One of the most important aspects of selecting solid furniture is to understand how the density of the wood will affect how it functions on a practical level. Every species of wood contains different qualities that make it better suited to different uses. When it comes to hardness, the scale that is used to measure the different qualities of hardness in each kind of wood is called the Janka hardness test.
The Superior Quality of Handmade Solid Wood Furniture
When it comes to furniture, there’s nothing quite like far greater quality you’ll find when you invest in hand-crafted solid wood. One of the most dramatic differences between solid wood and other materials used in making cheaper, mass-produced items is the lifespan of the product. Handcrafted furniture is meant to last a lifetime, and with simple proper care, it will. Other furniture alternatives, like those made of chipboard or plywood, may only last a few short years.
Other major benefits of Handcrafted wood furniture include:
- Beautifully Crafted Designs
- One-of-a-kind Custom Builds
- Unparalleled Quality
- Trusted Manufacturers
Choosing the Right Kind of Wood
Once you’ve decided to invest in solid wood furniture, you may be interested in learning more about the different varieties available and the benefits of each. Wood used for furniture comes in both hardwood and softwood varieties and each has their benefits. The densest variety is hardwood, and the level of density of each variety of wood is rated according to the Janka hardness test. For example, if you might decide on a gorgeous dark oak table for your dining room due to the fact that oak holds a high rating according to the Janka hardness test.
Other Factors in Deciding a Wood Variety
If you’re looking for the densest wood possible, this rating will tell you, but density is not all that should be considered in choosing the right wood for a piece of furniture. One of the reasons that the densest woods in the word are not as popular in furniture is that the harder the wood, the longer it takes to grow.
The longer time consumption required in order to harvest these varieties of wood means that they end up becoming very expensive and may not allow for sustainable or ecologically-friendly purchasing options. Of course, if you’re looking for the most environmentally friendly option, you may want to consider reclaimed wood.
Another major factor is that some of the most dense wood in the world is very difficult to craft. Along with density, versatility is another desirable quality in furniture-making. These two, however, can often be at odds.
Finding the Perfect Kind of Wood for Your Custom-made Solid Wood Furniture
While the Janka hardness test may be a useful way to compare one aspect of different wood species, the perfect variety will be the one that contains the perfect balance of qualities desirable in furniture-crafting. Some of the popular options that tend to hold the perfect balance of durability and versatility, while also providing beautiful colour and textures include:
- Speckled Cherry
- White Oak
- Wormy Maple
- Maple
Note: while solid pine is a softwood, it is also a very popular option due to the balance of beauty, versatility and affordability.
Ultimately, choosing the right variety of wood for your furniture will depend on what will work best in your home. That’s why it’s a great idea to start by taking a look at what’s available from a trusted company that has been crafting quality items made of solid wood for decades.
