Wooden Wind Chimes - Wood beauty

Wooden Wind Chimes - Wood beauty

In wind chime construction, wood is generally used for the mounting plate, the clapper (also called the striker), or the windcatcher. With the exception of bamboo, which is actually a hard grass, it is rarely used for the actual chimes.

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Still, there are many ways in which the wood used for chime construction can have an effect on the sound, amount of care required, and longevity of the chimes that should be considered.

• For outdoor chimes, it is very important to know how the wood has been weatherproofed. For example, Arias immerses their wood in an oil-resin finish two times to ensure total saturation and long-lasting protection.

• The wood used for the clapper should be soft in order to prevent wear on the chimes, for example Grace Note chimes are made from composite lumber, which has a softer impact on the metal tubing, which means a longer life for the chime.

• While sound should be the main factor in choosing a wind chime, appearance is also important. Many of the companies that manufacture wind chimes tend to use the same types of wood for every chime. Some, like Woodstock and J. W. Stannard instead use a variety of different woods for their chimes. It is important to find a chime that is as pleasing to the eye as the ear.

No matter how well the wood is treated, all wood needs care after prolonged exposure to the elements to prevent cracking and wear. Usually, companies send care instructions with the chimes, but there are a few simple solutions to lengthen the life of the chime.

• Hang the chime in a shady area. Prolonged exposure to the sun causes the wood to crack.

• Usually, it is recommended to clean the wooden parts of the chime with a damp cloth. Do not do this if the instructions suggest otherwise. The manufacturers know best about the care of their chimes.

• If outdoor conditions are stormy, bring the chime inside. Storms can damage the chime beyond repair.

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