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Wednesday, September 26th, 2018
Featured here are two popular wood options, pine and oak. Counterclockwise are the Orient Express Furniture Accessories Venetian Floor Mirror 8064.SGRY-PNE made of recycled South Pine and the other piece is the Bernhardt Interiors Bedroom Nightstand 372-230 made of durable oak.
If there is one material that is often used in making furniture, that would have to be wood. No matter what type of wood is used, each has its own unique traits to offer. Every piece is also able to effortlessly add warmth to any interior design.
You might be shopping for furniture soon to update the look of your home for fall and since wood is a predominant element this season, it’s time to learn how to shop according to the best furniture traits. Understanding wood furniture shopping means also understanding the characteristics of each unique specie.
Hardwood and Softwood
It is common notion that hardwoods are more durable than softwoods. While generally this is the case, there are certain species of softwoods that are even denser than hardwoods.. Hardwoods are simply those that come from trees with broad leaves (deciduous trees). Softwoods, on the other hand, are from conifer trees or those that have needle-like leaves and do not have seeds.
Hardwood species grow much slower than softwood trees. This is why they tend to have denser woods. These species are likelier to withstand wear and tear although not all types are hard. Examples of soft hardwoods are basswood and poplar.
Hardwoods are also commonly darker than softwoods. And since they are denser and generally more durable, they are also more expensive.
Here is a list of the most popular types of wood and the characteristics that each offers –
Ash
This is a hardwood that offers amazing bending capabilities. This is often used in making furniture pieces that are curved or have backrests. This comes in light brown color and has a straight grain.
Ash is also sometimes used as a material in making tools and frames. It is known to absorb high amounts of shock without even splintering.
Ash is what’s known as Fraxinus excelsior. It is a common tree in the U.K., Turkey, and all across Europe because these areas are moist and cool but still have ample direct sunlight.
Beech
The beech tree is another deciduous tree which belongs to the Fagaceae family. There isn’t just one specie of this tree. There are 11 species all in all. These are commonly found in northern Europe, North America, and Asia.
The type of soil that supports the growth of a beech tree is one that’s rich in limestone and other fertile and well-drained soils. The smaller and younger trees are able to survive even in partially shaded zones. The mature trees, on the other hand, require more sunlight.
Beech is a heavy, hard and strong wood. It has tight grains and an even texture. It comes in a light color and is highly-resistant to shocks. This is the kind of wood that you would like to polish because it looks amazing with its smooth finish.
Mahogany
This is a expensive type of hardwood because it has a wide spectrum of colors ranging from medium brown to the deepest red brown shades. This is a popular choice for veneer pieces because it is versatile and traditional-looking.
Maple
This wood is heavier and durable and is even moisture resistant. This is also a type of wood that can withstand wear and tear. The swirls and twists on its wood grain are what make this wood specie unique.
Patio furniture anyone? Let maple be your go-to wood type.
Oak
Oak is heavy and has open wood grains. The two varieties are white and brown oak (also referred to as red oak).
Pine
This wood type is affordable because it is lightweight and is less durable. However, what makes it amazing is that it is perfect for stained pieces. Compared to oak or maple, this specie is less durable but it blends well with any design. This is the best choice if you’re looking to add pieces to your existing design.
Walnut
Lastly, walnut is a hardwood that is strong and has straight grains. Its chocolate brown color is most popular although there are also lighter versions.
Tags: kinds of wood, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood, wood kinds, wood types
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Wednesday, June 27th, 2018
Thomasville Bedroom Panel Footboard (King) 85211-426
Timber, as defined in Collins dictionary, is wood that is used for building houses and making furniture. Ships showcase the largest timbers that are used as planks, boards or beams.
Harvesting Timber
Do you have an idea how timber is harvested and eventually processed? There are two ways to harvest timber. First, through the commercial clear cutting approach. Of the two approaches, this is the one that runs after economic gain. Here, the trees are cut down to a stump in heavily forested areas. Of course, this is not a sustainable kind of forestry.
