Solid wood furniture is always seen as an epitome of grandeur with a touch of opulence and homeliness. Many people like how natural solid wood furniture makes the whole house look more cosy, but most are also unsure what type of wood is best for their home furniture.
Solid wood is divided into two types: softwoods like pine and hardwoods such as oak and walnut. If you have always wondered how to identify these types of wood, they are mostly differentiated by their distinctive colouring and grains, while some have wood knots that make them unique. Softwoods are lighter in colour while hardwoods are usually darker and cost more. What wood is good or better for furniture? Apparently, both wood types are equally popular for furniture. It all depends on your preference and budget. There are many different types of wood for furniture out there, and we will explore the most common solid woods used for furniture.
1. Walnut Solid Wood (Hardwood)
Walnut is a hardwood that has good strength and high durability, and is often regarded as one of the most durable wood for furniture. Its colour ranges from a rich, chocolate brown to a lighter brown as they can only be obtained from the outer part of the tree. This straight, tight-grained hardwood responds well to carving and is usually used to make sturdy tables, chairs, and ornate, antique-style furniture. It is also easy to polish and very decay-resistant, making it of great value and highly sought after.
2. Rubber Solid Wood (Hardwood)
Also known as Hevea and Parawood, rubber wood is a staple for all furniture makers alike because of how environmentally-friendly it is! Rubber trees are tapped for latex, and at the end of their useful life, they will be harvested for rubber wood that can be used for many things including furniture.
Is rubber wood durable? Yes it is, because this light-coloured tropical solid wood is treated with wood preservative chemicals before it’s used. As a result, it is one of the few types of wood for furniture that lasts a lot longer, is almost immune to fungal attacks, and takes on stains uniformly. Rubber wood is not suitable for outdoor use as rain negates the effects of the protective chemicals, but this means that it’s perfect for indoor furniture! Speaking of outdoor furniture, here are some useful tips!
3. Oak Solid Wood (Hardwood)
Oak is a heavy hardwood known for its prominent wood grain markings and distinctive rings, as well as its durability and strength, making it one of the most durable wood for furniture. If you have always wondered how to identify the different types of wood available, oak is a lot easier to distinguish. Oak furniture is only available in two shades: red oak which is light brown with a reddish tint and white oak which is light brown with yellowish grains. Its coarse and visible long grain texture gives a rustic and majestic feel to it, perfect for American and English country-style furniture.
4. Beech Solid Wood (Hardwood)
When people ask questions such as “how to choose the ideal wood for furniture?” or “what wood is good for furniture?”, they should first think of the statement they want to make with their furniture choice. If you fancy wood furniture that looks graceful and immaculate, look no further than beech wood. Beech wood is often described as timeless, and no, we’re not overselling it. It’s known for its extremely clean surface presentation, being shock absorbent in nature, and solid in density. Beech wood is a popular wood choice for small to medium-sized furniture such as tables and chairs. With proper maintenance, beech wood furniture can grace your home for many generations to come as it is one of the most durable ones you can find, and is very popular in Scandinavian-inspired homes.
5. Ash Solid Wood (Hardwood)
Ash wood has quite a number of species, with the two most common ones being White Ash and Black Ash. Most people regard ash wood as a more affordable alternative to oak wood as its aesthetic qualities are almost identical. If you have a liking towards strongly-coloured furniture, ash wood furniture is perfect as it is able to take in extreme colours while maintaining its open grain, woody look.
The easy and accurate answer to the question “what wood is good for furniture?” is definitely solid wood as solid wood furniture has always been favoured for its elegance and beauty. Each type carries distinctive characteristics that can complement any and every home design including modern minimalist. There’s never really the “best” wood type; it’s all based on personal taste, purpose, home design, as well as budget. One thing’s for sure, investing in high-quality solid wood furniture can last you a lifetime and for many generations to come.
