Have you ever wondered what your wooden furniture is made of?
In the ancient times, there was only one way to make wooden furniture: with solid wood. Nowadays, the reality is different…
With the advent of the industrial revolution, new manufacturing methods and new materials were invented with the aim of expanding the range of products and reducing their production costs. Thus were born the different types of wood used today, such as MDF and laminated wood.
Wood in our essence
Since day one, wood has been fundamental to our development and evolution, to what today can be considered as one of the most natural and antique materials that has accompanied us throughout history and that has facilitated our daily life.
We have adjusted to different utilities this material that, with the passing of time, has become a very versatile one, covering a wide range of uses, such as the construction of large buildings, and cultural works, such as art creations, sculptures (for example in the one we talked about in the last post about the MOCO Museum) and the precious furniture that throughout history has been another example of the great traces of humanity.
We appreciate the antique furniture and therefore the wood that gives them their authenticity, I will explain you about the different types of wood, their main characteristics and their scope of application.
Different types of wood
- Solid wood: This wood is extracted in a natural way and is composed entirely of solid and natural fiber layers, that is to say, without including synthetic or composite materials, it is usually used in high quality furniture, such as tables, chairs, cabinets… It is a type of wood highly appreciated for its natural beauty and durability.
- Plywood: It is formed from layers of natural wood cut directly from the tree trunk for the surface of the wood and the interior of the wood can be composed of any type of artificial wood, from pressed and glued pieces of wood to synthetic wood. Plywood is classified into different grades, depending on the material used inside the strip. As the visible surface is the layer of natural wood, it is a type of material that is often used in modern furniture and interior cladding.
- Laminated wood: Laminated wood differs from plywood in that the surface layer is not natural wood but a synthetic material printed with the wood pattern; printed paper simulating the knots of natural wood is also used. As with plywood, the composition of its interior classifies this wood from higher to lower quality. It is a resistant and stable wood because the surface is usually a synthetic material that is easy to maintain. Its manufacture is normally oriented to furniture and interior coverings.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): This is a board containing wood fibers and synthetic resins. It is characterized by being economical, flexible and easy to treat.
- Chipboard: Composed of wood fragments that are combined with adhesives and compressed into a board. It is an economical wood, but not as durable as in the previous cases.
Each type of wood has a different chemical composition due to the different materials used (additives, glues and varnishes). In fact, there are a myriad of compounds used in the manufacture of contemporary furniture, from quite aggressive chemical components to other ecological components respectful of our Health and Nature.
For this reason it is important to know the composition of each piece of furniture we purchase.
For example: plywood or MDF may contain chemicals that function as endocrine disruptors, which can modify hormone functioning, affecting vital body functions in the long term.
The positive effect of contact with natural woods on our well-being compared to newly manufactured materials is evident.
In Amaru Antiques, most of our furniture is made of solid wood, furniture that due to its composition and manufacture has the least negative impact on your health.
If you have any questions about the composition of your furniture, leave a comment and we will be happy to help you.