Roasting (also known as “torrefication”) is a process of drying and “cooking” lumber at a series of controlled temperatures and atmospheric pressures to removes water, sugars, and resins from the wood. Cellulose and lignum are left behind. Lignum is the glue that binds the cellulose fibers. This process increases the stability of the wood. Lignum is distributed more consistently throughout the wood, making the wood more stable.

This process results in woods that are weigh less and have increased stability. Roasting brings out the natural figures in the wood throughout the entire piece, not just on the surface. So when we cut bodies and necks from these roasted woods, the underlying wood grains are pronounced.

We love roasted woods, and we think that you will too!

WHAT MAKES ROASTING SO GREAT?

• Roasted woods are warp resistant
• Roasted woods are lighter in weight
• Roasted woods are more clear in tone than non-roasted woods.
• Adds dimensional stability and resistance to temperature and humidity changes. Roasted lumber will not change in size/shape as readily as non roasted woods. This means that your instrument will be less susceptible to changes due to humidity and temperature.
• The beautiful roasted colors are maintained throughout the wood without the use of chemicals.
• Stiffness, strength, and the integrity of the wood are increased.
• Most of these changes are similar to those in naturally aged woods.
• No chemicals are used.

Roasted does have some minor downsides:

• Bending the roasted woods is more difficult than non-roasted woods
• Roasted woods are a bit more brittle and challenging to route and shape

Roasted wood examples:

Non-roasted (click for larger images)	Roasted (click for larger images)