Miniot: Working with Many Wood Types
Miniot uses wood species from around the world, including walnut, maple, mahogany, oak, padouk, wengé, cherry, lauro faya, zebrano (zebra wood) and teak. They also experiment with other woods such as beech, purpleheart, African blackwood and rosewood. The firm uses only the finest wood species available, sourced from well-managed forests that are FSC-certified.
"Hardwood is important for the creation of our products," Kolkman notes. "Its characteristics are essential for us to make the designs in the way we do. This is very fine woodworking and there are variable challenges that we encounter."
"Next to the technical part, there is a strong motivation to choose wood types which are attractive and distinctive. We look at the grain, features, color, darkness and feeling of the wood to determine whether they are suitable to be used for our Miniot Collection," he adds.
Working with many wood types requires skill, knowledge and above all, patience. "After working with all of the various wood types for a few years, we have become experienced with the differences, and are able to adapt our techniques as necessary," says Kolkman. "For example, wengé is a strong wood type but splinters are also common. When there is a soft stripe adjacent to a more firm stripe, it makes it difficult to polish these evenly."
"But there is no best wood," says Remijnse. "It even depends per piece of wood how it reacts to the varnish. That's the challenge but also the fun of working with wood. We generalize the wood types internally but always have exceptions which are easier, difficult or suddenly react differently to our handling because of different moisture conditions, or other light exposure."
Among consumers, walnut is a "loved wood," according to members of the Miniot team. Walnut is very workable and Miniot's artisans take pride in ensuring that the cases, covers and sleeves they create fit on a device like a glove on a hand.
Frequently asked questions
What wood species does Miniot use in its products?+
Miniot uses wood species from around the world, including walnut, maple, mahogany, oak, padouk, wengé, cherry, lauro faya, zebrano (zebra wood) and teak. They also experiment with other woods such as beech, purpleheart, African blackwood and rosewood.
Where does Miniot source its wood?+
Miniot uses only the finest wood species available, sourced from well-managed forests that are FSC-certified.
Why does Miniot prefer working with hardwood?+
Hardwood is important for the creation of Miniot's products because its characteristics are essential for making the designs the way they do. The firm performs very fine woodworking that requires hardwood's qualities.
What are the challenges of working with wengé wood?+
Wengé is a strong wood type, but splinters are common. When there is a soft stripe adjacent to a more firm stripe, it makes it difficult to polish these evenly.
How does Miniot choose which wood types to use?+
Beyond technical considerations, Miniot selects woods that are attractive and distinctive. They evaluate the grain, features, color, darkness and feeling of the wood to determine suitability for the Miniot Collection.
Which wood is most popular with Miniot's customers?+
Walnut is a 'loved wood' among consumers, according to the Miniot team. It is very workable, and Miniot's artisans take pride in ensuring their cases, covers and sleeves fit on a device like a glove on a hand.