When shopping for lengthy wood products like handrails, you will often hear the phrase "finger-jointed." This refers to an wood material made by bonding smaller pieces of wood together with interlocking, zigzag-shaped joints. While this process is cost-effective it also comes with several potential drawback, especially concerning its appearance.
- Visible joints: The primary aesthetic issue is the presence of repeating finger joints. These create a "patchwork" or "blocky" look that is undesirable for high-end applications like furniture or handrails, where a smooth, continuous wood grain is highly valued.
- Challenges with staining: Staining does not conceal the joints. While solid wood can be beautifully enhanced by a stain that highlights its unique grain, the areas where the pieces are joined will still be visible. The stain can also absorb differently into the adhesive and wood, causing the joint lines to stand out even more.
- Difficulty in sanding: Some finger-jointed products, particularly those of lower quality, can be difficult to sand to a perfectly smooth finish. If the joints are not precisely aligned, the resulting surface may be uneven, leaving a less-than-flawless finish even after sanding.
While finger-jointed wood is an excellent, stable, and cost-effective material for certain applications (especially those that will be painted), its aesthetic limitations make it an unsuitable choice for projects where the natural, continuous beauty of wood is the desired outcome.
At ISP, we exclusively offer non-finger-jointed products. Our non-finger-jointed products provide a premium aesthetic and unmatched quality at a price that is competitive with finger-jointed alternatives.
International Stair Products, Inc.
1628 W. Crosby Road, Ste 109, Carrollton, Texas - 75006
Phone: (469)-453-6744
Email: sales@internaitonalstair.com
