Solid Wood: Elegant, Sturdy, and Timeless - A preshopping guide

There is nothing quite like the beauty and simplicity of a well-crafted piece of wood furniture. It can add warmth to a room, make a bold or subtle statement, and last a lifetime.

Whether you are redecorating, replacing a signature piece in your home, or are new to furniture shopping, it will benefit you to know a bit about the different types of wood (and wood products) commonly used in furniture. Each has its benefits and its drawbacks, so keep in mind the following as you shop for that perfect piece to add to your home.

Hardwoods: The Gold Standard

It goes without saying that hardwoods are sturdy, reliable choices when making your furniture selections. Hardwoods are broad-leaved, deciduous trees that shed their leaves in winter. Aside from that commonality, the different hardwood species can vary in terms of price, physical characteristics, and overall look when used in furniture. Let's take a look at some common hardwoods and how they apply to the furniture industry.

Cherry

This medium-density wood has straight, fine grains, producing a smooth, uniform look that can be quite elegant. Its color ranges from a rich reddish-brown to blond and will darken with age. It is one of the more expensive hardwoods, but well worth it in terms of longevity. This Stratos Small Oval Coffee Table gives your living room an understated elegance and is available in numerous Cherry finishes. Cherry is very versatile, so you can change the look from casual to contemporary.

Exuding understated elegance, the Stratos coffee table becomes the centerpiece of your living room.

Oak

The two popular varieties of this grainy hardwood are Red Oak and White Oak. It is one of the most abundant, popular, and durable woods used in furniture. One of the reasons for its durability is the tree’s slow growth which makes it extra hard. The two varieties are similar in appearance, with Red Oak being slightly lighter in color and has visibly wavy grain giving this wood a distinctive appearance. This Mission Club Chair is made from Quartersawn White Oak, which is cut from the tree at an angle that makes it more durable than standard (flat-sawn) White Oak . It’s a popular choice for Mission-style furniture.

The beauty of Quartersawn Oak shines through in the impeccably crafted Mission Club Chair.

Maple

This hardy wood is found in more northern climates and is often found in items that are heavily used, such as kitchen cabinets and dressers. Its fine, straight grains produce a smooth finish, and while it’s naturally light in color, maple also stains nicely. This Crescent Creek bedroom group is popularly done in Maple.

Showcase the allure of Maple with the visually striking Crescent Creek bedroom collection.

Walnut

This dense wood is another popular choice for furniture crafters. It ranges in color from light brown to dark brown, and its fine, straight grain produces a smooth, refined finish. Walnut is excellent for a Mid-Century Modern motif. This wood is highly durable without being overly heavy.

Embrace the Walnut's charm with this mid-century dining set, a perfect blend of form and function.

Know What You Are Purchasing

 If you are looking for furniture that lasts a lifetime, or at least for many years, you want to look for quality and durability. For that reason, you may want to stay away from some wood species (and manufactured wood products) that are widely available due to their cost savings and ease of production — but may not stand the test of time. Also, knowing some of the terms used in furniture manufacturing will help you to ask the right questions when furniture shopping.

Pine

This light-colored softwood is plentiful, lightweight, and affordable — it grows quickly so supply is easily replaced. It is often used in rustic or country décor. It holds up well to changes in humidity, but because it is a softwood, it is prone to scratches and dents. It can also be knotty, producing a nonuniform appearance in the wood. You will seldom see pine used in high-end furniture.

While Pine adds a rustic charm to your room, it shows wear easily and is susceptible to scratches and dents.

Plywood

This is a laminate, with thin layers of veneer glued together, and it can be made from both hardwoods and softwoods. Plywood comes in different grades, and while strong and durable, it is not the best choice for those who want a natural wood appearance — the veneer layers can create an uneven appearance. There is also the potential for formaldehyde emissions from the glue that is used.

Plywood offers an affordable option, but the veneer layers can result in an inconsistent wood appearance.

Particleboard

This is a manufactured product made from wood chips and resin. When covered with laminate, it can mimic the fine look of wood — at a glance. Its low cost can be an incentive for customers on a budget. Overall, particleboard will not stand the test of time compared to natural hardwoods and can swell if it’s exposed to water. Formaldehyde is also used in this material.

While it can mimic the look of fine wood, it will not endure over time, especially when exposed to moisture.

MDF

Medium-density fiberboard is made with pulverized wood and resins that are pressed into sheets. The material is smooth and homogenous and can be finished with laminate or real wood. However, MDF is not as strong and durable as solid wood (for example, drawers made with MDF cannot hold much weight). Like particleboard, it’s not water-resistant and formaldehyde is used in the binding.

Though an economical choice, MDF is not as strong or durable as its solid wood counterparts.

Embarking on your furniture shopping journey should be filled with excitement and a sense of reward. Remember, your choices are not just about aesthetics but also practicality, as these pieces will become part of your home for years to come. However, let not the outer charm deceive you — arming yourself with knowledge is essential. By understanding the intricacies of wood types and their uses, you're ensuring that your investment stands the test of time.