In choosing a new piece of furniture, you might be considering buying something that is made of wood. Whether it’s an office desk, a dining room table, a coffee table, or a couch; good quality furniture should have at least wood components.
Wood has been essential to our lives throughout human history. Wood has been used for tools, paper, houses, and other things—and we should never take it for granted.
Somehow, the demand for furniture made of wood increases every year.
Knowing the essential aspects of wood will help you understand the need for its maintenance. Wood can be attacked by pests such as termites, which, in turn, affects its quality and structural stability. This is why most people consult the help of professional pest control services like Baton Rouge Pest Control for efficient assistance in the elimination of pests in their homes.
Furthermore, below are eight aspects that you need to know and understand about wood before commissioning wood furniture. This will enable you to make the right choices in terms of woodworks.
Wood type
The way that a type of wood is cut is a determining factor for the strength and beauty of a finished woodwork.
- Plain sawn involves broad and large slabs of wood that can be used for furniture, flooring, and tables.
- Quarter sawn is the forerunner of milling techniques and is one of the more expensive types of wood cutting techniques used for furniture.
- Rift sawn softwood, on the other hand, is utilized as barn and landscaping timber and for the construction of beams, fencing, flooring, framing, posts, and decks.
- Types of wood include oak, pine, maple, softwood, hardwood, cedar, fir, beech, ash, elm, teak, walnut, and mahogany.
Wood acclimation
Wood has the ability to continuously “move” due to changes in the moisture level of the surrounding environment. Thus, it is highly suggested to allow the acclimation of wood flooring in your living room or bedroom. Before installing it, the wood must be left for a few days. This should be considered, especially if you will be moving your wooden furniture from one state or city to another.
The end grain of the wood
This is one essential aspect to consider because the end grain is a determining factor for general wood capacity. For instance, shrinkage often occurs on wood having flat sawn edges compared to other wood types such as quarter sawn and rift sawn. This also pertains to the cutting of the board.
Barometer readings
The barometric pressure of wood can be determined through barometric readings, which should be done before gluing, cutting, and refinishing wood. This is one of the reasons why reminders are indicated at the back part of paint cans and polyurethanes to use wood at the ideal temperature.
Wood characteristics
Maximization of wood capabilities can only be attained if you know the features of the wood species you will be using for your furniture. Determining the characteristics of your wood will help you make decisions in terms of starting a construction project.
Wood movement
The reason behind this is quite apparent. Moisture changes may affect the “movement” of wood if you construct in one area then move it to another location. Thus, it is suggested for wood to be left for acclimation inside your bedroom or any part of your home where you will be installing it so that you will not be encountering wood changes that may impact the outcome of your building project.
Wood moisture level
It is critical to know the level of moisture of your wood. Shrinkage may happen if you will be using wet lumber for building. In terms of this, wood needs to be monitored before construction. Stability must be achieved in the process.
Wood pre-conditioning
A pre-conditioner is vital before wood staining. Pre-conditioners are used for sealing up wood, and this leads to an even and less blotchy finish. This occurs since this chemical substance provides an even base where stain can be applied.
If you are planning to construct the furniture of your living room or bedroom from wood, a DIY woodworking project takes a lot of effort and confidence. Nevertheless, if you will be using any kind of wood, the work will not be successful unless you learn how to treat it properly beforehand.