Discover wood species: Your MöbelFirst guide

Wooden furniture is an essential part of every household. Choosing the right wood is a decisive factor when buying furniture. Quality, aesthetics and durability are determined by the type of wood. When buying wooden furniture, it is therefore essential to have a basic knowledge of the different types of wood. This is the only way to make an informed decision. In our MöbelFirst magazine today, we present four common types of wood. And the best thing about it: you can of course find furniture made from these woods directly from us!

Oak wood: the classic for furniture subject to heavy use

Oak wood is one of the best known and most widely used types of wood in furniture construction. Oak wood is very robust and strong. Accordingly, it is often used for pieces of furniture that are subject to heavy use. These two species are mainly used in furniture production: 

• White oak is the light-colored variant of oak wood. The pores of the wood are very dense and therefore water-repellent. 
• Red oak has a reddish-brown color and a more open structure than white oak. It is often stained to achieve darker shades. Red oak is usually slightly cheaper than white oak.

The clear, wavy grain also makes oak wood a classic in furniture production. This gives the wood its typical rustic look. Unfortunately, this often has a negative connotation. However, when staged correctly (with metal elements, for example), the look can be quite modern. For example, if you are looking for a new dining table? Then you should definitely opt for oak! Thanks to the durability of the wood, you will be able to enjoy this piece of furniture for a long time. However, please note when buying: oak furniture is very heavy. Transport should be planned accordingly.

Maple wood: light-colored furniture for a modern interior

Maple wood is known for its light color and fine, even grain. This combination gives the furniture a modern, clean and elegant look. Perfectly suited, for example, if you want to create a Scandi stylestyle. Due to the light basic tone of the wood, maple is easy to stain. As a rule, however, the light aesthetic is preferred and the color is left natural. Maple is also hard and durable, but not to the same extent as oak. The light color and softer texture makes maple furniture more susceptible to dirt and scratches.

Cherry wood: luxurious furniture with decorative details

Cherry wood is characterized by a warm, reddish color and smooth grain. Caution! Cherry wood reacts with oxygen and sunlight. It darkens considerably and develops a rich, deep patina. We find that both of these give the wood a luxurious look. However, it is important to bear this change in mind when choosing your furniture. This will help you avoid unpleasant surprises afterwards. Cherry wood is softer than oak and maple. Accordingly, the resulting pieces of furniture can be finely finished and decorated. Often, for example display cabinetsmade of cherry wood are often fitted with glass elements and decorated in great detail.

Teak: Ideal for garden furniture

Are you looking for high-quality garden garden furniture? Then we recommend teak furniture! Teak is a tropical type of wood and has a high natural oil content. This makes the wood particularly resistant to weathering. It also prevents pest and fungal infestation. Teak is therefore durable and robust. A perfect choice for your outdoor area. Teak wood actually has a warm, golden brown color. And is therefore also suitable for indoor furniture. But be careful! Untreated and exposed to the weather, the color of the wood changes over time: a silver-grey patina forms. If you want to avoid this, regular care with special teak oil is required. Please also note: teak is one of the most expensive types of wood.

The wide world of wooden furniture 

Buying furniture shouldn't be a pain, it should be fun! Oak, maple or would you prefer cherry? The choice is yours! Of course, personal preference always plays an important role. But when it comes to durable wooden furniture in particular, you are making a decision for the future. And this should be carefully considered. That's why you're welcome to use our guide to get to grips with the subject and acquire some basic knowledge. Do you still have questions? Feel free to contact us directly!