Solid Wood in Furniture: Species, Benefits & Care

Solid wood

30 January 2026

Solid wood — a natural material that only grows more beautiful with time.

Key Facts

Common kitchen speciesfeatures: Oak, ash, walnut, maple, cherry
Key advantagefeatures: A damaged surface can be sanded back and re-coated
Recommended indoor climateother: ~21°C and 40-50% relative humidity
Longevityother: Lasts decades with proper care
Material naturefeatures: Whole pieces of timber, not fibre or sheet material
Carefeatures: Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth; wipe spills immediately

Solid wood is a natural, kiln-dried whole-timber material that gives furniture a warm, natural look and a long life. It is considered one of the highest-quality materials in cabinetry.

What is solid wood, and which species are common?

Solid wood consists of whole pieces of timber — not fibre or sheet material. Common kitchen species include oak, ash, walnut, maple and cherry. Properly dried and worked, it is durable, reliable and rich in natural texture.

What are the advantages of solid-wood furniture?

Natural aesthetics and unique grain — no two fronts are identical. Strength and longevity: with proper care it lasts decades. Its key advantage is that a damaged surface can be sanded back and re-coated — something engineered materials cannot offer.

What should you watch out for?

Solid wood reacts to humidity and temperature and may move, swell or crack. A stable indoor climate is recommended: ~21°C and 40-50% relative humidity, with gradual changes. The price is usually higher than MDF or laminated board.

How to care for solid-wood furniture

Clean with a soft, slightly damp cloth; wipe spills immediately; avoid wax- and silicone-based products on lacquered surfaces. Oil-finished wood is periodically re-oiled. Keep it out of direct sun — wood and lacquer naturally darken over time.

Futurium and solid wood

For a natural-wood look we offer suitable solutions, and for practicality — painted MDF and Italian CLEAF fronts. A combination is often optimal: a solid-wood frame with an engineered centre panel for stability. Our team will help you choose.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is solid wood?

Solid wood is a natural, kiln-dried whole-timber material made of whole pieces of timber — not fibre or sheet material. It is considered one of the highest-quality materials in cabinetry.

Which wood species is best for a kitchen?

Common kitchen species include oak, ash, walnut, maple and cherry. Properly dried and worked, each is durable, reliable and rich in natural texture.

Solid wood or MDF — which should I choose?

Solid wood offers natural grain and the ability to sand back and re-coat the surface, which engineered materials cannot match. MDF is more affordable, so choose based on your budget and the look you want.

How do I care for solid-wood furniture?

Clean it with a soft, slightly damp cloth, wipe spills immediately, and avoid wax- and silicone-based products on lacquered surfaces.

Why does a solid-wood front crack?

Solid wood reacts to humidity and temperature and may move, swell or crack. A stable indoor climate and only gradual changes help prevent this.

What humidity is right for wooden furniture?

A stable indoor climate is recommended — around 21°C and 40-50% relative humidity, with any changes happening gradually.

Can a solid-wood surface be restored?

Yes. A key advantage of solid wood is that a damaged surface can be sanded back and re-coated — something engineered materials cannot offer.