Guide to Different Types of Wood Used in Making Furniture

Wood has been a central material in furniture making for thousands of years. Its unique versatility, strength, and natural beauty make it an ideal choice for crafting both functional and artistic pieces. More varieties of wood exist than any other furniture material, offering great diversity in color, grain, texture, and working properties. Wood can be cut, carved, turned, joined, laminated, steamed, and finished in limitless ways, allowing for tremendous creativity in furniture design. The life cycle and renewability of trees also appeals to many furniture makers and consumers. Whether as the primary material or as an accent, wood often defines the character of a furniture piece. Its visual warmth and organic imperfections connect us to nature in a way no other material can. For these reasons and more, wood remains integral to furniture construction and design today.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods are dense woods that come from deciduous trees like oak, maple, mahogany, cherry, and walnut. They are highly valued for furniture making due to their strength, durability, and beautiful grain patterns.

Oak is one of the most popular hardwoods used in furniture. It has a distinctive grain that ranges from straight to wavy patterns. Oak is very strong and resistant to scratches and dents. It also stains well. Oak works great for mission and farmhouse-style furniture.

Maple is a versatile and popular hardwood known for its light color and fine, even grain. It's incredibly strong and resistant to shock and abrasion, making it ideal for high-use furniture. Maple also takes stain well, allowing for a variety of finishes. It’s often used in contemporary and traditional furniture styles.

Cherry is another classic American furniture wood. It has a reddish hue that darkens beautifully over time. Cherry has a fine, straight grain and smooth texture. It also resists warping. These qualities make it ideal for cabinets and other fine furniture.

Walnut is a luxury wood noted for its chocolate brown color with darker grain patterns. It machines well and develops a lustrous patina over time. Walnut works beautifully for antique reproductions, as well as modern, clean-lined designs. Its rich color provides an elegant, upscale look.

Softwoods

Softwoods like pine, cedar, and redwood are commonly used for more affordable and rustic furniture styles. Pine is the most popular and widely available softwood. It has a light color and straight, pronounced grain. Pine is lightweight yet strong, making it suitable for all types of furniture from beds to tables. However, pine can dent easily and requires sealing to prevent stains.

Cedar has a reddish-brown hue and a bold, varied grain pattern. Its natural oils make it resistant to insects, moisture, and decay. These qualities make cedar a good choice for outdoor furniture that withstands the elements. However, cedar is relatively soft and can scratch or dent if not properly finished and maintained.

Redwood is valued for its attractive reddish color and natural resistance to rot and insects. It is frequently used for patio and garden furniture. Redwood is durable yet can be brittle, so it requires pre-drilling before nailing or screwing. It also needs to be refinished periodically to maintain its rich color. With proper care, redwood furniture can last for decades outside.

While they lack the prestige of hardwoods, softwoods have the advantage of affordability. Their casual, rustic look makes them suitable for cottages, cabins, and kids' rooms. With the right protective finish, softwood furniture can provide years of practical use.

Exotic Woods

Exotic woods like teak, rosewood, and bamboo offer unique properties that make them well-suited for high-end and luxury furniture.

Teak is one of the most popular and prestigious exotic woods used in furniture. Native to Southeast Asia, teak is an extremely dense and durable hardwood that is naturally resistant to moisture, decay, and insects. Its high oil content gives teak a beautiful golden brown color and smooth texture. While quite expensive, teak is prized for outdoor furniture since it can withstand sun, rain, and temperature changes. Teak also brings elegance to indoor furnishings like dining tables and chairs.

Rosewood refers to a group of richly-hued tropical hardwoods, often with a prominent grain. Brazilian rosewood with its contrasting black streaks was frequently used in antique and vintage furniture but is now endangered and banned from harvest. Contemporary rosewood furniture features species like Indian rosewood which has attractive brown and purple coloring. Rosewood's hardness makes it suitable for ornate carvings and inlays. It is also valued for acoustic instruments due to its resonant tones.

Bamboo is a fast-growing grass that can be processed into plank forms to construct furniture. Bamboo has a contemporary appeal and exotic look, along with a pleasingly smooth surface. It is naturally straight-grained, harder than many woods, and has antimicrobial properties. Bamboo furniture is praised as eco-friendly since bamboo regenerates quickly without requiring replanting. However, some bamboo is harvested too early, resulting in less durable furniture. Properly treated bamboo can make stylish and sustainable furniture.

Wood Properties

The properties of wood have a major impact on its functionality and appeal in furniture. Key factors to consider are durability, hardness, texture, and color.

Durability

How well wood withstands wear and tear depends on its density and natural resistance to rot and insects. Denser hardwoods like oak and teak are extremely durable, while softer woods like pine are more prone to dents and scratches. Some woods have natural defenses against pests, decay, and moisture damage. Teak's high oil content makes it very weather-resistant, while cedar contains oils that deter moths and mildew.

