A step into any antique store reveals a simple truth when it comes to well-constructed furniture: Wooden furniture can last for many generations. In today’s market, however, understanding the different types of wood furniture can be almost as confusing as deciphering the tax code. There are so many industry terms—bonding, veneering, laminating, and medium-density fiberboard (MDF) to name just a few. So, how do you know that you are buying a piece that fits both your lifestyle and its intended purpose? Do your homework before you go shopping. Arm yourself with the knowledge of how wood furniture is made today. And know what questions to ask before you commit to the purchase. Here are a few tips to help get you started.
What kind of wood?
There are two types of wood: hardwoods and softwoods. Hardwoods come from trees—ash, cherry, oak, and poplar—that lose their leaves seasonally. Softwoods are trees that keep their foliage all year like pine, cedar and redwoods. You might think that the type of wood used in the construction determines a piece’s durability—not always so. For example, a quality constructed armoire made of pine (a softwood) will outlast a poorly constructed armoire made of oak (a hardwood) under similar circumstances. The type of wood can, however, affect the style of the furniture. A lot of rustic and country-style furniture uses oak, pine, and cedar for its desired effect, while more traditional furniture tends to be made of heavier hardwoods like mahogany or walnut.
Your budget may affect the type of wood furniture you purchase. Environmental regulations on the farming and logging of different woods can dramatically affect the price of the finished product. Take, for example, wild mahogany. Today, there are strict regulations against its logging. The wood must come from farmed trees, resulting in high prices. On the other hand, pine, for instance, grow very quickly, keeping furniture prices more affordable.
Construction – solid wood or all wood?
In furniture terms, Solid Wood can mean several different things. It could mean that either the piece is composed entirely of the designated wood type or that all exposed pieces of wood are solid while hidden areas may be made of different wood types. For example, a “Solid Walnut” table may have solid pieces of walnut for the legs and table top while the skirt or supporting pieces may be composed of birch or popular. Solid wood furniture composed of different wood types is usually not as expensive as furniture made from a uniform wood type.
All Wood basically means that the piece can be made of different wood elements. This can include solid pieces, plywood, or MDF (particle board). All of these can be used in combination or as the primary element in the construction while still bearing the classification “All Wood.” Furniture can contain MDF and still be a quality piece as long as the finish on the surface is made of quality materials. Some manufacturers will use solid construction in all outside facing pieces while using MDF on the interior. This can help reduce the final cost of production, resulting in a lower retail price. Be sure and ask the sales person what type of wood is used throughout the construction so you know exactly what you are purchasing.
Veneer or laminated surface?
Veneering is a centuries-old technique of applying a thin, high-quality strip of wood to the exposed surface of wood furniture. The ancient Egyptians are credited with the first evidence of veneer construction. A veneered surface can allow the piece of furniture to have a uniform color or decorative pattern. Veneering can usually create a more expensive look at a cheaper price, but it does not mean that a veneered piece of furniture is cheaply made or of lesser quality than a completely solid surface. In fact, a high-quality veneer with extensive detailing can be quite expensive. A majority of wood furniture made today has a veneered surface. Good quality veneers do not crack nor split like solid wood surfaces do over time, and consumers have grown accustomed to the more uniform look they create. When purchasing wood furniture that is covered with a wood veneer, be sure to inquire what type of veneer is used and how to care for the surface.
A veneered surface should not be confused with a laminated surface. While a veneer is actual wood bonded to the surface, laminates are basically photographic reproductions of real wood. Laminates are usually applied to MDF. As such, they are not necessarily materials you should consider as heirloom furniture. While most laminates’ surfaces are low maintenance, they are easily damaged and not easily refinished.
While there are many factors to consider when purchasing a new piece of wood furniture, pay attention to your initial reaction to a possible purchase. Furniture can be an emotional purchase, so make sure you are comfortable with its style and function as well as its construction and price.
For more information:
Mountain View Furniture
770-205-5757
5695 GA Highway 400 South, Suite 300
Cumming, GA 30040
