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Wood, Wood, Wood Everywhere – And Why Wood Furnishings Are the Best

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.

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Solid Charm: The Timelessness of Wood Furniture

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?

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Furniture Periods According to Wood Types and Eras

Tuesday, June 27th, 2017

Hooker Furniture Living Room Pinta Trail Strong Box Cocktail Table

Throughout furniture-making history, furniture pieces evolved just as societies grew and also developed. Of course, people had access to different materials as time moved forward. To determine fine woodworking history, you have to learn the categories as to where each wood furniture belongs to.

The first category is by species and the more renowned way of categorizing furniture periods is by century where multiple centuries sometimes comprise a design theme.

For today, though, you will learn about the species-based categorization.

The Oak Period

The age of oak comprises the pieces that were crafted during the British Tudor monarch reigns. Think of Henry VIII and Elizabeth I, etc.

Oak was the leading species of wood that was used during this period. Just like other period designs, there isn’t any clear beginning as well as an end. One could deduce, though, that it span a period of about 160 years with about 1,500 characteristics seen.

The Oak Period also retained much of the Gothic era. Just look at the carvings on panels and the frames and you would know that Gothic still has much influence over this style. Pierced carving became less popular, though.

The furniture pieces during this period were massive and sturdy. Many ordered four poster beds, heavy, rectangular tables and chairs with stout legs. Benches for general uses were also a popular item.

The 17th century, also called the Jacobean period, happened around 1603 as James I became the ruling monarch. Elizabethan oak gave way to the less ornamented pieces. Table legs became straighter and lost the bulky turnings. The profiles became lower and a tad more rectangular.

The Jacobean furniture pieces during Cromwell the Protector’s time were square, frugal and stern. With the monarchy returned to Charles II, once more, the Carolean furniture paved the way for a more ornate design.

The Walnut Period

This term does not describe any particular furniture style. This period is roughly dated 1600-1730. A probable reason behind the birth of walnut furniture making is the improvement in sawing. During this time, furniture makers were able to saw thinner than an inch, hence, more and more of them employed these planks in their works of art.

It was also during this time that carved surfaces decreased in number because a new technique has emerged. Thanks to the use of walnut inlaid as well as the veneered walnut upon oak.

The Mahogany and Satinwood Period

The Mahogany Age dominated mid-18th century. During that time, furniture styles became a lot simpler. People were slowly veering away from ornamented pieces as elegance is expressed in finer, flowing lines.

Later, the pieces became more fretted, heavily carved, and the cabriole leg emerged. At first, it was too plain with the pad foot but it developed into something that has a bit of carving, hairy paw, ball-and-claw or the lion’s feet.

The Satinwood age still saw the popularity of mahogany though the Adams brothers popularized the less curvilinear pieces.

Camden Collection’s Brookston Cal King Bed

18th to 19th Century

Speaking in terms of 18th century furniture means Chippendale, Georgian, Queen Anne, French, Regency, Sheraton, etc. Whether you’re thinking about British, American or French, commercialism has emerged and mass-produced pieces were welcomed in the market.

The cabinetmakers became the rock stars of this furniture era.

During the 19th century, all people could think about is the Industrial Revolution. Society changed and so did the furniture makers. The individual craftsman has vanished and the mass-producing manufacturers have emerged.

Revival styles were already a lot easier to make.

The 20th Century

This comprises many furniture and wood styles. Included are Art Deco, Art Nouveau, Modern and Post-modern styles, to name a few. During this era, more materials have emerged, paving the way for more diverse furniture styles.

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Furniture Wood Carving: Traveling in Time

Friday, May 19th, 2017

The Belvedere Chest

One of the few materials used by humankind is wood. Since this is so, woodworking history is a bit more difficult to trace. In the earliest days, wood was just used for tools as well as weapons. Later on, even instruments were being made out of wood. Even the roughest forms of furniture were made of wood which is a far cry from the earliest stone furniture pieces.

Tracing the History of Wooden Furniture

It was not till 3,000 BC that the Ancient Egyptians started using wood in order to create furniture, though. Chairs, beds and tables were soon made with the most ornate designs. Some were even preserved up to our time as is evidenced by the furniture found in tombs for royalty.

Approximately 2000 BC, the Greeks were able to pick up. They also began using wood in creating their furniture pieces. Though the Greek types weren’t as ornate. Theirs had boxy frames so this says a lot about the influence that Ancient Egyptians have had with regard to their furniture framework.

