Pine wood is arguably the most popular wood for affordable furniture. People love it for its light color and natural texture. It's also less expensive than many other woods. Pine is very versatile. It is used to make bookshelves, bed frames, baby furniture, dining room tables and chairs, and lots of other pieces designed for everyday use. Furniture designers like it because it's a soft, pliable wood that's easy to work with. Though pine doesn't have the longevity that comes with harder woods, it is commonly used to add a rustic touch to any room. Pine can come with veneers, which are made from hard woods like walnut, or unfinished. The unfinished variety can be stained or left natural for a cozy, down-home look.

Oak is a very popular choice for furniture construction. Like pine, it is versatile and can be used to good effect in many decorating schemes. It comes in two basic types: red and white oak. The red can range in color from pale blonde to light reddish brown, while the white can range from blonde to light brown or even gray. Oak furniture is durable, making it a good choice for children's rooms and other areas where it will see daily use. It is also quite affordable.

Walnut is a hardwood that can be used on its own or fashioned into veneers for furniture made from softer woods. Its rich brown color makes it an instant classic. Walnut trees are famously easy to work with because they have a grain that runs straight throughout them. As an added bonus, walnut wood is easy to carve and polish, and holds a stain well. The lustrous finish that this wood holds makes it a great choice for furnishings that are built to last, such as formal dining furniture or family heirlooms. Its affordability makes it even more appealing to cost-conscious consumers.

Mahogany

As far as looks and price go, mahogany is at the very top of the wood furniture list. This gorgeous red wood has a hard surface and a medium grain. It is commonly used for high-quality, ornamental furniture. Its price puts some shoppers off, but the beauty of mahogany furniture can last a lifetime; in addition to being very attractive, mahogany is also very resilient and stands up well to the rigors of time and use. When cared for properly, mahogany furniture can survive to be passed down from generation to generation. Most higher-end mahogany furniture is made from South American mahogany. There is also an African variety.

Now that you've learned about the most popular choices in wood furniture, you're all set to pick out new furnishings of your own. Choose a wood that fits your budget and style. Keep your wood furniture clean and polished, and you'll be able to enjoy it for many years to come.