arcwick08 Posted September 24, 2010 Report Share Posted September 24, 2010 I'm doing a small dresser for my niece. Box is all BB ply, with solid birch on the edging. I was thinking about adding some trim in a contrasting or complimenting wood though. Anyone have particularly good experience pairing birch with another species? It is a pretty vanilla wood, so I know there are many possibilities...just look for some input! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jlloydparks Posted September 24, 2010 Report Share Posted September 24, 2010 Cherry and Walnut make good companions to birch. They will bring some color and contrast to the party without overwhelming the piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Trace Posted September 25, 2010 Report Share Posted September 25, 2010 A contrasting wood can make or break a project. I would suggest that the contrasting wood be not too dark and be used spareingly. Too much and that is what you see. As an example, a white tile floor with black grout, the black grout stands out. Birch, when finished properly needs very little adornment. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lucas Posted September 25, 2010 Report Share Posted September 25, 2010 I would suggest walnut as well.. I find when you finish solid birch, it has a tendency to darken a bit which goes nicely with walnut. Use it in moderation though, you don't want the accent wood to over power the piece. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
muddlermike Posted September 25, 2010 Report Share Posted September 25, 2010 I agree with cherry and walnut - readily available and relatively cheap compared to exotics - but it also all depends on where you plan to use the contrasting wood. If it's just going to be small details like a drawer pull, then you might want something more contrasting like wenge, ebony, cocobolo, mahogany, or purpleheart to really make it stand out. But if you're talking drawer fronts then a smoother contrast like cherry would probably look better. just curious, where do you plan to use the contrasting wood? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
iSawitFirst Posted September 25, 2010 Report Share Posted September 25, 2010 A medium to light brown wood might be nice, like Mahogany or Sapele with a clear finish. Or an even lighter wood like Chestnut, Pecan, Juniper, Apple or Pear. Figured woods might be quarter sawn Silky Oak, Light cream and medium red-brown ribboned straight grain with Light to medium tan radials. Or Brazilian Lacewood. Gorgeous! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
arcwick08 Posted September 27, 2010 Author Report Share Posted September 27, 2010 mike, depends on how intense a contrast I go with. Anything from just corner moldings and drawer pulls, to the drawer fronts and the base boards. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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