Not infrequently, recently, in stores of decorative and interior elements, sellers began to use a laconic definition - “solid”, which most often comes in combination with other words, creating vocabulary links that are already familiar to our ears - solid wood or solid wood furniture, and many others. But most people don’t have the slightest idea what lies behind these words, so within the framework of this material we will analyze what solid wood means, why it is needed and in what industries and where it is used
Admit it, not infrequently, when you came to a store, you came across a situation where the seller, describing the furniture and trying to emphasize its advantages, issued the following phrase: “This bed is made of solid wood (pine, birch, oak, beech) and is absolutely environmentally friendly clean." And very often a situation arises that, using such terminology, the sales consultant does not pay the slightest attention to the fact whether the client understands what he is actually being told. But as statistics show, most clients do not attach any meaning to the terms thrown at them and continue to listen, not understanding what is being said.
Therefore, today you will learn the answers to the following questions: “What does solid wood mean? What types of solid wood are there? Why is solid wood natural? How is solid wood different from other materials?
Having delved into the essence of this material, you can easily understand the very essence of the seller’s words and what he is trying to convey to you. Therefore, you can make the right choice when buying a bed, wardrobe, chest of drawers, table, bedroom or nightstand made of solid wood.
Advantages of natural wood furniture
There are a number of advantages that distinguish furniture made from natural wood.
- Environmentally friendly.
Indeed, in our age, environmental friendliness of furniture can be considered a serious advantage. And the safety of wooden furnishings is confirmed by the long history of their use. For example, this cannot be said about chipboard and many other materials. Natural wood, on the contrary, is environmentally friendly: this means that it does not contain harmful substances that can adversely affect human health (for example, formaldehyde).
- Practicality.
Some advantages of such furniture are related to its performance characteristics. Thus, furniture made from solid natural wood is much stronger than furniture made from composite materials (chipboard, fiberboard and MDF). Accordingly, the service life of such products is much longer. In addition, furniture production uses types of wood that are most resistant to high humidity and are not susceptible to rotting. Therefore, products made from natural wood are resistant and durable and, with proper care, retain a presentable appearance throughout their entire service life.
- Aesthetics.
One of the most obvious advantages of the material under discussion is its individuality. Solid wood furniture is decorated with a unique natural pattern of annual rings. And unlike other patterns, this coating will never go out of style. Natural wood furniture in apartment design is considered a classic. It is equally important that wood goes well with other materials and can organically fit into the most fashionable interior.
- Energy.
Natural wood is a special material created by nature itself. It is believed that each breed has its own energy, which also affects humans. There are three categories depending on how they affect the physical and mental state of people:
- donor trees (oak, beech, pine, acacia, birch, maple, rowan);
- vampire trees (aspen, poplar, chestnut, willow, spruce, bird cherry);
- neutral trees (most of the rest).
Neutral types of wood have virtually no effect on human well-being. Donor trees share their energy and are able to maintain vitality. As for vampire breeds, being around them can have a negative impact on your health. If you have furniture made from such wood in your home, do not be surprised if you feel a sudden loss of strength or malaise.
To decorate an apartment, it is better to purchase furniture from donor trees. The most commonly used species are oak, beech and pine. Moreover, the first one is the record holder for its positive impact on a person. Thanks to contact with oak, people become more energetic and note improved mental and physical activity. And this is not surprising, because research results indicate that a walk through such a forest normalizes heart function and calms the nervous system.
Other breeds have their own medicinal properties. The beech tree, for example, has long been considered a symbol of strength and vigor. Furniture made from it charges with energy and inspires new achievements. Pine, in turn, is a kind of antidepressant. It helps combat negative thoughts, sadness and doubt, thereby promoting mental balance. The energy of pine normalizes metabolism and alleviates diseases of the respiratory system.
Which solid wood furniture to choose: pros and cons of different species
The range of wood is simply huge, let's look at the most popular ones growing in the post-Soviet space:
OAK
There are about 600 species of oak, but in Russia the most common is “petmolate” or “ordinary”. It is easy to recognize among other trees thanks to its powerful trunk, gigantic spreading crown and large size (reaches up to 20-40 meters in height). On average, they live 300-400 years, but there are trees up to 2000 years old.
Solid oak furniture has been used to furnish homes since ancient times, and to this day such furniture is considered an elite “classic”, which without words speaks of the high status, wealth and impeccable taste of the owner.
Let's consider the reasons explaining the wild popularity of oak furniture:
- Durability.