Aesthetics

Beyond durability, wood's visual qualities are paramount for furniture. The grain patterns and textures of different woods create distinctive visual styles. For example, maple has a fine, straight grain that gives furniture a smooth, refined look. Woods like oak, pine, and mahogany have more pronounced grains for rustic appeal. Exotic woods like ebony and rosewood have dramatic dark grains with eye-catching contrast. Color also varies widely - from pine's pale yellow to the rich reddish-browns of mahogany and walnut. Figuring effects like curls, burls, and bird's eye patterns add extra visual interest. Ultimately, wood's aesthetics should align with the desired furniture style.

Wood Maintenance

Properly maintaining wood furniture is crucial for protecting and prolonging its beauty and durability. The key is to keep wood from drying out, which can cause warping and cracking, or becoming too moist, which leads to swelling and decay.

For all wood types, it's important to keep them out of direct sunlight and away from heat sources like radiators or fireplaces, which can cause drying, discoloration, and damage. Avoid placing wood furniture in humid areas like bathrooms. Ensuring adequate indoor humidity between 30-50% helps wood remain stable.

Use coasters under bottles and glasses to prevent water rings. Immediately wipe up spills to avoid stains and potential warping from moisture. Dust regularly with a clean, dry cloth to prevent buildup of dirt and grime in crevices. Avoid using abrasive cleaners or scouring pads which can scratch finishes. Instead, clean with mild soap and water, then dry thoroughly.

Protect wood surfaces with furniture wax or polish a few times per year. This seals pores and provides a protective barrier against minor scratches and spills. Use paste wax on bare wood or oil finishes. For lacquered wood, use a spray polish. Follow label directions carefully. Buff gently with a clean, soft cloth.

For deeper cleaning, use wood cleaners formulated for the specific finish. Test cleaners first on inconspicuous areas to ensure no damage or discoloration. Avoid over-wetting wood during cleaning to prevent warping. Always wipe in the direction of the wood grain.

With proper care and maintenance, wood furniture can remain beautiful and functional for many years. Taking steps to control moisture, clean gently, and protect finishes allows the natural beauty of wood to shine through.

Choosing Wood

When selecting wood for furniture, consider the item's intended function, style, and your budget. The wood type can significantly impact durability, maintenance needs, and costs.

Function

Think about how the furniture will be used. Pieces subject to heavy use or wear require durable hardwoods like oak or maple. Delicate items like curio cabinets can use softer woods. Moisture-prone spots like bathrooms do best with moisture-resistant woods like teak. Match the wood's properties to the furniture's purpose.

Style

Wood type influences the furniture's look and feel. Dark woods like walnut or cherry give a traditional vibe. Light birch or maple provide a casual, airy aesthetic. Exotic woods make bold, luxurious statements. Distressed pine suits country or farmhouse styles. Consider the overall decor and ambiance you want the wood to enhance.

Budget

Some woods are far more expensive than others. Luxury exotic woods can cost a premium, while pine is highly affordable. Know your budget limitations, as less expensive woods may better suit your needs. However, don't sacrifice quality just to save money. With the right care, pricier woods can last generations, offering long-term value. Prioritize what matters most - cost, lifespan, or distinctive grain patterns - when selecting wood.

Aesthetics vs Functionality

When selecting wood for furniture, there's an important balance to consider between aesthetic appeal and functionality. The visual beauty of a wood species has to be weighed against its structural properties and suitability for the item's intended use. For example, a stunning figured maple may not be the wisest choice for a dining table that will see heavy daily use - oak or hickory would be more durable. On the other hand, using a plain, inexpensive pine for a decorative cabinet or bookshelf could be a missed opportunity to create a striking focal point with a richly-grained wood like mahogany or walnut.

It's also worth thinking about whether the wood will be painted or stained. More decorative, expensive woods really shine when their natural grain and color are shown off. Cheaper softwoods take paint and opaque stains well, allowing them to achieve an attractive finished look at a lower cost. Consider whether the furniture will be used and seen up close, or viewed from a distance. Intricate details and figure patterns stand out better when near, while bolder grains read well from across a room. Ultimately, balance visual appeal with practical needs to get the best of both worlds.

Conclusion

Wood remains one of the most versatile and appealing materials for creating furniture. When selected thoughtfully, it can make furniture pieces both beautiful and functional for years to come. This guide has covered the key types of wood used in furniture today, from durable domestic hardwoods like oak and maple to imported exotics such as teak and mahogany. While hardwoods tend to be the strongest and most resilient, softwoods bring rustic charm at a lower cost. Engineered woods allow more affordable construction while mimicking natural wood grains.

Beyond the type of wood, it is important to consider the aesthetics, longevity, and maintenance needs of different woods when choosing materials. For furniture that will serve as a statement piece, rare woods with striking grains may be ideal, while family-friendly pieces call for tougher woods that will withstand daily use. Proper care is also essential, with many woods requiring sealing, polishing, or conditioning to retain their beauty. By understanding the properties of various woods, their typical uses in furniture, and proper maintenance techniques, it becomes easier to select the perfect material for any furniture project, balancing visual appeal, functionality, and budget.