling toll free (800) 638-9100.

Filed Under: Construction, Lumber

Additional Articles

completed ipe back deck and stairs
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 3
fresh ipe wood deck
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 2
ipe decking boards
Ipe Wood: An Unusual Lumber Species, Part 1
busy logging operation in forest
Learning About Wood Movement, Part 1
df timber truss roof
Why Large Timbers Tend to Crack & How to Prevent It
wide walnut wooden boards
FAS Walnut Grading Explained

Reader Interactions

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

1 × 4 =



Primary Sidebar

Lyon Financial

Featured Articles

  • Marine Grade Plywood Uses and Facts
  • Should I Use Genuine Mahogany or African Mahogany?
  • Product Review of NuCedar Materials
  • Cracks in Large Timbers: What Can You Do To Prevent Them?
  • Genuine Mahogany vs. African Mahogany
  • How to find an Alternative to Ipe as Prices Rise
  • What Is the Ideal Gap Between Decking Boards?
  • Wood Decking Species Choices: Red Balau
  • Pros & Cons of Tropical Decking Fastening Systems
  • Wood Decking Species Choices: Jatoba
X10 Home Automation

Popular Articles

  • How to Keep Track of Your Flash Drive
  • Stretching: Can There Be Too Much of a Good Thing?
  • Benefits of Ambidexterity
  • Should I Use Genuine Mahogany or African Mahogany?
  • Marine Grade Plywood Uses and Facts
  • How Much Is Your Trucking Business Worth?
  • What’s All the Excitement over X10 Home Automation?
  • Product Review of NuCedar Materials
  • Heated Driveway Installation by D'Amico Electric of Westchester, NY
  • The Truth About Recovering from Shoulder Labral Repair Surgery
  • Encourage Healthy Choices by Adding a Pool to Your Backyard

Reader Feedback

  • Alice Carroll on Gymnastics Tips: Back to the Basics with 6 Beginner Moves
  • Alice Carroll on The Vinyl Liner Pool Owner’s Guide to Swimming Pool Repairs
  • Alice Carroll on Concrete Sealer: What You Need to Know, Part 2
  • Alice Carroll on Vinyl Liner Options for Your New Swimming Pool
  • Afton Jackson on Pros & Cons of Fiberglass Swimming Pool Liners
  • Alice Carroll on Concrete Sealer: What You Need to Know, Part 3
  • Alice Carroll on Pros & Cons of Fiberglass Swimming Pool Liners

Copyright © 2023 Sozo Firm Inc · Privacy Policy · Disclaimer · Sitemap