Which are the best woods for furniture?
In the vast landscape of luxury furniture, fine woods are synonymous with sophistication, durability and traditional craftsmanship. Characterized by unique textures and exclusive qualities, these materials represent not only authentic elegance, but also durability. Choosing fine woods for luxury furniture is not just a matter of aesthetics – it is an ode to nature, craftsmanship and the importance of investing in pieces that will last for generations. In the world of interior design, fine woods are and will always be the undisputed star of exclusive and refined spaces.
What are the key characteristics of wood?
The characteristics of wood are revealed in every grain, telling unique stories and making each piece unmistakable. With its innate elegance and warmth, it is the epitome of durability and beauty, while its malleability makes it perfect for various design elements, and its insulating and acoustic qualities make it an irreplaceable material. When you discover the range of shades and textures it offers, it becomes clear that wood’s characteristics elevate it from a simple material to a true art, admired and appreciated from generation to generation.
In order to make the most of these characteristics in the creation of fine furniture, it is essential to take into account other aspects such as:
- Strength: refers to the ability of wood to withstand external loads without breaking. Some woods, such as oak and walnut, are known for their high strength, making them popular choices for furniture and structures that need to support considerable weight.
- Hardness: this characteristic indicates how easily a wood can be scratched or dented. Hardwoods such as beech, acacia and ebony are more resistant to dents and scratches, providing a durable surface, especially for floors and countertops.
- Stiffness: While strength and hardness focus on the wood’s resistance to external damage, stiffness refers to its ability to resist bending or deformation. Stiff woods retain their shape even when subjected to stress or strain.
- Density: A dense wood is often associated with strength and durability. Density can also affect the look and feel of the wood, with dense woods often having a lighter grain and smoother finish.
- Environmental Response: this characteristic indicates the type of response to factors such as moisture and thermal changes. Some woods, such as teak, are very resistant to moisture, making them ideal for environments such as bathrooms or kitchens, or for outdoor elements.
- Sustainability: In an era of increasing environmental awareness, it is critical to consider the environmental impact of the wood we choose. The origin of the wood, sustainable forestry practices and the ability of the wood to be recycled or composted at the end of its life are all important considerations that are reflected in Riva’s Design Eco. For example, the company selects only walnut trees from programmed cuts: for every tree felled, seven are replanted.
What are fine woods and what are their characteristics?
The inherent characteristics of wood determine its suitability and value in the world of furniture. When it comes to high-end furniture, it is not only the distinction of fine woods that is important, but also a deep understanding of the material’s properties and specifications. Let’s explore the most prized woods used in the construction of solid wood furniture and highlight their unique characteristics:
Cedar wood: characterized by a distinctive aroma, this wood is also known for its natural mothproofing properties. It has a medium density, good dent resistance, high stiffness and minimal reactivity to the environment: these characteristics make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor furniture For Riva 1920 Lebanese cedar wood is used, which is salvaged exclusively from cedar trees that have fallen as a result of natural events or that have been felled as part of planned felling carried out for safety reasons.- Kauri Wood: taken from some of the oldest and densest trees in the world, it has exceptional strength and unparalleled stiffness. Its special resin and distinctive golden color make it stable even in the face of changes in humidity, ensuring its unparalleled durability. Riva 1920 has masterfully enhanced the unmistakable characteristics of Kauri wood to create luxurious pieces of furniture that are true works of art. Highly skilled craftsmanship transforms Kauri planks into unique artifacts, rich in personality and steeped in history.
- Teak wood: one of the finest tropical woods, teak has a high density that makes it exceptionally resistant to moisture, termites and climatic changes. Due to its exceptional characteristics, it is absolutely resistant to weathering. It is for these reasons that Riva 1920 uses it primarily to create high-end outdoor furniture: these pieces, designed to withstand the challenges of nature, combine functionality and aesthetics, offering a luxurious look and exceptional longevity.
- Walnut Wood: a fine and noble wood, walnut is characterized by high hardness and density, offering an enviable resistance to denting and warping. This inherent strength is combined with an amazing ability to tolerate changes in humidity, resulting in exceptional durability and strength. But what makes walnut a true treasure in the furniture world is its innate elegance. This wood, with its timeless charm, has the power to enrich any space, consolidating itself as one of the most appreciated and used traditional woods both in Italy and all over the world: every grain, every nuance tells of a natural strength and an incomparable character, giving each piece of walnut a distinct and authentic personality.
- Cherry wood: characterized by a medium density, cherry wood has a solid hardness that effectively defends it against dents. Its stiffness, although moderate, combined with a good resistance to environmental changes, makes it particularly suitable for interiors, especially in environments with stable humidity levels. In addition to its technical qualities, cherry is appreciated for its elegant pink color and its distinctive grain, which together give a refined and warm touch to any environment in which it is used.
Oak Wood: known for its exceptional strength, density and hardness, oak also has an innate stiffness that prevents it from warping. Although it can be sensitive to changes in humidity, its solid structure allows it to retain its shape over the years. This versatility makes it perfect for making a wide range of furniture, always retaining its natural charm and timeless beauty.
Each of these woods offers unique characteristics that allow designers and furniture makers to create pieces that are not only aesthetically pleasing, but also stand the test of time due to their exceptional properties.
Discover the beauty and durability of our premium woods
You’ve discovered the majesty and character of the world’s finest and highest quality woods. Now it’s time to see how they can transform your space. Explore our exclusive collection of furniture made from these exceptional woods and be inspired by nature and craftsmanship.
For more information, contact Riva 1920 and discover how tradition and innovation combine to create exceptional furniture.