Right now, you’re exploring home furniture and have questions about furniture made from natural wood. You’re in the right place because, in this post, we’ll tackle some of the most frequently asked questions about wood furniture.
Which type of wood is the most popular choice for furniture?
While there isn’t a definitive list of the most popular choices for furniture in the United States, a few wood species consistently rank high in popularity. These are White Oak, Hard Maple, Black Walnut, and Cherry.
Other sought-after durable wood types include Teak, Mahogany, and Ash although their availability may be limited. Softer types of wood that are often used for affordable furniture pieces include Pine, Cedar, Spruce, and Poplar Wood.
What wood furniture sells the most?
The most functional pieces of furniture made from natural wood remain to be popular: bed frames, dining tables, TV stands, and chests of drawers. In recent years there’s been a steady demand for Mid-Century Modern and Scandinavian-inspired furniture.
Accent pieces made of wood also remain popular as more people become inclined to prefer the aesthetic appeal of natural wood in their spaces, especially with the rise of (or continuing presence of) Japandi, Mid-Century, Scandinavian, and Bohemian interior styles.
Can wood furniture get wet?
Real wood furniture can get wet to some extent, but prolonged exposure to moisture can damage it. After all, wood, even the most durable types of wood like teak, is a porous material that absorbs water.
Outdoor furniture, which is mainly designed to withstand the elements, can show some signs of damage over time. It requires care to last long.
Can outdoor furniture retain damage over time?
Yes, outdoor furniture can definitely retain damage over time. Indeed, certain types of wood like teak, cedar, and acacia are relatively resistant to moisture. But they still need some degree of care to last long.
Adding a protective sealant, for example, helps the wood repel excess moisture. Reapplication may be needed regularly, depending on the level of exposure. For extra measure, cover your outdoor furniture or move it to a sheltered area when raining or snowing.
How long does wood furniture last?
High-quality solid wood furniture can remain in good shape for 50 or more years, often lasting several generations with proper care.
Wood veneer can also last long, perhaps not as long as solid wood pieces, if the core material is hardwood.
Meanwhile, furniture made from engineered wood can last about 10 to 20 years, often less, depending on quality and use. Examples of engineered wood include medium-density fiberboard, particleboard, or plywood. The surface may mimic the wood grain of real wood but is often made of plastic veneer.
Can wood furniture be saved after a flood?
Yes, furniture can be saved after a flood. But it mostly depends on the extent of the damage, moreover, the type of wood used.
Natural wood furniture, especially durable wood types, has a higher chance of being salvaged and can often be refinished.
However, furniture made from engineered wood is less likely to survive being submerged in water, even when the surface is made of plastic wood veneer. The material can only hold off excess moisture for so long. Eventually, water will seep into the core, causing it to swell and then disintegrate.
Can natural wood furniture be repaired?
Yes, it’s possible to repair furniture made from natural wood. Of course, the level of repair needed depends on the extent of the damage. Scratches, dents, and cracks can be fixed with the right tools and techniques. Wood fillers can be used to level dents and scratches, while wood glue can be used to fix loose joints and cracks. Sometimes, certain parts can be entirely replaced.
What do you use to clean wood furniture?
For routine cleaning, simply use a soft fabric to wipe the wood surface. Clean with a damp cloth to remove minor stains.
For a more thorough cleaning, you might need to use sandpaper to remove the grime or stain. Then, apply an oil and wax finish to “moisturize” the wood surface.
Please check the following pages to learn more about cleaning furniture made from real wood:
- Organic Wood Finish – T.Y. Fine Furniture
- Repair – T.Y. Fine Furniture
- Stressless Leather Kit – T.Y. Fine Furniture
How do you clean wood furniture?
To clean furniture, start by dusting the surface with a soft, dry cloth. Then, use a damp cloth to gently wipe away minor stains and relatively stubborn debris. By all means, avoid exposing the wood to excess moisture and clean it with strong chemicals.
For more information, please check: Caring for Fine Furniture – T.Y. Fine Furniture
Can wood furniture have bed bugs and cause allergies?