In the silviculture approach, trees are grown specifically to be harvested. This is a sustainable approach compared to the previous one. A method used under this approach is shelterwood cutting. Here, the trees are just partially cut in a gradual manner. As the last trees are hewn down, the trees would have already grown again, so forth, and so on. This is a process that can last for as long as 20 years.
As the trees are cut down, the limbs or branches are removed and then moved from the forest to the sawmill. The routes used in doing this have to be carefully planned so that there would be minimal damage to the logs.
Processing Timber
As for the processing, this really depends on the eventual use of the timber. The debarked ones can be sent to the chipper where they will eventually become paper. The higher grade logs don’t go to the chipper but taken to the sawmill.
These can then be processed as plants, boards or beams. The main mill saw or what’s referred to as the head rig separates the logs to different sections. Sapwood and timber with fewer knots normally become boards or planks while heartwood is created to beams and heavy planks.
Once the head rig is done, every piece of wood is then edged and removed. A trimmer will be used to square off the edges. These are then sorted and stacked, eventually dried.
Uses and Benefits of Timber
Timber uses include fuel for homes, tools, homes, and furniture. It is versatile that it can also be used in log cabins, artificial limbs, decks, balconies, terraces, cladding, sculptures, carvings, flooring, fencing, paints, perfumes, varnish, scaffolding, shingles, windows, and even musical instruments.
Timber also comes with many benefits including –
When you have chosen timber to fulfill a certain job, then you should ascertain what species you are going to select. There are a lot of things to consider prior to your investment. First, how long would the timber species, you end up choosing, last? Here are other basic questions to ask –
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, timber, timber benefits, timber furniture, timber interiors, timber uses, wood
Posted in Color Schemes, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Why Use Timber?
Tuesday, May 8th, 2018
The Belvedere Chest, made of quality wood, is sure to make heads turn when placed in any bedroom.
When one is asked to describe the rustic design, it is often thought to be crude and basic. On the contrary, when designed properly, it can be amazingly beautiful. Only natural materials are let into the design such as stone, metals, and of course, raw wood.
The principle behind this design is quite simple – you have to love what’s aesthetically organic. The design elements would then fill your home with warmth and comfort.
Wood – The Primary Element
Wood is the leading element of any rustic home. It is used because it is the ideal choice for a naturally-looking room. Just imagine using hickory, alder, pine or cherry – they simply catch the beholder’s attention without even trying.
There are several reasons why you should pick wood furniture above all other options. First of all, wood has outlasted many challenges posed by the onset of plastic, glass, aluminum, and many other materials that were mass-produced. This material reigns supreme because it is also resilient and built for longevity.
Wood is naturally strong which is why it is the leading go-to material when it comes to furniture creation as well as designing parts of a house.
Wood is also amazingly easy to maintain. And under the best care, wood is also proven to have a lengthened shelf life. Your only daily routine is to dust and wipe and you’re good to go. Just these two simple chores and you’d have the look of a polished, clean wood. It is advised, though, that you strictly follow manufacturer’s directions with regard to specific care for certain wood creations.
Another reason why you should choose wood furniture is that it’s naturally pretty. Just a single piece right in the middle of the room can make a huge difference in the overall look of your home. Add to this the charm that the natural grains add to the uniqueness of the wood furniture and you’re sure to be referred to as the sophisticated furniture connoisseur.
Investing in any wood furniture also ascertains quality, beauty, and comfort. Some woods are expensive but the lasting beauty that they can offer more than compensates for the initial investment. All in all, it’s a worthy cause.
Compared to plastic, wood furniture is more environment-friendly. And with more and more people getting worried about global warming as well as climate change, you ought to do your part, too. Wood does not pose any damaging effects on the environment. Those who manufacture wood furniture have also come up with their own improved technologies so that wastage is at a bare minimum.
Wood is also a sustainable material source. When certified and responsibly sourced, this is a wonderful choice for sustainability. You also have the option to buy locally-harvested woods and artisans in your area.
