JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. Oak and pine are the two most common woods used in furniture. However, they have very little in common with each other.
Both have their own sets of pros and cons, so will bring different benefits to your home. Read our guide on oak vs pine so you can choose the right wood furniture for your requirements and preferences. Oak and pine have their own benefits such as wood hardness, colour and durability. It depends on what you need as to which is better for you. Oak is longer-lasting, while pine is friendlier on your wallet while still being sturdy and attractive.
Oak trees are native to the UK, although there are actually over different species of oak! Oak trees tend to grow wide with lots of thick branches. They take a long time to grow. It is said that an oak tree takes years to grow, years to live and years to die. While this is not exact, it does express the long lifespan of oak, which makes it more dense and therefore an extremely durable material for furniture. Pine trees are also native to the UK. They grow very tall and, while oak trees need to live in areas of high biodiversity lots of different species in one place , some forests will be exclusively pine.
These trees are easily recognised by the pine cones they produce and the needles which are prickly if you get too close! They are also much taller and narrower than oak trees. Pine trees require a much shorter period to grow than oak, although they can still live for a long time - anywhere between and years old depending on the species.
One of the oldest trees in the world is a pine tree, thought to be years old. While oak trees take about 20 years to reach maturity to start producing acorns , pine trees only take 1. This could apply to either oak or pine. It refers to the idea that the wood has been allowed a longer period of growth, making the grain tighter, the wood stronger and the furniture it produces more durable. Old growth wood is rarer and is usually found in reclaimed furniture, rather than brand new pieces.
From wood color to cost, here's everything you need to know about the five best types of wood for furniture: pine, cherry, maple, oak, and walnut. Pine is an inexpensive, lightweight wood that can be yellowish or whitish with brown knots.
It's often used for rustic pieces, like farmhouse-style tables. Pros: Pine wood is low-cost, and it takes paint well, so it's great for kids' furniture. The same holds true for birch and poplar. Pine develops a nice, rustic patina from age and use, and it resists shrinking and swelling. Cherry is a hardwood with a fine, straight grain that ranges from reddish brown to blond. It is often used for carved chairs but also shows up in clean-lined Shaker-style tables and cabinets.
Pros: It's easily shaped, and it polishes well. Unstained, it has a rich, beautiful color. Maple is a creamy white hardwood that sometimes has a reddish tinge. One of the hardest wood species, maple is often chosen for heavy-use items, like dressers and kitchen cabinets.
Pros: Maple is affordable and ultra-durable. Some varieties produce a very white color. Others lean toward a yellowish look. The light color makes pine easy to stain to achieve nearly any color you want, or you can simply use a clear coat to protect the wood while letting the natural light color take center stage. Pine also has a prominent grain with knots darker than the wood itself, which gives it a distinct look.
Pine furniture comes with its own set of pros and cons, depending on your needs. Consider the following pros of pine wood furniture:. There are also some cons to consider with pine furniture. Some of those potential negatives include:. While pine is very different than oak, it is also a good choice for furniture, depending on your purpose. It may not last quite as long as oak, but pine is still a strong, shock-resistant material suitable for furniture, particularly if you like the rustic or country styles.
Over time, pine gains a patina that gives it an antique-like quality, which is an appealing look to some people. The dents and dings that are bound to show up in the wood just add to that aged look.
These two wood types are very different in many ways, starting with the softwood vs. Each has certain pros and cons that can sway your decision. However, they do share some similarities. Both oak and pine are durable. While oak has an advantage in the strength department, pine does offer strength and stiffness that makes it a solid choice. Both types of wood are susceptible to damage from extensive exposure to moisture, heat and UV rays.
Positioning either type in front of window may cause damage to the wood, as can placing the pieces near heat vents. While pine does resist warping and bowing, excessive moisture can damage any type of wood.
As oak is a slow growing wood compared to many others, it takes a long time to reach maturity, when it can be felled and used for timber. As it is slow to produce, this naturally drives up the cost. However, the strengths outlined above more than justify the higher price tag.
Foremost among these are the durability and longevity of oak timber. As previously noted, oak furniture will rarely, if ever need to be repaired, treated or replaced. It is worth carefully considering these factors before opting for a cheaper type of wood. In the long run, the higher initial investment in a superior material pays itself back. As a slow growing hardwood, oak has a naturally dense, hard structure. This can make it relatively difficult to work with compared to other woods, although green oak is softer than dried.
It can be hard to turn on lathes and can blunt blades quickly if the incorrect types are used. Again, it is worth taking time to consider this and planning ahead to ensure the correct tools are used. For professional joiners this is unlikely to pose too much of a problem as they will have the necessary tools and equipment to hand already.
For amateur furniture makers however, with a small amount of research and the purchase of the correct tools for the job, this is easily remedied. The end product will justify the cost and often the satisfaction of surmounting the challenge is a reward in itself. If you need to know where to buy oak for furniture making, give Hardwoods Group a call.
We can also offer advice on techniques and tips on how to complete your current project for a lasting piece to be proud of.
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