Here at Solid Custom Heirlooms we build all types and styles of bedroom furniture – from platform beds to nightstands and dressers. We feature 7 wood choices: Ash, Cherry, Maple, Wormy Maple, Red Oak, White Oak and Walnut, and while all of these choices make quality, long lasting furniture, there is one species that has been used throughout American history more than any other: Oak.
Many people feel Oak is the best wood for furniture because it is strong, durable enough to resist everyday wear and tear, and looks great in a wide variety furniture styles and finishes. Oak is good for fine furniture, flooring, cabinetry and all types of high quality woodworking.
Both Red and White Oak trees are a sustainable resource and grow abundantly throughout the United States. Furniture made from Oak is NOT the most expensive wood as compared to other choices, yet can be expected to last for many decades of trouble free use.
There was a time in the not so distant past where most American bedroom sets – and all home furniture for that matter – were made from Oak. But modern American décor tastes have changed and other furniture grade hardwoods have become more popular. Even though often more expensive than Oak, Cherry and Maple are now our most requested choice for furniture.
But Oak still has a special place in many people’s hearts and we certainly still get plenty of requests for it. White Oak bedroom furniture sets in particular are a growing design trend. This blog will explore the primary types of this wood: Red and White Oak.
Red Oak and White Oak are two different but related wood species. Red Oak gets its name from its pink to yellow hues and is known for its pronounced circular grain pattern. White Oak is typically beige to gray in color with darker streaks and a less distinct grain pattern. Both types are commonly used for furniture, cabinetry and flooring. If you have an older American home with original hardwood floors, chances are it is made from one of these two types of Oak wood.
Red Oak furniture comes from the Northern Red Oak, a deciduous tree that produces hard, heavy, yet porous lumber. Red Oak is slightly less dense than White Oak but still very durable. Red Oak is good for furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. Red Oak is resistant to moisture, making it suitable for high-humidity areas where other woods may be prone to rot or cracking.
Red Oak Pros
Red Oak Cons
Red Oak’s color is not currently as trendy as White Oak or Maple
White Oak Comes from the American White Oak tree, Quercus alba, and is characterized by its light color and prominent “rays,” giving it a subtle yet attractive grain pattern. It’s also known for its strength and durability. White Oak is good for making high quality furniture, flooring, and also is prized for use in wine barrels both because of its waterproof grain and the flavor it imparts to the wine as it ages.
The cheapest wood for furniture is softwood, typically Pine or Douglas Fir. While lower in cost than hardwood, the age old rule applies – with Pine furniture, you get what you pay for! While it can look good online or on the showroom floor, softwood is generally not strong enough to stand the test of time. Beds made from Pine will often start to creak and squeak after a few months of regular use.
Oak wood provides a much sturdier alternative, and may not be as expensive as you think. Red Oak is the lowest priced hardwood that we sell and is a significant upgrade to cheap softwood or particle board furniture from Ikea or other big box stores. A Red Oak bedroom set not only creates a solid foundation for your bedroom but also looks great and is likely to last long enough to be passed down for generations to come.
A Pickling wood finish – so called because it preserves, or “pickles”, the wood – is a stain technique similar to whitewash that adds a white or gray pigment to the wood, brightening the color tone and accenting the natural grain pattern. Red Oak is often used for the pickling technique because its porous grain accepts the stain well and creates a classic look. Take a look at this example of a Red Oak dresser with a Pickled finish – what do you think?
At Solid Custom Heirlooms we think that hardwood makes the best furniture and Oak is one of our favorites! Whether you want a simple platform bed for your Queen size mattress or an elaborate California King luxury bed, we are here to help. Our goal is to offer a wide variety of beds hand made from high quality American hardwood. If you don’t see what you are looking for, or want to talk more about achieving a specific look or type of bed, please contact us and we would love to help you create your dream bed!