Wood furniture by itself is not a source of bed bugs. Bed bugs feed on animal blood and prefer to stay in places where they can easily access it without detection. They usually prefer soft and textured surfaces where they can cling to and stay secured: mattresses, box springs, sofas, and upholstered headboards. However, bed bugs may hide in wood crevices, especially if it’s near infested areas.
When it comes to allergies, furniture made of natural wood, by itself, is generally not allergenic. Certain types of wood, however, may contain allergens. However, the possibility of an allergic reaction mostly occurs when the lumber is still fresh, not when the wood is already a finished product.
However, dust mites, which can gather on a piece of furniture, can trigger allergies. Moreover, wood finish made from strong chemicals can potentially trigger a reaction in some people. It’s important to regularly clean furniture as well as choose pieces with non-toxic finishes.
Can wood furniture be spray painted?
Yes, you can spray paint a piece of furniture made from natural wood. If you’re working on an old, salvaged piece, spray painting is a great way to give it a fresh look. Make sure to clean the wood surface then sand it lightly so the paint can adhere smoothly.
Why does wood furniture crack?
One of the reasons why wood furniture cracks is the constant exposure to temperature changes. It’s key to remember that wood is a natural material that responds to temperature and humidity.
When the air is too dry, like during winter, it may cause natural wood to lose moisture and “shrink”. On the other hand, when the air is too humid, the excess moisture might cause the material to “swell”. The repeated cycles of shrinking and swelling may eventually weaken the wood, resulting in cracks.
Sometimes, furniture simply cracks due to poor craftsmanship. This is why it’s important to choose high-quality wood furniture that’s built using traditional joinery. These joints allow natural wood to naturally contract and expand. Nails and screws, on the other hand, may limit these natural movements, causing stress on the material.
What happens when wood furniture gets wet?
The natural enemy of wood furniture is excess moisture. However, the level of damage largely depends on the level of exposure.
So, what happens when furniture gets wet? Minor spills, and limited exposure to drizzle, granted that the water dries quickly, don’t cause damage to a piece of furniture. But when submerged and exposed to water for a prolonged period, the wood develops mold and mildew and eventually rots.
When do you strip wood furniture?
Stripping wood furniture may be necessary when the existing finish is peeling and heavily damaged and you want to restore the material’s natural beauty. You may also need to strip a piece of furniture if it’s coated with paint and you want to reveal that natural wood grain or apply a different type of finish.
What types of wood furniture are in style?
Furniture made with real wood is generally timeless. But when we speak of furniture design, it typically coincides with trending interior styles. Currently, there seems to be more demand for simple and functional furniture, especially those with visible natural wood grain.
Where can you buy solid wood furniture?
The first places to explore are the wood furniture stores near you. Local furniture makers usually use natural wood to craft their pieces. Seeing finished products firsthand assures you that you’re getting high-quality furniture.
T.Y. Fine Furniture is also a great place to source handcrafted pieces, especially if you’re looking for custom furniture options. We accept a wide range of projects from handcrafting home furniture to customizing pieces for commercial areas.
Why is wood furniture expensive?
Wood furniture is expensive because high-quality materials, mainly durable types of wood, come at a significant cost, especially when sourced sustainably. Plus, skilled craftsmanship naturally requires higher labor costs.
However, in exchange for investing more, you’re getting high-quality furniture that can last for decades.
Why wax and oil wood furniture?
Waxing and oiling wood furniture is part of its upkeep. They help create a barrier over the wood surface, protecting it from minor scratches, moisture, and stains. It’s even better if you’re planning to use an organic formula because it naturally nourishes the wood by replenishing its moisture and allowing the natural wood grain and texture to shine through.
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We hope we’ve answered some of your questions. If you want to explore handcrafted furniture, feel free to browse our collection. Every piece of wood furniture we create is crafted from natural solid wood, using traditional joinery techniques.
Looking for something specific or unique? We also specialize in crafting custom pieces that bring our clients’ vision to life. If you need a piece of furniture with a particular design or size, reach out to us through call or email, or better yet visit our showroom in Columbus, Ohio. We’d love to share more about what we can offer to you and your space.