The Advantages of Oak Furniture

There are a lot of options when it comes to furniture these days. In our culture, often cheap materials that can be quickly assembled are favored over more expensive materials and time consuming craftsmanship. This isn't always the best plan, however. While that particle board backed computer desk might not cost as much as its solid wood alternative, it also won't last as long. Here's a look at some of the factors to consider about buying oak furniture instead.

Oak is a middle grade hardwood. Its more expensive than pine, but will still cost you considerably less than mahogany. Oak is a very durable wood that can last for many years and stand up to abuse by kids or other rough use. It generally has an attractive grain and takes well to staining.

As antique collectors could tell you, much of the well kept antique furniture is made of oak. This is do to the extreme durability of the wood. A well made piece of oak furniture, if properly cared for, will last you a lifetime and perhaps longer. Solid wood furniture is less likely to warp than some of the other options. The downside of this type of furniture is that it is heavy. A solid oak desk will take a lot more muscle power to move than would a particleboard or even pine counterpart.

Oak furniture is fairly easy to maintain. As with most wood products, you should periodically polish it, probably every 4 to 6 months. You should avoid keeping your furniture on a heated floor, since this may damage the wood. In addition, it is important to maintain a fairly steady humidity. This is not nearly as difficult to accomplish as it may seem. A few plants in the room will be enough to maintain good levels for the health of your furniture. As with any wood, try not to get it wet and use a coaster if drinks are going to be placed on it, as they can leave rings. If spills do happen, wipe them up quickly.

When choosing your oak furniture, it is important to note the quality of the wood. Check for chips, damage, or knots. Be sure to ask if the piece is solid oak or simply an oak overlay on a cheaper wood. This is a frequent practice, so be aware of it. In addition, it is important to check the workmanship of the piece itself. Good construction is just as important to the longevity of the piece as the materials are. A little common sense here will go a long way. If the furniture looks or feels unstable it is probably poorly made. You can also look for signs of good workmanship. For example, dovetail joints, pictured at the right, are one of the sturdiest joints and are a good sign of sturdy construction.  If you are unsure about anything, don't be afraid to ask the manufacturer or store owner.