Wood is a ubiquitous material in our homes, whether in construction or furnishings. It is used in all types of furniture —from tables to chairs, from beds to wardrobes… It is prized not only for its many qualities but also because it can be transformed in various ways. The diversity of trees on the planet allows for woods with a wide variety of appearances. When crafted by hand and kept as natural as possible, it becomes a high-quality piece with a rustic aesthetic. Wood is a noble raw material that everyone is familiar with, at least on the surface, but whose production holds many surprises. In this article, we’ll introduce you to different wood species and their qualities, as well as how they’re processed.
A wide variety of woods, each with its own unique characteristics
Hardwoods
Hardwoods make up the majority of the country’s forests,accounting for two-thirds of France’s total forest area. This abundant resource is used in the construction of roof frames and furniture because these species are recognized for their high-quality properties in the construction industry.Among the most commonly used woods in this category is oak, which is the most widespread and renowned tree in France and even internationally (see our article on the timber market). It is a light-colored, hard, heavy, and extremely sturdy wood. It is used for building interior and exterior structures, as well as in carpentry.
Beech is the second most common tree species in France. It has a uniform structure and is primarily used in woodworking for furniture. Unlike oak, it is a type of wood highly prized for interior use due to its fine grain. Another widely used hardwood is poplar. It is a light-colored, soft, lightweight, yet very durable wood. To make the most of its properties, it is primarily used in the manufacture of plywood (see next point). Other hardwoods include chestnut, ash, sweet cherry, and walnut, to name just a few.
Softwoods or conifers
Softwoods account for one-third of France’s forests. Widely used in construction, plywood, and wood-fiber panels, softwoods are more economical and easier to work with. In addition, they grow quickly but are less dense than hardwoods; this is, in fact, their main difference. As mentioned above, softwoods are conifers, the most well-known of which is the spruce, found in mountainous regions. It is also widely used as a Christmas tree. It is a soft, uniform, and very light-colored wood. It is relatively inexpensive.
There is also the Scots pine, a widely used species that is abundant and easy to work with. It is hard and dense, and its color ranges from light yellow to reddish brown. Finally, among the remaining softwoods is the fir, which has similar qualities to the previous two: it is a soft, inexpensive wood that is abundant and widely used in construction , such as for roof trusses. Other well-known conifers include Douglas fir, larch, and maritime pine.
There is such a wide variety of trees that it can sometimes be difficult to tell them apart, as some look so similar. However, certain species are preferred over others in specific applications. To provide a clearer and more comprehensive overview, there is a classification system divided into four categories. Each category includes types of wood ranked by density, from the lightest to the hardest:
- Class 1 or A: This refers to light woods such as poplar, pine, and fir
- Grade 2 or B: refers to high-quality woods used for furniture, such as walnut, birch, or teak
- Class 3 or C: These are very strong woods, including oak, beech, ash, and acacia.
- Class 4 or D: includes the most durable woods, such as dark acacia, cedar, and wenge
The Quality of the Wood
We talk about density when classifying types of wood, but did you know that growth rate is also important? In fact, the slower a tree grows, the stronger it will be. This is especially true for hardwoods. Conversely, softwoods are generally considered less durable because they grow more quickly. But there are other criteria to consider when assessing wood quality, such as growing conditions and the season of harvest. Even the lunar cycle plays a role, as it influences the flow of water within the wood.(1) It is also possible to classify them by color, but there is no “official” classification system for this. Once cut, wood is processed for a wide variety of uses depending on its properties and specific needs. Even though wood is considered a healthy material, it may contain toxic elements by the end of the processing phase. It all depends on how it is processed.
Wood Processing: Inconsistent Quality
Wood can be processed in many different ways to achieve various qualities and finishes. This is known as a wood panel —the basic material used in carpentry. The price and durability vary depending on the type of panel used. We will focus on panels intended for furniture making.
