The Beauty of Wood: Exploring Our Favourite Timbers (and Why They Pair Perfectly with Resin)
At The Woodyard Ockeridge, while our stunning epoxy resin pours often steal the show, the true soul of every piece we create lies in the natural timber we meticulously select. It's the grounding element, the canvas upon which the resin artistry unfolds, and it brings an unparalleled warmth and organic beauty to your space. We have a deep respect for wood's inherent character, and we love exploring how different species tell their own unique story, especially when paired with the vibrant clarity of resin.
Let's dive into some of our favourite timbers and discover why they're perfectly suited for our bespoke creations:
Oak: The Enduring Classic
Oak is a timeless choice, renowned for its strength, durability, and distinctive grain patterns. Its inherent robustness makes it ideal for everything from grand dining tables to sturdy coffee tables. When paired with epoxy resin, oak's prominent grain truly comes alive, creating a beautiful contrast with clear or subtly pigmented resin. The resin often highlights the natural fissures and contours within the oak, turning them into fascinating rivers of colour or glassy windows into the wood's core.
Oak and Obsidian Black Epoxy Resin
Yew: Wild Character and Rich Hues
Yew is truly special. Its wood is celebrated for its dramatic, often irregular grain and incredible variations in colour, ranging from creamy sapwood to rich, reddish-brown heartwood. Yew slabs naturally lend themselves to "live edge" designs, where the organic edge of the tree is preserved. This wild character makes yew an incredible partner for resin, as the epoxy can fill its unique crevices and voids, enhancing its rustic charm while providing a smooth, functional surface. Pieces crafted with yew often become immediate focal points.
English Yew and Gunmetal Grey Epoxy Resin
Cherry Wood: Warmth and Gentle Grain
Cherry wood offers a softer, more uniform grain than oak or yew, coupled with a beautiful reddish-brown hue that deepens wonderfully with age. Its understated elegance provides a warm, inviting foundation for resin. With cherry, the resin acts as a complementary element, allowing the wood's natural beauty to shine through, perhaps with a clear river down the middle, or a subtle, translucent colour that echoes the wood's warmth. It’s perfect for those seeking a sophisticated yet approachable aesthetic.
Rippled Cherry Wall Art
Sweet Chestnut: A Unique, Rustic Appeal
Sweet chestnut is another fantastic timber we enjoy working with, particularly for its unique character. It often features a more open grain and can have interesting variations, making each piece distinct. Like oak, it's a robust wood that pairs beautifully with resin, especially when aiming for a more rustic or contemporary industrial look. The resin can highlight the natural textures and bring out the subtle nuances within the wood, creating a striking contrast.
Live Edge Sweet Chestnut and Bronze Epoxy Resin
The Perfect Partnership
Regardless of the species, the magic truly happens when these magnificent timbers meet our high-quality epoxy resin. The resin doesn't just fill; it magnifies. It protects and preserves the wood's natural beauty while adding a layer of depth, colour, or clarity that transforms a simple slab into a functional work of art. From the dramatic bronze pours complementing sweet chestnut to the vibrant purples dancing with oak, each combination is carefully considered to bring out the best in both materials.
We invite you to explore our collections and see how the timeless beauty of natural wood, elevated by the artistry of epoxy resin, can bring unparalleled character and charm to your home.
