What Kind of Wood is Used for Rustic Furniture?
If you’re interested in building rustic furniture, you probably want to know what kind of wood is commonly used in its construction. Traditionally, pine is used for furniture, as it holds stains well and resists wear. Pine also works well with power and hand tools, holds nails and screws well, and holds its shape without warping. Another popular wood used for rustic furniture is hickory. Its strength and flexibility make it the perfect material for craftsmen to steam bend to create unique shapes. It is also frequently used for log furniture.
Birch
Many people are interested in birch as a material for rustic furniture. This softwood can be used to make tables, benches, and even fireplace mantels. This wood has a rich history, so a rustic style is often desirable in this style. It can be found in a variety of colors and can be used to create a wide range of pieces. This article will discuss the benefits of birch for rustic furniture.
Maple
Maple is a hard, durable wood with fine characteristics. Its color varies from cream to red and is often striped, giving it a rustic appearance. It can be used to create rustic furniture, as well as other items, such as spoons and drawer knobs. The grain pattern in maple wood makes it aesthetically appealing. It is both durable and water resistant. Furniture makers prefer sapwood over heartwood, which has a distinctive wavy grain pattern.
Hickory
Many hickory pieces are crafted from young saplings from the Appalachian region of the United States. These trees are harvested in the autumn and kiln-dried at 160 degrees for a week. The saplings are then hand-caned by a craftsperson. They are then finished by hand and tagged with a maker’s mark or name. The process used to make hickory furniture is very similar to manufacturing any other wood-based furniture.
Alder
Alder is a popular wood used for building rustic furniture. Its softness and natural grain make it ideal for working with wood glue, nails, and screws. In addition to its strength, alder accepts stains and paints well. For this reason, many carpenters choose alder for their rustic-style pieces. However, it’s important to consider the benefits of alder before purchasing this wood. It can be costly, so if you’re building a budget-minded piece of rustic furniture, consider buying one made from cheaper wood.
Cedar
Eastern white cedar is a species of an evergreen tree, much smaller than eastern white pine. It grows in cool, low-lying environments, often in thick stands. Its thin, furrowed bark is reddish brown. Craftsmen in Michigan use wood to create rustic tables and other furniture. Craftsmen steam bends the wood to create unique shapes and add it to log furniture. This wood ages well and can be stained in any color you choose.
Walnut
There are several reasons to use walnut for making rustic furniture. This wood has a rich, deep color and tight grain. It also takes a high degree of polish and can come in a wide variety of shades. Although the color of walnut wood varies greatly, it is typically light brown to dark brown. There are a number of different varieties of walnut, with eastern black walnut being the most common. Regardless of where you choose to use walnut, it will add an elegant touch to any decor.
