There are many kinds of wood used in furniture making. Over the years, preferences for wood have changed and varied. However, there are some basic woods that have maintained their popularity since colonial times and continue to be used in furniture making today. Many times, when considering antique furniture, the wood type, among other things, can help indicate the value. Below, you’ll find a guide to the most popular kinds of wood in furniture making, their characteristics and value.
There are two basic types of wood: Hardwoods, which are harvested from flowering trees, and softwoods, which are harvested from conifers. Although the hardness varies within each category and some so called softwoods may seem harder than hardwoods, these two categories help to distinguish between basic characteristics.
Hardwoods
These varieties are typically more durable and expensive than softwoods. Popular due to their resistance and beautiful grains, hardwoods are used to make either solid pieces or are sometimes used as veneers to lower costs.
Oak
In antiques, this wood is famous for its beautiful yellow tone with dark streaks – giving meaning to the name “tiger oak.” Widely used in furniture since the 17th century, oak can vary widely in color depending on the variety. A durable wood that is popular for heavy use items such as tables and dressers, oak is moderately expensive.
Walnut
This distinctive wood is known for its chocolate color with dark streaks that make for a lively grain full of character. Used since the early 17th century, this wood is popular for items such as headboards and dining tables where the grain can be appreciated. Another durable wood that holds up well over time, Walnut is also one of the more expensive woods.
Mahogany
One of the prized woods in furniture, mahogany is a very distinctive, deep-colored wood with a definitive red tone. Due to its high price, it is often used in veneers as well as solid pieces. It has been popular in English and American furniture since the 18th century.
Cherry
Known for its use in fine furniture and cabinets, cherry has been popular in both English and American style furniture since the early 18th century. The wood is very smooth and varies in color, however vintage cherry is usually quite dark. It is hard to work with, and expensive.
Maple
This wood has been popular in furniture building since the early colonial times. Vintage maple pieces are well known for their yellowish color. The grain is often straight, but can occur in birds-eye or other varied patterns. The wood is known for being difficult to work with. It is usually moderately expensive.
Teak
This beautiful wood is used both for solid pieces and veneers. One feature of this kind of wood is that it is very resistant to rotting. It is a very expensive wood as the tree must be quite old in order to harvest it.
Softwoods
These woods are typically less resistant and less expensive than hardwoods. As these woods are typically readily available, they are popular for making low-cost furniture. They are also often used for making unseen parts of furniture such as the insides of drawers or even table legs which can be stained to match a more costly hardwood table top.
Pine
This inexpensive and common wood is very popular for furniture. It’s readily available and has been used in America since colonial times, even as early as the 17th century. The wood is white or yellow with brown knots and streaks. Part of its popularity is its low price. Antique pine pieces are well-known for their patina, or show of age in the finish.
Cedar
The classic eastern red cedar is well-known for its scent which deters moths and insects. For this reason it’s a popular choice for chests and wardrobes. Usually in these pieces, the inside is not coated with finish, so that the owner can take advantage of the insect-repelling properties. Reddish in color, Cedar has red knots and streaks, and is moderately expensive.
Of course there are many other woods that can be found in furniture such as ebony, rosewood, poplar, sycamore, birch and many, many others. Each wood has its own distinctive characteristics and can be used to make beautiful pieces of furniture.
If you are purchasing an antique or getting one refinished and need to know more about the type of wood used and its value, contact a quality antique-restoration company to help you assess the piece. Knowledgeable experts will be able to better help you assess the piece and advise you in your decision making process.
(Rahn’s Furniture Restoration is a premium antique furniture restoration company. Contact us to assist you with your furniture restoration and refinishing needs.)
