Should You Choose Natural Wood Or Industrial Wood For Furniture?

Furniture is the items and equipment used to decorate and arrange the house, serving the living, resting and working activities of people. 

Materials play an important role in creating the aesthetics, durability and usability of furniture. In particular, natural wood and industrial wood are the two most popular materials used to produce furniture today.

  • Natural wood: is a type of wood that is directly exploited from natural trees, after preliminary processing it can be used to make furniture. Natural wood has beautiful wood grain, high durability, good bearing capacity, however the price is often high and the supply is gradually limited.
  • Industrial wood: is a material produced from wood shavings, wood chips, small wooden bars, etc. through a bonding process with glue and chemicals. Industrial wood is cheaper than natural wood, diverse in design and color, but its durability and load-bearing capacity are often lower.

According to the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFOREST), in 2023, the output of domestically exploited natural wood will reach 15 million m3, while the output of industrial wood will reach 20 million m3. This shows that industrial wood is gradually becoming a more popular choice in the furniture manufacturing industry.

Choosing natural or industrial wood for interior decoration depends largely on the purpose of use, design style, finances and durability requirements.

Many people choose to use industrial wood for kitchen cabinets, wardrobes, tables and chairs, etc. because of its low cost and diverse designs. However, many families prefer to use natural wood for living room and bedroom furniture, etc. because of its longevity and high aesthetics.

The selection and preservation of wooden furniture is also extremely important, affecting the quality and durability of the product. When buying, you need to carefully check the quality of the wood, choose a reputable supplier and pay attention to the warranty policies. During use, you need to ensure proper hygiene, avoid water, avoid sunlight and regularly check for termites.

Choosing the right wood material for your interior is an important decision that directly affects the aesthetics, durability and investment costs of your home. This article will provide you with useful information to help you make the wisest choice between natural wood and engineered wood.

Should You Choose Natural Wood Or Industrial Wood For Furniture?
Should You Choose Natural Wood Or Industrial Wood For Furniture?

What is Natural Wood?

Natural wood is exploited from natural forests or planted forests, going through a meticulous drying and processing process. After exploitation, the wood will be pre-processed and processed into interior products.

According to the American Wood Furniture Manufacturers Association (AWMF), quality solid wood furniture can last an average of over 75 years.

Natural wood is exploited from natural forests or planted forests.
Natural wood is exploited from natural forests or planted forests.

What are the advantages of natural wood furniture?

Natural wood furniture has natural beauty, good bearing capacity, long life, is environmentally friendly and brings luxury to the space.

  • Beautiful, unique wood grain, diverse in color: Each type of natural wood has its own unique wood grain, creating a unique and luxurious beauty for the interior.
  • High durability, good load-bearing capacity: Natural wood has high durability, good load-bearing capacity, suitable for use in high-load-bearing furniture such as tables, chairs, beds, cabinets, etc.
  • Long lifespan: Natural wood furniture can last for decades, even hundreds of years if properly preserved.
  • Environmental friendliness: When exploited from sustainable forest sources, natural wood contributes to protecting the environment and ecosystem.
  • Brings luxury, warmth and closeness to nature: Natural wood furniture brings to the living space a luxurious, warm and close to nature beauty.

What are the disadvantages of natural wood furniture?

The downside of natural wood furniture is its high price, susceptibility to termites and warping, and can affect the ecosystem if overexploited.

  • High price: Due to scarce raw materials and complex production processes, the cost of natural wood furniture is often higher than that of industrial wood.
  • Susceptible to termites and warping: Natural wood is susceptible to termites and warping if not properly preserved, especially in humid environments.
  • Impact on the ecosystem: Overexploitation of natural timber can affect ecosystems and biodiversity.

What types of natural wood are popular for making furniture?

Popular natural woods for interior decoration today include: Walnut, oak, rosewood, red oak, and mahogany. Each type of wood has its own characteristics in terms of color, application, and price.

Refer to the comparison table of natural wood types for interior use:

Wood Type Color Characteristics Application Price
Walnut Chocolate brown Beautiful wood grain, hard, high durability Tables, chairs, cabinets, beds, high-quality wooden floors 7-8 million VND/m3
Oak Light yellow Even wood grain, hard, good bearing capacity Tables, chairs, cabinets, beds, wooden floors, Scandinavian furniture 6-7 million VND/m3
Incense Sepia Distinctive scent, high durability Tables, chairs, cabinets, beds, handicrafts 18-50 million VND/m3
Red Knock Red brown Beautiful wood grain, hard, super durable Tables, chairs, cabinets, beds, wooden doors, high-end furniture 28-68 million VND/m3
Peach Blossom Oranger yellow Even, hard wood grain Tables, chairs, cabinets, beds, mid-range furniture 3-8 million VND/m3

What is Industrial Wood?

