solid wood - what is it?
Solid wood is a material that consists entirely of natural wood, without the addition of other materials or layers. This means that the wood comes from a single tree trunk and is not composed of multiple layers or fibers like plywood. There are different types of solid wood:
- Oak
Known for its hardness and durability. It is mainly used for furniture, flooring, or interior design. This is the material we use at G-Desmet. - Maple
A hardwood species known for its light color and smooth finish. - Walnut
A slightly darker wood type, mainly used for furniture and interior finishes.
Solid wood brings a unique charm to any space. The material is naturally beautiful due to its stunning grain patterns and warm appearance. Additionally, its durability is immense. With proper care, solid wood can last for decades, making it an ideal material for furniture and interior design. It is incredibly versatile, stable, and strong. So, the applications? Endless. Bed frames, chairs, bookshelves… whatever you want.
the production process at g-desmet
- Purchasing the Oak Material
The entire process starts with purchasing high-quality oak. We rely on a trusted supplier who provides pre-cut wood. The trees are selected based on health, age, and growth shape by the suppliers, ensuring quality. This is the first and one of the most crucial steps before the wood reaches us.
- Steaming in the Steam Oven
Before the wood can be bent, it needs to become flexible. We achieve this by steaming it in a large steam oven at 100°C. The duration of steaming depends on the thickness and cycle of the wood. The heat and moisture make the material increasingly flexible, allowing it to be bent in the next step without breaking.
- Bending
The wood is placed into the correct mold. The steamed wood is bent into shape. This phase ensures that the wood takes on a new form and allows for precise and even bending according to your wishes—whatever shape you desire. You provide the creative ideas; we bring them to life.
- Cooling
The wood is still hot. We let it cool in another mold. This helps stabilize the new shape while the wood continues to cool and harden.
- Preventing Deformation
To prevent deformation, we add an intermediary piece. This ensures the structural integrity and shape of the bent wood is maintained, preventing any further warping.
These are the 5 major steps in the solid wood production process at G-Desmet. Depending on your desired project, we combine different pieces of wood to create a unique and stylish design. Each piece of wood has its own story.
From carefully selecting the right trees to the precision work in sawing and drying, every phase contributes to the final product’s quality. In a world where many things are quickly and cheaply produced, solid wood reminds us of the value of love, time, and craftsmanship.
Would you like to learn more about this process? Or do you want to know how we can contribute to your idea? We’d love to help! Contact us. Hope to hear from you soon!
