February 27, 201214 yr I am beginning to cut joints and assemble two nightstands made primarily of red oak. I have quite a collection of different woods and am looking for suggestions for a complimentary wood for the drawer fronts. I have considered tiger maple but the grains are too different. I have narrowed down a few choices but am interested to hear what other woodworkers have to say. So let me know what you think. I have about 17 or 18 different species and have access to scores more.Adam WelkerRed Car Construction and Fine Woodworking
February 27, 201214 yr If you are looking for similar grain pattern Elm, Ash, or Butternut for domestics.As you have 18 different choices I'd lay a bunch out and  play the what looks best game with it.Don't be afraaid to mix up different species, colors, and grain patterns. you'd be suprised how well a thin random piece of maple looks when inserted into a walnut panel. You could even insert it in a wavey or arc shape.Round Barn WoodCrafts, Plymouth WIroundbarnwoodcrafts@hotmail.com
February 27, 201214 yr Author Ash was one of my choices. I also have a nice piece of wenge that could maybe work. The grain pattern is important to me and I rarely work with oak. John Hechel said:If you are looking for similar grain pattern Elm, Ash, or Butternut for domestics. As you have 18 different choices I'd lay a bunch out and  play the what looks best game with it. Don't be afraaid to mix up different species, colors, and grain patterns. you'd be suprised how well a thin random piece of maple looks when inserted into a walnut panel. You could even insert it in a wavey or arc shape. Round Barn WoodCrafts, Plymouth WIroundbarnwoodcrafts@hotmail.com
February 27, 201214 yr AdamThe last time I did this, I used a piece of Zebra wood behind the oak that has similar grains and looked really good. The oak drawer fronts were stain dark walnut. These were smaller drawer fronts I did for my grand daughters jewelry case. Other choices would be ash as discussed and possibly hard maple or even some birds eye maple. Depends on exactly what you are looking to achieve. Hope this helps.Wayne MahlerGod bless and protect our troops that serve so we can be free.
February 28, 201214 yr complimentary wood for the drawer fronts With a red oak frame?I'd just start thinking about what I had.  Hold finished bits up the woods up to each other - in the lighting and room where the pieces will live - and think on it. The ambient elements of the room may affect things giving you different effects.
February 28, 201214 yr Adam, as a general rule you want a darker wood then the tone of the main case or dominant species of the project. If you have a lighter species then the dominant species used in the project, it draws the viewers eye to those areas. You dont' want the eye drawn to the trim or accents of the project yet the accents or trim should harmonize with the project. If your using red oak as the dominant, as mentioned here Walnut would be an excellent choice for your accent wood.John MorrisThe Patriot WoodworkerProud Supporter of Wounded Warrior Project and Homes For Our Troops
February 29, 201214 yr Depending on the sawyer's choice (flat, rift or quarter sawn),  you might find some nice walnut that has a similar grain pattern. There would certainly be a color contrast. Lew Kauffman-Wood Turners Forum HostTime traveler. Purveyor of the world's finest custom rolling pins!
March 6, 201214 yr I agree with Lewis. Walnut with rift sawn red oak would be my choice. Gene'The true soldier fights not because he hates what is in front of him, but because he loves what is behind him.' G. K. Chesterton
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