Vogel
Choosing the right timber for a dining chair is one of the most important decisions you'll make when specifying custom furniture. The species you choose affects the colour, grain, durability and — over time — the patina of the piece. Here is how our timbers compare, and how to pick the right one for your space.
The short answer: we work in three main timbers — Ash (light, our most affordable), Iroko (warm, durable, mid-priced) and American Walnut (rich, dark, premium) — plus Kiaat on request. Ash suits cool, contemporary interiors and bold weave colours; Iroko suits warm rooms and sheltered outdoor use; Walnut is the luxury statement. Here is the detail.
Ash — light, clean and the most affordable
Ash sits at the lighter end of our palette, with a fine, even grain that gives finished pieces a clean, modern quality. It is a hardwood with good density and workability, and it takes stain and coloured finishes more evenly than any of our other timbers — which is exactly why it is our base timber and the starting point for our “from” prices.
Because Ash is light and neutral, it is also the most forgiving choice for statement weave colours. Bold tones — terracotta, navy, forest green — read clearly against Ash without competing with the wood. Ash also carries our full range of finishes, including the cool Ash Medium Grey and a near-black Ash Black.
Best for: modern, minimal or Japandi interiors, and any piece where you want a bold or unusual weave colour to be the hero.
Iroko — warm, tough and naturally durable
Iroko is a robust West African hardwood with a warm golden-brown tone and an interlocked grain that gives it real character. Its natural oils make it unusually resistant to moisture and decay, which is why it is our recommendation for covered patios and sheltered outdoor-adjacent settings — and a genuine, more affordable alternative to teak. It sits in the middle of our range, roughly 5% above Ash.
Iroko deepens beautifully with age, moving from pale golden-brown to a richer, warmer tone. We've written a full guide to Iroko wood if you want to go deeper.
Best for: warm, earthy interiors, sheltered outdoor use, and clients who want teak-like durability without the teak price.
American Walnut — the premium statement
Walnut is our most visually dramatic timber. Its deep chocolate-brown tones, flowing grain and natural lustre create pieces that anchor a room. It is our premium option — roughly 20% above Ash — and it reads as genuinely luxurious.
Walnut looks especially striking against a pale cord weave in cream or stone: the interplay of dark timber and light seat is one of the most elegant combinations we produce. It also works beautifully in warm, tonal schemes with a cognac or camel weave.
Best for: dark, moody or luxury interiors, and hospitality settings where impact is the brief.
Kiaat — the South African favourite, on request
Kiaat (Pterocarpus angolensis) is a warm, honey-golden Southern African hardwood with a medium grain and a beautiful patina that deepens with age. It is a much-loved local timber — but it is a protected species with genuinely constrained supply, so we offer it on request rather than as a standard option, typically for smaller residential orders.
If you have your heart set on Kiaat, talk to us early: we will confirm availability before accepting your order rather than promising a timber we cannot reliably source. Read more in our complete guide to Kiaat wood.
Best for: clients who want a distinctly South African timber for a special residential piece.
How to choose
The simplest framework: start with your interior's overall tone. Cooler, contemporary interiors — whites, greys, blues, pale linens — suit Ash. Warm, earthy interiors suit Iroko or Kiaat. When you want a dark, luxurious statement, choose Walnut. For covered outdoor or high-humidity settings, Iroko is the durable choice — ideally paired with a plastic weave seat.
If you're still unsure, request a sample. We send timber samples to clients and trade professionals anywhere in South Africa, free of charge — seeing the timber in your own space, under your own light, is always the best way to decide.
Ready to choose your timber?
Open any piece to select your timber, finish, weave and colour and see it come together — then request a quote. Or call us and we'll talk you through it.
Browse & customise →Frequently asked questions
Which timber is most durable for dining chairs?
Iroko and American Walnut are our most durable timbers — Iroko for its natural oils and decay resistance, Walnut for its density. That said, Ash is a strong hardwood too, and all our chairs are built to last generations with basic maintenance.
Which is the most affordable timber?
Ash is our most affordable option and the base for all our “from” prices. Iroko is roughly 5% more, and American Walnut roughly 20% more.
What is the best timber for outdoor or patio dining chairs?
Iroko, thanks to its natural oils and decay resistance, is the best choice for covered patios and sheltered outdoor settings. Pair it with a UV-stable plastic weave seat rather than cord for outdoor-adjacent use. No timber is fully maintenance-free outdoors — periodic oiling keeps it at its best.
Do you offer Kiaat, Oak or Teak?
We offer Kiaat on request (subject to availability). We do not work in Oak, Yellowwood, Teak or Mahogany — our range is Ash, Iroko and American Walnut, plus Kiaat when it can be sourced.
Can I request a timber sample before ordering?
Yes — always. We send timber and weave samples to clients and trade professionals anywhere in South Africa, free of charge. Contact us to request yours.
