Hey folks,
I’m doing some accent strips as borders and other designs in our floor. I want something to contrast with the dark red oak that is the main flooring. What would you think about using Aspen as the species for the borders and strips?
My first choice would be Maple but its really hard to find dimensioned in my area. I can get a huge rough chunk but the time required to mill it for the 40-60 linear feet I need is not really feasible.
Think the Aspen would work?
Mike
Replies
As a followup to my own post...
I got a piece of Aspen today and tried it out. NOPE! It just doesn't look good with the oil on it and there is no grain pattern so it doens't go well with the oak. Looks like I'm milling some maple strips. URGH.
Who the hell gives me these ideas for creativity? All they do is cost me time and prolong my completion of this project???
Mike
MikeAspen would be too soft anyway.Maple would look the best but if it is difficult then what about using a darker accent -- Black Walnut, for example?Another alternative would be to use the red oak, cut about 2" long, turned through 90o and with a hardboard inlay either side. Something like the border in this photo
View ImageIDG.
Edited 4/13/2002 4:43:25 PM ET by IanG
Ahhh, also a very good idea. I like the darker accent strip idea. I may just go with it...
Thanks.
Mike
Ian,
Thought you might like to know...I decided to go with some Purple Heart for the borderaccent piece. I was at the yard and saw some that was beautiful and thought it would look quite nice.
I had to mill and plane it down from some 4/4 pieces but I can think of a lot worse things to do than using the saw, joiner and planer for a few hours.
Mike