With a myriad of ways to cut and stain wood, it can sometimes be difficult to determine the type of wood used in antique furniture and trace it to a specific period. Antiques, Collectibles and Auctions resources. Key Characteristics of Chippendale Furniture. This was very popular in France. There are additional variations within each wood type, such as âknotty pineâ or âbirdâs-eye maple,â that can complicate the identification process. process. The colors of walnut can vary from a light walnut to a rich golden brown color. You all did a fantastic job on my Great Grandmother's dining table and chairs. This made it so furniture makers could provide more affordable furniture to more customers. antique furniture or the type of wood it is made from, bring it in to us! Elizabethan (1520â1620) Early American ⦠The ⦠Multiple types of wood is a good thing. with. Knowing What to Avoid Look for lower-quality joints. A good way to tell these two types of wood apart is to press your fingernail into the wood (usually in a hidden place). Significant Furniture Design Periods. Many times lesser value woods will be stained to look like expensive woods. Close grain is where the age rings of the wood are closer together or tight grain. Those may interest you: How to help us identify your antique? Lower quality joints include ⦠We can help you restore or refinish your antique furniture with If the wood is a hard wood your fingernail will leave no mark. If you are unsure about a piece of Yet with so many imitations out there, it is important to be able to identify a genuine item of furniture. This gives the wood a smooth or fine appearance. This is due to the rarity or availability of the wood. Round tabletops should be out of round, meaning they should be slightly oval. Itâs unlikely that real antique furniture is ⦠types of antique woods used in history and still used today. Most pieces were shown in either Amber or Bleached finish, so if a piece has either of these words stenciled on the back or underside, thereâs a good chance ⦠But, it is important to determine which type of wood is most prevalent in your antique to help determine the age. This furniture was first known as Streamline Maple because that was the original wood used, along with birch, which is very similar. Your email address will not be published. There are additional variations within each wood type, such as Polishing wooden antiques should be completed correctly to ensure the item isnât damaged or devalued. Thanks for doing such a great job! Walnut is native to North America and Europe. ... More than likely it is maple wood ⦠Look over your furniture in areas such as the backside or underside. If your furniture has drawers, pull them out and inspect the backs, sides and bottom of each drawer. I’m looking for information on wood furniture. Many years of polishing and exposure to various elements form a patina. Maple was frequently veneered. Mahogany Mahogany is a close grained hardwood, native to South America and the West Indies. By kstexas, 2 years ago on Identify Antique Furniture. to identify types of wood and how to recognize common characteristics. Black walnut is favored in contemporary construction and can look grey even purple in its raw form. Share. Coarse grain is where the age rings of the wood are far apart or open grain. If itâs not authentic, determine if your piece is a revival or a reproduction. The foot component of an antique furniture item describes the small piece of timber that is attached to the leg of a chair, table, or stool that supports the item, and there are many different styles, as you can imagine. The timber commonly has straight grain and is white or pale yellow, which darkens over time. In this article I have provided some information to help you identify the wood used regularly to make antiques. For some antique dealers, anything over half a century old is considered an antique. Antique chairs have a distinctive appearance, even when compared to exact replicas, especially when you look at the results of long use and age on the antique chair. Here is a selection of woods used on antique furniture, below is a comprehensive guide into the woods and history behind each type of timber used throughout the centuries. You will often see it used on dining tables and dressers, sometimes solid or commonly as a veneer. I recently acquired a 2 tiered step end table and was wondering if anyone could help identify the year it was made. trees. A good place to start when identifying furniture is often to figure out what period it's from. A telltale sign of the furniture's maker is a manufacturing tag, label or stamp bearing the name of the creator. The wood is almost pink when first cut, but darkens with age to beautiful browns and reds. *Note Conditioning the wood with wax will protect the wood ⦠If you are looking for basic guidelines on how to identify Chippendale furniture, keep an eye out for pointed arches, S-shaped curves, and wooden ⦠Identifying antique furniture is something of a challenge for most people. Pine — An extremely common wood, pine is lightweight and resists shrinking or swelling, however it is prone to splitting. If the wood is a soft wood your fingernail will leave an indention. Parquetry: Parquetry and marquetry are similar. Here are a few tips on how to determine the age of a piece of furniture. "I will definitely recommend Aaron's Touchup to all my friends. The wood itself is the final clue. Cherry – Cherry is a common hardwood in American antiques, as well as Queen Anne styles. Quarter-sawn oak is also a specific type of how the lumber is cut, which shows the ray fleck, a sought-after almost holographic pattern in the grain. Where to Sell Your Antiques and Collectibles? Consider the weight and hardness of the wood. Rosewood is a hardwood that has a close grain. American Colonial furniture was dependent on the local availability of wood. A good way to tell these two types of wood apart is to press your fingernail into the wood (usually in a hidden place). Other raw forms of walnut can be browns and whites, but antique pieces appear in yellow-browns as walnut lightens with age. Another type of maple is bird’s eye maple. Wood shrinks with time, loosening joints, and use often wears hand carvings and embellishments smooth. There are many different woods used to make antiques. Pine is native to North America and Europe. By Lisa, 3 years ago on Identify Antique Furniture. This was commonly used for chess and backgammon boards. Copyright © 2020 | Antique HQ | Theme designed by Tips and Tricks HQ. àVeneered furnitureàhas a lower valueàthan a piece that is made of solid wood. Mahogany was used to make fine furniture during this time period. determine the type of wood used in antique furniture and trace it to a specific How to Tell If a Swarovski Crystal Collectible is Real or Fake? If the piece of furniture is very dirty or encrusted with wax, clean it first with a mixture of denatured alcohol, white vinegar, and kerosene, in equal parts. It varies in colour from ⦠294 294. When identifying antique chairs, it's important to have a basic knowledge of the significant design periods and the important types of chairs. Wood that have to be imported cost much more then wood found native to a country. Oak is native to North America and Europe. Thank you for great article. