Furniture that is made from solid oak is a popular addition when decorating your home or business. As Oak is a popular variety of wood to be used in furniture there are two distinct varieties, a Red Oak and a White Oak. White grain oak pieces will have longer rays than the red variety which is not very often found in furniture such as tables or chairs.

The first thing to be aware of when shopping for Oak furniture is that imitation pieces do exist. By using a cheap cut of pine wood or particleboard, an oak veneer is glued over the top making the piece appear genuine. Genuine oak, either in a white or red grain will require a urethane finish to protect it from damage and wear from regular usage. Oak furniture should be of sturdy construction, setting it apart from imitation veneer pieces. Look for a piece that does not show any indentations to get the most life out of your new piece.

Keep in mind that oak has a coarse texture too it when in its natural form, though your furniture pieces should be finished with a smooth effect. For protection and posterity, Oak furniture is generally coated with a stain finish made from urethane that provides its uniform appearance on the surface. To ensure your furniture has had the correct preparation and treatment, you should notice the grain of the oak through the urethane finish. Any blemishes that appear at first instance will not age well and require extra maintenance.

You may wish to give consideration to the fact that Oak furniture requires a large amount of maintenance and upkeep in order to keep it looking pristine throughout the years. Active maintenance of your oak furniture will ensure that it keeps looking beautiful. As with any wood, Oak will change shape and can be subject to damage during temperature or humidity changes. Any increases in heat may cause the oak to crack or lose its coloring and swell. You should ensure that the location for your new piece of oak furniture is away from direct sunlight or hot objects, almost always in an indoor location.

Authentic Oak hardwood furniture should be seen as a long term investment for your newly decorated home or business. If you have taken into account the upkeep and maintenance factors and are still set on getting some oak furniture but your budget wont stretch that far, you can look into retail outlets that sell unfinished pieces. These pieces can often be heavily discounted, though they will require some finishing on your part to get them up to scratch.

More : Rustic Oak Furniture