Choosing the Ideal Wood for Your Furniture
At DE GASPÉ, we prioritize solid wood species (white oak, birch, and walnut) for high-quality, durable, and functional craftsmanship. This article will explore different types of wood to better guide you in choosing your future furniture.
Hardwoods
Hardwoods, also known as deciduous woods, come from trees with broad leaves. These woods are generally denser, harder, and more durable than softwoods. They offer a wide variety of colors, grains, and textures, making them particularly appreciated for decorative applications and high-quality furniture. Hardwoods are widely used in the manufacture of high-quality furniture, flooring, paneling, and high-end interior finishes. Their density and hardness also make them suitable for building stairs, doors, and windows. Many artisans and cabinetmakers appreciate hardwoods for their natural beauty and their ability to be precisely carved and shaped. Here are some examples:
1. Oak
Oak is one of the most popular and durable hardwood species. There are many varieties, such as white oak, red oak, and pedunculate oak.
Discover our selection of white oak furniture
2. Walnut
Walnut is a luxurious hardwood, valued for its dark color and distinctive grain. It is often used for high-end furniture, paneling, and prestigious interior finishes.
Discover our selection of walnut furniture
3. Birch
Birch is a hard wood with a reddish to medium-brown color and a fine, even grain. It is used in the manufacture of classic furniture, interior woodwork, and office furniture.
Discover our selection of yellow birch furniture
4. Maple
Maple is a dense and durable hardwood, appreciated for its decorative grain and smooth finish. Sugar maple and red maple are two commonly used varieties in furniture and flooring.
Softwoods
Softwoods, also known as coniferous or evergreen woods, come from trees with needles and cones. These trees secrete a natural resin that gives them a characteristic smell and increased resistance to insects and fungi. Softwoods are generally lighter and less dense than hardwoods. Softwoods are widely used in residential and commercial construction, including framing, exterior cladding, and carpentry. They are also popular for making affordable furniture, pallets, and packaging crates. Their light weight and ease of working make them a preferred choice for many DIY and craft projects. Here are some examples:
5. Pine
Pine is one of the most common and versatile softwood species. There are many varieties, such as Scots pine, maritime pine, and Douglas fir.
6. Spruce
Spruce is a light and resistant softwood, often used in construction and furniture making. Sitka spruce and common spruce are among the most widespread varieties.
7. Fir
Fir is a softwood that is easy to work with, appreciated for its uniform grain and pale color. Balsam fir and Douglas fir are two popular varieties.
8. Cedar
Cedar is known for its distinctive aromatic smell and natural durability. It is often used for exterior cladding, fencing, and garden furniture.
Discover our solid wood furniture:
