Wood Species Guide
The wood is half the story. We work primarily with South African hardwood species — timber that is dense, beautiful, and built for the demands of daily life.
Choosing the Right Timber for Your Table
Not all wood is the same — and the species you choose for your custom epoxy table will define its character, durability, and how it pairs with resin colour. At De Jager Wood Designs, we work with five carefully selected hardwoods: Saligna, Kiaat, Red Iron Bark, Rosewood and White Oak — sourced and milled in-house at our Benoni saw mill.
Below is a guide to the main species we use in our custom epoxy tables and live edge furniture. Not sure which is right for you? Describe your room and vision — we'll recommend the best match from what's currently in stock.
💬 Get a Species RecommendationSouth African Hardwoods
Saligna
A dense, warm-toned timber with a tight grain that responds beautifully to epoxy pours. One of the most popular choices for river tables in Gauteng because of its natural colour contrast and the wide slab sizes available from our mill.
Kiaat (African Teak)
Rich, reddish-brown with a pronounced grain pattern. Kiaat is one of the most prized South African hardwoods for furniture and adds a luxurious warmth to any epoxy piece. Highly durable and naturally resistant to wear.
Red Iron Bark
One of the hardest and most durable timbers available. Red Iron Bark is dense with a reddish-brown colour and interlocked grain that gives each slab a raw, earthy character. Excellent for heavy-duty custom furniture and pairs beautifully with dark or metallic epoxy pours.
Rosewood
Rich chocolate-brown tones with a fine grain and natural lustre. Rosewood is a premium timber prized for its striking visual depth and warmth. Works exceptionally well with clear or deep amber epoxy for a luxurious result that stands out in any room.
White Oak
A timeless hardwood with a neutral blonde tone and prominent ray fleck patterns. White Oak is highly versatile — it suits both modern Scandinavian and rustic farmhouse styles and pairs beautifully with any epoxy colour, especially ocean blues and forest greens.
The right wood changes everything.
Come in and see the slabs in person — no two are the same.
We'll Help You Choose
Tell us about your space, your colour vision, and your budget — we'll match you with the best species currently available from our Benoni saw mill.