10/27/2025
Some wise words about using natural woods in picture framing from our friends at Picture Woods from their latest newsletter:
Let’s Talk About Wood Color
Color is clearly a defining characteristic of wood. It determines the grade of the lumber, the possible uses, and of course is the most visually obvious quality of the frame. But what’s considered ‘good color’ for one wood can be ‘bad color’ for another. In this newsletter we’ll talk about wood color, and why it’s important when selecting a picture frame.
Each of the five hardwoods in our line has a different color quality, and they all change differently over time. Cherry, Walnut, and White Oak are all selected for heartwood. Heartwood comes from the darker center part of the tree, and in these woods is the most coveted part of the board. Anything we do in a clear or translucent finish in these woods will be selected for heartwood, and sapwood will be avoided. We use the sapwood of these species for darker finishes, such as Coffee or Ebony in Walnut, Charcoal in White Oak, or Cherry Finish in Cherry.
Maple and Ash are both selected for sapwood. The light-colored outer part of the tree of these species is both more prevalent and more prized; the heartwood is dark and will be avoided on clear or translucent finishes. Heartwood is used for opaque finishes such as Satin Black and Opaque White on Maple, and Satin Black on Ash. The City Grey finish, on both Maple and Ash, can accommodate some heartwood.
It’s also important to note that wood changes color over time, especially with exposure to sunlight. All the woods we carry darken with age, except Walnut, which lightens and fades. Cherry darkens to a rich orange color, which we approximate with our Aged Finish. Maple and Ash darken and yellow. White Oak darkens as well.
