3 Kinds Of Wood Used In Real Wood Furniture

Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence. It's been around for hundreds of years and probably existed when the cave people got tired of squatting on the dirt floor of their caves and looked around for a better way.

The woods that are fashioned into furniture fall into three categories:

1. Hardwoods
2. Softwoods
3. Composites

Even the term 'hardwood' or 'softwood' is deceptive. Hardwoods aren't necessarily harder, denser material. For example, balsa wood is one of the lightest, least dense woods there is, and it's considered a hardwood. Technically, lumber is classified based on how the tree reproduces. As a general rule, though, softwood trees are evergreen year round while the hardwoods create the gorgeous autumn foliage that we all love so much.

Hardwoods are considered the highest quality and are the most expensive. Their natural colors vary from the darkest woods to the lightest ones and and they can be stained or painted for even more variety. Hardwood furniture is least likely to warp or bend and is prized in all high quality homes. The five woods most commonly used in furniture production are cherry, walnut, oak, maple and mahogany.

Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, but they require extra care. Because they are less durable, it's much easier to scratch or dent softwood furniture. In addition, they often don't have the beautiful grains of a hardwood, and therefore don't stain as beautifully.

Pine is an example of a softwood that is commonly used for furniture. These woods are often used in construction as well so the choicest pieces are reserved for furniture. In construction, knots and splits are common. Lots of construction lumber will not accept paint and this kind of wood is used for shelves or packing crates.

The softwood used in furniture is designated as "Appearance" lumber and includes most softwood lumber that has been custom milled to a pattern or otherwise surfaced on all four sides.

Composites are the cheapest form of wood and are literally manufactured, rather than grown.

1. Plywood: multiple layers of thin wooden sheets are glued together and pressed. Plywood is strong and resists swelling, shrinking and warping. There is some furniture made directly from plywood, but generally it is only used as a support when incorporated into furniture.

2. Particle board: sawdust and small wood chips are mixed with glue or resin which is then shaped and pressure treated. When used for inexpensive furniture, particle board is usually covered with laminate or veneer. This is necessary because particle board splits easily and the laminate prevents splitting. However, the downside is that the laminate may separate from the wood because the particle board responds to temperature and pressure changes by swelling and shrinking.

3. Hardboard: is made like particle board but it's placed under higher pressure so it's stronger.

4. MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard: wood particles are bonded with resin and compressed. It is harder than particle board or hardboard, and can be cut like plywood although it isn't as strong as plywood. Some MDF is covered with melamine which is a durable plastic in a variety of colors. The exposed edges of MDF are rough and need covering with molding or some other decorative material.

Technically, furniture made from all of these wood products is "real" wood furniture, even the composites. Prices and quality range from the hardwoods down to the composites. The higher you go up the spectrum, the more you can expect to pay for your wood furniture. The good part, of course, is that with proper care hardwood furniture will last for decades or even generations. If you can afford it, always choose hardwood furniture.

Read dozens of articles & constant new information on home decorating, furniture, unique home decor, home interiors & gifts, including a home blog, books on decorating and weekly specials. http://online-home-shop.com

---

Popular Trends in Home Technology

As a former home automation installer and a former manufactures... Read More

Buy Area Rugs on the Web? What a Site!

After spending hundreds of dollars on your favorite Picasso print,... Read More

Reduce Your Heating Bills This Winter

Imagine leaving a window open all winter long -- the... Read More

Why Cant We Kill Too?

Why does big business have all the fun? We fix... Read More

Fixing Old Wooden Chairs

Fixing Old Wooden ChairsIF you have some old chairs that... Read More

How To Choose The Canvas For Your Awning

The main factor for the canvas for your awning, it's... Read More

Daydreaming About Your Home Makeover Projects

Most of us enjoy daydreaming about our perfect home. Do... Read More

Remodel Your Kitchen or Bathroom For The Best ROI!

Trying to decide which home improvement project to tackle next?... Read More

The Benefits of Radiant Heat, Comparison

What are the Benefits of Radiant Heating and how do... Read More

Ideas For Interior Design

Ideas for interior design are a dime a dozen these... Read More

Make Your House A Home

When thinking about polished floors, cushions in place, an exquisite... Read More

Rustic Stone House Signs

You may own a remarkably constructed, attractive house that is... Read More

Tips For Breaking Away From White Wall Paint

Paint is one of the most affordable and easiest ways... Read More

Creating Your Joyful Home: Dawning of Your Emotions

"I keep the subject of my inquiry constantly before me,... Read More

Finishing Your Basement Can be Very Rewarding

Transforming your home's basement into a finished space can prove... Read More

A Fabric Hammock is Comfortable Casual Chic

If you are looking for unique seating inside or out,... Read More

Buying Replacement Windows

While most buyers of double glazing are looking for replacement... Read More

Would You Steel Your Household Appliances

Would you steel your appliances? That is a question many... Read More

How To Know If Interior Design Is Right for You

Have you ever seen a beautiful house or office building... Read More

A Review of Popular Dehumidifier Products

There are at least two dozen brand names marketing dehumidifiers.... Read More

Helpful Kitchen Remodeling Ideas

Functionality and aesthetics are the two main objectives of any... Read More

The Simplicity of Gel Fireplaces

Nothing makes your home more welcoming than the warmth and... Read More

Log Homes - Finding the Perfect Log Home Plan

One of the first steps in building a log home... Read More

Chester Conservatory Build Process

1. The site of the proposed conservatory.2. Construction work begins.... Read More

Sofa slipcovers - Give your home an instant makeover!

Sofa slipcovers are designed to be easy to fit over... Read More

How To Give Your Home More Space

Have you been wondering how to free up space in... Read More

Duvet Covers Are Easy to Make Yourself

Duvet covers are rather versatile when you think about it.... Read More

Laminate Flooring Basics

Laminate flooring resembles the look of hardwoods but offers easier... Read More

Making the Most of a Small Bathroom

In bathroom terms at least, bigger doesn't have to be... Read More

Got Attic Mold? Lets Talk Energy Conservation!

It happens to countless homeowners around the end of the... Read More

Luxurious Whirlpool Baths Aren?t Just for the Rich and Famous

A Jacuzzi has been popular since the 40's. We stopped... Read More

Ladder Décor ? the Possibilities Are Endless

With a little bit of creativity and some imagination you... Read More

Electrical Savings System; Save up to 40% on Your Electric Bill Every Month

Once a month there's an electric bill coming in the... Read More