If you are planning to design custom furniture for your new home, it will be wise to first determine what type of raw material to use for there are many varieties of wood that are used for furniture, with each having their own characteristics, properties and distinctive marks. The material selected will help in achieving the finished look and feel that you desire as well as in defining its eventual strength. Below are the pros and cons of the few most popular types of wood commonly used for furniture that you need to know about.

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1. Pine

As one of the three types of SPF Lumber class (Spruce, Pine and Fir) softwoods, pine is an inexpensive, lightweight wood that makes great furniture. Available readily in white or pale yellow and in several varieties, pine is very easy to work with.

Pros: Low cost; Takes paint/stain well; Resists shrinking and swelling

Cons: Prone to scratches and dents

 

 

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2. Maple

Another popular wood used in building furniture, maple is available in both soft and hard forms. Maple is harder as compared to other types of woods and its fine texture and even grain also makes it more stable.

Pros: Ultra-durable; Dense; Distinct look; Resistant to shocks and dents

Cons: Tend to change colour; Humidity Issues

 

 

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3. Oak

The most widely used hardwood, oak is distinctively grained with the grain having beautiful prominent rays to it. Durable and long-lasting, furniture made from oak wood will look more traditional and elegant, which explain why it is such popular choice of hardwood.

Pros: Resilient; Resistant to moisture; Unique; Attractive

Cons: Bulky; Expensive; Heavy; Prone to scratches; Humidity Issues

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4. Cherry

Also known as fruitwood, cherry is an all-around great wood that is easy to carve and polish, and ages beautifully. With a hardness of 2 on a scale of 1 to 5, this light to red-brown wood with closed, distinctive grain, is a very common wood for furniture-making.

Pros: Strong; Easily shaped; Resists warping; Versatile

Cons: Expensive

 

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5. Teak

Varies from rich golden-yellow to dark brown, with dark and light streaks, teak is becoming rarer these days. With an oily feel and a golden-brown colour, teak is synonymous with fine outdoor furniture. In spite of its steep price tag, teak is valuable both for its elegance and its durability.

Pros: Strong; Durable; Highly weather-resistant

Cons: Very expensive; Extremely heavy

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