Where indicated in the product description, items are available in your choice of either new or recycled wood. New wood is redwood or cedar selected for it's warmth and grain pattern.
Recycled wood gives the satisfaction of knowing that a resource was not wasted. This wood may have nail holes, rust streaks, worm holes, distress marks, or other imperfections. Also, it has a color and patina not available in new wood. This allows it to fit immediately into the timelessness of the Japanese garden. It has a higher price because of the greater time and care required to prepare. Customers who have received the recycled items have judged the product worth the price. All woods eventually mellow to a soft silvery gray when used outdoors.
Sometimes our customers are not sure what to request. We will work with you on this. Just send in comments about your setting, i.e., where the piece will be used, your favorite features in the garden, or a particular feature (such as a pond, stream, pine grove, etc.) you want to call attention to. We will forward to you the recommended wording and how it might look in Japanese.
If you have a favorite Japanese haiku or a prized calligraphy item, send us a copy and we can carve it for you.
For selected items we offer three options of wood finish. Please indicate your choice on the order form:
Freshly sanded redwood and cedar have subtle and interesting color and grain patterns. Over time, like all woods, they will darken to a silvery gray color. There will be some checking, or gradual erosion of the surface. Not available for posts. We recommend this potion for recycled items, in order to present the patina best.
Makes a slight change to color and grain appearance. Posts come with this finish. Also recommended for benches. In time, the preservative becomes fully transparent and the original wood colors show through.
Nothing finer for wood. Brings out grain patterns and the natural warmth of redwood. Finish is a soft patina. Recommended for interior use only.
all our colors are matched to similar shades used by Kyoto signmakers. On Japanese signs, black predominates, followed by white and then other colors. Color can be effective in creating a mood.