Like wood itself, solid oak furniture has a very long service life. Such furniture can become a real family heirloom, passed down from generation to generation. Moreover, even after 50 years, the products will look just as amazing, as if they were just created by skilled artisans.
- Strength.
According to the Brinell scale, oak has a hardness coefficient of 3.7 to 3.9 HB and a density of up to 750 kg/m3. During the drying process, wood is less susceptible to warping and cracking. Thanks to this, oak products are incredibly strong and resistant to scratches, dents, and chips.
Living room furniture made of natural wood
Solid wood furniture has a number of features that need to be taken into account when choosing suitable models for the interior.
Firstly, these products are very heavy and moving them is quite difficult. Therefore, it is advisable to determine the placement location in advance, especially if we are talking about a massive headset. It is better to choose hanging furniture (shelves, kitchen cabinets, etc.) from lighter species, such as pine or spruce.
Secondly, the quality of wood can deteriorate due to improper operating conditions. Cold air, frequent temperature changes and high humidity are the main negative factors that can damage the appearance of furniture.
Try to place natural wood furniture away from heating radiators. Due to the proximity of heat, the material may dry out and crack.
Wooden furniture is perfect for a classic living room. However, there is no style in which products made from this material would look out of place. Below we will talk in more detail about how wood combines with different trends.
Classic is a style that never goes out of fashion and is popular among serious people with good taste. Cabinet furniture made of natural wood, inlaid with veneer from elite species, is an ideal option for such a living room.
Empire and Baroque are characterized by grace and opulence. A white set with an abundance of decorative details and gilding is suitable for them. If we talk about an interior in a country or Provence style that imitates a farmhouse, simplicity and lightness are important here. Often, wooden furniture is specially aged so that the natural grain of the wood is more noticeable.
Eco-style and natural materials always go hand in hand, so a sophisticated set of light wood will fit perfectly into a living room designed in this aesthetic. Such products will also look appropriate in a minimalist interior. You can pick up several laconic objects from different but compatible types of wood.
If the room is decorated in a loft style, take a closer look at pieces of furniture in natural warm colors, with simple geometry and a minimal amount of decoration.
On the modern furniture market you can find a wide variety of models for the living room. At the same time, different products have their own functional characteristics. There is a traditional list of pieces of furniture that are installed in the living room. To understand which one is best for you, study their characteristics.
Natural wood: a material proven over centuries
Wood has long been used in the manufacture of furniture, since it was always in abundance in Rus'. Wooden products served their owners flawlessly both in peasant huts and in the palaces of the nobility.
In modern production of wooden furniture, 2 types of wooden panels are used:
- Solid wood shields. After being cut from the original raw material, they undergo processing, which consists of drying, treatment with an anti-insect compound, application of primers that increase moisture resistance and fire resistance, as well as grinding.
- Glued wood panels made from natural wood elements joined together using adhesive solutions.
Thanks to special treatment, furniture panels do not shrink in the future, have increased strength, and are resistant to moisture and pests.
It is better to buy furniture made from solid wood from a trusted manufacturer: this is a guarantee that environmentally friendly and safe paints and varnishes were used for its manufacture.
Natural wood furniture for the bedroom
When choosing furniture made from solid natural wood for your bedroom, use the advice of experts.
- If the room area is small, give preference to small-sized products made of light wood and with unobtrusive decor.
- For a spacious room, you can choose furniture in darker colors.
Of course, all furniture should match the aesthetics of the surrounding interior. In the classic style, dark wood, smooth shapes and carving decorations are appropriate. In a more modern space, compact and functional products will look stylish.
The key element of a bedroom setting is the bed. This is the center of the interior, with which the style of other objects is consistent. A bed made of natural wood is not only a comfortable and reliable sleeping place, but also a decoration for any room in any style.
- A model made of bent solid wood with lighting would go well with modern trends such as minimalism, hi-tech and loft.
- Country, or rustic style, is ideal for decorating a country house. In this case, it is better to choose a product made from rough sanded wood for the bedroom. You can decorate the headboard and podium in the same way.
- For a classic interior, take a dark wood bed.
- Provence, on the contrary, involves the use of furniture made of light wood, decorated with carvings.
- Carved patterns, a high frame and an elegant canopy - this is how they decorate a bed for a room in a Mediterranean style.
