Contrasting woods

[Lee4847]

I am in the planning stages for a new computer desk/work space. It will be an L shape 8 ft on one wall and 10 ft on the other. I am thinking about using contrasting woods finished naturally. For the sides I was thinking raised panels and using red oak for the frames and walnut for the panels. I Might make the drawer fronts cherry to add another color. My question is, has anyone made large projects with contrasting woods? Does anyone have links or pictures of such projects?

Thanks,
Lee

[cabinetman]

I don't know if this will be much help, but these cabinets were done with satinwood as the light and ebony as the dark.

[drumpriest]

Red Oak and curly maple computer desk.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread.php?t=18697

Red Oak and curly maple baby changing table.

http://www.bt3central.com/showthread...changing+table

[Jeffrey Schronce]

What kind of look are you going for? That will kind of help you determine which woods to consider. I have a lot of requests for red oak dyed black with raised panels and/or tops with curly cherry, curly maple. This lends to a more modern look.

As to your original question of natural red oak and walnut, I would not be a fan of that combo. I think most folks go with the frame/case being dark wood and the contrast being lighter. I am sure there are exceptions, but if you look at the examples posted thus far I believe it backs up my made up theory.

[dlminehart]

I think that, if the contrast isn't sufficient, the differences look more like mistakes or ways to use up a random stash of wood.

[Russianwolf]

What kind of look are you going for? That will kind of help you determine which woods to consider. I have a lot of requests for red oak dyed black with raised panels and/or tops with curly cherry, curly maple. This lends to a more modern look.

As to your original question of natural red oak and walnut, I would not be a fan of that combo. I think most folks go with the frame/case being dark wood and the contrast being lighter. I am sure there are exceptions, but if you look at the examples posted thus far I believe it backs up my made up theory.

There is an Amish furniture store about a mile from me. Alot of the pieces are Maple frame with Cherry or Walnut as the door panels. Great looking (but way too expensive IMO).

The big thing to me is that one wood should be minimal in use but have something special about it. Straight grain Maple for the main body with Figured Walnut or Cherry as the focal point, such as the Amish pieces I mentioned looks spectacular.

The reverse, Walnut body with Curly Maple panels would make the same inpact. It would just depend on the other furnishing around as to wether it would fit in as a piece, or stand out.

[scorrpio]

Personally, I think that contrasting woods should be used carefully. That is, I would not use more than two contrasting woods for 'large' parts. I.E. oak frames/walnut panels/cherry drawers would be a no-no. A third color is good for small details like stringing, inlay, accents, pulls, etc.

[Russianwolf]

Proof that too much of a good thing is a bad thing IMHO.


http://cgi.ebay.com/New-Hard-Maple-a...QQcmdZViewItem

[onedash]

that sounds like an awfully HUGE computer desk. the one I am making now is ~2'x4'. I know its kinda small but im going to put the computer in one of the pedestals and I have an LCD monitor so I don't need tons of room. our big one has become a place to pile all kinds of junk on now.