As their furniture making developed, the Greeks began showing different designs. The pieces became less rectangular, thus, less stiff. They soon made furniture that was more apt to the shape of the human body, taking into consideration the curves and gentle lines of the human form. Rounded edges also became the new style to beat.

From 500-1450 AD or the Medieval times, wood furniture pieces turned out to be starker. The pieces were boxy and squarish, much like the earlier furniture. While the framework wasn’t too exciting, it was the furniture’s intricate and decorative carvings that made a whole lot of difference.

The Renaissance paved the way to a whole new level of furniture design. Art was at an all-time high especially during 1350 to 1550 AD. The furniture pieces showed a lot of curvature in their frames. Floral designs and scroll carvings were also born.

The Wooden Furniture in the U.S.

By 1500 to 1754 AD, wood furniture pieces have already reached the U.S. This was not surprising as new settlers were also pouring in during that time. Known as colonial furniture, these pieces came from different parts of the world from France, Great Britain and Spain. Their styles varied just slightly and there was also still a lot of curvature but less than the carvings seen during the Renaissance, the Medieval era and the Ancient Egyptian furniture phase.

Hooker Furniture Bedroom Vintage West California King Wood Panel Bed features lovely carvings on its headboard. 

Woodworking: The Modern Times

Between the time when wooden furniture reached the U.S. and today, furniture making has really gone a long way. Throughout the Rococo period, the furniture pieces became ornate once more. These pieces were not just simple furniture anymore. These were also considered as a form of art. In fact, even up to today, they are still art pieces in the sight of many.

Still later, more and more furniture have been manufactured. Pretty soon, furniture making was being done in bulk, with more and more houses investing in wooden pieces. These were able to follow the trends of every new period. Even home decorating has become renowned.

Bauhaus and Art Deco were born and modern, wooden furniture has become less pricey and more accessible. Through the years, more and more mass-produced pieces were created. While this is so, people still look for the same things in furniture – they should be sturdy and beautiful. Some even look for those that they can pass on to their descendants.

At McCreery’s Home Furnishings, we offer only the best, most durable and stylish furniture that will surely stand the test of time. And our promise is this – our furniture will surely not disappoint.

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Wood 101

Tuesday, September 6th, 2016

Hooker Furniture Home Office Ball Claw Desk 434-10-158 has a delicious wooden color that will surely invite attention.

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.

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Quality Furniture Defined

Monday, September 5th, 2016

FFDM Vintage Classics is a collection of quality wood furniture for people with impeccable taste.

FFDM Vintage Classics is a collection of quality wood furniture for people with impeccable taste.

If you’re out to purchase furniture today, it pays if you know what quality furniture really is. Don’t just drive around not knowing what pieces should go with your chosen theme and what materials should comprise the pieces that you take home. It is also important that you get your money’s worth whether this is a replacement or you’re out to buy your first sets of furniture.

Characteristics of Quality Furniture

The most basic approach in seeing the difference between quality and low quality pieces is to take a closer look at both old and new furniture. Take note that even furniture that was considered junk back in the 20th century had dovetailed joints inside drawers. All were made of solid wood back then.

Lesser pieces were often veneered on top of solid wood. Don’t think of veneer as an indication of poor quality, though. This is just a wood crafting technique used for many centuries which actually allows furniture craftsmen to beautifully design patterns as well as inlays which cannot be done in any other way.

Finer furniture pieces were often custom-built by the best cabinet makers and master joiners. These were fashioned out of kiln-dried, hardwood boards. The surviving pieces today are a testament to the master artisans’ quality of work.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Manhattan - Transitional Barstool features the unique fusion of quality leather and wood.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Manhattan – Transitional Barstool features the unique fusion of quality leather and wood.

Wood Quality

Going back on getting the most out of your money, there are certain things that you need to look for. When it comes to construction, you have to search doweling, mortise and tenon, dovetails, mitering, tongue in groove, and the glued and screwed frames.

As for the materials, ask for the kiln-dried types as these are the ones in which moisture have been removed. Kiln-drying can take months depending on the kind of wood being dried.

Look also for the wood’s matching grain and color. The frames should be constructed using stable woods such as poplar, oak, solid cherry, or maple.

Going down to the wood furniture’s performance and overall looks, make sure that it feels solid to the touch. Don’t be afraid to rock or jostle the pieces that are presented to you. You must not hear any creaking sound.

As for the parts that are unexposed, make sure that they have been well-fitted and smooth. Only the best pieces in the world are able to perfect these characteristics.

If you happen to be buying drawers, then be sure to check that the drawers are sliding smoothly. The doors of cabinets should be closing neatly.