In addition to the bed, there are other pieces of furniture that you cannot do without in the bedroom. In particular, the room should have space for storing clothes, bedding and other necessary items. And here the choice often falls on furniture made of natural wood - for example, a wardrobe. Among its advantages are practicality, spaciousness and noble appearance. Thanks to the sliding doors, this cabinet does not require additional space.
Sometimes a wooden cabinet with one or more hinged doors is appropriate. The built-in option will fit perfectly into a modern interior: it is stylish, spacious and functional. Such products are often made to order according to the dimensions required by the customer.
The functions of a closet can be taken over by a shelving unit - a piece of furniture consisting of several shelves connected by vertical posts. There are many models of this thing, and they are made for different cases: with or without a back wall, with a compartment for a TV, etc. There are built-in options that are suitable for small rooms. In addition to storing things, a natural wood shelving unit can serve other purposes. For example, in size from floor to ceiling, it can act as a partition, thereby dividing the room into zones.
In many styles (for example, classic, Provence, country), bedside tables are a mandatory element of decor. If the area of the room allows, you can purchase large, spacious products; if space is limited, give preference to more compact models. Please note that the height of the bedside table should match the height of the bed: this will make it more convenient to use. It is equally important that this item matches the overall style of the room and harmonizes with other furniture.
Another possible option for storing things is a wooden chest of drawers. Thanks to the natural grain of the wood, this item harmonizes perfectly with classic and rustic styles. Wooden furniture facades make the interior more original. In addition, products made from natural materials create a feeling of warmth and comfort in the bedroom.
How not to make a mistake with your choice: practical advice
Not only the design of the room, but also the safety of its inhabitants depends on what material the interior items are made from. Therefore, when choosing furniture, you need to take into account many factors: features of the upcoming operation, material capabilities, desired duration of use.
When choosing furniture for a children's room, you should give preference to products made from natural wood. This is due not only to the safety of the materials, but also to the lower risk of injury and durability. High-quality and environmentally friendly furniture for children is always in demand, so over time it can be sold.
It is advisable to choose furniture made from natural solid wood for those who prefer to purchase interior items “seriously and for a long time.” High-quality and durable products made of oak, beech, and ash will last a long time - if desired, they can be passed on by inheritance. If there is a need to “refresh” the interior, wooden furniture can be modified: its quality characteristics will not suffer from this.
Lovers of exquisite, respectable and unique furniture also cannot do without wooden products. For example, the famous bent Viennese chairs cannot be made from composite materials.
Limited financial capabilities are no longer a reason to refuse to buy solid wood furniture. For this case, high-quality but affordable products made from solid pine and birch produced by domestic manufacturers are suitable. With proper care, such furniture will delight its owners for a long time.
If you choose furniture made from chipboard, you should be extra vigilant: under the attractive laminating film, low-quality material may be hidden. Therefore, it is imperative to make sure that all standards and hygiene requirements are observed (these are reflected in the certificate).
The quality and characteristics of laminated chipboards in Russia are regulated by GOST R 52078-2003.
The main safety criterion for laminated chipboards is formaldehyde emissions. According to GOST there are 3 of them: E0.5, E1 and E2. Materials used to make furniture must comply with class E1.
Furniture made of natural wood for the nursery
In a children's room, everything should be adapted to the age and height of its owner. For the proper development of the child’s spine, it is important that the height of the back and seat of the chair correspond to its proportions. Also, the shelves should be positioned so that he can get all the necessary things. Since children grow very quickly, the most practical option would be transformable furniture made of natural wood: tables with adjustable legs, extendable beds, etc. With such products, you will not need to buy something new every year.
Children's furniture made of natural wood should be safe. Take a closer look at models that are treated with water-based varnishes and paints, or not treated at all. You can find out the main characteristics of the product from the quality certificate. Do not forget about the desires of the child himself. To ensure that the baby likes the environment in the room and is comfortable for him, ask his opinion before each purchase. This way you will create an atmosphere in which he will enjoy spending time.
Furniture for a children's room made of natural wood can be divided into two types, each of which has its own functional characteristics.
- Cabinet furniture. It is a set that includes several parts: a chest of drawers, a wardrobe, a desk, etc. The convenience is that some parts can be changed if necessary - for example, instead of a bedside table, put a coffee table. Although the basic furniture remains the same, the interior can be easily updated using lighting fixtures, flowers and a variety of accessories.
- Modular furniture. Includes tables, chairs, desks, wardrobes, beds. In this case, you can select several items that you need and create an individual interior from them. Lockers with a large number of compartments will allow you to conveniently place all the things of the owner of the room. It is also possible to adapt the modules to the changing needs of the child.
