Wood is used in producing so many things, but perhaps none more than furniture for UK homes. From tables and chairs to beds and cabinets, wood provides the foundation upon which all our homes are built. The wood you choose to use will significantly affect the durability and quality of your furniture, but with so many different varieties to choose from, it can be difficult to decide which type of wood will be best suited for your furniture needs. Here’s a quick guide to some of the most common types of wood used in furniture making today.
Oak Furniture
Oak has a lot going for it. It’s sturdy, and it ages well (much better than pine or cedar), making it a good option if you have kids or are looking to keep your furniture around for decades. Oak is also pretty much impervious to insects, so you can probably safely leave that armoire outside without worrying about bugs infesting your stuff. If you’re into antiquing, oak stands up nicely to aging and distressing; it also looks great in almost any decor.
Mahogany Furniture
The well-known durability, density, and workability of mahogany make it an excellent choice if you’re looking to create fine wooden furniture or cabinets. It’s a dense hardwood with a tight grain pattern that can be difficult to sand. Mahogany has dark red hues and natural oil pores.
Acacia Furniture
Both acacia and mahogany are hardwoods, with acacia being softer than mahogany. While both trees have comparable durability, acacia isn’t quite as strong as mahogany (though still relatively resilient). The two kinds of wood share a similar colour (light brown), but acacia tends to be less expensive, making it a viable option if you’re looking to furnish your entire home on a budget. However, it’s worth noting that neither wood should lose its structural integrity over time—which makes either choice a good pick for your living room set or dining room table.
Upcycled Furniture
Upcycling is more than a popular buzzword—it’s a way to transform used materials into new items that are both sustainable and beautiful. Recycled or repurposed materials are gaining popularity in furniture, so consider using second-hand pieces like refurbished barn doors or repurposed shipping pallets as building blocks for your next piece. These unique finds often offer unique grains and marks that add character to any home. Best of all, upcycled furniture items allow you to support sustainability efforts while creating stunning additions to your space!
Shabby Chic Furniture
Shabby chic, shingles, and distressed wooden furniture – all three recall images of a tranquil cottage. This style has been around since 1960, and it’s still trendy today, especially with homeowners trying to give their rooms a distinctive vintage look. The furnishing style often features simple lines and shapes and bold colour choices. Vintage pieces that have aged naturally or show signs of wear also fit in nicely with shabby chic designs.
Walnut Furniture
Walnut offers a warm, rich look that’s often hard to replicate with other types of wood. Walnut is relatively dense and can withstand wear and tear quite well, but it also tends to be pricier than comparable products. Still, if you’re looking for a more modern feel in your home, walnut may not be right for you.
