As part of a college class I have been taking our main assignment is to build a Colonial Cupboard. While I understand that Colonial in and of its self is a period in time generally taken to mean around the time of our Revolution. I am wondering what were the favored woods that were used in that time frame?
Would I be too far off if I were to use Cherry or Maple, although the latter may have been a bit on the plain side. Back in the time of our revolution obtaining material for the door panel may have been simply sizing a piece of stock, today we are being tasked to do an edge- to – edge glue-up.
So since I am doing a glue-up anyway, would it would be inappropriate to do some sort of sandwich type glued up decoration in the door panel using a variety of woods that may have been available in that time period?
Replies
Stibb,
American Colonial furniture, dependent on local availability, was made with maple, oak, walnut, birch, and cherry, as well as pine. The preferred furniture woods were readily available, so less attractive or durable woods were used only for hidden parts inside a piece.
Sincerely,
Gerald La Starza
Fine Woodworking
Gerald,
First, thank you for the valuable insight as it answers the first part of the question very well. As for the second part of the question, Door panel adornments, would it have been a common practice to do something of that nature, or was the issue of tooling / adhesive limits, or other factor's involved in that sort of decision. What is driving my question is thinking about what was going on over in France with Marquetry being a popular art form in the furniture making business.Steve
Stibb,
Marquetry is more characteristic of Federal and 19th century furniture.
Sincerley,
Gerald La Starza
Fine Woodworking
Steve,
My local library has several books about Colonial furniture and most indicate that whatever kind of local wood that was readily available was used most often - pine being the majority.
Maybe you might want to have a look in your library for some ideas. Styles seemed to vary by locality but there is an underlying theme of frugality and function over aesthetics.
Regards,Bob @ Kidderville Acres
A Woodworkers mind should be the sharpest tool in the shop!
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