Materials

Here you can learn more about the materials I use. I believe in full transparency when it comes to material use and hope to inspire others to start using natural materials too.

Wood types

The wood I work with is sourced locally from sustainably managed forests in the Minho region in the north of Portugal.

Ash

Strong, flexible, and shock-resistant, making it great for durability and a light, attractive grain. It also finishes beautifully, enhancing its natural pale color and grain pattern.

Oak

Highly durable and moisture-resistant, with a beautiful prominent grain that ages gracefully.Its natural tannins provide resistance to insects and fungal attacks, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use.

Ash wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Ash wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Oak wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Oak wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Chestnut wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Chestnut wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Chestnut

Offers excellent rot resistance and a warm, rustic appearance with a straight grain. It’s highly durable and often used in traditional woodworking and outdoor applications.

Walnut

Is prized for its rich, dark color and fine, straight grain, combining strength with elegant aesthetics. It polishes to a smooth, luxurious finish that highlights its natural beauty.

Cherry

Features a smooth texture and rich reddish tone that deepens over time, valued for its workability and warmth. It also takes stains and finishes exceptionally well, enhancing its natural beauty.

Walnut wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Walnut wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Cherry wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Cherry wood grain can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Aluminium

Aluminium offers excellent rigidity with low weight, reducing unwanted vibrations for cleaner, more accurate sound. Its natural heat dissipation also improves component longevity and stability.

Copper

Copper improves signal clarity and conductivity, reducing distortion in audio playback. Its durability and resistance to corrosion also ensure long-lasting, high-performance sound.

Aluminium material is used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Aluminium material is used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
copper coil for passive crossover
copper coil for passive crossover
Brass material is used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Brass material is used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Brass

Non- toxic, recyclable and beautiful. Also it is non-magnetic so it will not interfere with the working of the drivers in speakers. Used as the main material for many classical instruments.

Metals make up an important part in speaker design, as they are essential in electronic parts like drivers, capacitors, coils, terminals and wiring. They can also be used for aesthetic purposes.

Gold

Gold combines timeless beauty with exceptional performance — its natural luster adds elegance, while its high conductivity ensures reliable, lasting connections.

Silver

Silver’s exceptional electrical conductivity ensures minimal signal loss, delivering clearer, more detailed sound in speakers. Its durability and resistance to corrosion make it ideal for long-lasting, high-performance audio components.

Material gold speaker terminal connector can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Material gold speaker terminal connector can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Material silver wiring can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Material silver wiring can be used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers

Metals

Silicate mineral

Rock forming minerals made up of silicate groups. These make up about 90% of Earth's crust. I use these in my self-developed Kintsugi method, where I fill irregularities in wood for aesthetics, adding colour and reflection. It comes in all sorts of colours.

Colophony

Also know as rosin, a resin from pine trees. Historically used to seal holes in ships and to enable grip on string instruments. I use this in my Kintsugi method, optionally combining it with silicate minerals.

Silicate mineral used for Kintsugi technique in Folkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Silicate mineral used for Kintsugi technique in Folkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Colofonia used for Kintsugi technique in Folkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Colofonia used for Kintsugi technique in Folkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Shellac material is used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Shellac material is used in Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Shellac

Shellac is a natural resin secreted by the lac bug, used for centuries to finish wood. It was the standard finish for instruments like violins, pianos and guitars. It enhances grain with a warm, organic glow and a soft, elegant sheen.

Linseed oil

Linseed oil deeply penetrates wood, enhancing its natural grain while providing long-lasting protection. It nourishes and preserves the wood, giving it a warm, satin finish that improves with age.

Tung oil

Obtained by pressing the seeds of the Tung tree. I penetrates deeply into wood fibers, creating a tough, water-resistant finish that enhances durability without compromising breathability. It brings out the natural beauty of the grain with a warm, matte luster that ages gracefully over time.

Material linseed oil can be used as a finish for Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Material linseed oil can be used as a finish for Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Material tung oil can be used as a finish for Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers
Material tung oil can be used as a finish for Fölkel Audio hi-fi speakers

All other materials I use to make speakers are naturally occurring. Here you can learn more about them.

Other natural materials

Something that is not listed here?

If you have questions or suggestions about materials and/or their use, please reach out to me using the contact form below.