Buzz
Image Credit: Getty ImagesSearching through online furniture shops for quality wooden pieces but confused about oak vs. maple? Wondering if pine qualifies as hardwood? From wood color to pricing, we've got everything you need to know about the top five wood types for furniture: pine, cherry, maple, oak, and walnut. We've also included detailed images and descriptions of each type to help you easily recognize their grain and color.
1. Pine
John LawtonPine is an affordable, light wood that typically appears yellowish or whitish with distinctive brown knots. It's commonly used for rustic items, such as farmhouse-style tables.
Advantages: Pine is cost-effective and absorbs paint well, making it a popular choice for children's furniture. (This also applies to birch and poplar.) Over time, pine develops a charming, rustic patina and is resistant to shrinking and swelling.
Disadvantages: As a softwood, pine is more susceptible to scratches and dents.
2. Cherry
John LawtonCherry is a durable hardwood with a smooth, straight grain, typically ranging in color from reddish-brown to blond. It's frequently used for intricately carved chairs and also appears in sleek, minimalist Shaker-style tables and cabinets.
Advantages: Cherry is easy to shape and polishes beautifully. When left unstained, it has a rich, elegant natural hue.
Disadvantages: Cherry wood tends to be costly. Additionally, its color may darken over time, though this can be seen as an advantage by some.
3. Maple
John LawtonMaple is a light, creamy white hardwood, sometimes with a hint of red. Known for its strength, maple is one of the hardest wood species and is commonly used for furniture that needs to withstand heavy use, such as dressers and kitchen cabinets.
Advantages: Maple is an affordable and incredibly durable wood. It can withstand heavy use while maintaining its beauty for many years. Maple also absorbs dark stains well, allowing it to imitate more expensive woods like cherry or mahogany (though mahogany itself is a controversial choice due to deforestation concerns in its harvest areas).
Disadvantages: If not properly sealed, maple can absorb stain unevenly, leading to blotchy results.
4. Oak
John LawtonOak is a hardwood with a prominent grain pattern. There are two types: red oak, which varies from light brown to pinkish-red with a swirling, water-like grain, and white oak, which features a tiger-stripe pattern with yellow rays and flecks. Oak is often used in Arts and Crafts or Mission-style furniture. While teak is a popular choice for outdoor furniture, such as Adirondack chairs, oak serves as a solid alternative due to its resistance to water damage.
Advantages: Oak is highly durable and often cut in a way that prevents warping. Its distinct, wavy grain gives it a unique appearance, and a clear finish enhances its texture.
Disadvantages: Staining oak can darken the wood too much and emphasize the grain, sometimes giving it an overly two-toned look.
5. Walnut
John LawtonWalnut is a straight-grained hardwood, with a color range from rich chocolate brown (from the center of the tree) to light yellow (from the outer wood). A popular choice for headboards, ornate antique-style dining tables, and mantels, walnut is often finished with a clear coat or oil to enhance its natural color.
Advantages: Walnut is a strong, stable wood that holds up well to intricate carving. Its color can be stunningly beautiful.
Disadvantages: Some may not appreciate the variation in color, from dark to light, that can appear even on a single wide board. Additionally, walnut is one of the more expensive wood options.
