How to maintain wooden furniture?

Mr. Huang is a recent college graduate who recently bought a house in a quiet town and now calls it his new home. During an investigation on "what do you think of the structure of furniture?" he shared his passion for wooden furniture, though he admitted he still has many questions about traditional joinery techniques like mortise and tenon.

Mr. Huang: What are the different types of wood used in furniture today?

Help Group: There are currently three main materials used in the market: composite boards, multi-layer solid wood, and logs.

Composite boards are entirely man-made, created by breaking wood into powder and then pressing it under high pressure with adhesives. They are lightweight, affordable, but have a shorter lifespan—usually around 10 years. When buying this type, be cautious about the price, as cheaper options may contain higher levels of formaldehyde. Avoid letting them get wet, as moisture can cause warping.

Multi-layer solid wood is made by combining several pieces of wood, similar to a sandwich structure. It’s heavier than composite boards and lasts longer. However, some sellers might mislead customers by calling it "solid wood" when it's actually just a combination of layers. Despite that, it offers good value and is commonly used in furniture production.

Logs, often referred to as "solid wood" in the market, are typically used in high-end furniture. For example, mahogany furniture is usually made from logs. This type of material is more natural and durable, with unique grain patterns that distinguish it from other types.

Mr. Huang: As a consumer, how can I tell them apart?

Help Group: You can follow three simple steps: ask, touch, and observe.

First, ask the seller directly what material the furniture is made of. Most honest sellers will tell the truth, as reputation is important in business.

Second, lift the furniture and feel its weight. Composite boards are the lightest, multi-layer solid wood is slightly heavier, and logs are the heaviest.

Third, check the wood grain. Composite boards have uniform, factory-like patterns, while real wood has natural variations. Multi-layer solid wood may show signs of assembly, and logs have unique, irregular grain patterns.

Mr. Huang: How should I maintain these kinds of wooden furniture?

Help Group: The best maintenance is understanding their needs.

For composite boards, keeping them dry is essential. If they get wet, the molecules inside can expand, causing damage. Avoid placing them in damp areas.

For multi-layer solid wood, avoid heavy objects or impacts, as the layers can separate over time.

And for logs, which are often expensive, regular use is actually better. The more you use them, the smoother and more resilient they become. Many antique wooden pieces have survived for centuries because they were used regularly rather than stored away.

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