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Buying the right size
Next to choosing a color, the most important decision in
designing an
ottoman tray is choosing a size. The most frequently
asked question is, "...should I buy a tray that is
exactly the same size as my ottoman. The answer is
usually, no!
A too
large ottoman tray, will become a nuisance
rather than a beautiful piece of functional furniture.
Although you may want to cover the entire ottoman top
with wood, it is generally not the best choice.
Many
ottomans are slightly taller (crowned) in the middle and
slop e
off gently toward the edges. If this is true of your
ottoman and you purchase a tray that extends all the way
to the edge, then your tray will balance on the high
spot in the middle and can tilt side to side as weight
is applied near the edges. Even worse, it could spin on
the ottoman if the corners are snagged by loose
clothing.
SIZE RECOMMENDATION: We
recommend leaving a minimum of 2" between the
edge of the ottoman and the edge of the tray. It should
be even further from the edge if your ottoman has a very
pronounced crown. This means that the tray length and
width dimensions should be a minimum of 4 inches
shorter than the corresponding dimensions of your ottoman. After all, you
paid a lot for that ottoman, don't hide it.
Construction Quality
Our handmade trays are original designs, created of
hand selected hardwoods by dedicated artisans.
We take great pride in the the
technical and artistic quality
of our work. Our shop is geared
to build individual trays in the
artisan method rather than mass
producing trays for the retail
market. The wood used in our
shop is hand selected from
premium materials and where
possible, each tray is built
from the same board to ensure
color matching and wood
compatibility.
Every
Mango Road tray is hand made by a single artisan to our
exacting quality standards. Mango Road trays are made of
100% real wood and constructed with furniture joinery
with longevity designed into each tray. Our finishes are
chosen for beauty and durability and chosen with
environmental concern in mind. We sand the corners and
install heavy felt on the bottom to protect your
valuable furniture.
We make
each tray individually in the true craftsman method
which makes every piece a unique original.
Wood characteristics
Every
wood species has its own density and grain
characteristics. Some are heavier wood and display
greater dent resistance. Some have tighter grain and
smoother surfaces making for a glossier more formal
finish. Of course all species have color characteristics
that are generally consistent. We provide a color guide
(wood
color chart)
for your convenience. however, due the poor color
handling characteristics of PC monitors (even new ones),
if color is highly critical, please call us to discuss
the colors available before placing an order.
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Choosing a wood color
Mango
Road trays are made of solid wood and quality matching
veneers. We do not use secondary softwoods or fiberboard
in any of our products. Each board is hand selected and
color matched in each tray for beauty and quality. With
only 2 exceptions (Nantucket series and black
lacquered finishes), our trays are finished by
highlighting the natural color of the wood with a
water-clear tray finish that provides protection and
shine. Our goal is to make each tray showcase the color
and grain that nature gave to the particular tree from
which each tray was created. Unlike products that are
mass produced factory, our artisan shop products are
handmade, one tray at a time, and no stains, dyes or
other colorants are used to cover poor wood
characteristics and construction practices or to try and
create identical trays. This means that there will be
variations in tray coloration from tray to tray and your
tray will be a unique and natural creation.
Almost
all wood species will change color after milling and
sanding to some degree. Freshly milled wood is sensitive
to light and oxygen, some species more than others.
Cherry is extremely photosensitive as is Purple Heart.
Freshly milled Cherry may be almost blonde in color the
day it is manufactured into a tray. But after a few
weeks exposure to sunlight it will become darker and
deeper in tone, sometimes as much as 6-8 shades darker.
Cherry will continue to darken for decades eventually
reaching a deep brownish-red. Purple heart is gray when
freshly milled, but turns a bright purple in a matter of
hours. The purple continues to darken over the next few
months. When new, these highly photosensitive woods
should never have objects permanently left on them for
at least the first few month unless you want the tray to
have an indelible negative impression of the object left
on the wood surface. The effect is the same as writing
your name in sun block on someone's skin while they are
sunbathing.
Mahogany and Walnut are on the other end of the color change
scale.
Mahogany will begin to darken after a few months, but
can take many decades to achieve the dark red-brown
associated with true antique furniture. Black Walnut
actually will lighten in color to a beautiful golden
honey over time. But don't worry, it can take centuries
to see that change.
If you
have any questions about the wood we use or about our
trays, please ask. We will usually answer e-mail
(customshop@mangoroad.com) within 4 hours, or you
can call (1.866.626.4660) and ask to talk with the
custom shop. We will be happy to talk with you.
Of
course we also build
custom trays. So if you don't see
your tray on our web store, just
contact us and we will
be happy to quote a custom tray to your specifications.
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