Care
February 27, 2024
By: Zara Sahota | Design Specialist
10 Types of Timber Used for Furniture
Here is everything you need to know about different timber
Timber is a versatile and durable material that offers numerous advantages for furniture. Its natural beauty, longevity and sustainability make it a popular choice for those looking for high-quality, timeless pieces in their interior. Another advantage of timber is its exclusivity. Each piece of wooden furniture is one-of-a-kind due to the variations in grain and color, making it a unique addition to any home or office.
When it comes to choosing the right type of timber for your furniture, there are several options to consider. Each type of timber has its own unique characteristics, including color, grain pattern and durability.
Keep reading as we take a deep dive into each of the popular types of timber used for furniture.
Mangowood
Source Country: India, Southeast Asia
Top Features: Density, Affordability, Sustainability
Benefits of Mangowood
Mangowood is an extremely durable product with strength comparable to Ash or North American Oak making it the perfect timber product for a growing family. It is highly sustainable as it grows quickly and is cultivated for its fruit. It reaches maturity at 15 years. Its distinctive patterns and wood grain mean each piece is exceptionally unique and make it easier to blend in with other timber pieces.
Caring for Mangowood
If exposed to heat, Mangowood can dry out, causing cracking. Utilise coasters and placemats to prevent heat coming into direct contact with the timber. Using a furniture polish will help protect the product from heat and prevent fading in sunlit areas.
Source Country: India, Thailand, Indonesia
Top Features: Sustainable, natural resistance to stain and decay
Benefits of Reclaimed Teak
Reclaimed teak is old teak wood harvested from old, unused structures which is an environmentally conscious choice. Due to teak’s natural 'gold standard' decay resistance and durability proven over eras, this wood has the same qualities that natural teak does. Teaks high silica content and superb oil retention naturally protects the product from outside sources of use and is proven to last centuries with little maintenance. Teak wood is naturally resistant to stain, so no need to worry too much about that spilled wine. However, if staining does occur, you will find that it only adds to the character of the product.
Caring for Reclaimed Teak
If spills occur, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. This will ensure the cells in the wood absorb some of the water, preventing cracking. To disinfect the furniture, use warm, soapy water. Using products that contain harsh chemicals can break down the finish. Avoid placing the furniture near heat sources like ducted heating and radiators as excessive heat can cause warping. Dust once a week with a lint free cloth or feather duster.
Reclaimed Pine
Source Country: Southeast Asia
Top Features: Environmentally friendly and sustainable
Benefits of Reclaimed Pine
Being reclaimed makes this timber environmentally friendly and sustainable. This timber is often rescued from old barns, decking and factories. Sometimes reclaimed pine can be sourced from less traditional structures like coal mines, box carts and wine barrels. The timber is generally very old, meaning it is much less likely to crack and split further over time. Reclaimed pines unique rustic look and deep ridges throughout the timber mean any additional dents and scratches simply add to the character of the product.
Caring for Reclaimed Pine
If spills occur, wipe the surface with a damp cloth. This will ensure the cells in the wood absorb some of the water, preventing cracking. To disinfect the furniture, use warm, soapy water. Using products that contain harsh chemicals can break down the finish. Dust once a week with a lint free cloth or feather duster. Avoid placing the furniture near heat sources like ducted heating and radiators as excessive heat can cause warping.
Mindi
Source Country: Indonesia, Australia, China
Top Features: Naturally resistant to decay and fungus
Benefits of Mindi
Mindi is a very dense hardwood bringing stability to products for growing families. Its rustic and textured appearance gives a unique look to the furniture. Naturally resistant to decay and fungus, customers can enjoy this furniture with very minimal upkeep.
Caring for Mindi
Wipe the surface with a damp cloth as needed. Use a natural spray product to disinfect the surface.
Messmate
Source Country: Australia
Top Features: Belongs to the Eucalyptus family
Benefits of Messmate
Messmate ranges in colour from pale to medium toned brown to light yellow with a hint of peach. Lighter colours have excellent longevity in terms of style. Being a type of eucalyptus tree, its main appeal is having an Australian product within your home. Gum veins are common throughout this timber and add a level of uniqueness to a space.
Caring for Messmate
Messmate has a lower hardness rating than other timbers. While still high quality, it is recommended that you purchase a timber protection plan with these products to ensure they get the longest use possible. Keeping this product out of direct sunlight will prevent fading and splitting. Clean often with a damp cloth and use a furniture silicone free furniture polish to promote longevity.
