Several different woods may be used in the same piece of furniture. For example, the term solid cherry or solid mahogany means that all exposed parts of the piece are made of solid wood. The frame or other parts not visible to the eye might be of another wood such as gum or poplar.

Generally, more expensive furniture usually is made of fine hardwoods such as maple, cherry or oak or of “selected” softwoods such as pine. Medium priced furniture may have a combination of different woods on exposed surfaces.

Because trees don’t grow in the shapes and sizes required for making furniture, pieces of wood are bonded together in different ways to achieve the necessary sizes and shapes.

Much of the expensive furniture produced today owes its exceptional beauty to veneers. Veneering is centuries old. The Egyptians used it and Sir Thomas Chippendale was a master practitioner of the art. His designs from the 1700s attest to the beauty and long lasting quality of fine veneers. In Chippendale’s time, veneering was so costly that few could afford it. But that isn’t the case today.

Modern technology has produced a less expensive method of achieving the look of wood veneers. Manufacturers can simulate a natural wood grain by printing or engraving a pattern on surfaces such as density fiberboard. This furniture is easier to produce and available at a lower price than genuine wood veneers. It’s attractive and durable but usually doesn’t provide the same benefits as the real thing. However, printing and engraving offers you exceptional looks on a limited budget.

An appropriate finish adds the final touch of beauty to wood furniture. A finish which provides uniform color and adds a degree of protection generally requires the application of several coats of oil, wax, lacquer or paint to the surface. Clean finishes allow the markings and grain variations of naturally beautiful woods to show through. Tinted and opaque finishes change the color of the wood and can make two different woods appear to be the same. Finishes can vary the look of the piece, making it appear smooth and sophisticated or rough hewn or rustic. Distressing is a technique for aging new furniture and heightening its rustic appeal. The wood is beaten or battered before the finish is applied. Distressed finishes tend to hide finger marks and scratches and can be an excellent choice for rooms where there is a lot of activity. Painted finishes are another popular way of adding the final touch of beauty. Painted pieces can be more expensive than those with natural finishes because paint tends to point up flaws so extra care must be taken at the factory to make sure that imperfections are removed from the wood.