People in this country have always had a great love for antique indoor and outdoor furniture. Many of us are in constant quest of valuable pieces from centuries past; and nothing has happened in the 21st century to cool our interest. In fact, as technology turns our already fast-paced lifestyles up to warp speed, a new wave of nostalgia seems to be heating up.When looking for antique pieces, however, many people have a hard time distinguishing one type of wood from another. Although this can be difficult, it is important, because their values vary greatly. Knowing what you are looking for – and what you are looking at – not only keeps you from being overcharged, but helps you to spot bargains as well. Each wood also has its own characteristics, and special requirements for care, maintenance, and treatment, the knowledge of which is paramount when you’re attempting to restore antique furniture.Besides identifying the base wood, you must also determine whether or not the piece has a veneer covering, which is a layer of expensive wood that was often used over less valuable wood. Examine it carefully, and look for unfinished areas where the wood may be exposed. If the furniture has drawers, pull them out to see which type of veneer is covering which kind of wood.Mahogany, a tight-grained hardwood, ranges in color, from dark brown to deep red, and sometimes has a spotted grain. Indigenous to the West Indies, as well as South America, it became very popular for making furniture in England, around the middle of the 18th century, and, by the 19th century, was one of the most frequently used woods in the United States. Because of its wide circumference, furniture crafters could make a tabletop from a single cut.Beginning in the 17th century, oak was also often used for making furniture. The wood from an oak tree, which takes 150-200 years to reach maturity, starts out very pale, and ages to a rich brown. Because it is so hard and solid, oak furniture is usually quite heavy, and uncomplicated in design.Walnut, a hard wood with a close grain, can be anywhere from a light golden brown, to a brownish gray, and has a distinct grain pattern. It lagged in popularity a bit, in the mid-18th century, when it was edged out by mahogany, but returned to favor toward the end of the 19th century.These are just a few of the varieties of wood that you will find, as you search antique stores and yard sales for that spectacular find. Luckily, the hunt for dazzling porch furniture is much easier, because all it takes is one trip to CedarStore.com.With one of the largest selections available, CedarStore.com has traditional wood outdoor furniture, made from cedar, pine, oak, teak, and cherry, as well as polywood, aluminum, and vinyl furniture that will never rust, decay, break, or bend. Their collection features chairs, swings, benches, lounges, settees, rockers, gliders, and dining sets, in a range of styles and colors that will complement any décor.