Ideal Wood for Furniture
Sam Lutz • July 1, 2019
There’s an elegance to wood furniture, created by manipulating nature’s materials into something beautiful and functional. Wood may be transformed into anything you can think of, in styles ranging from rustic to upscale. But there’s a key to unleashing this magic: choosing the right wood for the desired furniture piece. Two different types of wood are used in furniture applications--softwoods and hardwoods--each with specific species, benefits and ideal uses.
Softwoods
Contrary to logic, softwoods aren’t necessarily softer materials, though perhaps less dense. They come from coniferous trees, which grow straight and fast, so the wood is relatively abundant and cheaper. These wood varieties are usually less elaborate when it comes to grain patterns. Go-to softwoods include cedar, pine and fir, each of which is ideal for outdoor furniture.
Cedar
Oh, the earthy aroma of cedarwood! For this reason, red cedar is a top choice for bedroom closets and storage chests. People love the smell! Additionally, cedar is naturally effective in repelling insects and is moisture resistant, so it stands the test of time for both indoor and outdoor use. Its light red hue and straight grain blend well with just about anything, and this wood only requires a clear finish for shine. Cedar is ideal for those with a moderate budget.
Pine
Looking for something with a custom touch? Pine might be the way to go. That’s because its soft nature makes this wood easy to carve, so individual pieces of furniture can be truly one of a kind. The light shade (often white or yellowish) of pinewood means it blends with just about any decor, and it takes various shades of stain well. Affordable and versatile, pine has been widely used for years. The only drawback is that it is easily damaged.
Fir
Fir isn’t a first choice furniture option, primarily because its inflexible. This reddish brown wood is difficult to stain and its grain is a bit boring. However, if the end goal is to paint a newly-crafted porch rocker, you’ve got a friend in fir. It’s pretty common and inexpensive, to boot!
Hardwoods
Slow-growing deciduous trees bring us the highly diverse and versatile hardwoods that are more top of mind in the furniture industry. With a greater variety of colors, grain patterns and textures, there’s strong demand for hardwoods. There are too many varieties to name, but the créme de la créme of the hardwood kingdom includes mahogany, cherry and oak.
Mahogany
My, oh my, mahogany! When money is no object and quality is the highest priority, mahogany furniture is the ideal. Varying from dark brown to deep red, this wood is tops because of how rare it’s become. Mahogany is usually shipped in from Honduras and various Latin American regions, so it carries a hefty price tag. It also has a distinct grain and versatility to be used in both indoor and outdoor furniture pieces!
Cherry
Aging like a fine wine, cherrywood has incredible endurance. This wood is usually some shade of reddish brown, and only darkens as it ages, enhancing its beauty. Cherry is a physically harder wood, making it resistant to dents, scratches and holes--an ideal wood for outdoor applications or an office desk! And with such a vibrant natural color, all you have to do is use a light stain or clear finish. It carries a higher price tag.
Oak
Available in both red and white varieties, oak is a longstanding favorite for furniture applications. It stands out because of its grain, which often appears as streaks in the wood. Oak is a physically harder wood, but simultaneously porous and moisture resistant, so it functions well as a cost-effective material for indoor and outdoor furniture.
Is There a “Right” Furniture Material?
The short answer here is no. Obviously individual tastes vary, so it would be stifling to say that one material must
be used over another. Overall, though, hardwoods like mahogany and oak fair better in wooden furniture applications, with wider indoor/outdoor flexibility.
Call on Ace Paints for Your Wood Furniture Needs
At Ace Paints, we sell only the highest quality furniture, with absolutely no fillers. Bookcases, desks, nightstands and more, our selection meets any functional or decor need you may have. Ask us about our current featured pieces, and about specialty retailers near you!
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