Wood Selection: The Essential Process for Crafting Your Custom Furniture
Imagine this: you’ve just come across a magazine with interior designs that left you speechless. Or you’ve just booked an accommodation full of bespoke pieces of wooden furniture that gave the house a rustic feeling. So, you’ve decided that you want to add this feeling to your house too. You want a piece of furniture that reflects your preferences and needs and turns your house into a home that perfectly blends aesthetics with functionality. So what’s next? There are two major decisions to be made: who’s the craftsman you want to work with and what’s the type of wood you want to use for your custom furniture.
Understanding Different Types of Wood
There are various types of wood for you to choose from, which means that you can get creative and pick the one that matches your vision, style and needs. However, it might also be quite challenging to narrow down the options, so we’ll try to give you some help.
Wood can be categorised as hardwood or softwood, with hardwood produced by deciduous trees, and softwood originating from coniferous trees. The first one is denser and comes with a rough texture, while the second one is less dense, non-porous, and has a fine wood texture. Oak, mahogany, ash, and walnut are examples of hardwood and they are characterised by their strength, beauty and durability. So, if you’re looking for a rich-coloured, luxurious, and durable piece of high-end wood furniture, then hardwood is your go-to.
Softwood, on the other hand, is lighter in color, more affordable, and flexible, but usually less durable. Pine and linden are examples of softwood, and they are characterised by their warm color and smooth texture, making them easy to work with and ideal for decorative pieces of furniture.
Factor to Consider when Buying Custom Furniture
Now that we’ve introduced the types of wood that can be used, let’s go through a few essential factors to consider when choosing the wood for your custom furniture. Firstly, what’s the purpose of your custom furniture? Do you want a statement piece, a specific furniture object, or a decorative piece? This is important, as the purpose gives you a better direction when it comes to choosing the wood.
For example, if you want to buy custom outdoor furniture, you might want to consider hardwood, such as white oak. Because of its lack of open pores, white oak is more water-resistant and durable, which is ideal for outdoor wooden furniture. Hardwood is also the ideal choice when it comes to furniture placed in high-traffic areas, as it offers durability against frequent use and potential scratches, ensuring your furniture remains resilient over time. So, that dining table you plan to use daily? Consider a hardwood when choosing its material. Softwood, though not as durable, has its own advantages when it comes to custom furniture: it is cheaper, lightweight, and easy to work with, making it the perfect choice for decorative wooden pieces.
Now that we’ve talked about the purpose of custom wood furniture, let’s talk about another important factor to consider: aesthetics. When you choose a specific wood piece for your home or your office, you have to keep in mind the interior style and how that newcomer will fit into the space. For example, if rustic is the tone you want in your house, then the light-coloured pine should be your choice. If, on the other hand, you’re aiming for a luxurious or vintage tone, with rich colours and beautiful finishes, then walnut is probably what you are looking for.
Some tips & tricks
So, here’s a list of tips and tricks to keep in mind when choosing the wood for your custom furniture:
- Understand Your Needs: Determine the purpose and function of the furniture piece to guide your wood selection.
- Research Wood Characteristics: Learn about the grain pattern, color variations, and other properties of different wood species.
- Examine Samples: Request wood samples or visit a showroom to see and feel the wood before making a decision.
- Evaluate Aesthetics: Match the wood to your desired aesthetic, whether rustic, modern, or traditional.
- Consider Your Budget: Keep in mind that some hardwoods are more expensive, whereas softwoods tend to be cheaper.
And last but not least, seek professional advice from experienced woodworkers who can help guide you through the process of creating your dream wood furniture. If you’re looking for one, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re passionate about wood, and we’d love to help.