Our Materials

Selecting the right materials for our pieces is essential. We source only the finest-quality lumber, fabrics, leathers, and finishes, and put considerable effort into building relationships with partners whose values and quality align with our own. The wood, fabric, and leather we choose define not just the look of a piece, but how it ages, feels, and lives with you over time. Thos. Moser sources only the finest lumber, textiles, and hides, partnering with suppliers whose standards align with our dedication to durability and beauty. 

Wood Species

As woodworkers, we consider our materials inseparable from the environment. There is no substitute for the character of the wood that comes from a mature tree. Each is a product of its unique habitat, and the grain, color, markings, and variation are a roadmaptree'se tree’s story. No two trees, boards, or pieces of solid wood furniture are identical. Here are some characteristics of the wood we use at Thos. Moser. We work with premium-grade North American hardwoods — predominantly cherry and walnut. On occasion or upon request, we also work with a range of other sustainably sourced American hardwoods. Crafting furniture from different species can impart distinct characteristics. For example, the dark tone of walnut can emphasize form. At the same time, the pronounced grain of ash conjures a more tactile experience, and the darkening of cherry over time may lend a more classic, traditional look and feel. 

Cherry

Cherry wood is beloved for its rich tones, timeless appeal, and ability to develop a deep patina over time. In 1976, cherry became synonymous with the Moser style. Today, it remains the most popular North American hardwood we use when building our furniture. The black cherry tree thrives in cooler, northeast-facing environments with well-drained, fertile soil. With its gentle sloping hillsides, the Allegheny plateau provides the rich, well-drained soil and consistent moisture needed for a cherry tree to send out a pioneering taproot and grow to be nearly 80 ft tall. 

Aging

When freshly cut or sanded, cherry is pale tannish pink, as shown in the first square above. But the wood is rich in resins, particularly prussic acid, which reacts rapidly with sunlight and oxygen. Through oxidation and UV exposure, the color of cherry shifts from a light salmon to a deep, rich auburn — a transformation that can occur in as little as six months and continues to develop over time. Cherry will darken over time, whether or not it receives a coat of oil. However, when oil is applied to fresh cherry, it amplifwood'se wood's depth and color by highlighting tstructure'sucture's reflectivity, giving it a three-dimensional shimmer.  

Walnut

As the only native dark wood in North America, black walnut covers an impressive swath of land extending from southern Ontario to South Dakota, northern Florida, and eastern Texas. Our walnut trees come from the banks of the Missouri River. Here, acidic and loamy soils produce trees that can grow upwards of 2ft a year and reach over 120ft, with an equally impressive canopy when fully mature. 

Aging

Walnut is prized for its rich, bittersweet color range, from chocolate to deep burgundy. When finished with a coat of oil, the rich ripples of espresso and almond become immediately apparent. Unlike cherry, maple, or ash, the walnut ages and lightens in color. This process does not happen as quickly as it does with cherry, but over several years, those deep chocolate hues will mellow into an ambered brown. 

Alternate Wood Species

On occasion and upon request, we work with sustainably harvested ash, maple, and white oak sourced from mills in Maine, New Hampshire, and New York. The northeast produces the finest northern hardwoods in the United States, and we are pleased with the consistently superior quality of the material our trusted partners provide.  

Upholstery

At Thos. Moser, we select upholstery materials with the same care as the woods used to craft your furniture, which is why our leathers and fabrics are warrantied against material defects for five years (please note that we cannot warranty the performance of customer-provided materials). We feature our most popular upholstery and leather options on our website, and if you’re interested in additional colors, prints, or textures, or would like to supply your own fabric, we invite you to arrange a consultation with a sales associate, as the right upholstery choice ultimately reflects both your lifestyle and the aesthetic you want to create. Rub ratings, or double rubs, also known as the Wyzenbeek test, measure how well a fabric stands up to everyday wear through industry-standard abrasion testing, with lower ratings suited to decorative or light-use pieces and higher ratings indicating durability for daily living and high-traffic spaces, helping ensure the right balance of comfort, beauty, and longevity over time. 

Fabric

We carry a vast selection of premium quality fabrics from the world’s leading textile manufacturers. Our design-driven options ensure that you find just the right fit for your style and décor. To assess our many fabric options or to request a swatch, visit your nearest showroom or contact us to arrange a consultation with a sales associate to determine the best choice for you.