What do you need to know before buying solid wood furniture? See our shopping guide!

Solid wood furniture stands for quality, durability, and a natural home atmosphere. But what makes it so special, which types of wood are best suited, and how should you properly care for it? In this article, you'll learn everything about the advantages, characteristics, and maintenance of solid wood furniture.
In this article, we cover:
- What is solid wood furniture?
- Why solid wood furniture? Key advantages
- Types of wood for solid wood furniture and their properties
- Why is solid wood furniture more expensive than other furniture?
- The versatility of solid wood furniture – suitable for every room
- Caring for solid wood furniture – tips for long-lasting durability
- Who buys solid wood furniture? Target groups and trends
- Summary – is it worth the investment?
What are Solid Wood Furniture?
Solid wood furniture refers to pieces made from real, unprocessed wood that comes from a single tree trunk or massive planks, without the use of veneer or pressed wood-based materials. Unlike veneered furniture or those made from particle board, these pieces are entirely crafted from solid planks, which ensures exceptional stability and durability. They are considered to be of particularly high quality and help create a natural atmosphere in the home. But what makes high-quality solid wood furniture so special and why is it worth investing in such pieces?
Why Solid Wood Furniture?
Solid wood furniture symbolizes quality, sustainability, and timeless design. Its unique appearance, warm texture, and natural grain give each room a distinctive character. But these are not the only advantages:
- Durability: Solid wood furniture is often passed down through several generations and can be easily restored.
- Sustainability: Certified solid wood comes from responsibly managed forests and is more environmentally friendly than alternatives that contain plastics.
- Healthy indoor environment: Wood absorbs and releases moisture, which contributes to a pleasant climate in the home.
Types of Wood for Solid Wood Furniture
The choice of wood affects both the appearance and properties of the furniture. Particularly popular types include:
Types of Wood | Hardness (Janka, lbf) | Moisture Resistance | Price | Usage |
---|---|---|---|---|
Oak | 1360 | Moderate, requires impregnation | High | Furniture, flooring, stairs, barrels, carpentry |
Beech | 1260 | Low, requires impregnation | Medium | Furniture, plywood, parquet, tools |
Pine | 690 | Moderate, easy to impregnate | Low | Furniture, doors, windows, flooring boards |
Ash | 1320 | Moderate, requires impregnation | Medium-high | Furniture, flooring, sports equipment |
Walnut | 1010 | Moderate, requires protection | Very high | Luxury furniture, veneers, sculptures |
Larch | 1100 | Very good, weather-resistant | Medium | Terraces, facades, outdoor furniture |
Why is Solid Wood Furniture So Expensive?
Solid wood furniture belongs to the high-end category, but its cost is justified by various factors. The most important aspect is the type of wood: particularly high-quality and rare species, such as walnut or mahogany, are expensive due to their slow growth and labor-intensive processing. Oiled oak is also among the more expensive options because of its high density and durability.
Another cost factor is production. While particle board furniture is mass-produced by machines, processing certified solid wood requires labor-intensive handcrafting. Every step, from cutting and drying to surface treatment, contributes to the high quality but also to the higher costs.
For those mindful of the price, there are more affordable alternatives. Softer types of wood, such as pine or spruce, are cheaper than hardwoods yet still durable. White solid wood furniture made from pine is a popular choice for bright and friendly interiors at an accessible price – solid wood furniture offers diverse design possibilities.
Versatility of Solid Wood Furniture
Solid wood furniture is characterized by exceptional resilience and durability. Thanks to its natural strength, it is ideal both for indoor and outdoor settings. In living spaces, it creates a cozy atmosphere, while in children's rooms, its stability and high resistance to damage are especially appreciated. Solid wood furniture for children is an excellent choice because it is sturdy and resistant to wear and tear.
Solid wood furniture for bathrooms is a good choice because, with special surface treatment, it remains resistant even in humid rooms. Solid wood furniture for gardens is a perfect solution since weather-resistant wood species and oiled surfaces ensure durability against the elements.
Especially resilient types of wood, such as oak or teak, withstand moisture, making them suitable even for damp rooms like bathrooms. Thanks to special surface treatments, the wood remains resistant even with elevated humidity levels. Similarly, weather-resistant wood species and oiled finishes make solid wood furniture an excellent choice for gardens or terraces, where they can withstand wind and rain for years.
Care for Solid Wood Furniture
Proper maintenance of solid wood furniture begins with a basic principle: natural wood should be regularly cleaned and protected to preserve its durability and beauty. Vacuuming with a soft, dry, or slightly damp cloth is essential. When cleaning, it is important to avoid harsh cleaning agents.
Who Buys Solid Wood Furniture?
An increasing number of people are opting for quality and sustainability in interior design. Particularly, enthusiasts of natural materials, eco-conscious consumers, and design aficionados appreciate the advantages of this furniture.
Summary
Solid wood furniture is an investment in quality, sustainability, and timelessness. Whether it’s white solid wood furniture for bright rooms or oiled oak furniture – these pieces are not only beautiful but also durable. For those who value natural interiors, high-quality solid wood furniture is the right choice.
See also: Laminate board, wood, or MDF: Which material should you choose for your interior?
If you are looking for a more affordable option that is both durable and high-quality, check out our range of solid wood furniture at akke.store. Here you will find sturdy and stylish furniture that impresses with both its resilience and timeless design.
Article updated on 07/04/2025