Of course, trees that also come in different varieties. There is a wide range of tones and colors of wood which means you can choose from a lot of looks and styles. You can also have a wonderful time picking the best grains and textures that you actually want.
Wood should be your go-to material when it comes to creating an awesome setting. Wood furniture can easily become a part of any style or design scheme. It can be rustic or it can also be modern depending on the species that you took on as a material for your furnishings.
You could also blend different species in a room, for example, red gum for the dining table and a pine dresser. Whichever wood species you choose, you are sure to achieve seamless grace in your home.
Tags: benefits of wood furniture, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood, wood furniture, wood furniture advantages, wood furniture benefits
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements, Interior Design Themes | Comments Off on Wood, Wood, Wood Everywhere – And Why Wood Furnishings Are the Best
Sunday, November 26th, 2017
Hooker Furniture Living Room Boheme Saison Oval Cocktail Table
The modern world is a world that offers many significant alternatives to things. Stone which used to be just quarried and cut to the needed size can now be reproduced in many factories. Such is also the case with wood furniture. Though there may be replicas out there, wooden furniture remains one of the best-selling pieces in the furniture industry and for a good reason.
People still love to invest in indoor and outdoor wooden furniture pieces. This is not a fad that will fade away soon. It seems that wood is here to stay.
But what would you benefit from wood?
Wood Is Gorgeous
Wood offers unique lines, patterns, and textures that are all naturally made. The finishing of the furniture should highlight these natural beauties.
Wood Is Resilient
Wood is one of the leading materials that come to anyone’s mind when the word durable is mentioned. Scrapes and dents do not easily affect wood as it is naturally resilient and strong. When properly maintained, a wooden furniture piece can even last for hundreds of years.
This resiliency of wood also comes with great responsibility. Termites, rots, and poor attention to construction details, and exposure to the harsh weather elements all lead to weakened wood furniture.
Just give wood the attention it needs and you sure won’t be needing a replacement for many years.
Wood Is Easy to Maintain
Wood furniture care is a must for every homeowner especially if you intend to make an heirloom of your current pieces.
Don’t fret, cleaning wood is as easy as wiping the surface with clean water. Just be careful that you don’t soak it.
Be sure also to wipe off the dust and dirt off the surface then protect the finish with quality paste wax. A thin coat, as directed on the product label, should do it. Let the furniture stand for 1 to 2 hours then buff or brush vigorously. You will soon see a lovely shine to your wood furniture.
And here’s the ultimate wood care – do not let wood sit out under the sun.
Wood Is a Wise Investment
The price for wood is especially high for the most durable pieces so, in essence, you are making an investment in buying a lovely piece.
Understanding how furniture can become an investment all begins with finding the right furniture provider. Find a brand that embodies quality, timeless quality, and balance. Find McCreery’s quality furniture here.
McCreery’s Home Furnishings offers the most beautiful traditional furniture pieces. There are standalone ones and others that come in a lovely ensemble.
There are also those that come in contemporary designs which may be influenced by trends and research but they still show the same level of quality, beauty, and durability.
Wood Is Eco-Friendly
You cannot find a more environment-friendly material than wood. They are produced from trees, to begin with, and so they come from a renewable resource. Wood can be grown each year and then eventually harvested for different uses.
Wood and wood byproducts virtually eliminate waste since the trims, bark, and sawdust can all be used as energy sources.
Wood also offers longevity of homes and business structures, hence, it significantly reduces carbon footprint compared to the concrete and steel greenhouse gas emissions produced during manufacturing.
Wood is also recyclable which means you can find other uses for it once it has served its purpose as a furniture. A study conducted by the CORRIM or Consortium for Research on Renewable Industrial Materials showed that wood, indeed, has less environmental impact as compared to steel.
An even greater news is this – most wood materials now come from conservation efforts so you’re using a renewable source.
It’s time to think wood, don’t you think?
