Man Caves and Exotic Woods
Rack 'Em Up!
RACK 'EM UP!
No man cave is really complete without a billiards table with rails of Carpathian elm burl (Ulmus spp.) or African shedua (Guibourtia ehie) and inlaid mother-of-pearl accents. In fact, there are dozens of woods used in these custom cues: cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa) can be seen in a kaleidoscope of different colors ranging from yellow, orange, red and shades of brown with streaks of black and purple, or the yellowish brown body and dramatic striping of bocote (Cordia spp.). For pool sharks who prefer solid black, then ebony (Diospyros spp.) is the perfect choice.
The attraction to wenge is the stunning, natural color range from dark brown to black, which helps accentuate steel and other colors. "Dark colors are currently what drive the import of exotic wood," Creekmore says.
RIP MAN CAVES?
According to LA Times writer Adam Tschorn in a March 2012 commentary titled, 'Death of the Man Cave (1992-2012)', the "safe house for the Y chromosome is no longer safe." He writes that the term man cave became so overused that it lost any meaning, even spawned the term 'mom cave' with Martha Stewart overtones, then suffered what he considers a fatal blow with the inclusion of a man cave at the 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show.
Frequently asked questions
What exotic woods are used for billiards table rails in man caves?+
Billiards tables designed for man caves often feature rails made of Carpathian elm burl (Ulmus spp.) or African shedua (Guibourtia ehie), frequently accented with inlaid mother-of-pearl.
Which exotic woods are commonly used to make custom pool cues?+
Custom pool cues are made from dozens of woods, including cocobolo (Dalbergia retusa), which ranges from yellow and orange to red and brown with black and purple streaks, and bocote (Cordia spp.), known for its yellowish brown body and dramatic striping. For players who prefer solid black, ebony (Diospyros spp.) is used.
Why is wenge wood popular in man cave design?+
Wenge is valued for its stunning natural color range from dark brown to black, which helps accentuate steel and other colors in a space.
What is currently driving the import of exotic wood?+
According to Creekmore, dark colors are currently the primary driver behind the import of exotic wood.
Why did the LA Times declare the 'death of the man cave' in 2012?+
LA Times writer Adam Tschorn argued in a March 2012 commentary that the term 'man cave' had become so overused it lost meaning, even spawning a 'mom cave' variant with Martha Stewart overtones. He considered its inclusion at the 2012 Philadelphia International Flower Show a fatal blow.