Oak Furniture

Oak is the strongest of all hardwoods and it is difficult for a novice craftsman to work with. However, for the seasoned woodworker, oak furniture is a lasting testament to his or her skill because it has a very long life and, like fine wine, oak furniture tends to improve with age. Although oak furniture comes in many shades such as reddish, blond and tawny, it darkens through the generations until it acquires a rich, aged look. This is one reason oak is the wood of choice for antiques.

Due to overharvesting, the acorn-bearing oak is becoming less readily available. However, more an more oak is being grown in an attempt to reverse this trend. Oak furniture is very heavy, so it is a good idea to warn you movers before they have to load oak bookshelves onto their van.

Oak furniture classics include an oak roll top desk with a swivel chair. The typical roll top desk has many compartments for organizing small objects as well as larger drawers at the bottom that can be used as file cabinets. The best chair to use with an oak roll top desk is a broad back chair on wheels with four criss cross legs and large arm rests.

Oak bookshelves are sturdy and can last for generations. They are less likely to collapse in the case of an earthquake than bookshelves made of flimsier wood, and like all oak furniture, they are a keepsake for many years. Try installing glass drawers on each shelf, or leave the shelves clear, depending on your preferences. It is also an idea to invest in half-bookshelves with storage drawers underneath.

A traditional oak four poster bed with decorative bedknobs, a sturdy headboard and a matching chest or armoire is excellent oak furniture suite for any member of the family. Although oak furniture can withstand a lot of rough treatment, remember that today's beautiful oak furniture is tommorrow's antique.



 
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