Beech Wood vs. Ash Wood vs. Oak Wood Furniture – Which is Better?

Wood is one of the most commonly used materials in the planet, and most of the types of wood can be used to make furniture. And the most common types of wood used in furniture making are beech wood, ash wood and oak wood. Below are the things you need to know about the three types of wood.

Beech Wood

Beech wood is a fine-grained wood that has a light orange to salmon colour. Furniture makers love its distinct pore pattern. The wood is often used in making lower end solid wood furniture such as wishbone chairs and stools, just to name a few.

One of the advantages of using beech wood for furniture is that it is odourless. It is the best choice if you do not want to have a wood smell in your living room or bedroom, and yet want light coloured furniture.

On the downside, beech wood is naturally absorbent. It absorbs a lot of moisture, which makes it not good as outdoor furniture, or to be used in locations where the air can get humid or very damp.

Ash Wood

Ash wood is a heavy hardwood with a grain that looks like oak. It has a white to light brown colour. People often mistake ash wood as hickory. What makes the former different from the latter are the white dots that can be seen in the darker summerwood.

Ash wood is a versatile wood that can be used in various items that include wishbone chairs and other furniture. Black ash has a density similar to black walnut but is softer when compared to white ash.

White ash is a cheaper alternative to oak wood. When stained, you can’t tell the difference between white ash and red oak. White ash is the ideal wood to create furniture, whether it is traditional or modern in design. And just like beech wood, it is odour-free.

Oak Wood

Oak wood is a popular wood for furniture making. It is durable and heavy and known for its open wood grain markings. It comes in two shades. These are red oak, which has a reddish tint, and white oak, which is brown or grey in colour.

It is often cut in such a way that makes it resistant to warping. Its wavy grain gives the furniture a distinctive look. Most of the time, a clear finish is applied to highlight the grain. On the other hand, staining the wood can darken the grain, and will provide a two-toned look.

These are the pros and cons of beech wood, ash wood and oak wood furniture. This information can help you determine which type of wood is best for your furniture.