Tags: benefits of wood furniture, designing with wood, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood, wood furniture, wood furniture benefits
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Friday, September 30th, 2016
FFDM Vintage Classics
Rustic interiors offer an eclectic look that zeroes in on nature. Furniture normally consists of stone, wood and reclaimed lumber, however, sisal, rattan, bamboo, paper, wool, glass and clay, even different kinds of metal can also be used to achieve the look. DIY projects, heirlooms, collections, folk arts and vintage-looking pieces will also fit in.
Metal-worked furniture pieces are also great options to use on a rustic concept this fall.
Wooden columns and beams, stone flooring and hardwood pieces are elements that you would want to add in your home. If these are not natural parts of your current home, then know that there are now faux columns and beams that can help you achieve the look.
Rustic Basics
Rustic interiors for this season will help you have a warm and welcoming vibe. Rustic is historic, rough-hewn and an Old World charm that appeals even to people who live on an era of manufactured pieces and technology.
Rustic is not tantamount to being not innovative, though. As your persist with your rustic style, you get to achieve a one-of-a-kind look that are either repurposed or set up in that way.
Weathered Woods Are Rustic
Say no to imitation lumber or machine-polished wooden pieces here. Rustic woods have to be rough around the edges and they’d have to be real lumber. Look for sturdy pieces like hickory, oak, or beech. Leave them to develop natural patina. You can also use matte paint to make them look more pastoral. Scuff and sand the edges, choose a stool or chair with bark-like backs and you’re on the right track.
This Hooker Furniture Dining Room Melange Rafferty II Side Chair offers the distressed look that is perfect for your rustic setting.
Distressed Pieces Are Rustic
Think of denim blue, forest green, blood red, and khaki – these are all hues that look appropriate during the pioneer days. This does not mean that you can simply shun a lighter palette. Remember that a traditional pattern such as plaid, calico or patchwork would work best.
Another way to convey rustic beauty is to make a handmade quilt. Just throw this over a sectional or a bed; you can also hang this on the wall. Needlepoint pillows and embroidered pieces also embody rustic textile tradition.
Always go for warm, heavy metals preferably those that have been worn out. Look for pieces with a hammered finish or even a hint of rust. Say yes to pewter, bronze, copper, or iron for your bedstead, kitchen racks, lighting fixtures, side tables, and outdoor pieces. Veer away from finishes such as stainless steel and chrome.
Go Modern Rustic
This may be like conflicting terms but as a theme, this has been creating a buzz. Homeowners now love the rustic charm and beauty that come with modern amenities.
It’s impossible not to love this style especially if you are a sucker for character. The key to creating a modern rustic environment, though, is when you can embrace an open space layout, modern pieces, and large, industrial structures.
Don’t forget bringing in nature indoors, though, since the most important feature of any modern rustic dwelling is stone and raw wood. This is easy if you already live in an old home. All you have to do then is to preserve the original architectural features, show off the stone walls, and expose the beams, or light the fireplace.
Modern rustic is also about making good use of the fifth wall which is the ceiling. Homes that come with A-frames are very popular. If you don’t have cathedral ceilings, don’t worry, you can still have the look of exposed beams. Ask professional architects to help you install faux beams.
Beyond the architectural details and furnishings, rustic modern homes should also carry over the theme to linens, upholstery and rugs. The simplest accessories can make a huge difference so be sure to shop for the right fall items.
Tags: designing with wood, distressed furniture, fall, fall color palette, fall color scheme, fall colors, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, rustic, rustic charm, rustic design, rustic elements, rustic home, rustic interiors, rustic look, rustic theme, wood, wood elements, wooden elements, wooden furniture
Posted in Color Schemes, Fall Season, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Themes | No Comments »
Tuesday, September 6th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Home Office Ball Claw Desk 434-10-158 has a delicious wooden color that will surely invite attention.
There’s plenty of wood on the planet. It is warm, cozy, it is strong and durable, it can even last for hundreds if not thousands of years. Wood has many uses including the building of bridges, manufacturing paper, or heating homes. This is one of the most versatile materials in the world with thousands of practical uses. But what do you think makes wood great?
