Wednesday, August 10, 2011

Decorating With Solid-Slab Furniture

The Growing Trend

One of the most popular trends in furnishings and design today is the use of pieces that are eco-friendly or "green". An example of this is found in the popularity of solid-slab furniture, which is made from large, solid pieces of wood that has often been reclaimed or reused from another source. Wood used from naturally fallen timber, rather than traditionally produced timber, is another example of eco-friendly sourcing for furniture. This way of recycling wood makes for unique and attractive pieces of furniture while conserving resources. The shape of the furniture is usually slightly irregular, not a traditional rectangle or circle, which adds to its handcrafted aesthetic appeal.

Varieties

Perhaps the most common examples of solid-slab furniture are tables. Kitchen tables are topped with a large, often irregularly shaped piece of wood, and paired with legs that either complement the rustic aesthetic, such as wood, or contrast with it, such as steel or metal. Other pieces that are made from solid wood include headboards, dressers, cupboards, and chairs.

Complementary Decor

This type of furniture fits in with a few different styles of decor. It obviously works well with rustic, cabin-like settings since it's very natural-looking and woodsy. Many times, traditionally rustic beds made from rough-hewn logs are given a solid-slab headboard. Yet, solid-slab also suits a more contemporary design, particularly when it is paired with industrial or metal finishings. A table with sleek metal legs and a natural, organic looking solid-slab top is an example of this "contemporary rustic" design.

Organic Appeal

Just as people are looking for ways to buy organic foods, so they are seeking to include organic design in their homes. A solid-slab table, chair, or headboard works well with this idea of decor. Many retailers offer pillows and bedding made from organic cotton, which look beautiful and natural paired with a solid-slab headboard. Another way to add organic or organic-looking accessories is to use natural materials such as reeds, dried flowers, and other plants in decorating and filling vases, rather than plastic or fake flowers. These type of organic arrangements look perfect on one of these kinds of tables.

Advantages

In addition to their unique visual appeal, solid-slab furniture is generally very high in quality and lasts for many years. Its durability and size make it furniture a good long-term investment. Well-crafted pieces can even be passed down to future generations.

Going green has never looked as stylish, contemporary, and stylish as it has with this trend. The ability to express your design aesthetic as well as your eco-friendly mindset in one decorative piece is amazing.

What Type of Furniture Should I Buy?

What is Solid Wood Furniture?

Solid wood is wood that has been harvested and cut into solid slabs and fashioned into furniture. The common types used are Mahogany, Cherry, Oak, Maple, and Walnut. Our Custom Furniture and Imported Furniture is hand crafted using sustainable solid mahogany and other Grade A woods throughout, we do not use particle board or Medium Density Foam.

While it is cost-effective and other times practical to use veneers and other composite wood materials, the best choice for longevity is solid wood furniture. Furniture manufactured by MBW is built to last a lifetime. Each piece is hand crafted, resulting in truly unique characteristics.

Why should I buy solid furniture?

Appearance
Solid wood will have the most naturally beautiful wood grain.

Durability
Solid wood furniture is durable and with proper care, will last for generations. Unlike composite wood, solid wood will more resistance to water damage and not disintegrate.

Maintenance
Small nicks and scratches can be easily touched up. Also, the finish of the furniture can be changed more easily. Whether it is to refresh the piece repurpose an item to fit in another space, solid wood can be stained and re-stained time and time again.

Design
Wood allows for much more ease in carving intricate details and ornamentation. This is especially important in Antique reproductions and other furniture that require many curves in the wood.

Will Solid furniture cost more?
Wood furniture (solid) requires large sections of wood that are relatively free from defects, so the cost is higher than those made of composite wood and veneers. however, we are able to offer superior solid wood furniture for the most affordable prices. Be assured that you are getting an heirloom quality piece of furniture that, with appropriate care, will last for decades or generations.

What does it mean when the wood is Kiln Dried?
Kilns are large ovens in which wood is dried or cured through carefully controlled heat and humidity. Kiln drying removes about 93% of the moisture from wood. Our factories employ this method in order to guarantee that your custom furniture maintains its stability for years to come.

Kiln-dried wood advantages:

Wood that has been kiln dried resists warping splitting and cracking.

Less likelihood of stain or decay during transit, storage, and use.

Reduced susceptibility to insect damage.

Increased strength

Better "hold." Nails, screws, and glue hold better in seasoned wood.

Better finishing. Paints and finishes adhere better to seasoned wood.

Better preservation. Dry wood must be used when treating with most wood preservatives.

Wood placed in kiln to removes moisture content for maximum durability and stability

What is Teak?
Teak is a type of tropical hardwood, recognized for its durability and stability. Teak is more durable than any other hardwood and has unparalleled rich beauty. Teak can withstand all types of weather, making it the perfect choice for patio or deck furniture.

Why should I buy Teak Furniture?
Teak is very durable in all kinds of weather, rain or shine! Teak is a very dense grain hard wood that preserves its original form and is resistant to physical changes such as warping or termite attacks. As teak gets older, its appearance actually improves since it develops a silver grey patina that really adds that individual character to the furniture.

Does MBW offer Teak furniture?
We offer most designs to be built with solid Teak wood at the customer's request. Please see our collection of Teak Furniture.

ENGINEERED WOOD

What is Plywood?
Plywood is created by pressing several layers of wood together. In certain cases, plywood is used with a combination of veneers instead of solid wood because of its resistance to cracking, shrinkage, and twisting/warping, and its general high degree of strength. It has a similar look to wood, but its layered structure is visible on the ends. While plywood maybe used in back panels and other parts of furniture, it is no match for solid wood in terms of beauty or ease of carvings and ornamentation.

Plywood with veneer

What is MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)?
MDF is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down solid wood into wood fibers, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. It is commonly used in budget-friendly furniture in combination with veneers and is not as durable or strong as solid wood.

Medium Density Fiberboard

What is MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard)?
MDF is an engineered wood product formed by breaking down solid wood into wood fibers, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure. It is commonly used in budget-friendly furniture in combination with veneers and is not as durable or strong as solid wood.