Plywood
Plywood is made up of layers of wood glued together. The thickness of the panel varies depending on the number of layers and the thickness of the wood used. The most commonly used wood species in this process is poplar. The way plywood is manufactured ensures its uniformity, water and fire resistance, as well as its light weight and versatility. Unlike raw wood, plywood does not react to humidity or temperature fluctuations.It is relatively eco-friendly since the wood species used in its production come mainly from sustainably managed forests (poplar, pine, beech, etc.). Furthermore, the production of plywood consumes little energy. However, it’s important to remember that glue is used to bond the layers of wood together. This is not insignificant in terms of VOC emissions. Fortunately, natural, water-based glues are available.A bit of history…The plywood panel method is said to have been used as far back as ancient Egypt, as well as in ancient Rome, where it was used to make shields. During World War II, because plywood is a lightweight and stable material, it was used in the aerospace industry. (2)
Glued laminated timber
Glued-laminated timber (GLT) consists of solid wood lamellas glued together along the grain—that is, across the width or length—with a thickness ranging from 33 to 45 mm. It allows for very long pieces of several meters if necessary. GLT is a good alternative to solid wood—as we’ll see later, it is in fact considered “solid wood” in the carpentry trade. It is also highly prized in the furniture industry due to its high resistance to warping, which is even greater than that of solid wood.Among the woods most commonly used to manufacture this material are spruce, oak, beech, and Scots pine. Aesthetically, the interlocking lamellas are visible, so one must appreciate this unique aspect. However, it is important to ensure that glulam is worked on by professionals who use appropriate, non-toxic products. If the lamellas are not properly bonded, this can lead to problems with fungal or insect infestation.
- Compressed material: This is a mixtureof wood chips, sawdust, and other recycled plant waste that is compressed at very high temperaturesand then bonded together. Synthetic or natural resin is used for this purpose. Its thickness ranges from 3 to 50 mm. Nearly 80% of cabinetry is made of particleboard. It can be found absolutely everywhere.It is a very inexpensive material; it is soft and therefore easy to drill through. However, it must be worked with care to avoid splitting. It is not very sturdy and does not hold up well under heavy loads. It is also important to check the type of binder used, as some, such as formaldehyde , can be harmful to health. ( See article on indoor pollution.)Since it is not very attractive, it is mainly reserved for the least visible parts of furniture.
- MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard): MDF is a particleboard made from hardwood or softwood fibers. It is very smooth and uniform, as it lacks the irregularities typical of raw wood. It is a highly durable material because it is less likely to splinter when cut and is not significantly affected by humidity or temperature changes. Valued for its low cost, it can be easily worked—that is, painted, varnished, sawed, sanded, and so on.However, just like particleboard, MDF must be drilled carefully to prevent it from splitting.
Among its drawbacks: it scratches fairly easily. However, it is primarily used for cabinet and dresser shelves. Finally, MDF also contains formaldehyde, which poses a problem for indoor air quality—especially for DIYers who are exposed to toxic dust. That’s why it’s important to wear a mask when cutting this material.
- Laminate: Melamine is a finish applied to particleboard or MDF panels. It consists of a decorative film impregnated with a heat-activated resin (melamine formaldehyde). Melamine-faced panels are used in furniture. Thanks to their coating, they are easier to clean than other types of panels. They offer a wide range of options for customizing furniture. However, the presence of formaldehyde makes them a source of indoor air pollution. While practical and economical, unfortunately, it is not healthy to use melamine-faced panels in your home.
