It doesn’t matter whether “on a large scale,” as in the case of a wall unit, or “on a small scale,” when you set the dining table with a wooden breakfast board: it’s rarely easier to let a piece of nature move into your own four walls. At the same time, natural materials are becoming more popular than ever when decorating your home.
A glance at wooden cupboards and their advantages
Although wood may be the oldest natural furniture material, cabinets or shelves made of wood can also be integrated into modern kitchens.
This is partly because wood can be used in many different ways and can be painted, for example. The effects range from classic-rustic to minimalist-modern.
Wooden cabinets meet a variety of visual needs. At the same time, you get benefits, including.
high level of stability
relatively easy to care for because wood is generally solid
the possibility of this furniture can be easily combined with other home accessories in the kitchen
Most importantly, the combination of natural brown wooden cupboards and tables with flowers and other natural elements is flexible.
For more comfort, a wooden dining table
Of course, if the room’s dimensions allow, there’s nothing wrong with turning part of the kitchen into a dining room. A wooden table can create a very inviting atmosphere that skillfully offsets the busyness that unfortunately often comes with cooking.
Demand for dining tables is relatively high. This unique furniture is visually attractive, especially if you notice the details. Chairs that match the table are just as crucial as matching decor items. For example, suppose you choose a classic brown table. In that case, you will benefit from the fact that it can be combined with cushions in various designs: from white to unusual colors, almost anything is permitted and possible here! It’s very flexible.
When choosing a suitable wooden table, among other things, make sure it offers enough space for additional guests. Many models can be expanded in just a few steps, offering much flexibility.
Wooden accessories are popular in the kitchen.
Talking about wood in the kitchen, it would be wrong to speak only on classic furniture. Because there are other accessories that you should think about. A tip: wooden vases can play an equally important role here as boards, bowls, or other decorative items.
When choosing, it is important to consider whether the piece will successfully complement the existing furnishing style. For example, darker wood tones suit more rustic interiors, while lighter versions are ideally combined with a minimalist style.
By the way, wooden kitchen countertops have long been the standard for many trend-conscious hobby chefs. Not only can they be cleaned gently and easily, but they are also ideal additions to cabinets, tables, etc. We explain the advantages and disadvantages of various materials for workbenches in separate articles.
Important basic rules surrounding wooden elements in the kitchen
One thing is sure: wood is a relatively solid and popular material. It plays an increasingly important role in living spaces. If you want to use it in the kitchen, keep the same types of wood and colors, regardless of the room size. For example, if you rely on elegant teak wood, it is best to stick to this style rather than breaking up with beech wood. Otherwise, the room will likely look restless.
However, suppose you’re afraid your kitchen will look too mismatched and want to break it up deliberately (and funny). In that case, you can be bolder with additional materials. For example, different types of wood can be combined well with metal or leather!
Conclusion
A kitchen with wooden elements rarely looks boring. It can stylishly reflect the owner’s taste and be very durable, as cabinets and other high-quality furniture made from this material are also very durable.
Becoming Familiar with the Characteristics and Varieties of Wood Utilized for Crafting Furniture
Wood has been a widely utilized material for creating various types of furniture since ancient times. It has been used to craft chairs, tables, cabinets, and even components of residential structures such as door frames, doors, and windows. Nevertheless, not all types of wood are suitable for furniture-making. The characteristics of wood used for furniture are as follows.
Characteristics of Wood for Furniture
- Possesses a Robust Material Texture
When using wood as a material for creating different types of furniture, it is essential to ensure that the wood has a sturdy material texture. This characteristic ensures that the wood does not break and remains intact when cut, shaped, and assembled. Generally, the harder the wood used, the easier it is to shape. Conversely, if the wood is soft, it will make it challenging to shape or carve. Therefore, it is necessary to use hardwood when crafting furniture. From a textural perspective, wood is categorized into three classifications: fine-textured wood such as giam wood and kulim wood, medium-textured wood such as teak wood and rosewood, and rough-textured wood such as meranti wood and empas wood. Despite being in the second classification, teak wood is widely used due to its exceptional durability.
- Requires Minimal Maintenance
Wood used for crafting furniture necessitates minimal maintenance. Why is this characteristic important? It is to ensure that the furniture can be used for an extended period without requiring daily maintenance. Simple maintenance practices such as avoiding areas prone to water exposure, minimizing sunlight exposure, and regular dusting are sufficient.
