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What is solid wood and what are its characteristics?

Mahjouba Longo
Nov 27, 2024
Qu’est-ce que le bois massif et quelles sont ses caractéristiques?

As practical as it is stylish, as durable as it is trendy, solid wood is a must-have for interior design. Noble and majestic, solid wood knows, like no other material, how to create a friendly and warm atmosphere by its simple presence. And the least we can say is that solid wood furniture does not lack character. But do you really know what solid wood is? Benefits, characteristics and maintenance, we tell you everything!

 

 

 

 

So what is solid wood?

 

 

Solid wood comes directly from sawing the tree, which makes it a rare and coveted material!

 

 

There are a multitude of solid wood species, and just as many possibilities for choosing a piece of furniture that fits into your interior spaces. Each species has its own qualities and unique characteristics in terms of color, texture, resistance and grain. Beyond the aesthetic aspect, your choice can therefore also be influenced by the budget and technical constraints of your project.

 

 

The most popular solid wood species are maple, cherry, white oak, ash and walnut. Order your favorite samples via the online store to help you make your choice. You will find our 5 solid wood species there!

 

 

The characteristics of solid wood

 

 

Solid wood is a durable and resistant material that stands the test of time with elegance. Its robustness is explained by the fact that solid wood mostly comes from slow-growing trees that develop with strength and vigor. More expensive, this noble material proves to be a sustainable investment that is often passed down from generation to generation, since it can easily be restored.

 

 

And when it comes to daily maintenance of solid wood , nothing too complicated! Just use a damp cloth and, if necessary, a mild soap. We also recommend using placemats and coasters to avoid damaging the finish.

 

 

Its natural beauty gives solid wood an unrivaled charm. Knots and imperfections are its characteristic; each piece of furniture is unique and has its own personality, but it still easily finds its place in all styles of decoration. It easily combines with other materials and most colors. It adds a good dose of character to the simplest shapes and warms up the coldest rooms.

 

 

 

How to recognize solid wood furniture?

 

 

Solid wood is often imitated. The best way to verify that a piece of furniture is in fact made of solid wood is to observe the grain of the wood and make sure to find the same growth rings, including in the corners. Look for variations in natural grain, knots, imperfections and unique details since solid wood will have a more organic and natural appearance than transformed materials.

 

 

Find our Cayuga table model in our online catalog.

 

 

Solid wood furniture tends to be heavier than furniture made from composite materials. Gently lift an edge of the furniture to gauge its weight. Don't be afraid to touch it; you should be able to feel variations in the texture. Also, solid wood is thicker and should feel full, not hollow.

 

 

Finally, if you can see a layering of wood panels, it is probably plywood or laminate. Keep in mind that even if a piece of furniture is made of solid wood, it does not necessarily mean that all of its parts are. For example, a piece of furniture may have plywood side panels, but a solid wood main frame.

 

 

As you will have understood, opting for solid wood is always a good idea, whatever your projects. At La Fabrique Allwood, all our furniture is made exclusively from solid wood to offer our customers unique furniture and high-end furniture that accompanies them at every stage of life.