So it’s time to furnish your brand-new space.
This is a big deal. You’ve been dreaming about the look and feel of your home for so long, and now it’s time to find the perfect furnishings to match your expectations.
Human beings have been using wood for furniture since the concept of furniture was invented. But which type of wood is right for you? Choosing the right type of wood to perfectly capture your vision can be tricky. Keep reading as we look at the best types of wood for furniture.
Woodwork 101
Wood for furniture can be divided into two broad categories: solid wood and manufactured wood. Solid wood is your natural timber and can be further divided into hardwood and softwood. These categories pretty much speak for themselves. Hardwood is generally more sturdy and dense, while softwood is slightly more malleable.
Manufactured wood is made from a mix of wood and other synthetic materials. It’s generally much cheaper than solid wood and isn’t a top choice when it comes to aesthetics.
But before we delve into the best types of wood for furniture, you’ll need to ask yourself a few key questions to help guide your decision.
What Is My Budget?
With so many types of wood on the market, your budget should be your first consideration. You might be hesitant to go for a more expensive solid wood, but furniture can be a great investment.
If you’re after a long-lasting family heirloom, then you’re probably going to have to spend a bit more.
What Will My Furniture Be Used For?
This brings us to our next question: what will my furniture be used for? More decorative pieces that won’t get a huge amount of use will require a different wood to something like a nightstand, which might see more wear and tear.
If you’re using it a lot, chances are you’ll want to go for something reasonably priced, sturdy, and not prone to scratches.
Where Will My Furniture Be?
Location is key when determining the right wood for your furniture. Will your furniture get a lot of exposure to sunlight? Will it be in an area with a lot of moisture? Different types of wood also have different maintenance needs to keep in mind.
This also applies to the look and feel of your decor. When choosing the best type of wood, consider home trends and wood furniture trends in the style of your choice. From minimalist to rustic, there will always be the perfect wood for your decor vision.
The Best Types of Wood for Furniture
Once you’ve got the answers to these questions, choosing the right type of wood for furniture should be a breeze. A reputable furniture wholesaler should help you find the wooden furniture of your dreams. But in the meantime, here are a couple of our top choices for hardwood and softwood furniture.
Oak Wood
This sturdy hardwood is a classic, and for good reason. Oakwood comes in a variety of shades and is well known for its durability and resistance to mold and fungi.
Oakwood is also reasonably priced in comparison to other hardwoods. It does, however, require frequent oiling to maintain its beautiful finish, and can yellow over time if not cared for properly.
Maple Wood
Another hardwood favorite, maple is well-known for being non-toxic and extremely hardy. Its golden finish and pale shade make it instantly adaptable to most decor schemes. Plus it’s on the denser side, so you can be sure it’ll put up with wear and tear.
Pine Wood
We’re absolutely pining over this gorgeous softwood furnishing choice. Pinewood is inexpensive and is the perfect choice for a more rustic setting. The only problem is that pinewood can be easily damaged, so only choose this wood for furniture that doesn’t see too much action.
Cedar Wood
Cedarwood is our number one choice for outdoor furniture. That’s because this softwood is naturally weather-resistant and difficult to damage. Bonus points for the classic cedar scent that accompanies this choice.
Which Wood Would You Choose?
Decorating your space involves a lot of tough decisions, but choosing the best types of wood for furniture doesn’t have to be one of them! No matter what your needs are, there’s definitely a wood to suit them.
If you enjoyed this, we’ve got a lot more decor inspiration and tips in our lifestyle section.