There are several types of natural wood furniture, which are divided according to their purpose:
- for sleep and rest: crib, loft bed;
- for eating: table and chair;
- for classes: desk or desk, chair;
- for placing clothes and other things: wardrobe, chest of drawers, bedside table.
The nursery must have a transformable bed, a desk and a chair.
Since children love active games and can run around even in a small room, the furniture should be as safe as possible. Rounded corners, durable fastenings and non-slip feet will help avoid injuries. It is also important that there are no chips or knots on wooden surfaces.
When selecting furniture, take into account the characteristics of the room and the style in which it is decorated. If the children's room has a small area, refuse a massive set so as not to overload the space. Make sure that the length of the bed matches the height of the child. For very young children, it is better to choose products with restrictions, and teenagers usually like loft models.
What should a wooden table be like for a nursery? The ideal option is with a rectangular inclined tabletop. The height of the product should be at the level of the child’s elbow when he is standing. The chair should be stable, have a high back and support for the feet. It is important to find a model with optimal weight. If it is too heavy, it will be difficult for the child to move, and he may get injured; Light chairs, in turn, are unstable.
Before buying children's furniture made of natural wood, carefully inspect it for defects, read the technical characteristics and test it.
Why is it worth purchasing wooden furniture for a children's room? This choice is determined primarily by concern for the health of the child. Wood products are not only practical, beautiful and create an aura of comfort - they are also environmentally friendly. And if any problems arise related to damage to the wooden surface, it can be easily sanded and varnished.
What is laminated wood used for?
It is for this reason that glued solid wood (also often called jointed or furniture solid wood) is quite often used as an alternative to natural solid wood in furniture production. To produce arrays of this type, wood sheets are taken, as well as slabs assembled from smaller pieces. Thanks to this, production costs become significantly lower, and the cost of furniture decreases. Another option for furniture production (combined technology) involves the production of basic furniture structural elements from laminated wood, and smaller, as well as decorative elements from solid wood.
Kraft-K table – Orimex
Kitchen furniture made of natural wood
Usually, the words “kitchen made of wood” mean that only the outer walls of the furniture are made of solid wood. The frame, as a rule, is made of MDF, chipboard or plywood.
There are several disadvantages that kitchen furniture made from natural wood has.
- When exposed to ultraviolet light, facades may change color over time.
- Natural materials are sensitive to changes in temperature and high humidity. If operating conditions are violated, wooden furniture may dry out and crack. To prevent this from happening, you need to maintain humidity at 60-75% at any time of the year. A humidifier may be needed for this. Also, the kitchen should have a powerful hood installed, which must be turned on during cooking.
- Wooden facades require careful handling and regular maintenance: you need to sand damaged areas and lubricate the furniture with a water-repellent compound.
- Solid wood kitchens are more expensive than MDF products.
- Wooden doors have a standard size and shape and cannot be rounded.
Hardwood furniture lasts the longest. These can be sets with facades made of oak, ash, walnut, beech, cherry, acacia and tulipier (tulip wood). The listed wood species are record holders for strength and resistance to negative influences.
Oak products are considered the standard in furniture production. This tree has a firmly established reputation as an elite material. It is distinguished by an unusual pattern and a variety of colors: from light yellow to dark red, including pinkish and greenish shades. In addition, oak is one of the hardest and most durable types of wood.
Ash is no less valued: this species is also highly durable, has a noticeable relief and several varieties of colors.
Beech closes the top three in terms of strength. This wood is somewhat lighter, which allows furniture made from it to be painted in different colors.
Cherry is not as durable a material as oak or ash. This breed has a unique reddish tint and unique texture. Unfortunately, often instead of a “solid cherry kitchen,” the customer receives a product with a facade made of MDF and cherry veneer, the frame of which is made, for example, of alder.
Furniture made from materials such as pine, spruce, birch and alder will cost less, since they are more common in our country. However, these types of wood are soft and easily damaged by accidental impacts. Also, facades made of such wood do not have a pronounced relief: they are almost smooth.
When looking for a set of pine, opt for facades made of solid-lamella panels, which are more durable.
Kitchen furniture made of wood is treated with coatings of varying visibility: from transparent to completely non-transparent.
When using a transparent coating, natural wood furniture retains its natural texture. In this case we are talking about stain tinting and protection.
