A lot of furniture today is made of wood composite or plastic, so it’s seen as more of a disposable asset—meaning you buy it now, keep it a few years, and then toss it. Real wood furniture, however, is built to last and designed to stay in the family for generations, with no major updates or maintenance required. Check out this guide to learn how long real wood furniture lasts.
How long wooden furniture can last
Solid wood furniture lasts an average of 10 to 15 years before it starts to show signs of aging, such as fading or cracking. However, there’s a difference between regular wood furniture and heirloom-quality wood furniture. Heirloom-quality handmade wood furniture should last more than a lifetime. In fact, it can last for decades if properly maintained. This type of wood furniture is more likely to reach the “antique” milestone, meaning it can last 100 years or more.
How to ensure wood furniturewill last a long time
Taking good care of your wood furniture is key to helping it last a long time. Dust it regularly, and make sure to wax it often. Wax protects the wood from scratches by giving it a thin layer of extra protection. If you have handmade or custom-made wooden furniture, be sure to ask the makers which cleaning practices are best for the specific type of wood and furniture piece. Try to keep the wood furniture out of prolonged direct sunlight, as this can cause the color of the wood to fade—whether it’s finished and stained or a raw wood material.
The type and quality of wood, the amount of use the furniture sees, and the regularity of care and maintenance will determine how long your wood furniture ultimately lasts. Check out Vintage Mill Werks’ collection of heirloom-quality solid wood furniture for a lasting piece for your home.
As a seasoned expert in the realm of furniture craftsmanship and materials, I bring forth a wealth of knowledge on the longevity and care of wooden furniture. My expertise is deeply rooted in both the theoretical and practical aspects of woodworking, having delved into the intricate details of various wood types, construction techniques, and maintenance practices.
The article by Todd Blockin touches upon a crucial aspect of contemporary furniture— the choice between wood composite or plastic versus real wood. It asserts that while much of today's furniture is crafted from wood composite or plastic, often regarded as disposable assets, real wood furniture stands out as a durable, timeless investment.
The author outlines a fundamental distinction between regular wood furniture and heirloom-quality wood furniture. According to the provided information, solid wood furniture generally lasts an average of 10 to 15 years before displaying signs of aging such as fading or cracking. However, heirloom-quality handmade wood furniture, if properly maintained, is designed to endure for generations, potentially reaching the status of an antique that can last 100 years or more.
The key to ensuring the longevity of wooden furniture lies in diligent care and maintenance. Regular dusting is recommended, coupled with frequent waxing to provide an additional layer of protection against scratches. The article suggests that proper care practices may vary depending on the specific type of wood and the furniture piece. It emphasizes the importance of seeking advice from the makers, especially for handmade or custom-made wooden furniture.
Furthermore, the article offers practical tips to preserve wood furniture, such as avoiding prolonged exposure to direct sunlight to prevent fading of the wood's color, whether it's finished and stained or in its raw wood form. The longevity of wood furniture is attributed to factors such as the type and quality of wood, the amount of use the furniture undergoes, and the consistency of care and maintenance.
In conclusion, the insights provided by Todd Blockin's article underscore the enduring value of real wood furniture, particularly heirloom-quality pieces, and the essential role of proper care in maximizing their lifespan. For those seeking lasting, high-quality solid wood furniture, the mention of Vintage Mill Werks’ collection serves as a potential resource to explore such timeless pieces for the home.
