| Rustic decor is as popular now as it has been for | | | | rustic decor such as picture frames, candle holders, |
| generations. Rustic style decor appeals to those who | | | | mirror frames, wine racks and more. Quaking Aspen, |
| have a deep appreciation of the great outdoors and | | | | the western species commonly found in the Rocky |
| want to bring a feeling of this rugged beauty into | | | | Mountains of North America is famous for the striking |
| their homes. | | | | color change of it's leaves in the fall. Aspen trees |
| The most common theme found in rustic decorating | | | | grow in stands of clones, meaning they are |
| is the use of natural wood. Some common types of | | | | genetically identical and share a common root system. |
| wood that are found in rustic homes include Pine, | | | | They need full sunlight to thrive, making them |
| Aspen, Oak and Maple. Two popular types of Pine | | | | intolerant to shade. Without the help of naturally |
| used in wood paneling, furniture and fencing are | | | | occurring wildfires, Aspen stands have been on the |
| Northern White Cedar and Western Red Cedar. | | | | decline. Forest fires, while unpopular with people, are |
| Northern White Cedar is the lightest commercial | | | | important to the ecosystem. This is where careful, |
| wood in the U.S. Found in primarily in Southeastern | | | | controlled harvesting of trees like Aspen can actually |
| Canada and Northeastern United States, this type of | | | | help restore the natural population in the absence of |
| wood is naturally resistant to decay and insect | | | | wildfires, which are hard to control. |
| infestation. It has an appealing creamy white color | | | | Deformities on wood can actually enhance its |
| that will weather to a beautiful silvery gray if left | | | | appearance. This is the case with burl wood, a rare, |
| untreated. It glues well, holds paint well and like all | | | | highly sought after material for rustic furniture |
| cedar wood, has a wonderful natural aroma. This | | | | makers. Burl wood is formed by a growth commonly |
| makes Northern White Cedar an excellent choice for | | | | found on tree trunks, branches and roots that cause |
| rustic diningroom, livingroom and bedroom furniture. | | | | the grain to grow in a deformed way. Mold or insect |
| Western Red Cedar is another common wood used | | | | infestations are the most common cause for this |
| for rustic decor because of its beautiful natural red | | | | condition which is found on species such as |
| color and its resistance to weather. This makes it a | | | | Redwood, Spruce, Walnut and Maple. This deformity |
| great choice for garden furniture such as arbors and | | | | results in spectacular patterns that make unique and |
| trellises. Like Northern White Cedar, Western Red | | | | stunning rustic furniture. |
| Cedar is easy to work with and has one of the | | | | No matter what type of wood one prefers, the |
| longest life spans of any North American softwood. | | | | natural beauty of wood never goes out of style. |
| Aspen is another softwood known for its beautiful | | | | While natural wood is dominate in rustic decorating, it |
| white color. Aspen is a popular wood used to make | | | | can be found in many other decorating styles as well. |