Redwood: This distinctive softwood is used primarily
for outdoor furniture; it is resistant to decay and insects, and is
rarely finished. The wood is a deep reddish brown, with well-marked
growth rings. It is moderately hard, and is easy to work with hand
tools; its price varies regionally.
Rosewood (Brazilian, Indian, or Ceylonese rosewood):
This hardwood, like mahogany, is one of the finest and most valued
furniture woods; it's also used for veneers. Rosewood varies in color
from dark brown to dark purple, with rich, strongly marked black
streaks. Rosewood is difficult to work with hand tools, and is very
expensive.
Satinwood (East Indian satinwood):
Satinwood has always been prized for fine hardwood veneers and also for
use in decorative inlays and marquetry. Its color varies from bright
golden yellow to a darker yellowish brown, with a very distinctive and
attractive mottled or ribbon-striped pattern. It is very expensive.
Sycamore: This hardwood is used extensively in
inexpensive furniture and in veneers; it is very resistant to splitting,
and is also a favorite wood for butcher blocks. The wood varies from
pinkish to reddish brown in color, with prominent, closely spaced rays;
the grain pattern is distinct. It is moderately easy to work with hand
tools, and moderately priced.
Teak: Teak is one
of the choice furniture hardwoods, and has traditionally been used for
both solid pieces and veneers. Teak varies from rich golden-yellow to
dark brown, with dark and light streaks. It is very expensive.
Walnut (black walnut, European walnut): Walnut has
traditionally been used for fine furniture, and is still in demand
today; it is commonly used in veneers. Walnut is chocolate brown,
sometimes with dark or purplish streaks; its grain is very striking and
attractive. It is very expensive.
Other woods: Although most furniture is made from the woods listed above, many other woods are used in furniture construction.
Some of the other woods used for furniture are alder, apple, aspen,
chestnut, cottonwood, cypress, fir, hackberry, hemlock, holly, koa,
laurel, locust, magnolia, pear-wood, spruce, tupelo, and willow. Treat
all wood according to its apparent traits.
A piece of furniture
holds many clues that can help you assess what quality of wood was used
in its creation. The key is just knowing how to assess the wood and what
clues to look for.