A dream home will not be complete without proper furniture, and hardwood furniture for your home denotes quality and is always aesthetically pleasing. Although hardwood furniture is somewhat pricey, it is long lasting and easy to take care of. The characteristics make it a worthy investment.

Generally, hardwood is harder than softwood. However, this is not true all the time since the main distinction lay not on the strength or hardness of the wood but in the manner in which the wood is produced. Hardwood is an angiosperm, which reproduce through the flowers while softwood is gymnosperms, which procreates through seeds. Hardwoods has a more complex structures compared to softwood. In addition to furniture making, hardwood is also used as fuel in woodstoves and fireplaces.

When studying furniture design, you will find that one way of explaining the history of furniture is by categorizing it based on the dominant species of wood at a certain time in history and all three identified groupings are varieties of hardwood such as the Age of Oak, the Age of Walnut and the Age of Mahogany and Satinwood. This indicates that hardwood furniture can transcend time. The design may change but the vital ingredient (hardwood) is always the same.

Examples of hardwoods used for hardwood furniture are ash, birch, cherry, mahogany, maple, oak, poplar, teak and walnut. Furniture made from ash will most probably be of pale brown color while mahogany will have a reddish brown to deep red tint. Poplar is fairly softer than other varieties of hardwood. Amongst the available wood species, Oak is the most used wood.

Artisans can create the best hardwood furniture. Here are some recommend techniques to increase the lifespan of your hardwood furniture:
Use appropriate wax polish to help the wood acclimate to its surroundings. Using the appropriate wax will nourish the wood and help it retain its natural beauty. It is recommended to apply the wax immediately after receipt of new hardwood furniture, then repeat the process every three months. Remember to use the appropriate polish and not just use any solvent or cleaning material as it may damage the hardwood furniture.
Use placemats, tablecloth, and coasters to protect the hardwood furniture's surface from spills. Blot out spills and clean the surface with a soft and damp cloth immediately so that no unnecessary markings will be seen in the surface.
Be careful of the location where you place your hardwood furniture. Direct sunlight and exposure to heating and air conditioning vents can cause fading of the finishing.

Hardwood furniture gives the best value for your money. With proper care, hardwood furniture will last for generations.

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