There are many factors to consider when choosing the wood type for your furniture. The appearance of the wood should be considered as well as how it will complement your interior design. Pine is a great choice as it is both lightweight and strong. Oak furniture is heavier than other woods, but it is still shock-resistant so you don’t have to worry about what happens if an object gets dropped.
The Most Popular Wood for Furniture are:
- Walnut
- Maple
- Oak
- Indian Rosewood
- Birch plywood
- Poplar
- Ash
Walnut
Walnut wood is a popular choice for furniture due to its rich and distinctive colors. The sapwood is light to pale yellow. While the heartwood is darker, it can be found in a variety of colors, including purple, gray, and even purplish. Sapwood is softer than heartwood, and it has a curlier and more curly grain. It can be oil to enhance its natural beauty or stained dark brown to bring out its rich tones.
Maple
Maple wood is a popular choice for furniture builders. Maple wood is beautiful and durable. It’s also a popular hardwood for cabinetry, and kitchen accessories. But the downside of using maple for furniture is that it’s also temperamental and prone to shrinkage, which can make your project less than perfect. It’s best to use seasoned maple for furniture-building projects. Although maple and oak look similar, they are not nearly as similar. The difference between the two will ultimately depend on the style and purpose of your furniture.
Oak
If you are looking to make a home that looks elegant and sophisticated, then oak wood is a great choice. Oak trees can grow up to 40 feet high and produce a lot of timber. The Forestry Stewardship Council oversees oak tree cultivation and logging. As a result, there is never a shortage of oak. This type of wood is readily available in a variety of lengths and shapes. It is also very durable and will last for generations.
Indian Rosewood
You can use Indian Rose wood for furniture in your home if you’re after heavy timber. This wood is dense and has high strength and density. Its specific gravity ranges from 0.70 to 0.83, making this wood ideal for furniture. Its air-dried weight is 52 pounds per cubic feet. Its Janka hardness is 2,440 lbs. It is easy to dry and has an 8.5% volumetric density.
Birch plywood
You can choose from a variety of finishes when you choose birch ply wood for furniture. There are two main types: rough and polished. Polished edges are generally more attractive than rough edges. Raw edges tend to accumulate dirt and react to the weather. This can lead to color changes over time. Both types can be finished with wood glue, varnish, or lacquer. If you’re not sure what finish to choose, consider looking for a combination of both.
Poplar
Poplar is one of the more than two dozen species in the genus Poplar. Its heartwood is usually white or creams in color, with mineral streaks in various colors. This wood is mostly used for drawers and match sticks, but not furniture. Its light color makes it an ideal wood for furniture making. However, furniture makers are less likely to choose poplar because of its beautiful grain and durability.
Ash
When stained, ash wood resembles oak. This is why antique pieces are often mistaken for oak. Even professionals can make mistakes when it comes to choosing ash wood to build furniture. Using a microscope and scientific knowledge are necessary if you’d like to purchase furniture made from ash. The benefits are well worth the cost. To make the right choice, learn how to recognize ash wood before buying it for your home.