What Is Wood?
Wood is grown in trees. If you could take a part of the tree and peel off the bark, you would immediately realize that there are two kinds of woods. The first, closest to the edge, is a light, moist layer referred to as sapwood. This is filled with tubes referred to as the xylem.
Deeper and darker into the tree is what’s known as the heartwood. This, in essence, is already dead because the xylem tubes were blocked with gums or resins.
At the sapwood’s outer edge is a thin layer known as the cambium. This is where the tree grows outward to form those annual rings which can tell you how old the tree is. If you take the time to cut the trunk vertically, you would get into the grain. There are also occasional ovals that interrupt the grains. These are the knots. Knots are unique and attractive parts of the wood but they tend to weaken the structure.
Is It Hardwood or Softwood?
There are two distinct kinds of wood – hardwoods and softwoods. While the names may convey hardness or softness, these don’t always refer to the sturdiness or suppleness of the wood. Hardwoods are woods that come from deciduous trees (those that have broad leaves). Examples of hardwood are birch, beech, ash, maple, teak, oak, mahogany and walnut.
Softwoods, on the other hand, come from coniferous trees (those that have cones and needles). Examples are cypress, cedar, pine, fir, redwood and spruce.
Generally, though, hardwoods are harder when compared to softwoods. One of the most famous exceptions is the Balsa wood which is classified as a hardwood but is actually soft.
Hardwoods come with beautiful grains which is why they are often used in manufacturing fine furniture. Decorative woodwork also looks great when done with hardwood. Softwoods are most suitable for construction work (e.g. poles and planks) because they are tall and straight.
Wood’s Chemical Composition
If you can take a look at some freshly cut wood right under a microscope, you will see that it – just like any other plant – is composed of many cells. These cells are made up of three substances namely cellulose, hemi cellulose and lignin.
There are literally hundreds of wood species so it is difficult to make a general adjective that would describe the word wood. See, oak is different from balsa in so many ways. Physically, wood is stiff and strong but if you compare it to steel, it is, of course, flexible and light. Still compared to plastic, metal and ceramic, woods have a unique isotropic inner structure.
Wood Is Durable
One of the greatest things about wood is that it can last for a very long time. This is why wooden structures made thousands of years ago are still being unearthed by archeologists. This means that wood can easily outlast the person who invested in it.
Wood can rot when forces of nature get a hold of it. Organisms like insects and fungi can also nibble at the cellulose and lignin. If you want your wood furniture to last, make sure that you know how to care for it. Ask your furniture retailer about cleaning solutions that could help you maintain your furniture’s beauty.
Tags: benefits of using wood, hardwood, hardwood design, hardwood pieces, hardwood species, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, types of hardwood, wood, wood design element, wood elements, wood furniture, wood furniture benefits, wooden, wooden elements, wooden materials
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Monday, September 5th, 2016
1030_Highlands_Dining_Table
No homeowner buys furniture with the wish from the onset that this piece would someday fall apart or wobble after just a year or two. Of course, you also don’t want to have a chair that could turn into your embarrassment by having a guest crash to the floor once it is used. The determination of quality furniture can be tricky yet it would eventually pay to learn how to speak furniture. This all begins with learning the basic furniture categories.
Wood Veneer on Solid Wood
This kind of furniture has become renowned as of late because of the growing scarcity of hardwood. These come with veneers consisting of thin layers of decorative wood. If you are looking for high quality, hardwood furniture, then this isn’t the way to go. The veneer is actually prettier and more expensive wood placed atop a less expensive piece. This is an economical technique used by manufacturers to make furniture pieces that are affordable.
Buying veneer means you have to be extra careful. Feel the edges of the piece then make sure that they are tightly fused onto the subtrate. This is no indication of less quality but that you should just pay more attention to craftsmanship when buying veneer.
