Timber furniture, such as beds, is now enjoying great popularity due to its lovely artistic designs. In fact, bed frames and other furniture that make the most of the wood’s natural quality and shades are being complimented because of its contemporary designs and clean lines. Furniture such as dining tables, bed frames, book shelves are taking homes and buildings by storm. But first let us talk about a little fact about timber – its uses and types. Timber, which is another name for wood or lumber whether still standing in the form of trees or cut down and turned into flat boards for construction was the term used by people since at least the seventh century, while lumber is a comparatively recent word, dating to the settlement of America in the 1600s. Timbers have been an important structural component in ship building. Before it is cut down, the forester must assess it first to identify its value and whether or not the selected timber is safe to harvest. Today, the industry of timber around the world is vast, providing source for a wide variety of products such as paper to particleboard.
Hardwood and softwood are main types of timber and these terms do not refer to how solid the wood is. Trees with wide leaves are being classified as hardwoods while trees that are cone bearing are considered soft woods. While hardwoods can endure more stress and are used for outdoor construction, softwoods are better for furniture and other interior items, which mean that the type of project you have, will decide on the type of wood you will be using.
Tables seating, drawers, bed frames, book cases, desks, coffee tables and entertainment units are just some of the great objects you could create out of timber. Hardwood such as mahogany, walnut, oak, maple, cherry, rosewood and teak are generally used for wooden cabinets, wall framing and flooring, bowling alleys, doors, handles and other solid furniture while softwood such as pine, hemlock, fir, redwood, spruce and cedar are usually used for frames, windows, plywood, veneer, general millwork and interior trim, posts and paneling. They are all distinctive from each other and you can decide the one that best matches your requirements. New and exciting range of locally handcrafted wood furniture is now available on the market with excellent quality and competitive prices. Other suppliers use exotic timbers depending on the availability.
If you have decided to buy a piece of timber furniture, another thing that you have to consider is how to take good care of your new purchase. Below are just some of the practical tips you need to follow that will lengthen the years of service of the furniture piece you acquire:
• Use a clean, soft cloth in removing dust and dirt and never pull or slide your timber furniture across the surface in order to avoid scratches.
• Mild soap and water solution is recommended to clean up spills and ensure that affected surface is totally dry. The use of strong detergents and other cleaners is totally not an option. Products that have natural ingredients are best suggested.
Remember, buying this beautifully handcrafted timber furniture is one the best investments you can make when furnishing your home some are considered to be – timeless!