When it comes to quality furniture, the best way to ensure strength and durability is to choose the highest quality materials. There are many materials that are used for furniture, but one of the most timeless options is natural wood. Choosing wood furniture gives you the option to choose from a variety of grain types, colors, and hardness. Different wood varieties will provide a unique look to any type of furniture, especially if you choose strategically. This blog will discuss different wood types and what furniture pieces can benefit from that specific type of wood.
Hardwood Vs. Softwood
The first thing to note about different woods is the difference between hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees, which means they lose their leaves annually. Hardwoods are more durable than softwoods and can last for generations as furniture. Some examples of hardwood include oak, maple, cherry, and walnut.
Softwood comes from coniferous trees and is used for artistic pieces because it is easy to carve. Most furniture made from softwoods is more affordable than that made of hardwood. Some examples of softwood include pine, cedar, and spruce.
Oak
One of the most popular hardwood options for furniture is oak. It is a versatile option that has intricate grain patterns and comes in light shades all the way to a deep red. Oak is often used for flooring in high-traffic areas of a home, making it a great option for durable furniture.
One standout feature of oak is that it is resistant to decay. Prevent fungal and pest infestations that can cause premature deterioration of your furniture piece. Common pieces of furniture that utilize oak wood include:
- Tables
- Cabinets
- Dressers
- Chairs
- Bedframes
Maple
A strong and smooth wood is maple, which can be easily stained or painted any color. Maple comes in dozens of species, spread throughout the US and Canada, so it is often easily accessible by carpenters and home builders. It is a common choice for furniture because of its cream color and smooth wood pattern, which allows the carvings and angles of the furniture piece to truly shine.
Maple is often found in bowling alleys and basketball courts as flooring, or in other unique places like instruments. Common furniture pieces that are crafted with maple include:
- Workbenches
- Butcher blocks
- Tables
- Coffee tables
- Dressers
Pine
This is one of the most widely available softwoods for furniture making, construction, and DIY projects. Pine is relatively lightweight, which means you can work with it easily and transport it without too much hassle. Similar to other softwoods, it is affordable and easily stained to your specifications.
Working with pine means it will be easy to cut and carve, making it the perfect choice for skilled woodworkers. Although not as durable as other woods, pine can be used in a variety of applications and remains durable if stained or sealed. Popular applications for pine wood include:
- Decking
- Tables
- Shelving
- Bedframes
- Decorative trim
Cedar
Another weather and insect-resistant wood option is cedar. As another popular hardwood, cedar wood has an attractive aesthetic and can vary greatly in color options. As the wood is exposed to sunlight and oxygen, the color can change dramatically. Cedar wood often has a knotty look with straight grain, but this will depend on the specific tree and species you choose.
Cedar wood has been used for years to craft boats and canoes because of its durability. Today, there are many pieces that are made of a variety of cedar species, including:
- Outdoor furniture
- Chests
- Tables
- Picture frames
- Siding
Spruce
The wood of a spruce tree can range from soft to medium hardness and is used widely in construction because it does not absorb moisture. It is an easy wood to work with and is usually readily available for construction projects, including roofs and bridges.
Most furniture pieces made with spruce have a distinctive grain pattern, but this can vary by species. Spruce has a white or yellow appearance, but when exposed to sunlight, it can darken to a yellow-brown.
Furniture pieces that can be crafted with spruce include:
- Built-in shelving
- Doors
- Storage crates
- Tables
- Dressers
Cherry
A more unique option for wood furniture is cherry wood. This rich colored wood has a fine grain, making it easy to cut and giving furniture pieces a sleek look. Cherry wood is also a hardwood and does not shrink with humidity changes. The color of cherry wood can deepen over time when exposed to oxygen and sunlight, so if you want to preserve the original color, a stain or sealant should be applied.
Common furniture pieces include:
- Tables
- Chairs
- Benches
- Live edge furniture
- Cabinets
Walnut
A highly sought-after option, walnut provides a deep color and fine grain for quality furniture. Walnut has a range of colors, but is typically chosen for its deep brown hue. One of the benefits of using walnut for furniture is that it is shock-resistant. If you have furniture pieces or areas of a home that are susceptible to wear, using walnut can help them last longer with extensive use.
Using walnut for furniture can come with challenges, such as tear-out on pieces with irregular grain patterns. Some furniture options that utilize walnut are:
- Chairs
- Dining tables
- Bed Frames
- Cabinetry
- Smaller novelty items
- Interior paneling
Mahogany
Another hardwood used for furniture is mahogany, which has a deep color, similar to walnut and cherry wood. Some say that it has a ‘cat eye’ effect, where some pieces will shimmer in the light. Mahogany can be easily cut, sanded, carved, or stained to create beautiful and durable pieces.
Some common furniture items made with mahogany include:
- Doors
- Paneling
- End tables
- Dressers
- Bed frames
Wood Furniture From Sugar House Furniture
No matter what type of wood you choose for your furniture, Sugar House Furniture has options for your home! We create stunning pieces out of many different types of wood to fit a variety of home styles. Sugar House Furniture specializes in mission style, bringing more character to your home. From bedroom to living room, we have pieces that are built to last for generations. Check out all our offerings and bring home pieces that will be passed down for generations.
