Questions & Answers
What is Tulipwood and why do we use it?
Tulipwood is a hardwood and is another name for white poplar.
The grain is very tight and straight and the wood is non-resinous with very few knots.
This makes it an ideal wood for painting because the grain does not show through and any small knots, which might be present, do not ‘bleed’ through the finished paint. The overall painted finish of tulipwood is very pleasing.
Tulipwood grows relatively quickly and it is therefore sustainable and replenishable from managed forests.
Why don't we use pine?
Pine is a softwood and is one of the cheapest woods to use. Historically pine has always been used at the cheapest end of the furniture market.
Pine is very resinous and knotty and has a tendency to continue to ‘bleed’ sap long after it has been made into furniture. It is soft, and easily marks if knocked.
The grain on pine tends to raise when it is painted and it is difficult to achieve a satisfactory, flat finish. Knots will bleed through when pine is painted.
What about using composites like chipboard or MDF?
Most manufacturers use composites (and pine) because they are cheap and not necessarily because they are best for the job. By the very nature of their composition, chipboard and MDF can easily develop ‘stress’ breaks at joints and where hinges are attached. They are also easily susceptible to damp and water damage which are ever present hazards in the kitchen environment
We offer the option to use MDF only in painted door panels, as this is where solid wood would be liable to some shrinkage and paint cracking around the edges.
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