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A little
bit about mesquite
"Mesquite (scientific
name: Prosopis) wood is conceivably the most dimensionally stable
of all woods in having equal radial and tangential shrinkage values
of only 2%-3% and in having total volumetric shrinkage values of
4%-5%. Other fine woods such as oak, cherry, walnut, teak, mahogany
and Indian rosewood have volumetric shrinkage values in the range
of 8%-15%. The result of the low shrinkage value is that furniture
made from mesquite will have less expansion and contraction
when ambient humidity levels change, such as from summer to winter
in northern regions. Thus furniture will not crack and drawers will
not stick with changing humidity levels." (P. Felker, et
al, Grading mesquite lumber, Texas A&M- Kingsville 1994).
Putting that into layman's terms, mesquite is a very stable wood,
exceptionally long lasting, and can withstand extreme weight and
radical moisture changes. Mesquite wood that is suitable for making
fine furniture is very rare; therefore it tends to cost much more
than other woods. Mesquite wood that is suitable for making fine
furniture is also extremely beautiful; that is why
we use it.
Mesquite can vary from a rich, red-brown color to a medium brown
and gold and usually becomes darker and more mysterious as it ages.
Mesquite lumber differs from maple, walnut, and other varieties
that generally have no defects and can be purchased in large sizes.
Mesquite lumber is almost always shorter in length (six feet and
under) and narrower in width (six to eight inches), though occasionally
oversize pieces can be found. The classic mesquite log contains
variations and unique features such as bark pockets, swirling grain,
ring shake, checks, bug blemishes, ingrown bark, dark mineral streaks,
buds, splits, resin pockets, and minor defects. All of these "defects",
especially found in larger logs, add to the character of custom
furniture created from mesquite.
Mesquite usually has an asymmetrical grain, is comfortable to work
with and takes a high natural patina when polished. When dried it
is remarkably stable and quite resilient to decay and insects. Mesquite
hardly shrinks when dried, about 1/4 that of oak, and contracts
evenly in different directions both in a radial fashion and tangentially,
so both splitting and warping are minimized when the board is fully
dried. Mesquite's "shrink rate" is almost always 4-5%; this is an
extremely low number, especially when compared to other woods used
for furniture that have shrinkage values from 8-15%.
In summary, a large proportion of mesquite boards can be used to
build fine furniture, and the defects in the wood always add to
the beauty and the individuality of furniture created with this
unique wood. This makes it very suitable for fine, custom furniture
such as desks and tabletops---the kind of creation Unique Mesquite
specializes in.
Mesquite, especially the rare burls we predominantly use for
our creations, provides a tremendous opportunity for the buyer
focused on acquiring a one-of-a-kind piece of fine furniture.
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