Which Type of Wood is the Best for Restaurant Furniture?

Which Type of Wood is the Best for Restaurant Furniture?

Wood is one of the most widely used materials in the world. Each type of wood has its unique characteristics that give the interior a different degree of warmth, clarity and beauty. “Which type of wood is the best for restaurant furniture?” The answer depends on your budget and expected usage. Our guide explains the benefits, appearance and characteristics of different types of wood for restaurants.

I. Types of wood

​There are two basic types of wood materials:
1. Solid wood, which includes both hardwood and softwood. 2. Manufactured wood that is an engineering material.

II. Solid wood

​Solid wood comes purely from lumber and is a direct product of a tree. There are two types of real wood used to make furniture: hardwood and softwood.

III. Hardwood

Hardwood is much denser than softwood. Hardwood lumber comes from deciduous trees, which grow more slowly. Most high-quality wooden furniture is made from the hardwood. Hardwood species is one of the most popular choices for manufacturing of restaurant furniture. This type of wood is mainly used in construction, furniture, ceilings, and floors. Types of the common hardwoods used in restaurant furniture making:

1. Oak

Oak is very resistant to insects, and fungal attack because of its high tannin content. The variety of colour makes this wood suitable for many uses such as cabinetry, flooring and furniture. Oak is very durable. Furniture built from oak is considerably sturdier than that crafted from some other hardwoods, such as mahogany.

2. Cherry

Cherry is a smooth-grained, reddish-brown hardwood, appreciated by specialists for the colour and ageing process. Wood is a medium-weight and has good bending properties. Medium stiff, strong and hard, cherry is not susceptible to warping.

3. Maple

Maple is strong and durable. Colour ranges from nearly white, to an off-white cream, sometimes with a reddish or golden hue. Maple does have its drawbacks. It can be temperamental, particularly when finishing, and is susceptible to shrinkage. Hard maple is used in the manufacture of flooring, furniture, cabinets, billiard cues and other finished wood products.

4. Walnut

This dark-brown domestic wood species is a straight-grained hardwood that ranges from chocolate brown to yellow and is excellent for carving and turning. Walnut is a suitable material for cabinets, natural wood flooring, and kitchen accessories.

5. Mahogany

Mahogany is a hard, stable, and durable material. It produces a very attractive reddish-brown colour, shines when polished, and tends to darken over time. The most desirable Cuban or West Indian mahogany is so rare that cost 9 times more than a furniture-grade hardwood like cherry.

IV. Softwoods

Less dense than hardwood is softwood. Softwood comes from coniferous trees that grow more quickly. This type of wood is commonly used in the manufacturing of doors, furniture and window frames. Two types of common softwoods used in restaurant furniture making:

1. Cedar

​Cedar is a type of very durable, resistant to decay, coniferous wood. Perfect for internal joinery and wall coverings, cedarwood is widely used for creating wardrobes.

2. Pine

​Pinewood is inexpensive and readily available. Wood is light in colour with a creamy white look. Pine is widely used for rustic and craftsman style pieces. Wood is suitable for a variety of furniture styles, including contemporary ones.