Solid Wood
This is a furniture piece that has zero wood fiber or particle board. This is the board milled coming from the tree. Nothing can be more natural than this.
Solid wood could be hard (e.g. walnut) or soft (e.g. fir or pine). More often than not, wood can be refinished and has a long lifespan. It is also possible if you want to keep it as an heirloom. Find wider boards that are matched in color and grain so that you achieve a consistent appearance.
Solid Wood Products
Watch out for this phrase when you are out shopping for the best furniture materials. This could become a trap that could lead you astray if you’re not careful enough. Solid wood product is indicative of particle board or MDF but never solid wood.
Solid Hardwood
This is the most durable wood furniture option. Since it is hardwood, you can be guaranteed that the furniture piece will last for hundreds of years especially when you take good care of it. Maple, cherry and oak are great examples of hardwood. Just run your hand through the surface, it should feel smooth to the touch.
Laminate
This can look like real wood or it could also come in different colors. This is a sturdy surface material that is commonly applied over a fiberboard or particle board. Wood grain laminate is a photo of wood grain applied to the base material before sealing.
Just like when you’re buying veneer, make sure that you check the smoothness of the laminate. It should also be well-attached to the base, if not, this could result in chipping or early wearing and tearing.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody King Tufted Bed
Wood Veneer on Medium-Density Fiberboard or Particle Board
This is less durable than sturdy wood because it is comprised of outer veneer or particle board as covering. This is often engineered so it is stable. It offers the look of wood but just don’t expect too much of it. What this is is just mid-range furniture so you may have it for a few years.
Upholstered Pieces
This is the term used on any kind of furniture with fabric or leather covers. It also has webbing, springs, and/or padding. Find quality pieces that are kiln-dried, hardwood furniture frames. These should be stapled or nailed. Check the joints and make sure that they are tight and well-fit.
Generally, take a very good look as you take a step back. The fabric patterns should be carefully matched. Always look for a consistent finish with zero imperfections.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, types of wood furniture, wood, wood design element, wood elements, wood furniture categories, wood furniture types, wooden, wooden furniture
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Wednesday, August 17th, 2016
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Treviso Bureau
Wood carving has been around long enough to be considered as old as man. Man has always been fascinated in carving wood. There are records of wooden tools being used by some of the earliest known men.
Wood has been used as a walking stick and even as a club. A rock tied to a wooden stick can already be used as a hammer. Woodcarving probably began as a pastime and so the history of furniture woodcarving was finally born.
Woodcarving – A Glimpse at History
Wood is one of the materials that are guaranteed to withstand the test of time so long as you know how to take care of them. Woodcarvings should be protected if you want them to endure.
When compared with sculptures or stone carvings, woodcarvings need more protection and care. Wood must be protected against insects and the harsh elements. There are regions where conditions are more favorable to furniture with woodcarving. An example of this perfect weather condition is in Egypt.
Wood is plentiful in Egypt. Acacia and Sycamore were both scarcely available there yet the people used them for woodcarving. These two are the most suitable wood that they could use and are even considered sacred. Almost every nation in the world practices woodcarving yet the beauty of preserved carvings were explicitly preserved in Egypt.
The Bible – the most read book in the world – even records woodcarving in many of its accounts.
The Dark Ages recorded woodcarving being both popular and unpopular. European nations confined woodcarving to monasteries. It was believed that the monasteries were the only safe places to practice this work of art.
Barbaric acts have been widely practiced during these times. From 700-900 A.D., the creation of images were forbidden in a few parts of Europe. Such images included paintings and woodcarvings.
Woodcarving was done by artists who copied Roman pagan emblems, symbols and sculptures. Majority of these artists went to other parts of Europe so that they could be employed by monasteries that were looking for craftsmen.
Woodcarving done in monasteries composed of relief carvings found on wooden panels and doors. These were quite similar from one monastery to the next. This only means that the carvers traveled from one monastery to the next as they practiced their trade.