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. When you look closely at rosewood you will see fine black or white rings. Furniture-makers choose different necessarily any less durable than hard, but they are supple and easier to work answer. “knotty pine” or “bird’s-eye maple,” that can complicate the identification Walnut veneers over pine construction are more common than solid walnut pieces. There are several things to look for when examining a piece of furniture that help to identify it as an antique. ", How to Identify Different Types of Wood in Antique Furniture, Make Your Couch Cushions More Comfortable. There are also special types of walnut including burled (closed scrolling grain), circassian walnut, and American fireside. Can someone help identify what kind of wood it is and possibly when it's from? I already bookmark this page. Pine is very common in building the carcass or interiors of pieces, only to be veneered later. It is stamped Bassett furniture industries on the bottom along with the following. The first step to finding out if your attic clutter is actually buried treasure is to identify the maker of the furniture. It is very common in cabinetry construction due to its strength and durability. Early 17th-century furniture typically featured bun- or ball-style feet. Wood shrinks over time, and only in one direction. If the piece has drawers, remove a drawer and look carefully where the front and back of the drawer are fastened to the sides of the drawer. Donât touch the furniture until you know its value. This article helped me a ton. Spotting Engineered Wood Look at the end grains of the wood to see if there is ⦠Pine is a soft wood with a straight grain. Walnut burl veneers are also common on edges and trim in larger pieces. Oak — Oak is very solid wood, popular in cabinetry, wood turning, almost all furniture construction. To find out more about antique furniture and time period that a certain type of wood was used please see Antique furniture styles, the last 200 years, Filed Under: Antiques, Authentication, Furniture Tagged With: Antique, Authentication, Collectibles, Furniture. If the oil absorbs into the wood, the finish is likely oil. This gives the wood grain an uneven appearance. Look closely at the the different elements that make the piece of furniture. Rosewood got it’s name because of the rose scent the wood gives off when cut. The preferred furniture woods were readily available, so less attractive or durable wood⦠It is pale and is knotted. Identify wood. Here is a brief description of some of the more common styles of furniture feet, which can help ⦠Veneering is when thin sheets of a more valuable wood are glued to a less valuable wood. Ash is commonly used to replace oak and the two can be easily confused. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. With Common materials used for inlays: Gilding is where gold leaf is applied with a plaster like substance to wood. Marquetry: This is a technique where various types of wood are applied to the surface to produce a picture. Mahogany was popular in England during the mid 18th century. Furniture labels and marks have been used since the 19th century, and the number of marks out there is mind-boggling -- in his book Arts and Crafts Shopmarks, author Look at the edges of the wood and if you see a seam then it is veneered. Antique furniture styles, the last 200 years, Reclaimed Antique Wood and Antique Wooden Items, Antique Furniture Styles, the Last 200 Years, M.I. There are several ways you can identify an antique furniture item. Lumber is often divided into soft and hardwood. It can be difficult to tell these woods apart and if the wood has been stained or painted it can be even harder to identify them. Identifying Bassett Furniture. While the value of an antique piece gradually increases over itâs lifetime, however the condition they are kept in can vastly effect the value of an antique. Maple is native to Europe and North American. Elm is a hardwood that has a coarse grain. The first aspect is the joinery; machine-cut furniture was not produced until about 1860. Oak is a hardwood that has a coarse grain. Required fields are marked *. Here is some basic information about wood: There are two kinds of wood, soft and hard: Wood has two kinds of grain, a close grain and a coarse grain: Tips for determining if the wood is veneered: Your email address will not be published. 4,142 4.1K. You always showed up when you said you would and the turn around time for the project was very reasonable. Rosewood is also heavier than mahogany. Learn to identify antique furniture for refinishing. The Wood and Finish. If itâs possible, pick the piece of ⦠Make sure the piece is in proportion. There are some woods that are more valuable than others. There are many replicas of antique wood furniture which is often sold as a real antique piece. Elm is native to North America and Europe Like maple, elm was frequently veneered. Oct 31, 2014 - Before you refinish antique furniture, it's important to evaluate whether it's worthy of saving. Rosewood is native to India, West Indies, and South America. It has a distinctive grain pattern and ranges from light brown to red, sometimes with a ribbon effect. Some basic points to take into consideration to identify antique wood furniture are as follows: Patina: Antique furniture has a rich beautiful finishing. types of woods to be used in furniture for their various qualities. Inlay is a decorative trimming where materials other than wood is inlaid into wood. This is only short overview on how Mahogany is a hard wood that has a close grain. period. If the wood is a hard wood your fingernail will leave no mark. If it beads, the finish is shellac, polyurethane, lacquer or varnish. It can look similar to mahogany, but has fine black or white rings and is much heavier lumber. Share. Examine the level of work that went into the furniture from the joinery, finishing, knobs, and more. Very early furniture -- before 1700 -- is mostly oak, but from 1700 on, mahogany and walnut were widely used. a myriad of ways to cut and stain wood, it can sometimes be difficult to Share. Walnut — Walnut varieties have a multitude of colors, but all have a rich figured grain, known for cathedral patterns. bassett dressers. Early Colonial (1640-1730) Shortly after the first European colonists arrived in ