Ash is a strong, light-colored wood with a beautiful grain. It bends well with steam, turns well on the lathe, and makes a fantastic chair.

Cherry is a classic that runs from straight-grained to incredibly curly, like the figure in the speaker stands. It has a reddish-brown color and is strong and durable.

Coastal live oak is one of the most expressive woods I work with. It grows throughout Ojai and California, and its open grain moves quite a bit while I build, so I use it for tables and decorative pieces. The result is always worth the effort.

Cypress is a local softwood. Its many limbs give it a burled texture. Like pine it is soft, but the right finish makes it extremely durable.

Redwood is new to the shop. I have a huge stock of it and haven't built anything with it yet. Notes coming soon.

Sycamore is a local favorite with expressive grain. The interlocking, varied grain makes it a little difficult to work, and that is what makes it beautiful. I use it for tables and larger structural pieces, not chairs.

Walnut is one of a kind, with a deep chocolate brown color. It is a classic, seen throughout mid-century furniture. It has warmth and elegance, and it pairs well with leather and brass, like on the Nordhoff Desk.

White oak is a versatile favorite of mine. Rift sawn, it runs straight-grained for a modern look. Flat sawn, it shows beautiful cathedral grain. It is very strong and durable, and I love it with my signature Odie's Oil Dark finish, which gives it a warm look.