There are many reasons to consider buying solid wood furniture for your home. Solid wood can help you make a statement or blend into your decor and it's durable enough to last for generations, so if you're looking for something that's going to last, this could be the material for you!
Solid wood furniture generally requires a larger upfront investment while particle board is more affordable. But natural wood lasts much longer and can be repaired, refinished, and passed down through generations. These very traits make natural hardwood a more eco-friendly choice in the long run.
Solid wood furniture has its advantages and disadvantages. While it is beautiful, durable, and eco-friendly, it is also expensive, heavy, and requires regular maintenance.
While solid wood furniture may have a higher initial price point compared to particle board furniture, it offers better value in the long run. Its durability, longevity, and ability to be refinished make it a wise investment that can save you money in the long term, as you won't have to replace it as frequently.
Durability and Longevity
Solid oak is renowned for its exceptional strength and durability. Unlike engineered wood, which is made from wood fibres bonded together with adhesives and veneers, solid oak is a hardwood that resists wear and tear.
The life expectancy of wood furniture really comes down to quality. Well-made solid wood pieces, using durable hardwoods like teak, oak, or mahagony, can easily last 50 years or more with proper care. More lightweight woods may show wear sooner, but still typically 15-25 years.
Most timbers are prone to pest, rot, mold and fungi attacks, some are far better than others but they both require a minimum of LOSP or ACQ treatments for outdoor structures. Timbers tend to silver or look old if left natural and unpainted. Timber maintenance can seem to be higher than other building materials.
Look for inconsistencies, as these are natural in real wood. Weight and Solidity: Real wood furniture is generally heavier than that made from synthetic materials. The weight can give you a good sense of the density and quality of the wood. Sound and Feel: Knock or tap on the wood.
There are many reasons to consider buying solid wood furniture for your home. Solid wood can help you make a statement or blend into your decor and it's durable enough to last for generations, so if you're looking for something that's going to last, this could be the material for you!
Oak furniture has a timeless appeal that has kept it in style for generations. Our customers are drawn to oak for several reasons: Durability: Oak is a hard, dense wood that stands up to wear and tear. It's known for its strength and longevity, making it an excellent choice for pieces that need to last.
Hardwoods such as teak, oak, maple, mahogany, walnut, and cherry are known for their durability. Teak's water resistance makes it suitable for outdoor furniture, while oak is widely chosen for its strength and durability. Maple, a hard and dense wood, can withstand heavy use.
Using too many wood pieces, especially those made from dark woods like cherry or walnut, can overpower the design of the room and make it feel crowded. We recommend breaking up furniture sets—such as a matching bed and dressers or a matching dining table, chairs, and hutch.
In the long term, if wood furniture is stored in a place where it might come in contact with rain, dew, groundwater, or floodwater, then the wood may rot and become unusable.
Texture and Feel
Another characteristic to consider when determining if furniture is made from real wood is its texture. Run your hands along the surface and feel for the grain, knots, and contours. Real wood will offer a tactile experience, allowing you to sense the natural irregularities and imperfections.
CARE GUIDE FOR SOLID WOOD. Daily cleaning is easily done with a well-wrung cloth in clean water. Do not use chemicals, detergents, scouring pads, steel wool or similar, as these will discolour or damage the surface. Our solid wood tables with extension have a joint in the centre.
Chests of drawers have a design that is better suited for storing folded clothing items only. Dresser drawers tend to vary in shape and size which makes them better suited for storing accessories and keepsakes in addition to clothing items.
Ensuring that they're both sturdy and well-made is your number one concern, so test them out properly before you commit to an investment. The easiest way of doing this is to give them a jiggle. If the frame and legs don't shift or sway under pressure, they should be robust enough to withstand heavy use.
Leading Wood Species for Woodworking Projects
These qualities make hardwoods ideal for flooring and furniture because they won't warp or crack as easily. In fact, almost all high-quality furniture pieces are made from hardwoods.
High-quality wood like oak, walnut, or cherry can withstand the wear and tear of daily life while developing a beautiful patina over time. This longevity means that solid wood furniture not only serves you well for years but can also become a cherished heirloom passed down through generations.
Species such as oak, mahogany, cherry, teak, and walnut are popular choices among those seeking high-quality furniture pieces. Softwoods like pine and cedar are also often used in furniture construction, but they are not as strong and durable as hardwoods.
Lighter woods create a more open, airy feel that makes even smaller rooms feel spacious. The extra light that paler woods reflect also helps this. Darker woods, on the other hand, bring a weight to the room that can make the space feel smaller than it is. This isn't necessarily a bad thing.
Heavy moisture and water damage solid wood because it compresses and expands in these situations, causing mould. Even if there is a little crack on the application, a whole fungus colony can grow and infest. Areas like the bathroom tend to have high humidity which is not suitable for solid wood.
Timber durability refers to a species of heartwood natural resistance. Most timbers will last over 50 years if they are indoors and protected from insect attacks and moisture.
Solid wood has a more expensive up-front flooring installation cost, but it can be more cost-effective over time because of its durability. Engineered wood, on the other hand, offers a more budget-friendly solution while still offering quality materials.