The oldest son of a friend recently left for college. He instantly overspent on a brand-new, top-of-the-line television, as many young men do. He bought an inexpensive stand for it online, but it started to sway after just a few weeks. When he went home for a break, he asked his parents if they would mind giving up a small wooden bookcase from the family room. The bookcase could undoubtedly support the weight of his new TV because it had through his entire youth and adolescence and the preschool years of his two younger sisters. Even though the bookcase was somewhat old and had a few scratches, the finish still looked decent and stood upright without sagging, bending, or wobbling.
The tale of my buddy illustrates both the benefits and drawbacks of wooden furniture. Furniture made of high-quality wood will survive for many years and is more durable than furniture shipped flat in a box. Additionally, it will last a lot longer and look nicer than cheaply built furniture, such as those made of plywood or light wood with a cheaper veneer of hardwood. Wood furniture’s finish might become damaged or wear away over time if it isn’t maintained, but a professional carpenter can always restore it to like-new condition.
Benefits of Using Wooden Furniture
The strength of wood furniture is its main practical benefit. Unlike less expensive woods like plywood, particleboard, and fiberboard, hardwood tabletops, desktops, and shelves won’t slump over time. It can sustain that strength for many years; attics and basements frequently contain furniture from a century ago that is still in good condition. For instance, the bookcase my friend’s son stole was a family heirloom that had been passed down from an old aunt. Additionally, expensive furniture maintains its value: Wood furniture made to last a lifetime can frequently cost a high price.
However, the most appealing feature of hardwood furniture is its timeless appearance. Genuine hardwood’s grain and tones add cosiness and personality to any space. When adequately treated, natural wood has a shine that a veneer cannot equal. Wood furniture still looks good even if the finish isn’t kept up properly. This is why the modern rustic style, becoming increasingly popular, incorporates shabby chic furniture with a distressed appearance. For instance, today, my friend’s old bookcase gives his son’s college room a dignified appeal.
Damaged hardwood furniture can typically be entirely repaired or restored with the correct equipment and skills due to its enduring strength and beauty. Even the most boisterous family’s finished wood can resist years of wear and tear from reckless teenagers, crayon-wielding toddlers, splashed glue from failed craft projects, and more. Scratches and scuffs can be eliminated by sanding; the old finish can be removed, and a new one applied. Nevertheless, despite all of its virtues, wood furniture has certain drawbacks.
The Problems with Wooden Furniture
When my friend’s son transferred to a different residence hall, it required two people to transport his makeshift TV stand across campus. The weight of wood furniture is a trade-off for its strength, stability, and durability. Additionally, wood furniture has the following drawbacks:
Water is a threat to wood. Wood coatings can be harmed by moisture, penetrating the underlying wood and causing it to crack and swell.
UV rays can alter the color of and harm the surface of the wood. Sunlight can cause the surface of the wood to change color and break down chemical connections like how it affects the skin. If you don’t think this kind of discoloration is appealing, you can have an old finish restored by a qualified craftsman to bring the color back to its original shade if you’re not one of the owners of wood furniture. Furniture made of wood with a substantial and protective topcoat applied over the finish is less likely to tarnish over time.
Sharp items have the potential to scratch or harm finishes. Although the topcoat ought to protect your furniture from wear and tear from regular usage, solid or heavy objects may scratch the surface and expose the wood beneath. Check your warranty to check if accidental damage is covered for repairs.
Damage repair calls for perseverance and expertise. Sanding or removing stains involves time, care, and attention to detail, much like fixing scratches on a wood surface.
Hardwood is the best material to use for furniture because of its strength. It can withstand a lot of abuse, and most damage can be fixed or restored. Always get top-notch, luxury furniture from solid hardwood if you want to get the most out of your wood furnishings.