After the Dark Ages, thousands of artists were freed and they began to create more carvings. Woodcarvers were highly influenced by the stone carvings. This was also the case with English carvings though theirs were more on decorative carvings rather than statues. Carvings were also found in Norway and Denmark.
Hundreds of years later, Scandinavian woodcarving artists were also influenced by the stone carvings from England. Visit Old English churches and you would surely find carvings done between 1000-1200 A.D. The carvings were protected from harsh elements which was why they were able to survive to this day.
A lot of wood carvings have been destroyed because of neglect, some intentionally and some by acts against churches and wars. The replacement of old carvings eventually erased what were originally found in those chapels. These improvements now conceal the beauty of the original works.
Centuries have since passed and woodcarvings have undergone a lot of changes. Man is no longer just carving with a single knife but has full access to the best carving tools. While changes have occurred through the centuries, woodcarving hasn’t died. For as long as there is wood, there would always be wood carvings.
Many other records from different nations show how woodcarvings have developed through the years. Look around you; there are also woodcarvings in furniture. Bring home one today!
This lovely piece comes from FFDM’s Belvedere Collection.
Tags: carving, furniture woodcarving, history, history of wood carvings, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood, wood elements, woodcarving, woodcarving on furniture, wooden, wooden elements
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Thursday, June 30th, 2016
Universal Furniture Dining Room Uph Back Side Chair 016638-RTA elegantly fuses walnut, leather and fabric.
Do you agree that the furnishings you choose have a lot more impact compared to the accessories, textiles, window treatments and other interior design elements? Your furniture literally make or break the look that you have set up for your home. This is why one of the biggest decisions that you will be making is to find the right kind of furniture for your home.
There are many important features that call for a homeowner’s attention. And since furniture is especially important, you have to determine how durable it is, what makes it visually appealing, and what material it is actually made from.
When searching for long-lasting and beautiful furniture, there are but a few materials that you can trust. One of such materials is the walnut.
Most traditional furniture pieces are built using walnut. It is an excellent choice because it is a durable hardwood which can retain a beautiful finish for many, many years. This has also been part of many iconic designs in furniture history. There is no question as to why it is one of the most favored materials that are used in manufacturing furniture.
For many generations, walnut has been used by interior designers and master artisans. The only question left to ask now is this – which walnut furniture is right for you?
Walnut Is Hardwood
Walnut is a tree that loses its leaves during autumn and winter. The two most common walnut types used are black and English walnut. The cut wood has a grain that is often straight though it can become wavy the closer you get to the roots.
Walnut color can dramatically alter from light to dark brown. The middle part of the tree is able to produce dark wood while the outer layer produces the lighter colored wood.
Universal Furniture Home Entertainment Entertainment Console 016966
Choose Walnut
Walnut is durable and hard so it carves well. It can also hold its shape for many years. This is one of the best choices for ornate furniture requiring intricate woodworks. The headboard or mantelpiece would look great if carved in walnut.
Walnut furniture can easily become heirloom pieces. All that you need to do is to care for them properly.
Know What to Look For
Walnut comes with straight grain that will be beautifully accentuated by a coat of urethane. Be careful with stains, though, as they can make the beautiful grain less noticeable.
The finish that you choose is all a matter of taste. Wood furniture that comes with burly or wavy grains can be easily covered with walnut veneer if you want to make the appearance improve. Walnut furniture can also be covered with walnut veneer.
Solid walnut furniture naturally costs more. Decide whether appearance is more important for you than material or construction.
Restore or Discard?
Looking for ways to restore any walnut furniture that you might already have is wonderful idea. This is good way to revitalize the furniture piece. Restoration frightens a lot of people but it shouldn’t since the process is quite simple.
The easiest way to restore or fortify the look of walnut furniture is to merely reapply the wood’s existing finish.
Clean finishes are shellacs, lacquers and varnishes. Apply just a small amount of denatured alcohol to a small section of the finish and you should be able to determine what finish was used. Shellac is absorbed by denatured alcohol while varnish and lacquer tend to stay.
