Real Wood Just Feels Better: The Tactile Luxury of Local Materials

This debate should sound familiar to most - that moment when you're choosing between a quick purchase, or an investment in a household staple that will stand the test of time and style. Think, for example, about the need for a new mug set for morning coffees and to act as shelf art for the remainder of the day. Buying from a tasteful box store is easy and fills the void, but investing in handmade pottery from a local ceramics artist just feels different. The aesthetics matter, of course, but how does it feel as your hand hugs that handle nook so effortlessly? With curves clearly handmade with intention by an artist thinking about the way the mug should mold with the coffee-drinker's grasp? 

The same rule applies for wood. Whether you're rolling out dough for a pizza, carrying a spread of charcuterie out to your guests, or resting your forearms on your desk, the tactile connection to real wood with a natural finish just feels better. The smooth properties of the carefully sanded material has a way of making you want to stretch out that rolling process, or take extra care with the artistry of your board display.

To take it a step further, when you know where the tree lived it's life - a truly traceable piece - that connection goes even deeper, as your hands ignite the memory of a place you can imagine and appreciate from afar. 

To ensure the best possible tactile experience, we recommend sticking with an oil, or oil/beeswax finish. This protects the wood, but soaks into the material, meaning your hands are engaging with the wood, not the protective coating, when using the piece in your home. Are these oil/wax finishes as protective as poly options? No. Marks and stains can definitely occur more easily with an oil finish, but refinishing hardwoods is a simple and satisfying practice that can be repeated throughout the lifespan of a hardwood product. Besides, life happens, and that character can also add charm and a human element of unique patina to your furniture. For the trade off of keeping the real wood close to the touch of your hands, trust us, it's worth considering the natural finish.

So is a collection of handmade hardwood items in your home worth the investment and the wait? Simply put - yes. Start small - a rolling pin, a board, a table, and you'll quickly see that the feel of real wood under your hands just feels good.