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Colour
Colour is arguably the first thing to consider when selecting timber for appearance. It is best to think in terms of basic colour groups such as blond, brown, red and yellow, then choose an individual species that meets these criteria. Table 7 shows common species grouped according to basic colour categories. These categories are based on common heartwood colours rather than the lighter and less used sapwood. Some degree of variation still exists within the heartwood and so Table 6 is a guide only. Variation can be balanced by grading timber during installation. This provides a more consistent overall appearance compared to randomly placed pieces but requires greater attention to workmanship. Another issue is that timber changes colour slightly on the surface during its serviceable life. Sunlight has a bleaching effect on dark colours and a yellowing effect on blond colours. Weathering has an additional effect on unprotected external timbers causing them to ultimately turn silvery grey in colour. Care should be taken in the selection of applied timber finishes to manage these effects.