Natural wood finish comes with oils or waxes. They are rougher to your touch and do not have a glossy look. Natural finishes can be reapplied to restore the beauty of walnut. If the surface is damaged, though, the furniture piece might already require resurfacing.
If all else fails, it is best to invest in new walnut furniture.
Tags: hardwood, hardwood design, hardwood pieces, hardwood species, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, types of hardwood, walnut, walnut hardwood, walnut hardwood type, walnut wood, wood
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Saturday, June 25th, 2016
FFDM’s RayLen Vineyards
Do you agree that furniture and wooden things are very much a part of man’s everyday life? Some are used for functional reasons such as the dining table and the chairs that are paired with it. Others are used for aesthetic reasons like those antique carvings and sculptures. Still others are simply used for symbolic or sentimental reasons such as an heirloom chest and other collectibles. Speak of heirloom pieces, most of these – if you have keenly made observations – are made of wood. Whatever the purpose of each wooden furniture piece, one thing is certain about each one of them – they need to be properly cared for.
Damages Are Preventable
It is a total waste to see fine wooden pieces go to waste all because the owners did not care for them. There are many forms of damages or destruction that can actually be prevented. As the furniture owner, you have a huge amount of influence on how your furniture would eventually end up.
Misunderstanding the use or nature of wooden objects can sometimes lead to damage. Other causes could be the poorly-controlled environment specifically regarding humidity, temperature and lighting. Carelessness, of course, can also lead to furniture damage.
But all wooden things degrade, right? Sure. While this is so, the processes of destruction can be substantially slowed down. What you need to do is to apply certain principles of care as well as maintenance.
So what should you do? Keep in mind that there is no perfect environment for any furniture made of wood. There are different conditions under which a certain furniture can deteriorate over time. Just like other materials, there is a so-called optimal environment that can provide the best balance for wooden furniture. This optimal environment is at 40º Fahrenheit with about 50% relative humidity. It is also advisable that the furniture be free from constant contact and in a chamber that is not constantly exposed to light. Now, having read these conditions, do you think it’s feasible to have a wooden furniture used?
The least that a wooden furniture owner could do is to try to minimize the effects of temperature, humidity and light on his prized piece.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom True Vintage Dresser
Light
The easiest environmental problem that you can resolve with regard to furniture damage is that of light. Light interacts with anything that it illuminates, thus, it can damage furniture surfaces over time. The amount of damage is dependent on the color and intensity of the light used. The brighter the light, the more damage it could cause. Light damage often comes in the form of discolored surfaces. These, however, can be easily solved by installing screens, curtains and other types of window treatments.
Humidity
Humidity constantly changes, hence, it continually pushes and pulls on wooden objects. This issue can be solved by dehumidifying during summer and humidifying during the winter season. Raising temperature tends to lower the humidity and a lowered temperature does the opposite.
Use humidistat to keep your wooden furniture intact.
Biopredation
Microorganisms and small animals can also attack wood. Wood’s eternal enemies are rodents, insects, and fungi. Keep a close watch over your furniture and make sure that you and your family members do not leave food or anything that can lure these animals to your furniture.
If you see any exit holes on your wooden furniture, then it is probable that termites are starting to infest it. Fumigate if necessary. As for mold, fungi, and mildew, they can be kept at bay if you stain your wooden furniture. Make sure also that moisture is kept out.
Fire
Fire is something that may be accidental but it can cause the most damage in one instant. To avoid the occurrence of fire, be sure to keep hot items off the furniture or even near it. Steaming tureens, irons, even coffee mugs should be kept away.
Keep caring for wood furniture and you would enjoy it for a very long time. Who knows, your grandchildren might even get to inherit it from you?
Tags: caring for wood furniture, caring for wooden furniture, designing with wood, McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, wood, wood elements, wood furniture maintenance, wood furniture pieces, wooden elements, wooden furniture, wooden furniture care, wooden furniture maintenance, wooden furniture maintenance tips
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