There are several different types of wood used to make furniture. Most furniture is made out of hardwood, although softwood and engineered wood are becoming more popular. However, no matter what type you get, hardwood furniture will last a very long time if it’s properly cared for. In this article, I’ll give you a general idea on the three main types of hardwood that furniture can be made from, and what each type has to offer.
Hardwoods come from several varieties, including oak, maple, hickory, birch, and most commonly poplar. Each hardwood has its own unique grain pattern, and hardwood furniture can be made into all different shapes, such as round, square, oval, etc. For example, if you want a walnut dining table, you’d be looking at birch. Oak would be used for something like an office desk, while hickory would be ideal for a dining room table. These woods also come in a wide variety of colors, from off-white to browns to dark reds, so you’re sure to find a style that will go well with your current decor.
Softwoods come from much less hardwood plants, including beech and pine. These trees are less durable than hardwoods, but they also have beautiful grain patterns that make them very beautiful, and they’re much easier to work with. When softwoods are harvested, they’re left with lovely, strapping fibers that are harvested after the tree has fallen, allowing it to be fashioned into any shape imaginable. They don’t have the same durability as hardwoods, but that doesn’t mean that they’re not suitable for some of your needs.
So, which one is right for you? There are pros and cons to both hardwood and softwood. For example, hardwoods are generally more durable and work well in high traffic areas. If you have heavy furniture where the impact of even the smallest bump can crack a board, hardwoods may be your best option. Softwoods on the other hand, are perfect if you just want a gentle touch on your furniture and don’t really care about durability.
You’ll also need to consider your budget when choosing between hardwood and softwood. Hardwoods generally cost more than softwoods, and you will also need to make sure you can get enough of each to make your furniture pieces last. If you’re just building a few things, hardwoods should be fine, but if you have a lot of furniture you’ll probably want softwoods. If your budget is large, softwoods are great, since you won’t be replacing as often. Still, if you’re just replacing a few items in your home, it may be worth spending a bit more on hardwoods in order to save money in the long run.
Once you know the difference between hardwoods and softwoods, you can then start to figure out which type of wood is best for your furniture. Oak is probably the best choice if you’re looking for a natural hardwood, as it’s very durable and hardwearing. Cherry is also a nice hardwood that’s very nice to look at, although it’s not as durable as oak or cherry. Alder is another good choice if you’re looking for something that has a little bit of a rustic feel to it, although it’s still a great hardwood for furniture.