Gourd finishes and wall thickness

Ever wonder why some of our gourd products have a smooth and consistent surface color while others boast a more rustic, textured look? It all comes down to the processing of the gourds. In this blog post, we'll introduce the finishes and wall thickness of the gourds—two key factors that determines how a gourd would be used for our products.

1. Cleaned vs. Distressed Finishes

   • Cleaned Gourds: These are gently steamed for disinfection, then stripped of their outer skin for a smooth, uniform appearance. Because of the pristine surface, we often use these gourds for functional pieces like the gourd aging kit and diffusers, where hygiene and practicality matter most.
   • Distressed Gourds: By leaving the outer skin intact, these gourds retain their natural coloring and texture—often with beautiful marbled or weathered patterns. They’re perfect when aesthetics and character take center stage.

Beyond the texture, the thickness is another factor that affects how we give new life to these fruits.

        2. Wall Thickness: Thin, Average, or Thick

• • Thin Walls (under ¼"): Most common in certain mixed breeds or particular growing conditions. They work well for decorative objects where lightweight design is desired. The mix breed is a moment of the farmers' creativity----they use cross pollination as the painter's brush to add color to the gourd culture, and we embrace it to present it to you!
  • Average Walls (~¼"): Provide a good balance of strength and versatility. Many of our small bowls or planters use gourds in this category.
  • Thick Walls (~½"): Often found in gourds grown in regions with rigorous sunshine and longer summers like Arizona and California. The classic gourd breeds also tend to have thicker walls as their gene are very stable. We use these for projects needing structural durability—like heavier vases or lamps—so they can stand up to daily use without compromising on form.

Working with natural materials means embracing nature’s variations. Different regions, breeds, and farming innovations all shape the final thickness and look of each gourd. Here at G Home, we embrace the uniqueness of nature's produce and work around them, aiming to create pieces that balance beauty and functionality in harmony—each telling its own story from field to home.