Hardwoods
Thacker Caskets, Inc. offers a wide variety of solid hardwood caskets in every price range, and inclusive of all of today’s popular furniture species. From hand polished lacquer finishes to warm satin hues—from rich velvet hand-sewn interiors to economical hand shirred crepe fabrics—Thacker Casket’s hardwood selection has everything to meet your needs.
- SOLID WALNUT
- SOLID MAHOGANY
- SOLID CHERRY
- SOLID MAPLE
- SOLID OAK
- SOLID PECAN
- SOLID PINE
- SOLID POPLAR
- VENEER
BLACK WALNUT - This nut bearing tree is common from Southeast Ontario through the Eastern US, and as far west as Iowa and Missouri. Walnut trees grow to 150 feet high, and can have trunks 6 feet in diameter. American colonists loved the Black Walnut tree as a source of flavorful nuts, rich brown wood, and dies. America once boasted “oceans” of Black Walnut trees. These were harvested by the millions to furnish colonial homes. The distinctive swirling grain, uniform texture, and deep rich hues made it a favorite of cabinetmakers. Many of today’s most cherished antiques were crafted from Walnut 100 or more years ago. It was also used for paneling in the finest homes and estates. Walnut is versatile. It machines well, and is actually stronger than Oak. In World War I, Black Walnut was used to make airplane propellers, and it has found consistent use for gunstocks. Today, Walnut’s popularity has waned in favor of lighter color, more readily available woods like Oak and Cherry. Still, for many, Walnut ranks as “America’s premier cabinet wood”.
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| Executive Satin Finish |
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MAHOGANY—When consumers think of finely crafted, elegant furniture for their home they often turn to Mahogany. Mahogany’s tight, fine grain and easy workability has made it a cabinetmaker favorite for centuries. Classic furniture makers of yesteryear such as Chippendale, Sheraton, and Hepplewhite, chose Mahogany for their Masterpieces. There are many species of Mahogany. Khaya Ivorensis is the most often used West African Mahogany, and, some say, the only true Mahogany. Honduran Mahogany is also sought, and has many of the fine properties of African Mahogany. Growing primarily in jungles and swamps, Mahogany is naturally resistant to rot and deterioration. As such, Mahogany is also used for boat building. Mahogany trees are majestic stretching 60 to 80 feet before the first branch. Today, Mahogany is an important cash crop for many countries. About 14% of all furniture is crafted from Mahogany. The Mahogany that we utilize for caskets comes from carefully managed tree farms. The Mahogany is harvested like a crop—rain forests are not impacted. New technology enables a Mahogany tree to grow from seedling to full maturity in only 80 years.
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| Parliament | Envoy |
AMERICAN BLACK CHERRY—Cherry’s popularity in the US has grown consistently for the last two decades. Today, Cherry accounts for approximately 20% of all furniture produced in America—second only to oak. While Cherry has been a valued cabinet wood since colonial times, it reached new heights of popularity with the Shaker communities. Cherry’s salmon colored wood coupled with its wonderfully swirling grain patterns make it a logical choice for those seeking truly elegant furnishings that “show off” Cherry’s natural appeal. Cherry works easily and translates well in such diverse products as sleigh beds, gunstocks, armoires, caskets, and musical instruments. Cherry’s veneer is highly valued. Since the wood turns well, Cherry is also used for toys, boat trim, and grandfather clocks. Cherry grows from Southeastern Canada across the Eastern United States. Pennsylvania is a leading supplier of Cherry wood along with Michigan and West Virginia.
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| Heritage | Bradley | Alleghany |
HARD MAPLE—Sometimes referred to as rock or sugar maple, this tree flourishes in Canada and across the Eastern US. Maple’s hard surface makes it scratch resistant…perfect for use for flooring, gymnasiums, and bowling alleys. Because of its closed grain, Maple also accepts a beautiful shine. Maple trees average 85 feet tall but they can reach to over 125 feet. Early American settlers chose maple to craft beautiful colonial furniture. While Maple’s grain is often muted, distinctive grain patterns such as birds-eye, fiddleback, and tiger stripe can be found. These rare woods are highly valued by cabinetmakers and a part of Maple’s unique personality.
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| Laurel |
RED OAK—Red Oak is one of America’s most abundant and easily recognizable hardwoods. More American furniture is made from Oak then any other wood specie—over 30%. Man’s long love affair with Oak is well documented. English Kings were traditionally buried in coffins of Solid Oak. Thick Oak planks, so strong that cannon balls bounded off them, were used to make the USS Constitution, “Old Ironsides”. Oak's slow growth gives it a distinctive grain pattern so appreciated by today’s consumer. Oak’s pronounced grain gives Oak furniture a casual, country, and almost nostalgic feel. Red Oak is dense, strong, and a challenge for the wood worker. Much of the Red Oak we use today comes from the forests of the Ohio Valley, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, and North Carolina.
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| Regal Oak | Oakwood | Norwood Oak |
PECAN—Pecan derives its name from the famous Indian of the Algonquin tribe, Peccan. The tree grows primarily in the Southern United States in the Mississippi Valley, and the river valleys of Texas, and Oklahoma. While a single pecan tree can produce 500 pounds of nuts per year, the wood is highly sought for use today in flooring, furniture, and paneling. Pecan is closely related to hickory. Its great strength makes it a perfect choice for tool handles, ladder rungs, and sporting goods. Pecan is not subtle. Its bold grain, streaks, and natural peck marks give Pecan a rustic, “down home” look. This may explain Pecan’s growing popularity for use in making kitchen cabinets.
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| Pelham |
EASTERN WHITE PINE—Known as the “Monarch of the Forest”, Eastern White Pine grows all over the Northeast and Canada. This stately tree can grow to a height of 220 feet, and more. Early American colonists used full Pine logs for ship masts. Later, Pine was utilized for furniture, clapboards, wainscoting, coffins, and flooring. Cabinetmakers favor Eastern White Pine because it is durable, easy to work, and takes an attractive finish. Today, Pine is favored by those seeking a rustic, natural appearance. Pine’s grain is naturally punctuated by its characteristic knots and rich texture. Even when finished, Pine retains a mildly resinous, pleasant odor. Lightweight and versatile, Pine remains a popular furniture choice that spans the generations.
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| Country Pine |
EASTERN POPLAR—Like its close relatives cottonwood, and willow (salix) Eastern Poplar is common from Quebec to North Florida and west to the Great Plains. It is most often found growing along the banks of rivers, and lakes and can form extensive groves. Poplar, while a softer wood, is a deciduous hardwood. It grows very quickly to over 100 feet and often features a massive trunk 3-4 feet in diameter. The name Poplar is derived from the Roman “populus” meaning “people’s tree”. Poplar has long been considered the tree of the common man. Being plentiful, relatively inexpensive, easy to work, and able to accept an attractive finish home-made Poplar furniture graced many colonial homes and cabins. While not as strong or visually appealing as the better known hardwoods, poplar is still used today when economy and utility are paramount.
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| Vista | Pieta | Fairfax |
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| Chesterfield | Monticello | Sirus |
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| Nashua |
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| Westward | Longkay |