Industrial wood is a type of wood produced from raw materials such as wood shavings, wood chips, small wooden bars, etc. through a bonding process with glue and chemicals under high temperature and pressure.

According to Nairn John, Professor of Forestry Science, Oregon State University, USA: “Industrial wood plays an important role in protecting natural forests. Using industrial wood instead of natural wood helps reduce deforestation, contributing to protecting biodiversity.”

Industrial wood is a type of wood produced from raw materials such as shavings, wood chips, and small wooden bars.
Industrial wood is a type of wood produced from raw materials such as wood shavings, wood chips, and small wooden bars.

What are the advantages of industrial wood furniture?

Industrial wood furniture has outstanding advantages in terms of reasonable price, diverse designs, easy to process and shape, and good water and moisture resistance. Not only that, using industrial wood contributes to protecting the natural ecosystem.

  • Low price: Compared with natural wood, industrial wood is significantly cheaper, suitable for many customers.
  • Variety of designs and colors: Industrial wood has many designs and rich colors, meeting all aesthetic needs of customers.
  • Easy to process and shape: Industrial wood is easy to process and shape, helping to create interior products with unique and creative designs.
  • Good water and moisture resistance: Some types of industrial wood are treated to be moisture resistant, suitable for use in humid environments such as kitchens and bathrooms.
  • Environmental friendliness: Using industrial wood helps reduce the exploitation of natural wood, protecting the environment and ecosystem.

What are the disadvantages of industrial wood furniture?

Compared to natural wood, industrial wood furniture is less durable, less resistant to force and less aesthetically pleasing. In addition, some cheap wood types also contain formaldehyde which is not good for health.

  • Lower durability than natural wood: Industrial wood is less durable than natural wood and is prone to peeling and scratching over time.
  • Poor bearing capacity: Engineered wood has lower load-bearing capacity than natural wood, not suitable for high-load-bearing furniture.
  • Less luxurious and classy than natural wood: Industrial wood furniture often has a modern, youthful beauty but is not as luxurious and classy as natural wood furniture.
  • May contain formaldehyde: Some types of cheap industrial wood may contain formaldehyde – a substance that irritates the skin and affects the respiratory system if it exceeds safety standards (according to the World Health Organization WHO).

What type of industrial wood is popular for making furniture?

Popular types of industrial wood used for interior decoration today include: MDF, MFC, HDF, Plywood. Each type will have different characteristics, applications and prices. You can refer to have a clear comparison:

Wood Type Characteristics Application Price 
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) Flat surface, easy to paint Kitchen cabinets, shelves, partitions, office furniture 150.000 – 400.000 VND/piece
MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard) Melamine coated surface, various colors Wardrobe, table, chair, bed, children's furniture 285.000 – 500.000 VND/piece
HDF (High Density Fiberboard) Super smooth surface, good bearing capacity Wooden floors, partitions, wooden doors 150.000 – 1.4000.000 VND/piece
Plywood (Plywood) Good bearing capacity, anti-warping Partitions, ceilings, wooden floors, load-bearing furniture 125.000 – 360.000 VND/piece

Should You Choose Natural Wood Or Industrial Wood For Furniture?

Choosing natural wood or industrial wood depends on many factors such as purpose of use, furniture placement, design style, budget, aesthetics and durability.

According to the Vietnam Timber and Forest Products Association (VIFOREST), Vietnam's wooden furniture production will reach 35 million m3 by 2023, of which natural wood accounts for 15 million m3 and industrial wood accounts for 20 million m3.

The trend of using industrial wood furniture is becoming more and more popular due to its low price, diverse designs and good water and moisture resistance. However, the demand for high-end natural wood furniture is always present, especially in luxury villas and townhouses.

Factors that determine whether to choose natural wood or industrial wood for furniture include:

Purpose of use and furniture placement:

Depending on the room space, type of furniture and usage environment, there will be a suitable choice of wood material.

