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Wood has long been favoured for furniture and other items due to its beauty, strength, and ease to work with, before the 19th century furniture was mostly constructed from hardwood trees such as walnut, oak, mahogany, rosewood, maple, walnut, birch, oak, and cherry, as well as pine fruitwoods.

Depending what was available locally there was an abundance of wood at the time and it was reasonably priced, furniture was generally made from solid wood using the less nice-looking or softer woods for the parts that couldn't be seen, such as the backs to cupboards and drawer bottoms. That's why you often see pieces from this time on sale at antique stores or being lovingly restored by craftsmen.

Unfortunately many of these have now become scarce due to deforestation, and because of this it's a lot harder to find good quality but affordable furniture in these particular woods.

Looking for new furniture these days you'll probably notice that whilst the main parts are solid wood, the hidden parts are often made from less expensive woods such as ash, pine, fir, and gum. Of course this isn't always the case and if you are willing to pay for a truly original solid wood sideboard or dining chairs then you can get it. Spending that extra money now on a quality item can pay off in the future as you can keep it in the family by passing it down to family members perhaps as a wedding gift, or when they buy their first home.

If you are interested in traditional furnishings or console tables then it's worth visiting some antique shops and looking for unique items that can be refurbished, however in order to do this you need to know what to look for in regards to the type of wood used. Finding out something about various types of wood, like how hard they are, and the grain and colour can help a lot in identifying if it has any value.

You never know, in your own home there might be a quality piece of wood furniture and it's been there so long and looks so old and weathered that you just don't notice it anymore! Check out the attic or your parents or grandparents homes even, as there just might be a treasure hidden away that with a little love and care can be restored to its former glory.

Solid woods are classified as hard or soft, examples of hardwoods are maple, cherry, oak, ash, walnut, or mahogany and they put forward a far superior strength and solidity, whilst softwoods include pine, spruce, redwood, or cedar, and are chosen for the ease with which they can be carved, hardwoods are a lot tougher and aren't as vulnerable to marks, dents, and scratches.

An attractive tropical wood is Mahogany, perfect for carving and available in a beautiful tan and reddish-brown shade. A durable species, it's resistant to mold and is a favourite with designers and manufacturers for high-quality cabinetry and furniture. Also highly popular is Maple, a light-colored wood with a superior texture and even grain that can be completed to look like walnut, cherry, or other more costly hardwoods.

Beech is a heavy, pale-colored wood used extensively for stools and chairs and a broad range of items as well as toys, and floors as it polishes up very nicely. Featuring a fine, tight grain and large medullar rays, it's strong but softer than other hardwoods.

Oak is one of the strongest woods there is and because of this has long been used for making all kinds of furniture, whether it's a chest of drawers for the bedroom or table and chair dining sets, it's the perfect option for any theme. Although you generally pay more for solid wood it's well worth the extra as it lasts forever, or so it seems!

See your spending spree on oak dining tables as an investment, this type of wood is particularly distinctive in its design elements and has a graceful simplicity about it that is sure to draw admiring glances and comments when placed in any room.