- Varnish is a practical and durable option. Furniture treated with it is protected from dirt and does not absorb odors or moisture. The varnish can be matte or glossy; There is also a type that is made on the basis of polyurethane or water (the first option is more preferable). The service life of the varnish coating is from 5 to 7 years; then it requires restoration.
- Wax or waterproofing oil is a traditional method of treating wood products. This coating provides a very attractive looking surface. However, when using these products, the tree is less protected: odors, moisture and grease penetrate through them.
The colors of fronts with a natural wood pattern are divided into several color types: red-brown, dark brown, light and bleached.
If we talk about opaque coatings, colored enamel is used here. After applying it, the furniture completely changes its palette. The relief may be preserved to a greater or lesser extent, depending on its severity.
A kitchen set made of natural wood can be painted in any color. The usual solution is calm, neutral shades such as white or beige. Also, the color can be chosen in accordance with the style (for example, pale blue is typical for Provence and country).
What kind of wood do we work with?
Solid ash furniture
Ash is famous for its unique texture, regular lines and the ability to apply sophisticated patterns on the surface. In addition, ash furniture is affordable for most buyers and is characterized by reliability and beautiful texture.
The flexibility and plasticity of this variety provides unlimited possibilities for creating furniture. The strength of the wood guarantees a long service life. Woodworking specialists from the furniture factory "Mobius" use solid ash to make furniture for libraries, bedrooms, offices and children's rooms.
The high demand for solid ash furniture is ensured by its unique appearance. The presence of dark and light stripes and the straight veining of this variety creates an incredible effect. The deep texture of the wood does not leave anyone indifferent and evokes a pleasant tactile sensation.
In addition, ash does not crack and is not at all afraid of high humidity. It is easy to work with, it lends itself well to processing, which allows you to create furniture with a unique pattern on the facades. The durability of furniture is influenced by the quality of wood, so we select only high-quality raw materials. Solid ash furniture creates a feeling of harmony and warmth in the interior.
Solid oak furniture
At all times, oak furniture was especially valued; today it serves as a standard of unchangeable classics, an indicator of status and prosperity. The cost of solid oak furniture is justified, it has unprecedented qualities - noble texture, variety of shades and durability.
Due to the presence of tannins, oak products are resistant to rotting. The structure of the wood is quite dense, but at the same time it can be bent, which allows you to create products with bent elements. The skilled craftsmen of our factory manage to create unique patterns, decorating furniture with hand milling.
We produce custom cabinets, sideboards, chests of drawers, pencil cases and other furniture. Such products will last for decades, only gaining additional value over the years. Oak furniture has a unique natural color and amazes with a variety of shades, allowing you to choose the desired color scheme that matches a specific interior.
Solid birch furniture
This type of wood is especially valued by craftsmen for its variety of artistic designs. Wood is malleable in the hands of a craftsman, allowing you to realize any design idea. Solid birch is widely used for the production of furniture for bedrooms, children's, living rooms, dining rooms and dining areas. Delicate and sophisticated models, like birch itself, will perfectly complement any finished interior.
Along with numerous advantages, birch is susceptible to high humidity. Therefore, we carefully dry the raw materials, giving the array a smoothness and matte shine. Carrying out special processing makes the wood resistant to any negative influences.
A distinctive property of birch is its good retention of paint and varnish coatings. It is easily saturated with paint and perfectly conveys any color. In addition, birch is famous for its antifungal and bactericidal properties.
Solid beech furniture
Beech has unique properties; it is famous for its unique energy, creating a favorable aura in the room. Wood helps to draw vital energy and strength, providing a feeling of comfort and harmony.
This type of wood is one of the best for making furniture. In terms of density, it is not inferior to oak and ensures long-term use of furniture without loss of performance characteristics. Beech has a soft texture and a pleasant natural shade, providing an incredibly comfortable atmosphere in the room. It is not afraid of high humidity and mechanical damage, has high quality and durability. We produce exclusive custom-made furniture from solid beech for modern and classic interiors.
How to distinguish furniture made from natural solid wood from glued wood?
Furniture made from natural wood is valued significantly higher than furniture produced using other technologies. And in order to protect yourself from deception and the purchase of unreasonably expensive interior items, you need to know the main signs by which you can distinguish one piece of furniture from another. First of all, furniture made from natural solid wood is distinguished by the maximum smoothness of the wood fibers. It is this indicator that represents a distinctive criterion that requires maximum attention to itself. The fibers of laminated wood furniture have clearly visible boundaries and uneven contour edges.
