The Wood Wardrobe – A Choice of Distinction
The crafting of a wood wardrobe starts with the selection of wood. For the construction to be solid and to withstand years of use, quality materials are essential. Careful thought should be put into the choice of wood. In order to determine the best wood to use, consider the type of finish. Just as important is how easy the wood is to work with and the cost. A look at a few different wood types will clarify the best type to use for crafting a fine wood wardrobe.
Hardwoods such as oak, maple, poplar and cherry are all popular choices for building furniture. They are generally more durable than softwoods and all have a distinctive tight grain. Each has its own characteristic markings and coloring that add to their individual appeal.
Out of all the hardwoods, oak is a popular choice and has been used for centuries. It is noted for its durability and strength. However, it can be difficult to work with. Tools must be kept very sharp to avoid chipping and splitting the wood. Drilling pilot holes for any screws is necessary due to its hard nature.
Maple is also very durable and its many species have very unique character. When used for furniture, maple requires special care to keep it from warping. It is not as easily available as oak and is more expensive. For these reasons, it may not be the best choice for the crafting of a wood wardrobe.
Cherry wood is rich in color and character. The tight grain of cherry gives it a very even texture. Although a durable hardwood, cherry is better for smaller pieces of furniture that will be stained to enhance its natural reddish color. Additionally, the cost of cherry may be prohibitive for such a large piece of furniture.
If the wood wardrobe is to have a painted finish, poplar is a good choice. It has a very unusual color, varying from beige to olive green with hints of purple. It is less expensive than cherry and maple. Poplar is relatively easy to work with and takes nails and screws well. Tools must be kept sharp or the wood may tear. Poplar is difficult to stain and with its unique color, painting may be the best finish.
Pine is the predominant softwood used in furniture, especially wardrobes. It is stable, durable and has great natural character. It is notably easy to work with, though caution should be taken as it dents easily. Sharp tools are a must due to pines nature to be crushed instead of cut. Pine is preferred wood of choice for many woodworkers and manufacturers because of its low cost and ease of workability.
Choosing the best wood for crafting a wardrobe can be daunting. But when you think in terms of durability, natural characteristics and ease of workability, the choice can be easier. Add to that affordability and the finished look, and the choice becomes clearer. Oak and pine measure up to these distinctions and transform into a fine wood wardrobe.
