For lovers of the classic television show “Antiques Roadshow”, the thrill lies in forgotten antiquities being brought forth from deep storage for expert appraisal after decades, even generations, of misuse and neglect. The questions burn in the minds of the antique owner, the appraiser and the viewer alike: what exactly is this piece? Who made it and where it it from? And how much is it worth?

For furniture enthusiasts, a similar thrill is experienced when searching antique stores for a beautiful wood furnishing. But what accounts for the beauty, durability and timelessness of many of our favorite furniture pieces? The answer: wood. Solid wood furniture is noted not only for its elegance and detailed, meticulous craftsmanship, but for the fact that it is crafted of solid, sturdy, natural wood.

Today, wood craftsmen, particularly the Amish, continue to craft wonderful home furnishings using sturdy (often indigenous) hardwoods, ensuring a level of strength and elegance in each piece. When it comes to solid wood furniture, the home furnishings bought today is only one step away from becoming the treasured antique of tomorrow.

Throughout history, communities have built furniture from various materials. Ancient Scots used stone due to a lack of wood. In the Middle Ages, large tables were usually crafted of heavy oak. Modern furniture utilizes light-weight metals, laminated plywood and durable plastics. Yet, solid wood furniture continues to enthrall customers because of its inherent beauty.

Solid wood furniture boasts great durability and an inherent beauty that is unequaled by artificial materials. Rustic furniture, or furniture that displays the natural qualities of its wood, is popular for the natural beauty of the wood which it allows to shine. A new branch of rustic furniture, known as “Live Edge”, utilizes salvaged or gnarly woods, working with the distinct characteristics of each piece of wood to create a one-of-a-kind furnishing.

Today, the Amish are the premier craftsmen of solid wood furniture. Often utilizing indigenous hardwoods and traditional wood-working methods, Amish craftsmen are at the front of eco-friendly craftsmanship and beautiful wood craftsmanship.

Resource: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Furniture

Of the many qualities that make Amish furniture so special, the greatest quality is also the most simple: solid wood construction. Solid wood furniture possesses great beauty and durability. In the case of Amish-crafted furniture, indigenous hardwoods, such as Indiana cherry or oak, ensure that the finest wood is being used.

When searching for a furniture piece, ask the builder whether it is constructed of solid wood. Sometimes plywood backing, while cutting down on cost, can diminish the durability of a particular furnishing. Also, ask about the construction methods: were nails or screws used, or was it constructed with dovetailed joints and glue?

Due to its durability and beauty, solid wood furniture is worth the investment. Search for the piece that’s right for you and cherish it for many years.

The Traditional Computer Armoire features solid wood construction.