If you’re in the market for a new piece of furniture, you may be wondering what type of wood to choose. There are many different types of wood available, each with its own unique properties. In this blog post, we will discuss the best woods to use for furniture and why they are so popular. We’ll also provide tips on how to choose the right type of wood for your needs. So read on to learn more!
The most popular wood types for furniture are oak, maple, and cherry. These woods are all hardwoods, meaning they are dense and durable. They also have a beautiful natural grain that can add character to any piece of furniture. In addition, these woods are relatively affordable compared to other types of wood. Below are 6 most used wood for furniture.
Oak Wood
It has been used in furniture making for centuries. It is one of the most popular wood choices because it is hard, strong, and durable. Oakwood also looks great when finished with a clear coat or stain. The oak wood has colors ranging from, reddish-brown, and golden yellow to white wood. Because of its high density is considered one of the strongest woods for furniture making.
The Oakwood works well in any setting either modern, traditional, or industrial.
Maple Wood
This wood is also hardwood and is often used for furniture because of its strength and durability. Maple wood also has a beautiful natural grain that can add some elegance to any piece of furniture. In addition, maple wood is relatively affordable compared to other types of wood.
The downside to maple wood is that it is very hardwood, so it can be difficult to work with. It is also not as durable as oak or cherry wood. Maple is mostly found in the Great Lakes and eastern Canada.
The Wood comes in different colors ranging from yellow to light brown. Wood is used for furniture making due to its strength and durability.
Cherry Wood
This wood is a hardwood with high density. It has a wide range of colors from yellowish red to deep brown color after getting exposed to the sun’s rays over time. The coloration can vary depending on how much light it receives, but in general cherry wood will darken as it ages. It is one of the most popular wood choices because its wood grain makes furniture beautiful and elegant.
Cherry wood can be difficult to work with but if you have experience in woodworking it won’t be much of an issue. It is mostly used for antique furniture. Cherry wood has a reddish hue that looks great when finished with a clear coat or stain. In addition, cherry wood is relatively affordable compared to other types of wood.
The downside to cherry wood is that it is very hardwood, so it can be difficult to work with. It’s also not as durable as oak or maple wood.
Mahagony Wood
This wood is a hardwood that comes from the Swietenia macrophylla tree. It is often used for furniture because of its strength, durability, and beautiful natural grain. Mahogany wood also has a reddish hue that can add some elegance to any piece of furniture.
The downside to mahogany wood is that it is quite expensive compared to other types of wood. It is also difficult to work with, so it’s not recommended for beginners. Mahogany wood is mostly found in Central America and the Caribbean.
Walnut Wood
This wood is a hardwood that comes from the Juglans nigra tree. It is often used for furniture because of its strength, durability, and beautiful natural grain. Walnut wood also has a dark hue that can add some elegance to any piece of furniture.
The downside to walnut wood is that it is quite expensive compared to other types of wood. It is also difficult to work with, so it’s not recommended for beginners. Walnut wood is mostly found in North America and Europe.
The wood has a reddish color that can make furniture look beautiful and elegant. The wood comes from the Juglans nigra tree which grows throughout Central America and the Caribbean.
Cedar Wood
This wood is a hardwood that comes from the Cedrus libani tree. It is often used for furniture because of its strength, durability, and beautiful natural grain. Cedarwood also has a reddish hue that can add
Pine Wood
This wood is a softwood that comes from the Pinus genus of trees. It is often used for furniture because of its strength, durability, and beautiful natural grain. Pinewood also has a reddish hue that can add some elegance to any piece of furniture.
The downside to pine wood is that it has a low density so it can easily warp and crack if not cared for properly. Pinewood is mostly found in North America and Europe.
Properties of Timber When Checking for Quality
Timber is a natural product and has a variation in color, grain, and texture even within the same piece of wood. It can have many knots with small ‘pinholes left by branches that were removed when the tree was growing.
The quality of timber is determined by how it is processed when harvested and its intended use or usage. Quality can vary throughout the life cycle of a tree.
For example, when looking at the quality of logs it is important to be critical in making decisions about whether or not they are good enough for further processing. When picking timber for further processing into furniture, check for
- Color: Check the timber you intend to use to make your furniture for any discoloration. Make sure the wood has its desired hue before purchasing.
- Grain: Make sure the wood grain pattern is as desired. The graining can be straight, wavy, or irregular and you should make sure it is as desired.
- Knots: Look for knots in the wood to ensure they are not too close to each other or are too large which will affect the strength of the piece. All knots should be checked for their size, number, and placement.
- Hardness: Make sure that your wood is not too hard or too soft, as this can affect its durability and longevity.
Inspecting the quality of a material is an important part of buying it to use in your project whether that’s furniture making or otherwise. Denoting any potential issues with a piece of wood before it gets made into something useful can save you time and money while being able to achieve the desired output.
