If you’re a fan of interior design, contemporary mid-century style, or just general furniture, then chances are you’re a fan of oak furniture, and you’re not alone. Oak is one of the most common wood-making furniture, used to build almost every piece of furniture that exists, from beds to bookshelves and again.
Oak furniture is one of the most flexible hardwoods available. Its color palette, grain, and texture can easily accommodate a wide range of aesthetics of decorating and can be used in many different styles. A well-made oak piece will last a lifetime, like other high-quality woods, if cared for properly. There are a couple of items you’ll need to know upfront to get the most out of your next oak purchase. Buying the oak furniture your room has been waiting for with the following tips in hand is a breeze.
Why Buy Oak Furniture ?
The incredible popularity of furniture oak stems from the fact that it is abundant and therefore reasonably cheap, and that it is a beautifully grained, robust, heavy hardwood. Furniture constructed from oak, such as mahogany, is much stronger than that made from some other hardwoods. Oak furniture is a good choice in part because it doesn’t damage easily if you have an active family and furniture gets a lot of wear in your home.
Unfinished oak furniture among buyers is second only to pine in popularity. Oak stains well or it can be coated to show its natural beauty in a transparent urethane. For American and English country styles, Oak is the most common wood, but it is a popular option for nearly all types and styles of furniture.
What To Look For
While some furniture is made of solid oak, other parts are made of oak veneers glued over carcasses built from other cheaper woods. It is a matter of taste and budget to choose between solid oak or oak veneer furnishings. For instance, oak veneer, very thin, large oak sheets, can be cut to size and glued over pine or particleboard core carcasses, and this can significantly reduce the total cost of the piece. There is nothing wrong with selecting veneer furniture, given that it is well made.
However, solid oak furniture is made for the ages, and many solid pieces of oak last for centuries and are passed down as heirlooms of the family. Whatever furniture you purchase, look for well designed parts. The joints between individual components should be firmly fastened together, and no holes between the sections should be seen. New oak furniture should be indentation-free and each horizontal plane should be level, such as tabletops or the top surface of the chair arms. The oak has a naturally coarse texture, but the surface should feel smooth to the touch when used in furniture pieces. Oak furniture should have a standard look that has been sprayed with urethane or paint. The grain through the finish should be visible and have a warm look.
Having A Decent Price
As with most strong hardwood furniture, a big investment is oak furnishings. Consider purchasing used furniture, or matching veneered furniture with solid oak furniture. Oak furniture that can be refinished or may need some minor repair is often sold by antique and secondhand stores. It will probably be worth the price if the oak furniture is well made.
There are plenty of retail outlets that offer finished oak furniture, which is always affordable. An excellent way to save money is to buy it in an untreated form, and it helps you to get the exact finish you want. It is possible to stain a few pieces of oak furniture over one weekend.
