Here’s a breakdown of the premium hardwoods we use at Fractal Designs Inc—and why they make all the difference.

When it comes to building a custom table, one of the most important decisions you'll make is the type of wood. At Fractal Designs Inc, we offer a range of domestic Canadian hardwoods, carefully selected for their durability, beauty, and long-term performance. Our most popular species include Black Walnut, Wormy Maple, Hard Maple, and White Oak, but we can work with almost any local hardwood you have in mind.

Black Walnut

Rich, bold, and full of character—Black Walnut is a top choice for customers who want something timeless and luxurious. It features deep brown tones, occasional purples or reds, and striking grain patterns that make every piece unique.

• Colour: Dark brown with occasional light sapwood or purple hues
• Style: Great for modern, rustic, or statement pieces
• Durability: Strong and stable, resists warping over time

Whether you’re going for a bold contrast in a light space or an earthy tone in a warm interior, walnut offers unbeatable depth and visual interest.

Wormy Maple

Rustic charm with a smooth finish—Wormy Maple (also called Ambrosia Maple) is known for its beautiful streaks and natural imperfections caused by the ambrosia beetle. Don’t worry—there’s no actual worm damage, just rich character in every board.

• Colour: Creamy white to light brown with streaks of grey, brown, and even red
• Style: Perfect for farmhouse, rustic modern, or nature-inspired pieces
• Durability: Very hard, with extra visual appeal

Wormy Maple is ideal if you want something a little different—still bright and clean like maple, but with added personality and movement in the grain.

Hard Maple

Clean, bright, and incredibly durable, Hard Maple is perfect for those who love a lighter aesthetic. It has a subtle grain and a creamy white tone that fits well in modern, Scandinavian, or minimalist spaces.

• Colour: Pale cream to light tan, sometimes with light streaks
• Style: Ideal for clean, contemporary designs
• Durability: Exceptionally hard and long-lasting

Maple’s smooth texture takes stain beautifully, giving you options if you want to darken it or add tone—though many customers love it natural with a matte finish.

White Oak

Strong, classic, and full of texture, White Oak offers an incredibly versatile grain pattern that suits almost any design style. It's a favorite for farmhouse tables, transitional pieces, and anything built to last a lifetime.

• Colour: Light brown with warm golden or olive undertones
• Style: Pairs well with rustic, industrial, or timeless traditional looks
• Durability: High density and moisture resistance

White Oak is often used in high-end furniture and flooring for good reason—it looks great raw, or finished with oils that bring out its natural warmth.

Other Domestic Hardwoods

While Walnut, Maple, Wormy Maple, and White Oak are our most requested species, we’re happy to work with other locally sourced hardwoods like:

• Red Oak
• Cherry
• Ash
• Elm

Each wood has its own character and charm, and we’ll help you choose the best fit based on your space, style, and preferences.

Let’s Find the Perfect Wood for Your Table

We know choosing a wood species can be overwhelming, especially when every option looks great. That’s why we’re here to help you weigh the pros and cons—and even match the tones to your existing furniture or colour scheme.

Whether you want the bold grain of walnut, the clean simplicity of maple, or the rustic charm of wormy maple, you can trust that every board is hand-selected by our team and built into a table that lasts for generations.

Ready to start your custom build?

Check out our Custom Table Builder or contact us to talk through your vision—we’re always happy to help.