Dear Rocking Chair Enthusiast . . .How would you like to learn about topics such as: Broyhill Furniture Will Solve Your Furniture Needs, Seeking the best advice with reference to oak furniture, and The Beauty Of Handcrafted Custom Made Furniture. Our website has these and more. This is the full text of just one of them - enjoy reading! Author: Samantha Birch Real wood furniture is the most popular furniture in existence. It's been around for hundreds of years and probably existed when the cave people got tired of squatting on the dirt floor of their caves and looked around for a better way. The woods that are fashioned into furniture fall into three categories: 1. Hardwoods 2. Softwoods 3. Composites Even the term 'hardwood' or 'softwood' is deceptive. Hardwoods aren't necessarily harder, denser material. For example, balsa wood is one of the lightest, least dense woods there is, and it's considered a hardwood. Technically, lumber is classified based on how the tree reproduces. As a general rule, though, softwood trees are evergreen year round while the hardwoods create the gorgeous autumn foliage that we all love so Hardwoods are considered the highest quality and are the most expensive. Their natural colors vary from the darkest woods to the lightest ones and and they can be stained or painted for even more variety. Hardwood furniture is least likely to warp or bend and is prized in all high quality homes. The five woods most commonly used in furniture production are cherry, walnut, oak, maple and mahogany. Softwoods are less expensive than hardwoods, but they require extra care. Because they are less durable, it's much easier to scratch or dent softwood furniture. In addition, they often don't have the beautiful grains of a hardwood, and therefore don't stain as beautifully. Pine is an example of a softwood that is commonly used for furniture. These woods are often used in constructionas well so the choicest pieces are reserved for furniture. In construction, knots and splits are common. Lots of construction lumber will not accept paint and this kind of wood is used for shelves or packing crates. The softwood used in furniture is designated as "Appearance" lumber and includes most softwood lumber that has been custom milled to a pattern or otherwise surfaced on all four sides. Composites are the cheapest form of wood and are literally manufactured, rather than grown. 1. Plywood: multiple layers of thin wooden sheets are glued together and pressed. Plywood is strong and resists swelling, shrinking and warping. There is some furniture made directly from plywood, but generally it is only used as a support when incorporated into furniture. 2. Particle board:sawdust and small wood chips are mixed with glue or resin which is then shaped and pressure treated. When used for inexpensive furniture, particle board is usually covered with laminate or veneer. This is necessary because particle board splits easily and the laminate prevents splitting. However, the downside is that the laminate may separate from the wood because the particle board responds to temperature and pressure changes by swelling and shrinking. 3. Hardboard: is made like particle board but it's placed under higher pressure so it's stronger. 4. MDF or Medium Density Fiberboard: wood particles are bonded with resin and compressed. It is harder than particle board or hardboard, and can be cut like plywood although it isn't as strong as plywood. Some MDF is covered with melaminewhich is a durable plastic in a variety of colors. The exposed edges of MDF are rough and need covering with molding or some other decorative material. Technically, furniture made from all of these wood products is "real" wood furniture, even the composites. Prices and quality range from the hardwoods down to the composites. The higher you go up the spectrum, the more you can expect to pay for your wood furniture. The good part, of course, is that with proper care hardwood furniture will last for decades or even generations. If you can afford it, always choose hardwood furniture. About the Author Read dozens of articles & constant new information on home decorating, furniture, unique home decor, home interiors & gifts, including a home blog, books on decorating and weekly specials. | |
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Classic Outdoor Wicker Club Rocking Chair
"The Classic Outdoor Wicker Club Rocking Chair is the perfect finishing touch to your porch deck or patio. This traditionally-styled rocking chair is made from an all weather resin wicker although it is made to look and feel like natural wicker. The weather resistant wicker is then hand-woven to a sturdy rattan frame resulting in a remarkable durable piece of furniture. Made to withstand any climate and even the worst of weather conditions it will be a piece to cherish for years to come. Minimal assembly required. Also available in Walnut. See the Options tab.
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"The Kemosa Glider is a traditional comfortable design that looks great anywhere - the porch the garden or the patio. Mission style arms and Arts and Crafts-style back make this glider perfect for anyone's needs. The smooth gliding action will soothe away the worries of the day as you enjoy the sights and sounds of nature. This glider is made of Nyatoh wood which is an Indonesian hardwood that will stand up to even the harshest of climates. All screws and joints are stainless steel. Assembly required.Order the Kemosa Glider today and let us deliver it right to your door!
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Rustic High Back Rocking Chair
"It doesn’t get more rustic than this! This Rustic High Back Rocking Chair is constructed by hand from Northern White Cedar. The design uses the logs to create stability and style. The extra wide seat offers plenty of room. The front legs and support posts use rounded logs while the seat and backrest use finished 5/8 inch thick planks. Very few nails are used for connection as most joints are doweled. The natural occurrence of "checking" or slight cracking adds to the character of the chair WITHOUT affecting its structural integrity. Checking only occurs in the top levels of the wood and does not go past the center of the logs. All surfaces are sanded for an incredibly smooth appealing look and feel. While naturally resistant to weathering you can sustain the original color with a clear varnish or color it with the stain of your choice. If left untreated the wood will weather to a silvery gray. This rocking chair will add a touch of country to any outdoor location. This rustic rocking chair is ideal for the front porch or even in front of the fireplace. Made of Northern White Cedar it is very durable. This type of cedar is naturally resistant to decay and insect damage. It is lightweight and does not shrink or warp like many other woods commonly do. You beautiful rocker can be stained or sealed or left untreated will naturally weather to a beautiful gray. Ships partially assembled.
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