Blackwood
Source Country: Tasmania, Australia
Top Features: Durable, distinct dark reddish tones
Benefits of Blackwood
The unique reddish-brown colour of blackwood appeals to people who prefer warm, earthy colours and more traditional styles. Blackwood is a very dense material, making it extremely durable. The multiple tones through Blackwood timber allow it to blend into many styles within a home.
Caring for Blackwood
Simply wipe over with a damp cloth to clean up any spills. Immediately dry the service with a soft cotton cloth to remove excess moisture. Use a silicone free polish to further protect the timber. Keep out of direct sunlight.
Acacia
Source Country: Asia Pacific
Top Features: Durable, naturally antibacterial
Benefits of Acacia
Acacia is a very durable, long-lasting hardwood. It is popularly used in many outdoor furniture products. As it is such a hard product, it doesn't scratch or dent easily and rarely warps due to its high density. With natural antibacterial properties, acacia is a great product for families.
Caring for Acacia
Acacia can be susceptible to humidity which can cause it to swell and expand. Never place interior Acacia products in direct sunlight. To clean, wipe with a damp cloth and dry with a soft cotton cloth.
Wormy Chestnut
Source Country: Victoria, Australia
Top Features: Rich with features, unique grains and characteristics
Benefits of Wormy Chestnut
Wormy Chestnut timber shows evidence of the challenges faced within the Australian climate such as drought, strong winds, fire and flood. The characteristic small holes and black features result from attacks by ambrosia beetles and pin hole borers. The strong winds in the area stunt the growth of the trees resulting in interesting grain patterns and sap lines. It varies in colour from light brown to medium brown with hues of pink. Durable and hard wearing.
Caring for Wormy Chestnut
When in direct sunlight, this timber can darken and yellow. This can be best protected by using a UV resistant, silicone free, furniture polish. Wipe any spills with a lint free damp cloth. If the product is scratched, timber filler sticks are effective on this product due to the features already present.
Tasmanian Oak & Victorian Ash
Source Country: Australia
Top Features: Consistent tones with straight lines
Benefits of Tas Oak and Vic Ash
Tasmanian oak is a hardwood timber, encompassing three species that grow in the mountainous areas of Tasmania, Victoria and southeast NSW (Victorian Ash). It is a strong and stable timber that is able to be used for a number of resources. These timbers are highly resistant to damage and considerably dense thanks to a finer grain and minimal sap lines. Easily colour match these pieces as their tones are consistent and the timber has excellent staining qualities.
Caring for Tas Oak and Vic Ash
A dry cloth is the best way to care for this timber. A gentle, ph-neutral cleaner is useful for disinfecting the product. When in direct sunlight, this timber can darken and yellow. This can be best protected by using a UV resistant, silicone free, furniture polish.
West Australian Marri
Source Country: Western Australia
Top Features: Dense, honey coloured timber
Benefits of West Australian Marri
The dark red gum of the marri tree contrasts beautifully with the yellow to pale brown heartwood, offering a very unique piece of furniture. West Australian Marri is a very dense wood making for a hard-wearing finished product. Only grown in Western Australia, this bloodwood (a tree that seeps red gum) is not often found in the market.
Caring for West Australian Marri
Its clear lacquer finish means very little maintenance is required. A dry or damp cloth is all that is needed to dust and wipe spills. Use a silicone free furniture polish to help protect the product. The product does not scratch easily but when it does, it is noticeable.
Solid vs Veneer
When it comes to furnishing your home with wooden furniture, you will come across two main types: Solid timber and Veneer. Solid timber refers to furniture that is constructed entirely from solid pieces of wood. Whereas veneer refers to thin slices or sheets of timber that are applied to MDF to enhance their appearance.
Knowing the differences between these materials is essential for making a well-informed decision that matches your style and functional needs. Here are the pros and cons of each to help you decide which option suits you best.
SOLID
Advantages
- Strong and sturdy construction
- Typically last longer
- Can be sanded, refinished or repaired to restore its original appearance
- All sides of a table will look consistent with gum lines & grains
Disadvantages
- Prone to scratches, dents and general wear & tear
- More prone to warping or splitting due to temperature changes
- More expensive
VENEER
Advantages
- Less prone to warping or splitting due to temperature changes
- More affordable and sustainable
- Versatility and flexibility with design
- Can closely mimic the look of expensive solid timbers since only a thin slice is being used
Disadvantages
- Cannot be sanded or re-stained
- Sides of a table will look slightly different to the tops with gum lines & grains
- Not as heavy as solid wood
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