Thread: Best timber for old style bureau/bookcase

I think Blackwood would fit the bill although maybe a bit darker than you want.

Cheers
Michael

Originally Posted by magnet 12

I've been planning a classical style bureau with glass doors bookcase on top for a long time. Always thought would go for huon pine. A mate was round the other night and said using huon a bit wasteful, there are plenty of other equally good timbers around which would be much cheaper.
Can anyone suggest any other timber which is easy to work and fairly readily available from spcialists. I want a change from cedar, tassie oak,and rosewood which have used in the past and prefer a light to mid coloured timber.
I still like the idea of huon pine but maybe I should have thought of alternatives.

Blackwood would be good but have a look at silver ash. - Very similar in colour to Huon pine - perhaps a bit lighter, but still has that wow factor.
cheers
steve

What about Coachwood, wonderful figure, easy to work and a bit different, or one of the hard woods, Sydney Blue Gum or even Spotted gum.

Cheers

Steve

Some people call Jacaranda the Huon pine of the north. Never used it myself, but seen some pieces made with it, and very nice if you want a very light colour. Good luck, Ken

Originally Posted by timbertalk

Some people call Jacaranda the Huon pine of the north. Never used it myself, but seen some pieces made with it, and very nice if you want a very light colour. Good luck, Ken

I think Jacaranda would be a little soft for furniture and usually very bland.

I tend to agree with the recommendation for Blackwood. There is a reason why so many of Australia's best antiques are in this timber, it makes beautiful furniture.

Thanks guys for your suggestions. Will look again at blackwood and also tassie myrtle.

some suggestions
Silver Ash,
Rock Maple (though not an Aussie species),
White Beech,
Kaudamu (comes from Fiji)
Mahogany, a lovely honey gold



ian

If you want to build something with a warm supreme character that will stand the test of time, go down to your local demo yard, (don't tell him what you intend or he will double the price), then get enough 4x2's or there abouts of mixed hardwoods that may've made up a cottage or two in years past, and you know the rest!