- Not Easily Combustible
Wood is a popular material for building and crafting furniture in homes. However, wood is also highly combustible in both wet and dry conditions. This is due to the cellulose molecules in wood formed from bonds between oxygen, carbon, and hydrogen. As a result, it is crucial to select wood types with non-combustible properties. Wood with low combustibility generally has a higher specific gravity. For instance, teak wood has a higher specific gravity than sengon wood, which means that furniture made from teak wood will not ignite as readily as furniture made from sengon wood.
- Resistant to Pests
In addition to being fire-resistant, wood used for crafting furniture and furnishings should be resistant to pests such as termites. By selecting wood with this characteristic, the furniture will be more durable and long-lasting for future use.
Types of Wood Suitable for Crafting Furniture and Furnishings
Numerous wood types are available, but not all are suitable for use as materials for crafting furniture and furnishings. The following wood types are suitable for use as the primary material due to their aforementioned characteristics.
- Teak Wood
This type of wood is likely familiar to you due to its slightly yellowish-brown color. It is one of the most commonly used types of wood for crafting furniture and furnishings. This premium wood, known as Tectona Grandis in English, is abundant in Java and Sulawesi. Teak trees are primarily found in the Sumatra and Kalimantan regions. However, the high acidity levels in the soil of these islands hinder the optimal growth of teak trees. In fact, it takes several decades for teak wood to be processed into furniture material. The age factor is one of the reasons why teak wood is favored for crafting home furnishings, despite its relatively high price. Additionally, its durable nature makes it an ideal wood for crafting furniture and furnishings.
- Mahogany Wood
In the Jepara region, many individuals utilize mahogany wood as the primary material for producing household furniture. Furniture artisans in Jepara frequently export mahogany wood overseas, particularly to European countries. This wood offers numerous advantages.
While mahogany is not as durable as teak wood, it has fine fibers that result in smooth furniture products. The wood has a slightly reddish color on the inside and a dark brown color on the outside, giving mahogany furniture an aesthetically pleasing appearance as interior decor.
Some of the advantages of mahogany wood include its lower price compared to teak wood, its relatively light wood character, and its low oil content, allowing for a solid paint finish. However, this wood needs to be coated with anti-pest solution to prevent termite infestation.
- Mindi Wood
Craftsmen in the Southeast Asian region heavily rely on Mindi wood in addition to mahogany. This is because Mindi wood possesses a fairly hard character, resulting in durable and long-lasting furniture. However, its hardness does not match that of teak and mahogany. Additionally, it must be used in dry conditions to prevent easy breakage.
Mindi wood’s characteristics make it suitable for creating furniture with a strong material texture and good wood grain lines, ideal for minimalist furniture with natural colors. Like mahogany, coating Mindi wood with anti-pest solution is necessary to prevent pest infestation. Furniture made from Mindi wood is widely exported from Southeast Asia to Europe and America.
- Sungkai Wood
Sungkai wood has strong fiber characteristics, making it suitable for household furniture production. It is often used for creating furniture with natural colors due to its light color. However, for optimal results, it is better not to apply solid colors on sungkai wood.
Apart from furniture production, sungkai wood is commonly used for making doors, windows, and roof frames. Nevertheless, it is not suitable for outdoor furniture due to its lower resistance to sunlight and rainwater compared to other types of wood used for furniture.
- Trembesi Wood
Trembesi wood is commonly employed as a shading material. It can thrive in areas with minimal water or heat and has a faster growth rate than other trees. Consequently, this wood typically has a large size, unlike teak wood. It is often utilized for furniture products that require strong construction, such as the solid table below.
Trembesi wood features prominent and regular fibers, similar to teak wood, creating a strong and elegant impression. When it is still a tree, this wood can withstand extreme weather conditions. However, once turned into wood, it is not suitable for outdoor placement and is better suited for indoor products without construction joints or thick solid designs, or for large statues.
- Beech Wood
Beech is a hard, strong, and heavy type of solid wood. It is often characterized by its lighter color, ranging from white to light yellow, with a dense fine wood grain and even texture. Beech wood also boasts high shock resistance. As a popular choice for high-quality furniture, such as chairs or tables, beech provides a warm effect and a soft finishing result. To ensure its longevity and resistance to dirt, many apply a protective layer before use.
