Home furnishings are an integral part of any household as they provide comfort and convenience. The main criteria considered by many when they’re out looking for furnishings, be it a wood bed frame, a sofa, or a dining set, are aesthetics, functionality, durability, and of course, and a price that doesn’t hurt. Some materials used for home furnishings have all the four qualities, while others can only offer style and functionality, but are left wanting in terms of other must-have attributes. Interestingly, wood, a common furniture material, has everything you can look for in furniture. What can be more pleasing than solid, beautifully carved wood, tainted with a dark chocolate stain and glossed to perfection? Wood is undeniably elegant, but the question remains, how long does wood furniture last?
Find out more about wood furniture to rest assured you get your money’s worth when out to buy one.
The Lifespan of Wood Furniture
The type of wood used in furniture-making and the protective mechanisms employed to keep them from deteriorating determine how long does wood furniture lasts. But like any other furnishings in your home, nothing lasts forever, so goes with wood furniture. While that may be the case, but with good quality wood, some care, and maintenance, they can still last very long. Hence, we get to see wood furniture in antique shops, and some are handed down as heirloom pieces.
Here are things you need to know about wood furniture, its lifespan, and how to make them last a lifetime.
Teak Wood
One of the most sought-after wood for furniture-making is teak. It is known for being a highly durable wood. How long does wood furniture last when it’s made of teak? When made into furniture, it can last for well over 70 years. Its strength lies in its capacity to retain oils and rubbers, making it resistant to dry rot, pest, and fungal infestation after felling. This ability isn’t found in any other wood types. In the long list of durable wood furniture, there is hardly any other that can beat teak. Teak furniture can be passed on to generations of ownership. On top of its exceptional longevity, it is also a beauty. It has a proud golden color that’s unchanged for many years. With all these, you can expect teak furniture to be on the expensive side of the spectrum.
Mahogany Wood Furniture
Furniture crafted from Mahogany wood is another one to last a lifetime. Mahogany is a typical hardwood used in furniture-making, and like other hardwoods, it can last many years, with the wood quality getting better as it ages. While it is lighter in weight than other hardwoods, its durability is comparable to oak, making it another excellent wood for furniture. But, genuine Mahogany is becoming a rarity; hence, its furniture price is also starting to skyrocket.
Oak Wood
If you’re looking for furniture that is as durable as any other hardwoods, but not as pricey, then oak wood furniture tops this list. Oak makes excellent kitchen furniture and is even used as a flooring material. And just like most hardwoods, you can expect it to last many good years of use. However, its color may change over time.
Cherry Wood
This wood is another exciting choice for furniture pieces. Being one of the hardwoods, you can expect cherry wood furniture to stay in great shape for a long time. What’s even better about cherry wood furniture is its color only gets more beautiful in time. It starts with a softer tint and darkens as it ages, giving it a fuller look as time goes by. Its grain appears even, and its hardness makes it almost resistant to scratches and dents.
Pine Wood
If you aren’t a fan of hardwoods for furniture as they can be bulky and heavy, but still wants a wood piece, then pine wood furniture makes an excellent alternative. It is also a commonly used wood for furniture-making and makes attractive rustic furniture pieces. Because it is a solid softwood, it is easy to work on and can resist shocks. But being a softwood, it isn’t as durable and long-lasting as hardwood furniture. Hence, pine wood furniture is offered at a much lesser price.
Wood Furniture Care and Maintenance
While wood quality plays an integral part in a furniture’s longevity, proper handling will affect how long does wood furniture lasts. Here’s what you should do to keep furniture live out its entire lifespan.
- Dusting- Never allow dust to accumulate on your furniture as those particles may scrape the wood surface. Regularly dust off with the use of soft-cloth or a feather duster.
- Clean with soap and water- For dirt that doesn’t go away with wiping, gentle cleanser and water is needed to clean off those tiny spots.
- Apply furniture polish/oil- Once in a while, you may need to apply some furniture polish or oil to give your furniture a brand new look.
- Waxing- When needed, apply wax that serves as furniture protection and keeps its finish pristine.
- Restore- Older furniture may need full or partial restoration. You may need an expert’s help on this task to ensure you’re your wood pieces are safely restored to its shining glory for many more years to come.
Conclusion
Wood furniture is definitely a jewel to have. They bring elegance and beauty anywhere they’re stationed. While some wood furniture is easily replaceable as they tear quickly, some are considered valuable possessions. And in the end, how long does wood furniture lasts will largely depend on how you handle and take care of it. And just like anything in life, care and attention make way for things to last long. Find out more about wood furniture.