We have used wood to make furniture for centuries and it remains one of the most popular materials across the world. Each type of wood brings its own qualities and characteristics to your piece; therefore, it pays to think about what you need and what you are looking for from your furniture. Do you want it to be a feature in your home or do you want it to be a work office desk in the main reception area. If it is destined for the reception area then why not get some Reception Chairs at the same time from sites like bestbuy-officechairs.co.uk/reception-chairs/ to finish your area off nicely.
Hard and soft wood
Hardwoods come from deciduous trees – those that annually drop their leaves – and are very long-lasting and resistant to everyday wear and tear. They tend to be darker in colour than softwoods and are more expensive because the trees grow at a much slower rate. Examples of hardwoods include oak, maple and cherry.
Softwoods come from conifers – trees with needles – such as pine, fir or larch. Pine is particularly popular for furniture. The colour of softwoods is generally lighter than hardwoods, although it can be painted or stained to mimic other wood or to be completely different.
Manufactured wood
As the name suggests, chipboard comprises chips and wood shavings bonded together using resin. It is dense and is often used with a veneer. This is a staple in the flat-packed furniture industry.
Pricing
Mahogany is widely considered the ultimate premium wood, although cherry and walnut will also be expensive and hold their value. At the other end of the scale are the man-made woods, with chipboard cheapest of all. The soft woods fall in between.
Buying wood furniture
Choosing the right wood for your home or office furniture is not always a quick decision, but it is worth taking the time to get it right. If you are choosing a welcome desk for a reception in your business, for example, you are creating a lasting impression of your company. There are lots of places to buy desks, and such a purchase should be viewed as an investment.
If you are looking for wood for outdoor furniture, you will need something different again. Wood Magazine explains what to look for.
Choosing furniture with a real wood veneer might also be a consideration. The veneer is real wood, behaving like a solid wood piece in terms of grain, colour and finish, but the item is unlikely to cost as much as solid wood.
