A dream home will not be complete without proper furniture. Buying quality and aesthetically pleasing hardwood furniture for your home is recommended because its beauty will last for decades. Although it is pricey, it is long lasting and easy to take care of, making 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 level 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 have more complex structures compared to softwood. It can be characterized with the presence of pores. Aside from furniture making, hardwood is also used as fuel because of its density.

It is interesting to note that when you study the history of furniture design, the history of furniture is explained by categorizing the furniture based on the dominant species of wood at a certain time in history and all three identified groupings are varieties of hardwood; the Age of Oak, the Age of Walnut and the Age of Mahogany and Satinwood. This clearly indicates that hardwood furniture can transcend time. The design may vary but the vital ingredient is always the same.

Examples of wood species used for hardwood furniture makers 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 a deep red tint. Poplar is fairly softer than other varieties of hardwood. Among the available hardwood species, Oak is the most used wood.

Furniture makers can create the best hardwood furniture for your home but it is still up to the owner to ensure that it retains its natural beauty. Here are some suggestions 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. Apply the wax immediately after receipt of the 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 surface.

· Use placemats, tablecloth, and coasters to protect 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 furniture. Direct sunlight and exposure to heating and air conditioning vents may cause fading to the finishing.

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

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