Materials & Care
Types of Wood, sourcing & care
We put a lot of thought into every design and encourage you to learn more about the materials and processes we use.
Here is some information that will help you understand our products better.
Woods we use:
Woods:
Teak:
Scientific Name: Tectona grandis
Appearance: Warm brown colour with rich grain pattern seen as darker brown striations.
Properties: Higher oil content, relatively hard and higher resistance to termite/borer.
Being an indigenous species, Teak wood is well suited for our climate and does not
change shape too much. (warping/bending is minimal)
White Ash:
Scientific Name: Fraxinus americana
Appearance: Properties: Light and creamy with a typically uniform grain pattern. Ash wood can be stained in
many different colours.
White ash is a durable hardwood that holds up well to wear and tear. It’s easy to work
with and responds really well to various finishes and stains, allowing for customization
according to preferences. Ash wood will show some seasonal change in size and shape.*
White Oak:
Scientific Name: Quercus alba
Appearance: White Oak exhibits a timeless appearance with a pale to medium brown colour and a
generally mild straight-grained pattern. Certain pieces may showcase distinctive 'fleck'
patterns resembling 'U' or 'V' shaped scars, considered Oak wood signatures and often
regarded as unique features.
Properties: White oak is known for its strength and hardness. Its a long lasting hardwood that
develops a beautiful patina over time. Oak wood will show some seasonal change in size
and shape.*
Western Hemlock:
Scientific Name: Tsuga heterophylla
Appearance: Western Hemlock is characterised by its light to medium brown colour and prominent
growth rings.
Properties: Western Hemlock is considered to be a soft-wood that's lightweight and shows
consistent texture.
Sourcing:
Wood:
At Chisel, we use teak which has been reclaimed from rafters of old buildings that are over 50 years old.
This is a great way of up-cycling wood, reducing the overall ecological footprint of the product.
Our Oak, Ash and Hemlock wood on the other hand are sourced from reputed suppliers who ensure that
the timber has been ethically harvested.
Sheet Goods:
We use BWR grade ply and high quality laminates sourced from reputed brands like Hunsur and
Greenlam.
Hardware:
Wherever possible, we use hardware from reputed brands like Hafele, Hettich, EBCO & StudioMade.
Custom Hardware is made in-house for most other applications
Care & Maintenance:
Cleaning:
We recommend all furniture be cleaned with a damp, soft cloth only. Avoid using harsh chemicals or
abrasives, as these may damage the surface. Wipe up any spills quickly and use coasters on dining and
coffee tables. Its best to avoid direct contact between hot and cold items on the surface.
Maintenance:
A re-polish is recommended every 5 years.
Natural Material Disclaimer
Wood:
Wood, a natural material, expands and contracts with temperature and humidity variations, occasionally
affecting its appearance. While we take care to ensure our products can handle these changes, your
home's conditions may impact the wood, resulting in small movements or cracks—referred to as
"Checks" in the timber industry. These are not defects but natural characteristics. To maintain product
longevity, keep it in consistent conditions, avoiding extreme temperatures, moisture changes, or proximity
to air conditioning vents. Placing it in semi-outdoor areas or near large glass doors may lead to unpredict-
able wood changes that we cannot guarantee against.
Brass:
Brass is a metal that oxidises over time with exposure to atmospheric air. This will cause the metal to
loose its ‘sheen’ and become green/black over time. This natural patina adds to the charm of authentic
brass components and can be re-polished with certain products available on the market or with
home-made remedies like Tamarind Juice.
We’re always trying to learn and improve our products.
We use the best materials and processes available to us.
Each product is hand-crafted and will have will always be
unique. We welcome any suggestions that will help us improve!