Why We Use Hardwoods
3 min reading time
We craft our tables from high-quality hardwoods like walnut, cherry, and ash for their natural beauty and durability. Unlike mass-produced tables made from particle board or MDF, our hardwood pieces are solid, long-lasting, and finished with a protective, plant-based coating. Choose quality that looks great and lasts longer—no veneers, no shortcuts.
Why We Choose Hardwoods: The Difference It Makes
We started our business with pine—an affordable, easy-to-work-with material perfect for prototyping. Our name, "Twenty Five and Pine," even comes from this original choice. But as we honed our skills and grew as a company, we knew it was time to raise the bar and switch to something even more durable and beautiful: hardwoods.
The Transition from Pine to Hardwoods
Shifting from pine to hardwoods like walnut, cherry, and ash was a big step. Hardwoods are trickier to work with, cost more, and can be harder to find. But we were up for the challenge. We knew that making the move to hardwoods would not only improve the look and feel of our furniture but also its overall quality.
What Makes Hardwoods Better?
Hardwoods, as the name suggests, are more resilient. Unlike mass-produced tables made from particle board, MDF, or plywood, which tend to warp and weaken over time, our hardwood tables are solid from top to bottom. The natural grain and rich color of hardwoods give your furniture a uniform, elegant look that will stay intact through everyday use.
With a clear, oil-based polyurethane finish, we highlight the natural beauty of the wood, giving it a smooth surface that is both protective and visually appealing. Over time, the finish naturally darkens, adding depth and character to your piece. Mass-produced tables made from cheaper materials often use veneers or laminates to mimic the look of wood, but nothing compares to the authenticity of real hardwood.
The Hardwoods We Use
We carefully select each hardwood for its strength, beauty, and long-lasting appeal. Here’s why we love the three we work with:
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Ash
Ash is a light, golden hardwood with subtle tan undertones. It’s strong, easy to work with, and can be stained to bring out even more of its natural charm. -
Walnut
Walnut is the darkest of our hardwoods, ranging from rich browns to deep, dark hues. It’s the perfect choice for a sophisticated, timeless look that fits in with any home decor. -
Cherry
Cherry’s fine grain patterns and vibrant orange tones make it a standout. Over time, cherry darkens into a beautiful, rich red, giving it a unique patina that makes each piece truly one of a kind.
Why Hardwoods Are Worth the Investment
While softwoods like pine are great for some applications, they just can’t match the durability and visual appeal of hardwoods. Softwoods tend to dent and scratch more easily, and often need to be stained to achieve a desired color. Hardwoods, on the other hand, are naturally rich in color and grain, meaning they look great right off the bat without the need for heavy staining.
Mass-produced furniture made with materials like particle board, MDF, or plywood might seem like a budget-friendly option, but these materials can weaken over time. They’re often glued together and covered with thin layers of laminate or veneer, which can peel or chip. Hardwoods are solid and reliable, and while they may require a bit more of an investment upfront, the durability and lasting beauty they offer make them the smarter choice in the long run.
Conclusion: Why Choose Us Over Mass-Produced Furniture?
Mass-produced furniture is often cheaper for a reason: it uses materials that don’t hold up as well in the long run. When you choose one of our hardwood tables, you’re not just buying a piece of furniture—you’re investing in something built with care and attention to detail. We use high-quality hardwoods that ensure your table will continue to look beautiful and perform well for years to come.
