Wood is not merely a material — it is the living soul of every piece we build. The grain, the warmth, the weight underfoot. Choosing correctly is the first and most important decision in bespoke furniture.
At Chicco Thuli, we work with a carefully curated selection of South African and international hardwoods. Each species carries its own character: how it takes a finish, how it ages, how it responds to Johannesburg's seasonal humidity shifts. Understanding these differences helps you make an informed decision about what will live in your home for generations.
South African Hardwoods We Love
Kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis)
Often called the king of South African timbers, kiaat has a warm reddish-brown tone that deepens beautifully with age and sunlight. Its interlocked grain makes it exceptionally strong and resistant to warping — ideal for dining tables, headboards, and statement shelving. It takes oil finishes exceptionally well, developing a rich patina over time that mass-produced furniture simply cannot replicate.
Meranti
A slightly lighter, more affordable hardwood, meranti offers excellent workability without sacrificing durability. We often use it for bedroom furniture and built-in wardrobes where a cleaner, more contemporary grain pattern suits the brief. It accepts stain evenly, making it versatile for any colour palette.
Saligna (Blue Gum)
Grown abundantly in South Africa's commercial forests, saligna is an ethical, sustainable choice. Its fine grain and density make it suited to outdoor furniture and heavy-use dining pieces. Left unsealed outdoors it silvers gracefully; sealed and oiled indoors, it holds a clean contemporary tone.
"The right timber doesn't just hold the piece together — it tells the story of where it came from, and where it's going."
What to Consider When Choosing
- How will it be used? High-traffic dining tables and desks need dense, hard-wearing species. Decorative side tables can use softer, more expressive grains.
- Where will it live? Outdoor pieces need naturally weather-resistant species or species treated for UV and moisture.
- What finish do you prefer? Oil finishes let the natural grain breathe and require periodic re-oiling. Lacquer gives a durable surface but reduces the tactile quality of raw wood.
- Sustainability. We always source from responsible suppliers. Kiaat can be CITES-restricted — we ensure all timber is legally and ethically sourced.
- Budget. Premium hardwoods like kiaat cost more but last significantly longer. We guide every client through the true cost-per-year calculation.
Our Process
When you commission a piece with us, we bring timber samples to your consultation. You feel the weight, see the grain under your room's actual light, and make the decision with full confidence. No guessing from a swatch card — just the real material in your hand.
This is one of the privileges of bespoke: you know exactly what will be in your home before a single joint is cut. Our workshop in Johannesburg sources timber regularly from trusted suppliers, and we're happy to discuss the journey from forest to your living room.
Ready to Start?
Whether you have a specific timber in mind or want guidance from our team, reach out. We offer free consultations for all bespoke commissions — helping you choose the right material, the right finish, and the right form for your space.
