Like you will find with any choice, there are pros and cons to each option. Ever wonder what the difference is between softwoods and hardwoods? Contrary to their name, softwoods aren’t weaker than hardwoods. They do tend to grow quicker than hardwoods, and because of that, they are less dense. Softwood comes from coniferous trees (trees that keep their needles all year long). Some common types of softwoods are pines, spruces, cedars, and firs. These woods are also usually lighter colors.
Hardwoods, on the other hand, grow slower and produce a much denser wood, which is also heavier than softwoods. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (trees that drop their leaves each year). Some commonly used types of hardwoods include walnut, maple, cherry, ash, and birch. Woodworkers tend to love working with hardwoods because of the wide variety of colors as well as the grain patterns and textures that make for beautiful and creative wooden furniture. These woods tend to have darker colors than softwoods.
So are hardwoods or softwoods better? What type of wood is best suited to building
furniture parts? It all depends on your project!
Generally, in relation to furniture manufacturing, hardwoods are the better choice, because of their more dense structure. Not all hardwoods are equal; some are much denser than others, making them better suited to different applications. For example, hard maple is extremely hard, (hence the name!) and is often chosen for uses like flooring, because it can withstand the pressures it will undergo. Hard maple is nearly indestructible when it comes to everyday wear and tear, in comparison to something like pine, which would really take a beating.
Another big consideration is the finished appearance. If you’re planning on painting your furniture parts, you probably won’t want to choose a high-end wood like mahogany or walnut. You could choose something less expensive; like maple. If you are specifically looking for the striking patterns and charm of woods like oak, walnut, or cherry; take advantage of their grain with a stain or varnish and bring out their best. Hardwoods have amazing grain patterns that work well with these types of finishes, and bring incredible warmth and character to your home decor.
Newport Furniture Parts has been in the business of furniture manufacturing since 1963. Whether you have a special project and need a
furniture part manufacturer to assemble and customize your project; or you are looking for finishing services to put the final touches on your furniture, we can help!
Contact us today and we’d be happy to discuss your project in detail!
