The Main Types of Wood for Furniture: A Helpful Guide

Wood for Furniture

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Not all furniture is created equally. When you invest your hard-earned money to furnish your home, you want to be sure you get the types of wood that will last. If the piece is particularly well-made and beautiful, you could even pass it down to your kids.

Are you wondering what the main types of wood for furniture are? Keep reading for a guide that will tell you everything you need to know.

Hardwood and Softwood

When it comes to identifying wood, you should keep in mind that hardwood and softwood are the two main categories.

Hardwood is harvested from trees that have broad leaves. These deciduous trees take a long time to grow, which means their wood becomes denser than softwood. It’s also more expensive in most cases.

On the other hand, softwood is harvested from conifer trees, which makes them lighter than hardwood.

1. Walnut

When thinking about the type of woods for furniture, you should know that walnut is one of the most popular. It’s a luxurious hardwood with a dark color that ranges from a paler brown to a streaked chocolate tinge. Additionally, it’s more lightweight than most hardwoods and it’s often finished using oil-based polyurethane.

Cubehom LED Nightstand with 2 Glass Shelves, Modern Bedside Table with 3 Color LED Lighting/Adustable Brightness, Set of 2 Nightstand for Bedroom/Living Room, Walnut

2. Red Cedar

Some wood types are better suited for outdoor furniture. Due to its ability to resist pests and decay, red cedar is often used to furnish balconies and surrounding pool areas. Red cedar is also one of the most aromatic lightwoods out there, so don’t be shy about breathing in the pleasant smell.

No matter the quality, no piece of furniture is going to last forever, which is why you should have D C Keeton Home Improvements bring new life to old and drab furniture.

DutchCrafters 42" Heirloom Aromatic Red Cedar Hope Chest, Storage Trunk for Blankets - Amish Made in America (Large, Natural)
Red Cedar Hope Chest

3. Mahogany

If you have a hefty budget, mahogany is one of the most elite hardwoods available. It can come in a deep russet color or a moderate brown hue. The color is actually determined by the wood’s age and it’ll even darken over time.

Mahogany is as beautiful as it is durable, so you can definitely think of your mahogany furniture as an investment.

East West Furniture 9-piece set 8 kitchen chairs-A Wonderful modern dining Mahogany Wooden Seat Butterfly leaf wood table, 9
Mahogany Wooden Seat Butterfly Leaf Wood Table

4. White Spruce

If you’re thinking of decorating your home in the style of shabby chic, then white spruce might just be the wood type for you. It has a low resistance to decay, but it makes up for that by being able to reliably hold onto screws and nails without splintering or cracking. This softwood can come in a reddish-brown, a pale yellow, and a signature creamy white.

Ready to Pick the Best Wood for Furniture?

Now that you’ve learned all about the main types of wood for furniture, you can make sure you furnish your home with the best that money can buy. That way, you’ll be able to enjoy your furniture for many years to come.

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