The quality of furniture that you choose depends on how much you are also willing to spend. Other factors are how you are going to use the piece and whether you would like to keep the piece your entire life.

It makes sense, in the long run, that you buy pricier furniture rather than to keep recycling it when it begins to fall apart. Go for trendy or traditional, it really doesn’t matter. What truly matters is that you can use the piece for a very long time.

A good piece that can promise you all these things are hardwood pieces which are often used in quality furniture. To make sure that these pieces come from sustainable and environment-friendly areas, make sure that you do your research before you buy. Ask about construction methods, overall performance and materials, even business practices.

Always remember that the most important part of furnishing your home is that you get to find pieces that you love and enjoy for the longest time possible.

Don’t resort to thrift shops and antique stores if you are looking for quality furniture. Check our lineup of quality hardwood pieces instead and you would soon wonder at how exquisite each piece is.

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Nautical Furniture Care: It’s a Shore Thing

Tuesday, August 30th, 2016

Accessories Uttermost Das Boot Nautical Art 41539

Accessories Uttermost Das Boot Nautical Art 41539

Some people focus on ocean threats more than what this place can contribute to their health. Whether they may be thinking of algal blooms, floods or pollution, these people only see the harmful things that come out of the regal blue oceans. Yet the notion of living near a beach can make one feel and literally be healthy.

Once you have decided to embrace the nautical theme, there are many maintenance tips that you need to keep in mind. Here are some of the fundamental ones –

Learn How to Clean Wood Furniture

Quality wood furniture can actually last a lifetime for as long as you know how to take care of it. Wood is susceptible to abrasions, scratches and harsh weather especially when they are not properly cared for.

Ask for cleaning instructions once you purchase furniture. Apart from the cleaning instructions, you should also avoid heat damage and rings by not using coasters. Be sure to use decorative placemats as well as a tablecloth if you want to protect wood tables.

There are many other factors that can wreak havoc on wood such as heat, sunlight and rain. Never place wood furniture in front of any uncovered window, fireplace or vent. Dust, too, can eventually destroy furniture, too. Airborne particles can become a filmy layer that will scratch the wood eventually. Dusting more frequently will keep the buildup from becoming thicker. Use soft cloth such as cloth diaper, cotton T-shirt or any microfiber cloth to avoid wiping damage.

There are times, though, when dusting is no longer enough to clean wood furniture. Don’t ever use all-purpose solutions or cleaner as these can damage the finish.

A spot that has been heavily soiled can be cleaned with a cloth dipped in mild dish detergent. Wring out the solution then gently wipe the soiled area. Rinse with a damp cloth then wipe with soft dry cloth.

Damages that are too extensive need to be treated with touch up sticks or polishes. Overly dry wood can also be re-oiled. Begin by using cleaning soap, then the appropriate cleaner, and then prep the surface using steel wool.

Always work with the grain. Apply the furniture oil liberally then let it soak in the wood for no less than 15 minutes. If you want to apply protective coating, then be sure to set the furniture for about 24 hours before moving forward.

Depending on the furniture finish, the piece may have a protective wax coating. This is a piece that you need re-waxed as it ages. The re-waxing is a guarantee that the surface will be continually protected.

Remove Tough Stains

Despite your efforts, there are inevitable events that could lead to the staining of your wood furniture. Whatever stain you need to deal with, just be sure to clean it up quickly. Remember that the longer the stain stays, the more difficult it will be to remove.

Living Room Uttermost Braddock Small Bench 23228

Living Room Uttermost Braddock Small Bench 23228

Keep the Wood Smelling Awesome

There are wood furniture pieces that could develop an unpleasant odor later on. This is especially true when they have been stored. When this happens, just sprinkle some baking soda onto the wooden surface to remove the unpleasant odor. You can also place a pan of charcoal in the drawers so that the odor would stop emanating. You can also leave the piece in any shaded area during a dry day. This should remove any malodorous stench after a few hours of exposure.

Care for Weathering

Over time, your furniture will have attained a silvery-gray patina. This is when you can tell that this piece is starting to weather. It takes nine months for this process to become more serious. The more rain and sunlight the furniture is exposed to, the less time you have to save your furniture. Just find the appropriate cleaner and you should be fine.

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How to Be An Expert in Wood Furniture Care

Saturday, August 20th, 2016

FFDM Campton Grove Collection

FFDM Campton Grove Collection

Have you ever heard about the amount of time needed to clean, wax, dust or polish wood furniture? Despite these tasks, are you still willing to own wood furniture? It wouldn’t be a surprise if you are still more than willing to have one since wood furniture is traditionally beautiful.

