Whether you’re the new owner of a solid wood dining table, bedroom set, coffee table, TV stand, or something else, congratulations on your furniture purchase! Your new solid wood piece should provide your home with character and style, along with many, many years of durable service.
Oh, you’re still on the fence about solid wood furniture? That’s okay. This article is for you too! Here at Woodstock Furniture & Mattress, we find that many shoppers come with their own preconceived notions about solid wood furniture. Some of them are correct. Some of them aren’t.
As a result, we wanted to break down what you can expect from your new solid wood furniture. Consider this our general primer on solid wood furniture – we’ll cover what to expect, along with some myths and misconceptions, some do’s and don’ts, and a few pros and cons to consider.
Let’s start with just a simple exploration of the natural characteristics of solid wood. Then we’ll move on to the benefits and potential drawbacks of solid wood furniture construction.
Understanding Solid Wood Furniture’s Unique & Natural Characteristics
When considering a piece of solid wood furniture, there are a number of things to keep in mind. Always remember:
Every Solid Wood Piece is Unique
First, you should remember that each and every piece will be unique because no two boards – or trees – are alike. This fact is especially apparent with pieces that are rough-hewn, rustic, live edge, or those with lighter colored stains or finishes. As a result, you should keep in mind that unless you’re purchasing a floor model or closeout, the piece you receive could vary slightly from the one you saw while shopping.
For example, your live edge coffee table may have a slightly different contour than the one in the store. Or the knothole on the top of your new solid wood farmhouse table may have been absent from the one you saw in the showroom. This is perfectly normal. In fact, this is a feature not a flaw, because one of solid wood furniture’s biggest selling points is that every piece is unique.
It’s Durable & Easy to Care For
Another key feature of solid wood furniture construction is that it’s typically very durable, can last for years, and is relatively easy to maintain. As opposed to veneer furniture, with solid wood furniture there’s less risk of chipping and zero risk that a veneer can lift or peel. While it is true that some splintering can occur over time with solid wood construction, this is usually limited to the edges of rustic, rough-hewn style pieces. Additionally, any damage that does happen involving the wood’s surface is simple and easy to fix by sanding and refinishing.
Depending on the type of wood and finish, the only cleaning and maintenance your solid wood furniture may require is a regular dusting or wipe-down with a damp cloth. The absolute most it will require is an occasional wax or polish. Just be sure to leave behind the harsh chemical cleaners and disinfectants you use for your bathroom or kitchen counters, as these cleaners can easily strip your furniture’s finish and damage the surface.
In our stores, we do occasionally have customers ask if it’s true that solid wood furniture is at higher risk for warping and cracking. The truth is that yes, solid wood can warp or crack over time, however, this is not typical. In the rare instance that warping does occur, it’s almost always due to a defect or neglect, and will often be covered by manufacturer warranties. Even so, please note that repeated exposure to extreme temperatures and humidity can make such an outcome much more likely.
The Wood’s Surface & Finish Will Age Over Time
Lastly, with solid wood furniture, characteristics like wood grains, knotholes, a wood’s natural color, etc. may become more prominent over time. This means that the details of the wood grain pattern or color can become more visible through the finish. In most cases, you can expect the finish of your solid wood furniture to darken slightly as it ages.
However, since different woods and finishes each have their own characteristics and tendencies, this can vary. For instance, some softwoods like pine are naturally yellowish and sappy. In these cases, a slight yellowing can occur over time, especially with whitewashed or lightly colored finishes.
Regardless, slight discoloration over time is something that is common with authentic solid wood furniture. In a way, it’s not unlike how high-end aniline leather sofas gain their own unique character and patina over years of use.
Solid Wood Furniture | Pros & Cons
Let’s recap some of the benefits and perceived drawbacks we’ve discovered about solid wood furniture.
Solid Wood Pros:
- Durable and built to last
- Every piece has unique characteristics
- Made from high quality, natural materials
- Easier to repair or refinish than wood veneers
- No risk of chipping or lifting veneers
Solid Wood Cons:
- Often (but not always) more expensive than alternatives like wood veneer
- Some design limitations / limits to how the furniture can be shaped
- Potential for slight discoloration, sap, and minor splintering
- More sensitive to humidity and extreme temperatures
Have More Questions About Solid Wood Furniture? Ask Us!
Do you have any other questions or concerns about solid wood furniture that we didn’t address above? Be sure to write us a message in our convenient web chat. Better yet, come ask our furniture experts in person at our 3 North Georgia and Atlanta area furniture stores!
We’d love to answer your questions and help you determine if solid wood furniture is the right fit for you. For a similar resource on solid wood’s top alternative, wood veneer furniture, don’t miss our discussion on wood veneer pros and cons here.
