Different Types of Wood That is Best for Furniture
What is the best wood for my furniture? The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for in your furniture. Do you want it ornate or simple? Do you want it to last for a lifetime or do you want to change it at regular intervals? How much are you ready to invest for it? Understanding the wood behind your furniture along with its pros and cons will make your decision-making easy.
Types of Wood
Wood broadly arrives in two varieties – hardwood and softwood. The names are misleading because hardwood is not necessarily harder than softwood! The difference lies in biology.
Hardwood comes from angiosperms or flowering trees that grow very slowly. These trees possess the xylem vessels to transport water. Hence, the wood is dense. It is also costly because it takes a lot of time to form.
Softwood comes from gymnosperms or non-flowering trees (pines and cones) which grow relatively fast. These trees don’t possess the xylem vessels to transport water. Hence, the wood is not as dense as hardwood. It is also cheaper because it takes less time to form.
There is a third kind which we can call hard grasses. They are the fastest growing and also the cheapest.
Hardwood – That Lasts a Lifetime
Hardwoods are best suited for furniture that needs to last a lifetime. Hardwood furniture can easily bear the rigours of daily use and requires minimal maintenance. They continue looking great year after year. They are the most fire-resistant among woods and most of them have very good waterproof and termite-resistant properties. These qualities make them the first choice to create ornate and carved furniture that also double up as art pieces. But they are also among the most expensive of all the woods out there. Hardwood trees include teak, mahogany, sal, rosewood, mango, satin and rubber.
Softwood – The Cost Saving Option
Softwoods are cheaper than hardwoods and are generally easier to work with which adds to the cost-savings. Since these trees grow very fast and are replenished faster, softwood is more sustainable than hardwood. Many softwoods are also waterproof and termite-resistant though they tend to catch fire a bit more easily. They are perfect to make furniture that you intend to use for a few years and discard or recycle. Softwood trees include sal, white cedar, red cedar, pine and deodar.
Grasswood – Durable, Strong & Economical
Grasswoods like bamboo and cane are surprisingly durable and strong. In fact, bamboo is stronger than many hardwood trees. Being the fastest growing among all the woods, bamboo and cane are the most economical and eco-friendly options, as well. Bamboo is also the most fire-resistant and insect-resistant also. However, bamboo and cane furniture arrive with limited options in design and style. It is also not possible to carve or emboss on them.
Engineered Wood
Also called composite wood or manufactured board, this is a derivative wood product created by binding strands, particles and scraps of wood with adhesives. Apart from being highly cost-effective, engineered wood is available in abundance and is very versatile. It is easy to cut, drill, route, join, glue and fasten compared to solid wood. A variety of looks also can be achieved by using appropriate laminates or veneers. Engineered wood tends to soak up water and therefore is best for indoor use. Make sure to recycle it because the adhesives used in it are sometimes toxic for the environment. Engineered wood includes plywood, particle boards, block boards, strand boards, laminated veneers and MDF (medium density fiberboard).
Whatever be your furniture preference, Autumnwood craftspeople are skilled and experienced in creating the best for you at the greatest value. Visit our store to see more.
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