  • Living room, bedroom, kitchen, office furniture:
    • Natural wood: Suitable for those who love luxury, warmth and have good economic conditions.
    • Industrial wood: Suitable for those who love youthfulness, modernity and have a limited budget.
  • Load-bearing furniture, decorative furniture:
    • Natural wood: Suitable for heavy-duty furniture such as tables, chairs, beds, cabinets, etc. and decorative furniture that requires luxury and class.
    • Industrial wood: Suitable for simple interior decoration, does not require high load bearing.
  • Indoor and outdoor furniture:
    • Natural wood: Suitable for indoor furniture, requiring high durability and good load-bearing capacity.
    • Industrial wood: Suitable for outdoor furniture, requiring good water and moisture resistance.
Depending on the room space, type of furniture and usage environment, there will be a suitable choice of wood material.
Depending on the room space, type of furniture and usage environment, there will be a suitable choice of wood material.

Interior design style:

Each interior design style will have its own requirements for materials, colors and interior designs to create harmony and sophistication. Below are some suggestions for choosing wood suitable for popular styles:

Modern, minimalist style:

  • Interior requirements: Prioritize using products with simple, elegant designs, focusing on functionality.
  • Wood material: Industrial wood is a popular choice for this style because of its variety of designs, colors, reasonable price and easy cleaning. Some suitable types of industrial wood are MDF covered with Laminate, MFC with wood grain, Acrylic, etc.
Modern, minimalist style
Modern, minimalist style

Classic and neoclassical style:

  • Requirements: Expressing luxury and class through sophisticated patterns and soft, curvy lines.
  • Wood material: Natural wood with beautiful, unique wood grain is the perfect choice for this style. Some suitable wood types are Mahogany, Rosewood, Walnut, etc.
Classical, neoclassical style
Classical, neoclassical style

Scandinavian style:

  • Interior: Create a feeling of closeness to nature, emphasizing simplicity and rusticity.
  • Wood material: Natural Oak with light yellow color, even wood grain or industrial MFC wood with Oak grain is the most suitable choice.
Scandinavian style
Scandinavian style

Budget and costs:

Natural wood is often much more expensive than industrial wood. Therefore, if your budget is limited and you want to save money on home furniture, industrial wood furniture products will be the ideal choice for you.

Aesthetics and durability:

Natural wood and industrial wood have their own advantages in terms of aesthetics and durability, giving you diverse options for your interior space.

  • Natural wood: Beautiful, unique wood grain, high durability, long life, bringing luxurious, warm beauty.
  • Industrial wood: Diverse in designs and colors, easy to process and shape, good water resistance and moisture resistance.

Tips for Choosing and Preserving Wooden Furniture

To own beautiful and durable wooden furniture, you need to pay attention to both factors: smart choices when shopping and proper preservation when using. Specifically:

Tips for buying furniture:

When choosing to buy wooden furniture, you need to carefully check the quality of the wood, prioritize reputable suppliers and ensure a good warranty policy.

  • Check carefully the wood quality, surface, texture: Carefully observe the wood surface, make sure there are no signs of termites, warping, cracking or roughness. You should choose products made from solid wood, sturdy and of suitable thickness.
  • Choose a reputable supplier: Carefully research the origin, brand and warranty of the supplier before purchasing the product. Prioritize reputable units with showrooms so you can directly check the product quality.
  • Refer to warranty policy and after-sales service: Ensure your rights when purchasing a product, including warranty period, warranty conditions and return procedures.

Furniture preservation tips

When using wooden furniture, it is necessary to clean it regularly, avoid contact with water and direct sunlight, clean with specialized products and regularly check for termites.  

  • Regular cleaning: Avoid dust and dirt, clean with a soft damp cloth.
  • Avoid direct contact with water: Do not let water stand on the wood surface, dry immediately if it gets wet.
  • Avoid placing wooden furniture in direct sunlight: Causes discoloration and fading of wood.
  • Use specialized products to preserve wood: Varnish, beeswax, etc. help protect and increase the durability of wood.
  • Regularly check and treat termites: Early detection and timely treatment to prevent spread.

Should I choose natural wood or industrial wood?

Frequently Asked Questions When Using Wooden Furniture

1. Besides natural wood and industrial wood, what other materials are used to make furniture?

Besides natural wood and industrial wood, some other materials are also used in furniture production, including:

  • Metal: Often used as table legs, chairs, cabinet frames, handles, etc. with the advantages of durability and good load-bearing capacity; the disadvantages are that it is susceptible to rust and the price can be high.
  • Glass: Used as table tops, decorative shelves, cabinet doors, etc., bringing a luxurious, modern beauty. However, glass is fragile and needs regular cleaning.
  • Natural stone: Granite and marble are often used for kitchen countertops and wall cladding due to their hardness and high aesthetic value. The downside is that natural stone is heavy, expensive and easily scratched.
  • Plastic: Some high-quality plastics (Acrylic, ABS) are used to make kitchen cabinets and bathroom shelves with the advantages of being absolutely waterproof and reasonably priced. However, plastic is not as durable and aesthetically pleasing as wood.

