Incorporating a wood China cabinet into your home decor isn't just a matter of decoration. You're also adopting a centuries-old legacy of beauty and tradition. Maintaining that legacy requires an appreciation for the different types of wood used in China cabinet construction. Proper wood care will keep your China cabinet looking its best for years to come.
Cherry
Cherry is one of the commonest woods in China cabinet construction. The colors of cherry wood can range from a light brown to dark red in the heartwood and white to cream in the sapwood. Cherry's natural warmth and richness are a perfect complement to the intricate woodworking commonly found in China cabinets.
Mahogany
Mahogany is a close-grained red-brown wood also commonly used in China cabinet construction due to its outstanding woodworking and finishing qualities. Mahogany wood species can be very strong or highly figured.
Maple
Maple is a very hard and durable wood. In color, maple ranges from light tan or cream to light reddish-brown. Maple is a fine textured wood with an even grain. Some rare figures found in maple are used in veneers and construction of musical instruments.
Oak
Oak is a strong hardwood commonly used in furniture construction because of its endurance. Oak wood is typically white or red. Oak's prominent rings and large pores provide it with a very visual texture.
Pine
Pine is a soft, knotty wood often used in construction of rustic furniture. Pine is white or pale yellow, and is a light wood that features a straight grain and very little figuring.
Walnut
Walnut is an excellent veneer wood. It ranges from a light to dark chocolate brown color, and enjoys the strength of hardwood without any undue weight. Walnut is often used in woodworking because of its excellent finishing qualities, diverse figures, and distinctive grains.
Wood Care
Wood furniture pieces are very low maintenance products. Follow these general care procedures for your wood China cabinet:
- Keep it away from direct heat sources to prevent warping or splitting
- Dust regularly using a soft, damp cloth or treated wet wipes
- Treat your China cabinet as needed with furniture oil or liquid wax
