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Padauck

Padauk is an exotic hardwood known for its fiery orange-red color and strength. Learn why I love it, how to care for it, and where it’s featured in our shop.

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Teak

Teak is a golden tone tropical hardwood known for its durabilituy and natural oils. Learn why I love it, how to care for it, and where it’s featured in our shop.

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Wenge

Wenge is a bold African hardwood known for its deep brown to black tones. Learn why I love it, how to care for it, and where it’s featured in our shop.

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Cherry

Cherry wood is loved for its warm tones and fine grain. Learn why I love using Cherry, how to care for it, and where it's featured in our shop.

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The Changing Meaning of Handmade

Handmade once meant simple tools and human touch. Today, machines and algorithms reshape that meaning. Let’s talk about what handmade means for the future.

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Ebony

Ebony is a very dense and fine-grained hardwood known for its deep black color. Ebony is finely textured and has a mirror finish when polished, making it valuable as an ornamental wood.

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Walnut--Where does it come from?

Walnut is a customer favorite for its deep tone and calm grain. I source most of my walnut locally and mill it with care, bringing out a smooth, satin finish. Below are my sourcing notes, the exact key traits I rely on, simple care, and how I use walnut in the shop.

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Curly Maple

Curly Maple’s rippling figure catches light like silk. It’s durable, takes a beautiful finish, and suits heirloom pieces you’ll use every day. Below I share how I source it responsibly, why I love working with it, key traits to know, simple care tips, and pieces you’ll find in my shop.

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Welcome to the Shop Blog at 86

Whether you're a curious newcomer or a seasoned wood enthusiast, this blog is for anyone who wants to learn more about exotic hardwoods — the rare and remarkable species that bring warmth, character, and timeless beauty into the home.  

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