Beech or mahogany? A guide to furniture woods
A simple comparison of beech and mahogany, and the key questions to ask the showroom about the wood, drying and finish before you buy.
Choosing the wood is one of the most important decisions when buying classic furniture, because it decides the strength of the piece, its ability to carry carving, and how its colour ages. Two woods come up most often: beech and mahogany.
Beech is a hard, even-grained, light-coloured wood that takes carving, fine detail and turning well, which is why it is often used for chair frames, legs and carved parts. It also accepts paint, staining and gilding well.
Mahogany is a warm reddish-brown wood with attractive, visible grain. It polishes well and is relatively stable, so it is often chosen for pieces where the grain should show, such as dining tables, display cabinets and desks.
Do not stop at asking whether it is natural wood. Ask which wood is used in the frame and the fronts, and whether it is solid wood or veneer over another material. Each has its use and its price, and it should be stated clearly.
Ask about drying and moisture content too, because poorly dried wood can warp or crack after installation. Ask about the joinery (for example interlocking wooden joints), the type of finish (paint, varnish, gilding) and how to maintain it.
Finally, ask for the material, finish and warranty to be written in the quotation or invoice, and compare two offers on the same specifications.
Note: this article is general information on choosing and caring for furniture; recommendations may vary with the material and finish, so ask the showroom about your specific piece.
