All Canwood furniture is manufactured in SOLID PINE. And not just any pine
will do. It must be LODGEPOLE PINE, a hardy slow-growth variety of the pine
species which is plentiful in the interior of British Columbia. Lodgepole Pine
is characterized by its attractive light colour, small tight knots and ultra
fine grain. These characteristics, and excellent machining qualities, suit it
ideally to fine furniture. As a matter of interest, Lodgepole was named by the
First Nations people. Since it grows straight and tall, is strong and
lightweight, it was the perfect material for their winter "lodges".
Optimum moisture content
After drying in our computer-controlled kilns to a moisture content of 8%, the
manufacturing process begins in a climate controlled environment which ensures
that the finished product will be resistant to cracking and warping.
"Warm amber patina"
One of the other interesting characteristics of Lodgepole Pine is its tendency
to mellow over time. In fine antique furniture, the finish is sometimes
described as having developed a patina. At Canwood, we refer to this natural
aging process as the development of a "warm amber patina". So a customer can be
assured that a piece which they buy in six months' time will "catch up" to the
piece they are buying today. Or the area that has been concealed under a lamp
base, for example, will catch up to the colour of the surrounding area. This
beautiful evolution distinguishes a natural product from the paper or foil
finishes commonly applied to particle board furniture.
Environmentally sound
At Canwood, we carefully source our pine from producers which follow sound
reforestation practices since we want this beautiful raw material to be around
for future generations as well. Nature also contributes to the process of
regeneration. Pine cones laden with seed drop to the forest floor year after
year. It takes a forest fire to begin a new cycle of life. Only when each pine
cone reaches 50C. can it burst and free its precious seeds.
