See the finish in your own room
Natural wood varies in grain and color. A monitor or phone can shift the appearance of both the wood and its finish. Compare physical samples in the lighting where your finished product will be used, including daylight and your usual room lighting.
Compare two finishes on each sample
Choose a wood species and two broad-face finishes for each square sample. The kit starts with four samples; you can add more and choose different combinations. A matching cross-cut edge and rip-cut edge show how each face finish looks across the grain and along it. Small brass edge markers identify the edges that match a face. These markers are separate from the optional decorative inlays.
Natural wood or an opaque finish
Clear varnish, linseed oil and tinted varnish let the selected wood remain visible. Grain, pores and end grain can give the same finish a different appearance on different species. Satin black, piano black and piano red are opaque finishes where offered; the selected product configurator identifies the available colors and wood-species behavior. The sample kit offers a black-finish comparison sample with piano black on one face and satin black on the other.
Compare decorative inlays
Ebony and polished brass inlays sit at opposite ends of the sample rather than around all four sides. Select the inlay combination and whether it appears on one face or both faces. Comparing both materials on the same finish helps you choose a combination for your finished product. The live configuration tally shows the surcharge for your selection.
Samples first, coasters afterward
Use the samples to choose materials and finish before ordering a wood product. Their square coaster size gives them a second use afterward. Each full $100 of paid sample-kit merchandise earns $50 of credit toward a qualifying future wood purchase. Review the kit listing for the current configuration total, credit details and lead time.
Apply your choices to the finished product
Use the species and finish controls on the product listing to configure the build. Available joinery, edge profiles, inlays and handles depend on the product. For a custom layout or a detail outside the menu, contact Rasterdeck to discuss it before ordering.