2. Should we use outdoor industrial wood furniture?

Industrial wood furniture should not be used outdoors because the water and moisture resistance of this material is quite poor.  However, some high-quality engineered wood such as moisture-resistant MDF or water-resistant HDF can be used outdoors provided they are properly installed and maintained.

3. What types of natural wood are safe for children?

Most natural woods are safe if the surface is treated with quality paint or oil (EN71 certified). However, some woods have strong essential oils such as Red Sandalwood which can cause irritation to young children, so care should be taken when using them.

4. How to distinguish natural wood and industrial wood?

With the naked eye, you can distinguish natural wood and industrial wood based on the wood grain. Natural wood grain is unique and does not repeat, while industrial wood grain often has a repeating pattern. In addition, you can try to feel the weight of the wood, natural wood is often heavier than industrial wood.

5. Does industrial wood furniture affect health?

Some types of cheap industrial wood can emit Formaldehyde - a substance harmful to health. 

However, according to California (USA) CARB P2 standard, Formaldehyde is still not banned if controlled at a safe level. Therefore, you should choose to buy industrial wood that meets the prescribed standards to ensure your health.

6. What is the average lifespan of natural wood and industrial wood furniture?

If properly maintained, the lifespan of natural wood furniture can be up to over 30 years, even hundreds of years. The average lifespan of industrial wood furniture is about 10-15 years, depending on quality and storage.

7. What should be noted when cleaning wooden furniture?

Avoid using harsh detergents on wooden furniture. Instead, dilute warm water with neutral soap to gently clean the wooden surface. Specifically:

  • Always keep wooden furniture dry and avoid exposing them to moisture or direct sunlight for too long.
  • Clean with a soft cloth and use a specialized wood polish.
  • Avoid rubbing or scratching the wood surface.

8. Is wooden furniture susceptible to termites?

Yes, wooden furniture can be susceptible to termite attacks. Termites are common pests that eat wood and destroy the structure of furniture. The susceptibility of wooden furniture to termites depends on a number of factors, including:

  • Wood type: Some types of wood such as pine, beech, and mahogany are more susceptible to termite attack than other types of wood such as mahogany, oak, and ironwood.
  • Usage environment: Wooden furniture placed in humid, poorly ventilated environments is at higher risk of termites than furniture placed in dry, cool environments.
  • Wood quality: Untreated or improperly treated wood is more susceptible to termites than wood that has been effectively treated against termites.
  • Methods of preservation: Wooden furniture that is not properly maintained, cleaned and wiped regularly can create conditions for termites to grow.

Here are some measures to prevent termites in wooden furniture:

  • Choose wood that is resistant to termites.
  • Use wood that has been effectively treated against termites.
  • Place wooden furniture in a cool, dry environment.
  • Regularly clean and wipe wooden furniture.
  • Check wooden furniture regularly for signs of termites.
  • Use termite control measures when necessary.

9. Which address produces prestigious and quality wooden furniture in the South?  

SmartDecor is a prestigious company specializing in designing, manufacturing and constructing wooden furniture in the South. With many years of experience, SmartDecor has affirmed its position in the market with high quality products, diverse designs and professional services.

Why choose SmartDecor?

  • Product quality: Using 100% quality wood, imported from reputable sources, ensuring durability, strength and safety for users' health.
  • Diverse models: Providing hundreds of different furniture designs, suitable for all styles and needs of customers.
  • Competitive price: With a modern factory and professional production process, we help optimize costs, so product prices are always competitive.
  • Professional service: A team of highly skilled architects and construction workers are always ready to provide free consultation and complete interior construction on schedule, ensuring quality.
  • Warranty: Apply long-term warranty for all products, ensuring customer benefits.

SmartDecor offers a wide range of wooden furniture products, including:

  • Living room furniture: Table, GHE, couch, TV shelves, wine cabinets, partitions, ...
  • Bedroom furniture: Bed, Wardrobe, dressing table, bedside table,…
  • Kitchen furniture: Kitchen cabinets, dining tables, dining chairs, etc.
  • Office furniture: Office desks, office chairs, filing cabinets, etc.
  • Restaurant and hotel interior: Restaurant tables and chairs, bar counters, partitions, etc.

The above information will hopefully help you make the right choices when completing your interior. Need more advice on wooden interior design and construction services, contact SmartDecor now for service!

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