Antique furniture: Hardwood versus Softwood
All types of furniture including those which has been made decades or centuries ago, use two kinds of wood. They may be made out of softwood or hardwood. But what difference will it make if a furniture is made out of softwood or hardwood? Some antique lovers and collectors choose softwood antique furniture while some go for hardwood antique furniture. Then the assumption goes…which one is better? Which one yields more quality than the other?
Below is a list of its major differences:
SOFTWOOD: Classified as a gymnosperm, which means its seeds have no outer covering. They are less dense which makes them softer, lighter, and easier to cut. But some softwoods are harder to cut than hardwoods such as Douglas fir. Softwoods don’t lose their leaves during an entire year. Trees belonging to the softwood category include: Pine, Spruce, Larch, Cedar, and Giant Redwood. Used in making furniture (e.g antique pine tables, softwood chair, etc.), staircases and ladder.
Advantages: Most softwoods are naturally colored which blends easily with other furniture and all types of wall color. Softwoods are also cheaper because they grow fast, making them easily available. They also hold together nicely. Softwoods are also water resistant due to lack of spores. They have nice grain that gives good pattern design. Lastly, they have natural oil which prevents most insect attacks.
Disadvantages: Softwoods are less durable and splits easily. It needs more care because they are more prone to dents and scratches
HARDWOOD: Classified as angiosperm, were its seeds have an outer covering. They are highly dense and have pores which makes them harder, heavier and difficult to cut. An exception of which is Balsa, which can easily be cut compared to any softwood. Their leaves fall off every single year. Examples of hardwood are: Beech, Oak, Elm, Mahogany and Walnut.etc..Used in making furniture (e.g. antique chest, wardrobes and other high quality furniture),boats, gates, flooring, etc..
Advantages: Hardwoods have a strong colored look which makes it attractive. They are very strong and durable and does not split easily. It does not scratch or dent easily and has a complex cellular structure which creates a variety of pattern.
Disadvantages: Harwood is very heavy and is very expensive. It is very hard to find because it grows slowly.
Having both types of wood compared, which do you think is better? I guess in the end, it is all up to you and your preference in choosing which you think is best.