If you are looking for a new kitchen table, the different possibilities of wood may seem endless. And, with little experience working with wood, it may seem impossible to pick a wood that is right for you. But, between categories of softwoods, hardwoods, and manufactured woods, the most beautiful and trusted timber has to be hardwood. Known for its wood grain patterns, hardwood makes a statement in any room.
First of all, what is hardwood, and why do I need it in my kitchen table? Hardwood is any wood that comes from a tree that does not bear cones or needles but instead bears leaves and seeds. The benefit of having hardwood in your home is that solid hardwood does not fall apart as some other woods do. You do not want your kitchen table flaking and crumbling, so Ironwood Kitchen Table is your best option for a durable table.
Now that we established hardwood as the best choice for home furniture, it is important to note that there are roughly six popular types of hardwoods: oak, walnut, cherry, mahogany, bamboo, and maple. All are great options for your kitchen, but vary in hardness and color, meaning it is key to know your woods before deciding on a table.
Oak is a trendy wood in furniture making. Known for its swirly wood grain, oak is a type of wood that you can leave as is or stain. When shopping for a kitchen table, you will find both red and white oak, extremely hard woods. Both options are great for any piece of furniture and will last more than a lifetime.
Walnut
Known for its dark brown color, walnut is one of the most expensive hardwoods. However, many say the price is worth it. It is not as durable as oak but can be polished and protected, giving your walnut table a sleeker, more modern look. If it is within your budget and you crave a high-end look and feel for your kitchen table, walnut is the way to go.
Cherry
Cherry wood is a unique wood that can vary in hues and depth as the wood matures. Some cherry wood can even have naturally occurring black flecks. Cherry wood is beautiful left naturally, but can be highlighted with a protectant finish. If you opt for a cherry wood dining table, ensure that the hue matches with any other cherry wood statement pieces or accents. Two different hues of cherry may throw your room off, so take the time to match the wood before purchasing.
Mahogany
Mahogany is categorized as the softest hardwood, but is not to be underestimated. Mahogany is an imported, exotic wood and is relatively recognizable for its deep red-tinted brown color. Mahogany is another excellent option if you want your kitchen table to have a more luxurious look and feel. It generally stains well but often does not need to be stained.
Bamboo
Bamboo is actually a type of grass, but is so dense it functions as a wood. Bamboo has the same hardness as oak and maple, rendering it durable and able to withstand everyday wear and tear. In contrast to mahogany and cherry, bamboo is a very light wood, but can be stained.
Maple
Finally, maple, a wood grown in the USA, is an attractive option if you want a natural wood grain look. Maple can fall under the softwood category if you purchase red maple, so make sure that you are looking for sugar maple wood when you are searching for kitchen tables. Maple is scuff-resistant, perfect for everyday life.
When choosing your kitchen table, hardwood type can make a huge difference. It sets the tone of your kitchen space for years to come, so you want to make sure you pick the right one. Ironwood Furniture located in New York has incredible hardwood options for your kitchen needs. So if you need a place to start, check out Ironwood kitchen tables to find your perfect fit.