Wood offers an appealing and unique aesthetic unlike any other building material. Different types of wood display their own unique properties. But even within a single wood type, there are variations from one piece to the next. This uniqueness influences our preference for all-natural sealers rather than wood coatings.
Some craftsmen may not draw a distinction between sealers and coatings. We do. Moreover, Modern Craftsman has made a commitment to only use all-natural sealers. We want to ensure that our use of wood stays true to the natural world as much as possible.
Sealing vs. Coating
Sealers are not normally well-defined on woodworking websites. In light of that, you could be forgiven for assuming that all sealers and coatings are the same. They are not. Moreover, the fact that you can use a variety of materials to finish wood furniture and floors doesn't necessarily imply that all of these materials act as sealers.
A sealer is designed to penetrate the porous surface of the wood, thereby protecting against moisture. Needless to say, wood and moisture do not get along. Unprotected wood is subject to all sorts of problems ranging from rot to pest infestation. Sealer limits such problems.
A wood coating may possess some sealing properties, but its main purpose is aesthetic. Wood products can be coated with varnish, shellac, stain, paint, and more. The one thing they all have in common is their tendency to cover. And when you cover wood, you take away its aesthetic appeal.
Bringing Out Natural Beauty
We believe that building with wood is an opportunity to create pieces that are simultaneously functional and artistic. In light of that, we prefer sealing over coating. Sealing wood protects wood from moisture and brings out its natural beauty at the same time. Sealer also allows wood to age gracefully. So much so, that the aesthetic differences between sealing and coating are truly remarkable.
There is something unique and warm about wood. It makes a space look comfortable and inviting. It encourages you to come inside, sit down, and just be. Unlike other building materials, which can sometimes feel cold and impersonal, wood has a personality all its own. From floors to custom wood décor, you really cannot go wrong using one of nature's most sustainable building materials.
Responsible Wood Artistry
Speaking of sustainability, one of our goals at Modern Craftsman is to source local wood products from producers who approach their businesses from a sustainable mindset. We absolutely love working with wood on a full variety of projects. But we also want to ensure that future generations have just as much access to wood decades from now.
We consider what we do as much artistry as architectural design. We are committed to doing it responsibly. If you have been hoping to partner with a company dedicated to preserving Salt Lake City for future generations, we would be honored by the opportunity to work on your project.
Variety in Products and Finishes
We invite you to take a few minutes to browse our website. You will discover that in addition to wood, we work with other materials as well. We do our best to offer customers a variety of products and finishes. The more choices you have, the greater the chances that you get exactly what you have imagined.
Customers frequently contact us to inquire about what we can design and build. In a word, anything. If you can imagine it, there is a good chance we can create it. Moreover, we work with multiple materials, including wood and concrete. It is ultimately your choice.