The Wood Integrity of
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Hardwood comes from a broad-leafed tree or non needled trees. These woods have strength and stability but are difficult to work with for intricate carving.
Fine hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, maple, cherry or oaks are often used in high quality interior decorating furniture because they are stronger than softwoods.
Softwoods come from needle bearing trees that keep their leaves’ year round such as pine or cedar.
Softwoods are used in more casual pieces. They are easily carved and more susceptible to marks and dings, which can result in a weathered or worn quality that is appropriate and appealing in certain pieces.
Softwoods have to be well seasoned and a kiln dried before use or they will split.
Veneering of wood in interior decorating furniture is some centuries old technique that uses thin layers of highly decorative woods bonded to the face of plywood, particle board or medium density fiberboard.
Veneering makes it possible to combine different textures and tones. Wood patterns can be matched and inlays can be arranged producing a variety of beautiful design effects.
It allows exotic wood species and rare formations to be used more economically.
Many complex wood formations such as walnut burls are too weak to be used structurally, bonding them to sturdy core materials permits their use in more rigorous applications.
Veneers were once associated with poor quality furniture but today's wood veneer may sometimes be stronger than solid wood.
Solid woods may warp and crack with changes in humidity and temperature while veneer is much more stable in these conditions.
Watch for wood grain that has been produced photographically sometimes found in less expensive furniture. It will have none of the flaws of nature and the natural variations.
Joining Methods
Wood furniture is fastened together with glue and wood screws.
Staples are used only in less expensive furniture and should not be used to join any pieces that bear weight.
Interior decorating furniture with drawers should glide easily, be securely joined with dovetailing and have stops. The drawer should be smoothly finished with dust panels to keep the contents clean.
Doors on cabinets should open and close easily without squeaking or rubbing and have hardware of high quality that has been securely installed.
Tables will have a heavy balanced feeling when rocked.
The leaves that comes with a dining table need to fit properly and match the grain of each other and finish of the table base. The finish should be smooth to the touch.
If the piece has interior lights, their switches should be easy to access. With an entertainment center or computer station, holes should be drilled for electrical cords.
Finishes are used to enhance the natural beauty of the wood.
Wood stains will change the color of interior decorating furniture, making the wood look refined or rustic, and protect the surface of the wood from deterioration due to sunlight, heat, or scratches.
Finishes seal wood to prevent changes in the moisture content which can cause swelling, shrinking, warping, checking and splitting.
The finishing of high quality furniture includes sanding, applying multiple coats of a clear finish with sanding in between coats, waxing and hand buffing.
Compare the look and feel of interior decorating furniture between inexpensive and expensive pieces. Always check that the surface is smooth and even. Watch for uneven coloration, bubbles or cracks in the surface.
Wax polish is one of the oldest methods of finishing wood furniture. A simple but regularly applied finish of wax may be all you need.
Wax darkens and emphasizes the grain of the wood, and can be buffed to a matte or high luster. Waxed finishes must be reapplied over time.
For more durability lacquer or varnish can be applied, but could become damaged by exposure to substances such as nail polish remover, shoe polish, and alcohol.
After application, lacquers are often hand rubbed producing a very smooth beautiful surface.
Inexpensive pieces may be simply coated with a synthetic layer of polyurethane. Polyurethane finishes are more resistant to heat, moisture, chemical abrasions but are also more difficult to repair if damaged.
Distressing is a popular means of changing the character of interior decorating furniture, making it look old.
The wood is literally battered before the finish is applied, aging it and enhancing its rustic charm. These finishes tend to hide any scratches or fingerprints and make good choices for use in active areas such as family rooms.
Painted finishes are also popular for interior decorating furniture with a nostalgic look adding value. Unlike a distressed finish, paint tends to highlight flaws in the wood.
This makes painted pieces more expensive than those with natural finishes because extra care must be made at the factory to remove imperfections from the wood.
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