Coffee Tables - There Are Many Wood Selections to Choose From

Coffee tables have a long history. Going way back in time to the Victorian era, a wooden table specifically designed for the purpose of setting hot cups of coffee was produced and offered for purchase in Britain. Many examples of "tea tables" appeared both before and after that, making it difficult to tell when and how the modern coffee table achieved its appearance. One fact is a certain one: it definitely began its evolution as a wooden coffee table.

Over the years, many woods have been used to craft coffee tables. More popular wood types to have been used are:

• Pine

• Cherry

• Oak

• Teak

When choosing the wood type you desire for a coffee table, there are several points you will need to take into consideration: Price, color, and durability. One of the considerations will be of paramount importance to your own situation, and will be used to determine your choice.

• PRICE For some, choosing their coffee table must be done strictly on price. Pine wood is a relatively inexpensive choice that can offer very attractive options. A widely used variety is southern pine, a softwood which grows in vast quantities across the world and has features desirable in use for building material: durable for wear, agreeable to treating, high strength and quality in grade. American Cherry, a hardwood, is a mid-priced option that is very popular in coffee table material due to its high working properties, durability, and finishing abilities. A fine hardwood, Oak presents one of the highest selling wood types. A mid- to higher price choice in solid construction, a more affordable version can be purchased in oak veneer wood coffee tables. Teak is definitely the higher priced item, but comes with guaranteed long life, low maintenance and high beauty.

• COLOR The color of your coffee table will depend largely upon personal taste and what will match existing furniture. Pine coffee tables are available in any color desired due to the ability to take stain or to wear veneer, which makes it extremely easy to coordinate with your room décor. Cherry wood also takes stain very well, or can simply be finished with a varnish, showing off its natural grain. Oak can also be stained, typically either a light or dark tone, accenting its beautiful wood grain. Teak is best left in its natural state without adding any stain or varnish, and indeed, needs no improvement anyway due to its natural attractive appearance.

• DURABILITY Because of its softwood status, pine can be easily scratched, dented or gouged, thereby detracting from its appearance. Cherry, Oak and Teak all belong to the hardwood family, thus making them all very durable. Of the three, teak is the most durable, attributing to the oils that keep it protected from so many threats.

Once you know what you are seeking in a wood coffee table, your choice should be simpler. Above all, being an informed consumer and knowing your options is the key in buying a wood coffee table.

Author Jennifer Akre is an owner of a wide variety of online specialty shops that offer both items and information on how you can easily furnish and decorate your space. Whether it's your living, bedroom, or even your deck or patio, there are many tips you can use to make those spots both functional and beautiful. Today, she offers advice on how to create a fabulous indoor area by using traditional coffee tables, a modern coffee table, and luxurious glass coffee tables.