Experts have different opinions when it comes to caring for wood furniture but, more often than not, it is dependent on the finish of the furniture piece.

When you are out to buy wood furniture, make sure that you ask for specific care and maintenance guidelines. Here are some of the classic cleaning materials for your equally classic wood furniture –

Feather Duster

That regular feather duster can effectively remove dust even from the most delicate surfaces like mirrors, lampshades, art and collectibles. If it can clean these, then it could also lightly clean any wooden surface.

Lamb’s Wool Duster

This contains lanolin that attracts dust. The cleaning tool makes the dirt cling even in carved or turned areas. This can also be used to clean ceiling fans and light fixtures. Having a long handle for this cleaning tool will make it ideal in reaching difficult-to-reach spaces.

Treated Cloth

This is also great for dusting especially when you want the non-scratching type of cleaner. Use this in place of the silicon spray which is not recommended by experts for all types of fine wood furniture.

Lint-Free Cloth

Clean cotton T-shirts, even diapers, can be used. Just use a little water to dampen the cloth.

Terry Towel

A clean, dry towel should be able to remove moisture that has been left from previous cleaning.

Hooker Furniture Dining Room True Vintage Round Dining Table

Hooker Furniture Dining Room True Vintage Round Dining Table

Other Cleaning Tips

The use of all-purpose cleaning spray should be limited to furniture pieces made of plastic. If you’re thinking of using this cleaning agent for wood furniture, stop. All-purpose sprays are too harsh for wood just like water will damage the piece. There is only one instance when you can use water to clean wood and it is to clean up sticky spots. When faced with this circumstance, dip a soft cloth in mild detergent dissolved in clean water. Wring the cloth but just enough so it is still a little damp.

Cleaners, oil polishes and furniture oils can protect wood by having the wooden surface turn slippery. While this is so, these do not offer a hard, protective layer. Be careful in using cleaners with oil as they could also smear wooden surfaces.

Never polish with pure olive oil as it can smear and attract dust. Most liquid polishes contain silicone oil that can provide some protection. If polishes and sprays have been used in the past to clean your wood furniture or if you suspect that someone polished with these oils, then prepare to see some residues. The residue will interfere with refinishing and in such a case, professional attention may already be needed.

You may also rely on homemade recipes for cleaning wood. There are a few experts that recommend cleaning grimy wood with equal parts of denatured alcohol, olive oil, strained lemon juice and gum turpentine. Apply the mixture using a clean, soft cloth.

Lastly, remember that during manufacture, it is possible that polyurethane, varnish or shellac has been applied to the wood furniture in order to protect it. The application of wax protects the wood’s finish and could even reduce scratches. If you want a longer-lasting protection, apply some wax. This doesn’t smear plus it offers durability more than polishes or sprays. Just learn how to apply wax and how often. Paste wax can last for as long as two years. Liquid wax applies thinly but it also needs to be applied more frequently.

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Forever Stylish With Wood

Friday, May 20th, 2016

 Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn't this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?

Hooker Furniture Dining Room Chatelet Rectangle Leg Dining Table with Two 18-in Leaves. Doesn’t this wooden ensemble bring to mind the medieval era?

The world of interior design is not as stylish without the beauty of wood furniture. Both contemporary and traditional homes can use this unique material to their advantage. Wood can be locally sourced, it can be recycled or it can be harvested from a sustainable environment. Wooden buildings are also a great way to seamlessly fuse your interiors with the beauty of nature.

Since the dawn of time, man has been living close or even on trees. Many wooden homes have been built over thousands of years. Wood offers organic warmth, softness, and classic beauty. This is no less than the best construction material today and in the years to come.

Be Mother Earth’s Best Friend

Stylizing your home with wood furniture, walls or flooring makes it a haven of nature (more so when the materials were harvested from a sustainable society). Build a home for your loved ones that harnesses and highlights the beauty of wood. This can be the perfect home to grow old in or become a nest. Either way, you are utilizing the incomparable beauty of wood which no material will be able to equal.

Wood Properties

Wood is a construction or building material that comes with many useful properties. It is strong and is a natural thermal insulator. It is an effective storage for heat. It is also able to control humidity under the right setting.

You can be innovative with wood. You can even cover or create everything with it. So go ahead and use wood on your roof, walls, the flooring and just about everywhere else.

Lumber is often used in joists, columns and beams. The house is surely going to be much more durable if you use wood in these parts. If you used conventional wood, then there is also the added protection of it being fire-retardant.

