Types of Wood: Which is the Right One for Your Furniture?

Your home is your haven. A place to relax, recharge, and escape the outside world. But when your furniture is outdated, scuffed, or just plain boring, it can make your whole house feel that way too.

That's why finding the right type of wood for your furniture is so important. The right wood can make all the difference in transforming your house into a stylish and inviting home.

You want to make sure that you select a material that is both durable and stylish. You also want to ensure that the wood you select is going to complement the rest of your home décor. With so many different types of wood on the market, it can be difficult to know where to start your search.


Here are the different types of wood with their qualities and characteristics, so you can pick the best kind for your furniture needs:

 

Oak

The most popular type of wood is oak, which is often used for the frame and legs of furniture. Oak is a strong and durable hardwood that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. It’s resistant to decay, moisture and warping, making it a good choice for pieces that will be used in damp environments. It also has a beautiful natural grain and a rich reddish-brown color that will darken over time.

 

Pine

Pine is a softwood known for its affordability and versatility. It has a light color and a distinctive grain pattern that works for both traditional and contemporary styles. Pine is often used for furniture because it’s sturdy yet also lightweight and easy to work with, ideal for crafting intricate designs and elaborate knots that can add charm to a piece of furniture.

 

Cherry

Cherry is often used for furniture because of its attractiveness and durability. The color of the wood can range from a light pink to a deep red with a smooth texture and a subtle grain that can add elegance to any piece. Cherry furniture is also strong and resists shrinking, warping, and other damages such as scratches and dents, so it’s fine to place it in an area with a lot of surrounding activity.

 

Cedar

Cedar is a hardwood that comes from the juniper family. It has a straight grain and a fine texture, which makes it easy to use for building furniture. The aromatic red wood can be used for closets and chests to repel moths and other pests. It’s also great choice for outdoor furniture because of its natural resistance to rot. It’s can also be a good choice for porch railings, gazebos, and other outdoor structures. To ensure that cedar remains weatherproof, it can be finished with a clear coat of sealer to protect it from the elements.

 

Maple

Maple is a light-colored wood that can brighten up any room. One of the main benefits of maple furniture is its strength. Maple is a hardwood, which means it is resistant to damage and scratches. This makes maple wood a great choice for furniture that will be used often, such as dining tables and chairs, bedroom furniture, or home office desks and shelves. It also holds up well to humidity, so it can be exposed outdoors or in humid environments.

 

Mahogany

Mahogany is another strong wood that’s often the preferred material for high-end furniture. It forms hard, sturdy pieces that are prized for their beauty and durability. These items are usually expensive, but they’re also considered to have high quality that fits the price. Mahogany furniture can last for many years if well-maintained, making it a wise investment for any home or establishment. It has a reddish-brown color and a smooth texture that signifies timeless luxury.

 

Walnut

Walnut is a strong and heavy hardwood prized for its beautiful, dark finish and durability. It is commonly used for pieces that need to be both sturdy and elegant such as dining tables and bedroom sets. Walnut furniture can also be used in different climates because of its strength and resistance to shrinking and swelling. It ages well, developing a rich patina over time.

 

Alder

Alder wood has the durability of hardwood but is also a lightweight choice that looks great for rustic furniture pieces. Due to its strength and attractiveness, alder wood is often used to build chairs, tables, cabinets, and other pieces of furniture. The wood can also be stained or painted to create a variety of different looks. It's a relatively inexpensive material, which makes it popular for budget-minded shoppers.

 

Birch

Birch wood is light and has a subtle grain pattern. It’s ideal for customized furniture because of its versatile style and neutral color palette. The wood is durable and has a natural resistance to staining and fading. For these reasons, birch is used in kitchens, dining rooms, and bedrooms. Birch furniture can also be easily cleaned with a damp cloth, making it a practical choice for busy families.

 

Hickory

Hickory is a type of hardwood that has beautiful grain patterns, which creates an interesting visual element to any piece of furniture. Furniture makers appreciate the fact that hickory wood can be carved and shaped into a variety of different designs. It is long lasting and resists pests and decay so it can be used for both indoor and outdoor furniture.

 

Ash

Ash is a hardwood that does not easily warp or crack. It ranges from light to dark brown, depending on the age of the wood, and has a smooth surface. Furniture made from ash can be quite intricate and detailed. It can be used to create everything from simple tables and chairs to elaborate cabinets and dressers. Ash also has a wonderful grain that can be highlighted with a clear finish.

 

Elm

Elm is unique because it has a very distinct grain pattern. This makes each piece of furniture a one-of-a-kind work of art. Its coarse texture makes it resistant against moisture, stains, scrapes, and damages, so it can be used for dining room tables and kitchen counters. Elm wood is a durable option that can last for many years with the proper care.


Wood furniture can last for many years if it's well-made and cared for properly. When you're shopping for furniture, it's important to know the different types of wood that are available. Different types of wood have different strengths and weaknesses, so it's important to choose the right type of wood for your needs.

Figuring out the different types of wood for furniture can be overwhelming. In Hunt Country Furniture, we match the best type of wood for our pieces. You can visit our store to choose the furniture you need.