Which Is The Best Type Of Wood For Furniture?

When the time comes to find the ideal furniture for your home (whether you’re moving in a new house or renovating the old one), one of the most critical decisions you’ll make is the choice of the wood type.

And this choice is important, as it not only affects the appearance of the furniture, but also its durability, cost and overall quality.

Are you also concerned about this particular issue and are wondering which is the best wood for furniture?

Then all you have to do is keep reading, as below you are about to learn everything you need to know about it!

1. Beech

Beech wood is probably the strongest wood, as it is quite hard and heavy, which is why it is usually used in wooden structures that require a lot of strength, such as shelves, wardrobes, doors, etc.

Despite its hardness, however, beech is renowned for its flexibility and ease of processing, which makes it the ideal type of wood for special designs and finishes, as well as for curved furniture such as bedside tables, dining tables, etc.

Its uniform appearance and various brown shades also make it a good choice for both traditional and more contemporary furniture styles, giving a sense of warmth.

Of course, beech wood can be susceptible to dents and scratches, so proper care and maintenance are essential to maintain its beauty.

2. Oak

Perhaps one of the most popular wood types for furniture is oak.

Οak is also distinguished by its immense resistance to damage, such as scratches, dents, dings, etc., as well as moisture.

What kind of furniture is oak ideal for?

Usually, oak is used for the construction of kitchen countertops and also for flooring. In addition, the elegance and aesthetic quality created by its very beautiful wood grain make it an excellent choice for other furniture, such as elegant coffee tables, dining tables, wardrobes, shelves, etc.

What’s more, it is considered perhaps the best type of wood for bedding, so you can choose it for sturdy and quality bedroom sets!

It comes in two varieties: white oak and red oak. The latter is best known for its striking reddish-brown hue and its bold grain patterns, and is mainly used for more traditional and rustic styles.

Of course, it’s good to keep in mind that oak constructions are relatively heavy and, therefore, difficult to move.

Read also: How To Choose The Right Bed: 6 Factors For The Right Choice!

3. Walnut

Walnut is one of the hardest woods and is also distinguished by its great resistance to the passing of time and to various environmental conditions, whether it is very hot or humid.

Despite its hardness, walnut is a particularly light wood for various constructions.

In fact, it stands out for how flexible it is, which allows it to be easily processed to create various carvings and finishes.

Walnut furniture is of top quality and unique aesthetics, giving an exceptional sense of luxury and elegance to the space. That is why it is usually more expensive.

This type of wood is used for dining tables, buffets, coffee tables, etc.

By the way, if you want to know how to make the right choice for your coffee table, take a look at our related article!

4. Solid wood

The answers to the question which is the best type of wood for furniture do not stop here.

Our list continues with solid wood.

But what is solid wood?

Solid wood is a type of wood that comes directly from the trunk of a tree (e.g. oak, walnut, beech, maple, cherry, etc.). That is, it has been sawn or cut directly from the log, without including other binding or filling materials (such as, for example, particle board, plywood, MDF, etc.).

This means that this particular type of wood offers a stunning natural look to the furniture, while the grain, gnarls and colour variations create a uniquely beautiful composition.

What’s more, solid wood is highly resistant to both the passing of time and wear, and is also easy to repair if scratched or knocked.

However, if you are looking for a type of wood that can withstand water, then solid wood is not the ideal choice for you, as it is vulnerable to warping and cracking in extreme heat or humidity.

Solid wood is used in a variety of constructions, such as chairs, chests of drawers, cabinets, dining tables, etc.

5. Maple

Maple wood is a light-colored hard wood known for its smooth and fine grain. It is used in both traditional and modern furniture design.

It is also distinguished for its durability and ease of processing, while offering a clean and timeless look that can match a variety of decorating styles.

However, maple can be prone to scratches and dents and requires regular maintenance to keep it in the best possible condition.

6. Cherry

What other types of wood are there?

There is also the choice of cherry, which is renowned for its warm reddish-brown tones and distinctive grain patterns.

It has a timeless charm that lends itself to classic and traditional furniture designs, and over time it darkens evenly, giving a striking effect.

It is quite a hard and durable wood, which is why it is used for heavy constructions.

7. Mahogany

Mahogany is a hard type of wood known for its deep, reddish-brown colour, its exceptional durability and its timeless elegance.

It has an extremely glossy and soft texture, is quite lightweight and is mainly used in luxury furniture and antiques.

It is also a moisture resistant wood. So, if you’re wondering which is the best type of wood for garden furniture, mahogany gives you the answer!

The only downside is that mahogany is quite an expensive choice.

The best type of wood for furniture – Conclusion

We hope this article has given you all the information you need to decide which is the best type of wood for furniture and make the best choice.

Make sure to take into account the intended use of the furniture piece or construction, the cost in relation to your budget and your personal preferences regarding the decorating style, in order to make the ideal decision.

In case you wish to upgrade your space, at Alexandros Furniture you will find the most elegant and quality dining room sets!