Materials & Wood Species

What wood species does SENTIENT work with?

SENTIENT primarily works with American hardwoods: American black walnut, white oak, red oak, hard maple, cherry, and ash. We also offer specialty species including spalted maple, ambrosia maple, reclaimed oak, and claro walnut. For outdoor furniture, we use teak and ipe for their weather resistance. Every species has distinct grain, color, and character. Our team will recommend the right wood for your project based on aesthetics, durability, and intended use. See all available species.

What is live edge furniture and how are slabs selected?

Live edge furniture preserves the natural edge of the wood slab, the contour where bark once grew, revealing the tree’s organic shape. At SENTIENT, every slab is hand-selected from regional suppliers in Pennsylvania, within 500 miles of our Brooklyn workshop. We look for grain character, structural integrity, and how the slab will perform in its intended application. Each piece of live edge furniture is one of a kind because no two trees grow alike.

Where does SENTIENT source its wood?

SENTIENT sources American hardwoods from family-owned lumber mills in Pennsylvania, within 500 miles of our Brooklyn workshop. We prioritize regional sourcing to reduce environmental impact and support American forestry. For specialty applications like outdoor furniture, we source teak and ipe from sustainable international suppliers. Every slab is inspected in person before purchase.

Is SENTIENT’s wood sustainably sourced?

Yes. SENTIENT is committed to responsible sourcing. Our American hardwoods come from sustainably managed forests and reputable regional dealers. We offer FSC-certified options for projects that require environmental documentation, and our materials are eligible for LEED and US Green Building Certification. We also believe that building furniture to last generations is one of the most sustainable things a furniture maker can do. Pieces that endure don’t end up in landfills. Learn more about our approach.

What’s the difference between walnut, white oak, and maple for furniture?

Each species has a distinct personality. American black walnut has a warm, chocolate-brown color with dramatic, wavy grain that deepens over decades. White oak is lighter, with a golden tone and fine, straight grain that works well in both traditional and modern designs. Hard maple is the lightest of the three, with a creamy, off-white color and subtle grain that can include curly or quilted patterns. SENTIENT’s team will recommend the right species based on your space, design style, and how the piece will be used. Compare all species.

Can I choose a specific slab for my live edge table?

Yes. SENTIENT encourages clients to participate in slab selection for live edge dining tables and other slab-based pieces. You can visit our Brooklyn workshop to see available slabs in person, or we’ll photograph and share options for remote clients. Each slab has unique grain patterns, edge profiles, and color variation. Choosing your slab makes the piece personal from the start.

Does SENTIENT work with reclaimed or salvaged wood?

Yes. SENTIENT offers reclaimed oak sourced from historic structures, including flooring, roofs, and walls up to 200 years old. These slabs carry distinctive character: wormholes, nail holes, and weathering patterns that new wood simply doesn’t have. Reclaimed wood is available for custom projects on request. It’s a way to build something new with material that already has a story.

What finishes does SENTIENT use and are they food-safe?

SENTIENT uses hardwax oils, natural oil finishes, varnish, and lacquer depending on the application. Our hardwax oil finishes are food-safe once cured, making them appropriate for dining tables, kitchen surfaces, and restaurant furniture. For commercial projects, we offer more durable finishes that withstand heavy daily use. Every finish is hand-applied by our craftspeople. See finish options.

What metals and upholstery materials are available?

SENTIENT fabricates custom metal bases and accents in-house using steel, brass, and bronze. Metal finishes include brushed brass, polished brass, blackened steel, weathered steel, raw steel, polished steel, and gold, silver, or copper leaf. For upholstery, we work with leather, velvet, wool, linen, cotton, chenille, silk, and commercial-grade outdoor fabrics. We also accept COM (Customer’s Own Material). View metal finishes or learn about our upholstery services.

How does wood move and change over time?

Solid wood is a natural material that responds to its environment. SENTIENT kiln-dries all lumber to stabilize moisture content before fabrication, which minimizes movement. Over time, wood color deepens naturally, especially walnut and cherry, which develop richer tones with light exposure. This patina is part of what makes solid wood furniture an investment that improves with age.

Can I request a specific wood grain pattern or color tone?

SENTIENT can accommodate grain and color preferences within the natural range of each species. For live edge pieces, we hand-select slabs based on your criteria. For standard furniture, we sort lumber to match your tone and grain direction. Keep in mind that natural wood has inherent variation, which is part of its beauty. We’ll share samples or photos so you know exactly what to expect before production begins.

What makes American hardwood different from imported wood?

American hardwoods grown in the northeastern United States benefit from slow growth in temperate forests, producing dense, tight-grained lumber with exceptional strength. SENTIENT prioritizes American species like walnut, oak, and maple because they’re structurally reliable, regionally available, and sustainably managed. Imported species have their place. We use teak and ipe for outdoor furniture because of their natural weather resistance. But for most indoor applications, domestic hardwoods are the right choice.

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