Controlled Temperature

Because of wood’s property to insulate, your home will have a comfortable temperature. The thick walls, floor and roof will keep you and your loved ones warm especially during the coldest seasons. In essence, you won’t be feeling too cold or too hot so you’ll surely live in a home where the temperature’s just right.

An Awesome Aesthetic Appeal

The lumber market is a huge one and there is a great reason behind that. Wood is a classic material whether you use it to build your home or on furniture. Lumber looks great whether you bought it directly from the mill or if you pay the best home furnishing shops a visit. Our site, www.mccreerys.com features the loveliest wood pieces which you can proudly display in your home.

From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.

From the Viniterra Collection of FFDM.

The Acoustics Are Phenomenal

The simple reason why most homeowners choose wood as a staple material in their home is that it is one of the best building materials on the planet. Its acoustics are great plus you get to contribute to the lengthening of Mother Earth’s days.

Cabinetmaking would not have been as phenomenal were it not for wood. Wood is a major furniture material and this shouldn’t come as a surprise since it offers so much more than a beautiful look.

Wood Is Holistic

In a world where holistic living is now an ongoing trend, there is no recourse but to join in. Your home could have an ambitious space or it could be homey but if you use wood in either, what you achieve is an aesthetic beauty coupled with durability.

Try living in a wooden home and bring in the rustic beauty of wood furniture sets. Your home could also come with wood insulation and wood finishes. Use treated wood so it is fortified against pests and the onslaught of the harshest elements.

Isn’t wood divine?

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Woodcarving and Your Furniture

Saturday, April 30th, 2016

 

Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Riesling Double Dresser 320-142

Fine Furniture Design Bedroom Riesling Double Dresser 320-142

Wood carvings are a natural part of many traditional homes. There are different kinds of wood carving, though. This can be anything from relief, chip, letter, to carving in the round.

Carving can only be done with the use of tools such as chisel, knives, mallets and gouges. Carving the round can be accomplished with the use of files and rasps.

Gouges come in different shapes and width. Short and long handles are also available.

Woodcarving History

If you love the look of carved wood in your home, then you should be prepared to learn about its rich history. This craft has been around for the longest time. For as long as man existed, wood has always been there in one form or another so there is no way of dating when woodcarving actually began. If you believe in the Bible, then it is probable that Adam could be the first woodcarver.

The Bible mentioned woodcarving in the Exodus, Chapter 35. The Dark Ages showed the ups and down of this work of art. European woodcarvers were mostly monks as this art was confined to the monasteries back in the day.

Wood is not one of those materials that can withstand elements for many years. This is why woodcarvings must be protected if you want them to endure. Unlike the stone carvings that can stay the same for thousands of years, woodcarving cannot withstand harsh conditions. Between insects and weather elements, woodcarvings should be protected in order for them to last.

Egypt is a rare country that offers favorable conditions for woodcarvings. In there, wood is able to survive for many years even minus the usual care.

Egyptian climate preserved 11 wooden panels under sands for approximately 4,000 years. It was only in 1860 when these were unearthed once more. Called relief carvings, these woodcarvings were found in Pharaon Hesy-Ra’s tomb.

The oldest churches in England feature decorative carvings to this day.

If you want your woodcarvings to last through time, you need to learn to take care of them. Woods come in different types so you need to know their individual characteristics so you would know how to keep them from being damaged.

FFDM Vintage Classics Collection

FFDM Vintage Classics Collection

Softwoods vs. Hardwoods

The most common softwoods used in woodcarving are – basswood, cottonwood, and butternut. As for the hardwoods, the raw materials most often used are – walnut, mahogany, teak, rosewood and maple.

Basswood comes with little grain patterns that often appear bland which is why they are painted over. This is related to the European lime but the best basswood for carving comes from the northern states of Minnesota and Wisconsin.

Cottonwood’s bark is popular among those who carve wooden spirits. It has a tendency to split, though, but it is pretty when unpainted.

Butternut is quite difficult to find but it has a beautiful grain and color.

Walnut is a hardwood that is difficult to carve with the use of hand tools. The sharpest tools and a mallet are often used to produce the most beautiful carvings.

Mahogany, on the other hand, is reddish, lightweight and has a straight grain. This can be easily worked with power or hand tools though it has a tendency to split.

Woodcarvers who are just starting should seek out other raw materials first. He can only progress to harder pieces of wood once he experiences success in his first few carvings. Not all carvers show progress right away. Some slink away because of the lack of progress in their work. The wood that they are using could be too hard or too soft that they split.

Since woodcarving is difficult, you should have more appreciation for the master artisans that offer their skills in creating the furnishings that you have in your home.

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