Solid Wood Solid wood furniture iscrafted from raw wood while preserving its natural qualities. It is the least processed type of wood panel. It is authentic and timeless. Its durability makes it a noble and highly valuable piece. This is reflected in its price; it is quite expensive. Its uniqueness and durability make it a luxurious piece that can be resold on the secondhand market or passed down from generation to generation. It is a living material that will change with the seasons, and its appearance may therefore evolve over the years. Whether this phenomenon occurs depends on the type of wood species used, the ambient humidity, the amount of light to which it is exposed, and temperature fluctuations. Just as there is a classification of wood species based on their density, there is also a classification system—this time regarding the wood’s resistance to moisture:
- Class 1: Dry wood used indoors. Moisture content less than 20%
- Class 2: Dry wood occasionally subjected to a moisture content greater than 20%
- Class 3: Wood that is frequently exposed to moisture levels above 20%
- Class 4: Wood that can withstand constant exposure to humidity levels above 20%
- Class 5: Highly durable woods suitable for contact with seawater. Now that you know more about the types of wood panels used in the furniture industry, you can take a closer look at the furniture in your home and try to figure out what kind of wood it’s made of and how it was crafted. But with all these factors to consider, how can you make sense of it all and choose the right materials to make the most of wood’s qualities?
Key Selection Criteria for Furniture
You already have a lot of information about wood species and how they can be worked (although we haven’t covered everything). Our goal is to raise awareness that every purchase has an impact—whether on health, the environment, ethics, or all three. We recommend choosing options that are both sustainable and healthy. To do so, there are several criteria to consider:
Strength
Every type of wood has its own unique qualities, but it isn’t always showcased to its full potential. Here’s a simple rule: the less a material is processed, treated, or painted, the more elegant it will be. It’s often the lower-quality materials that require further processing and the addition of products that are frequently harmful. For this reason—and if you can afford it— solid wood is the best choice. Its durability is well-established; we all have an example of an heirloom piece of furniture that remains in excellent condition. If you can’t afford new pieces, it’s possible to find them secondhand—provided you’re confident in your purchase. But among other types of wood panels available, glued laminated timber is recommended because it’s high-quality and more economical. Plywood is also a good alternative to glued laminated timber—provided these panels are made by professionals who use the most natural products possible.
Finishing Products
Virtually all products are enhanced, treated, or protected with finishes made from paint, varnish, adhesives, or waxes. This is normal, as these finishes are essential for the products’ durability. Unfortunately, these materials are very often the source of VOCs and, therefore, pollution. We recommend that you—just as you would with a list of ingredients—find out about the types of products used. Some are more toxic than others, and some are harmless (such as natural, water-based products). Ask manufacturers how their furniture is made . The more transparency there is regarding the manufacturing process and the substances used, the more reassuring it is.
Provenance
Another factor to consider is the product’s origin. To determine this, you need to identify the country of manufacture and prioritize short supply chains. As you’ve seen, France has no shortage of forests—so much so that its wood is highly sought after in China and the U.S., which purchase it in large quantities (see article: The Furniture Market). The art of working with wood is a recognized skill. Choose companies that work with local artisans—or the artisans themselves directly, if you have the opportunity. That way, you’ll be sure to get furniture crafted with passion and of remarkable quality.
Aesthetics
Finally, the last—but by no means least—criterion: aesthetics. It goes without saying that the piece of furniture you choose should appeal to you and blend harmoniously with your interior. If you like wood, then you’ll appreciate its rustic and warm look. Pieces with a simple design are a safe bet— you’re less likely to grow tired of them too quickly —and can be enhanced with additional elements without compromising their quality. Light woods are very popular because they’re part of the Nordic trend. They’re generally easier to coordinate since floors are often light as well. But this isn’t a hard-and-fast rule—mixing tones can create a beautiful look. We hope this overview has helped you learn more about woodworking and its incredible variety.
At KIPLI, wood is a highly prized material because it meets all the criteria we look for: it is healthy, durable, renewable, and timeless. That is why some of our furniture is crafted exclusively from this natural material. In this age of disposability, we champion the longevity of our products through artisanal, locally crafted materials.
Sources cited→ ( 1) Book: *La vie solide: La charpente comme éthique du faire*→ (2) http://www.lecontreplaque.com/le-contreplaque/histoire-dune-performance/