- Oak Wood
Oak wood needs little introduction, as it is well-known for its hard, strong, and durable nature, making it a popular choice for long-lasting furniture. It is heavy and resistant to fading, although it is susceptible to water damage due to its large pores and distinctive patterns. Many people choose to protect its natural beauty by applying a protective coating, such as duco paint. Oak wood comes in two main colors: white oak, which is relatively light, and red oak, which has a light reddish-brown color.
- Maple Wood
Maple wood is characterized by its hardness, weight, and resistance to moisture, making it a durable choice for furniture. Its bright color makes it easy to paint, offering versatility for household furniture. In addition to furniture, maple wood is commonly used in high-value musical instruments such as guitars and drums.
- Pine Wood
Pine wood is favored by furniture craftsmen due to its affordable price. Its bright appearance and ease of painting make it a popular choice. However, its relatively light weight means it is not as durable and strong as maple or oak. Pine wood is often combined with other types of wood to create more affordable furniture. It is also a popular choice for recycled materials, known as Dutch teak wood in Asia or imported used pallet wood. Suitable for minimalist style furniture, pine wood offers a cost-effective option for those interested in this type of wood.
This provides an overview of the properties and types of wood commonly used as raw materials for furniture. If you have difficulty identifying the properties or types of wood, rest assured that wood craftsmen are knowledgeable in selecting suitable materials for home furniture.
Reasons Why Wood Materials Remain Popular for Residential Furniture
Wood has been used for building materials and residential furniture for thousands of years, and its popularity endures for various reasons, including:
High aesthetic value
As a natural product, wood possesses unique characteristics and aesthetics that set it apart from other materials. Its natural grain patterns, fibers, and colors can be used to accentuate a modern rustic style in a room, adding a touch of strength whether combined with traditional or modern furniture.
Varied budget options
Wood comes in a variety of types and qualities, with some types commanding high prices and others being more affordable. This allows individuals to tailor their furniture choices to their budget, including customizing their favorite wooden furniture.
Environmentally friendly
Wood is a renewable and biodegradable natural resource that does not cause environmental pollution and can be repurposed. Additionally, it does not pose health risks.
Adaptive
Wood materials are not only eco-friendly but also capable of adjusting to different environmental conditions. Wood is responsive to temperature, humidity, and sound. Its hygroscopic nature allows it to absorb air humidity and release water content into the air. Additionally, as wood is not a good heat conductor, it doesn’t make the room feel stuffy or hot, contributing to maintaining a balanced and comfortable temperature. Moreover, wood possesses acoustic properties, allowing it to absorb sound.
Wooden Furniture is Easily Accessible and Environmentally Sustainable
Another reason to opt for wooden furniture is its easy availability. The raw materials for wooden furniture are natural and renewable, with significantly less carbon residue compared to other materials. Wood can also be processed into various forms, such as HPL and blockboard, to achieve a refined and lighter appearance.
Using wooden furniture, like gaharu wood, is more environmentally friendly than furniture made from materials like plastic. Moreover, by choosing wooden furniture, you are supporting the local economy by investing in domestic products.
Wooden Furniture Offers Versatile Designs
In terms of design, wooden furniture stands out as the most flexible. It comes in a wide range of shapes, from simple to intricately carved designs, including beds, side tables, and dining chairs. Furthermore, wooden furniture exhibits varying color, texture, and patterns on its surface, adding an aesthetic and unique touch.
Skilled wooden furniture craftsmen can transform wood into richly designed furniture. Therefore, if you desire personalized wooden furniture that reflects your character, you can request custom designs.
Wooden Furniture Suits All Interior Designs
Contrary to popular belief, wooden furniture is not limited to classic-style homes. It can complement the interior design of different types of homes, including modern minimalist and Japandi styles. You can select from a variety of wooden furniture models, such as coffee tables, TV shelves, cabinets, and beds, to match the concept of your home.
Now that you are aware of the aforementioned reasons, you can confidently choose wooden furniture for your home. Once you have wooden furniture, ensure to maintain it properly to prevent termite damage. If infestation occurs, take immediate action to eliminate the termites.