ABOUT WOOD
What to Expect When buying a table from us
At Path Design, we embrace nature and the wonderful things it has to offer.
When buying a table from us, here are a few things you should know:
Built using simple construction and sustainably harvested materials, our tables are durable and built to last. They are designed to embrace change and wear and tear. The cracks and scratches that develop over a lifetime of use are welcomed additions to a piece that is already
uniquely its own.
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Wood is one of the most natural building materials available to us - providing strength while also thriving off of its ability to move in nature. All of our wood is kiln-dried. Reducing moisture levels in wood prior to building minimizes the risk of warping, bowing, cracking, and shrinking. That being said, wood is alive and may shift slightly over time.
Adjusting to changing temperatures and humidity levels, it can be expected for your table
to vary in size throughout the year. This may result in minor gaps between the boards. These gaps do not affect the structural integrity of the table. Rather, they minimize the chances of cracking while paying homage to the rich history of traditional hardwood furniture.
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We thoughtfully select each piece of wood we use and do our best to position our boards as close to one another as possible without putting unnecessary stress on the boards. To achieve a more contemporary farmhouse look, we work primarily with Ash.
Ash is a durable hardwood that is found across the United States. It is known for its distinct grain lines, strength and durability. Knots, burls and other natural markings are common characteristics found in Ash wood. We do not remove these from the wood or attempt to hide them, as we believe they are what set our tables apart and give them such distinct character.
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We believe in showcasing the natural elements of the products we use and mimicking these "imperfections" throughout the piece.
Often times, Ash has some red undertones. Other times, it's much clearer. No two pieces are the same. No two tables are the same! Because of this variation in color, each piece takes a stain differently. Some are lighter, some are darker, some are truer to the stain color on the chart and some are all three.
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We do our best to thoughtfully arrange your boards in a way that not only embraces the natural beauty of the pieces, but also accentuates their natural variation in color.
MORE ABOUT WOOD
Historically, wood has been the choice material for crafting furniture. Known for its strength and versatility, wood lasts years with very little maintenance and despite heavy use.
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Building with sustainably sourced lumber is helping to tackle climate change.
Wood is the only renewable building material that is available to us today.
In addition to its unique properties and beneficial structural and environmental components, wooden furniture is good for your health. Wooden products contain atmospheric and psychological properties that are simply not present in synthetic materials.
Wood has a measurable effect on the air quality within a room, as it absorbs and releases moisture, and has been linked to higher personal productivity, mood, concentration, confidence, and optimism.
Environments that integrate natural elements, such as wood, water, and stone, into their design have also been shown to improve attention and focus, creativity and recovery time.
It has been proven that surrounding oneself with wood is tied to better heart rates and a reduction of anxiety, even while you sleep. The colors and textures of wood generate feelings of warmth, comfort, and relaxation.
Humans evolved in a natural world. We now live in an increasingly built environment. Surrounding ourselves with natural products helps to repair the bond that we once had with the natural world and create a healthier and happier world.
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