The Pros and Cons of Different Wood Types for Furniture
When commissioning custom furniture or selecting wood pieces for your Vermont home, understanding the characteristics of different wood species can help you make choices that will serve you beautifully for generations. At Craft & Crown, we work with a variety of premium hardwoods, each with its own unique properties and aesthetic appeal.
Oak: The Reliable Classic
Pros:
- Exceptional durability and strength
- Distinctive grain pattern adds character
- Highly resistant to wear, moisture, and fungal attack
- More affordable than many premium hardwoods
- Available in red oak (warmer tones) and white oak (cooler, grayish tones)
Cons:
- Heavier than some alternatives
- Can sometimes appear too “traditional” for modern designs
- May darken significantly with age (especially red oak)
Best Applications: Dining tables, chairs, bed frames, and high-traffic furniture pieces that need to withstand daily use.
Maple: The Versatile Performer
Pros:
- Extremely hard and resistant to abrasion
- Clean, uniform appearance with subtle grain
- Takes paint and stain beautifully
- Bright, reflective surface brings light into spaces
- Vermont-sourced maple supports local forestry
Cons:
- Can be challenging to stain evenly
- Less distinctive character than other hardwoods
- May develop uneven patina over time
Best Applications: Kitchen cabinetry, contemporary furniture, painted pieces, and furniture that requires a clean, uniform look.
Cherry: The Aging Beauty
Pros:
- Develops a rich, reddish-brown patina over time
- Smooth, straight grain with occasional figuring
- Medium hardness strikes balance between workability and durability
- Warm, inviting appearance that complements many styles
- Traditionally associated with fine craftsmanship
Cons:
- Initially light appearance darkens dramatically with sun exposure
- More prone to scratches than harder woods like maple
- Premium pricing compared to oak
- Uneven sun exposure can cause inconsistent coloring
Best Applications: Dining room tables, china cabinets, bedroom furniture, and showpiece items where aesthetic value is paramount.
Walnut: The Luxurious Choice
Pros:
- Rich chocolate brown color with occasional purple undertones
- Straight grain with occasional spectacular figuring
- Excellent dimensional stability
- Naturally resistant to decay
- Distinctive luxury appearance requires minimal finishing
Cons:
- Among the most expensive domestic hardwoods
- Can bleach/lighten when exposed to significant sunlight
- Less abundant, raising sustainability considerations
- Too dark for spaces where maximizing light is a priority
Best Applications: Executive desks, statement dining tables, accent pieces, and custom built-ins where showcasing natural beauty is essential.
Pine: The Practical Softwood
Pros:
- More affordable than hardwoods
- Light, bright appearance works well in casual settings
- Relatively lightweight and easy to move
- Rustic character with knots and natural variations
- Renewable resource that grows quickly
Cons:
- Significantly softer, dents and scratches easily
- Less durable for high-use furniture
- Requires more maintenance to keep looking its best
- Can experience more dramatic expansion/contraction
Best Applications: Casual furniture, painted pieces, country-style cabinets, and applications where budget considerations are important.
Birch: The Adaptable Alternative
Pros:
- Hard and durable surface
- Clean appearance with subtle grain
- More affordable than maple with similar aesthetic
- Takes finish well and can mimic more expensive woods
- Versatile for many furniture styles
Cons:
- Less distinctive character than premium hardwoods
- Not as resistant to decay as some alternatives
- Can appear ordinary without careful finishing
Best Applications: Furniture with clean lines, Scandinavian-inspired designs, and pieces that will be painted or stained.
Ash: The Resilient Performer
Pros:
- Excellent strength-to-weight ratio
- Beautiful grain patterns similar to oak but lighter in color
- Good shock resistance makes it ideal for furniture that takes impacts
- Takes stain exceptionally well
- Growing availability due to emerald ash borer impact
Cons:
- Less rot-resistant than some alternatives
- Can be challenging to source consistently
- May require more protective finishing for longevity
Best Applications: Chairs, tables with clean lines, and contemporary furniture where strength without excessive weight is important.
Choosing the Right Wood for Your Project
When selecting wood for your custom furniture project, consider:
- Usage patterns: High-traffic areas demand durability (oak, maple)
- Design style: Traditional spaces may favor cherry or walnut, while contemporary designs might benefit from maple or ash
- Budget constraints: Oak and pine offer value, while walnut and cherry command premium prices
- Aging characteristics: Some woods like cherry dramatically change color with age
- Maintenance willingness: Softer woods require more careful treatment
At Craft & Crown, we can help you navigate these considerations, balancing aesthetic preferences with practical requirements. Our Vermont woodworking studio specializes in selecting the perfect wood species for each unique project, ensuring furniture that will serve your family beautifully for generations.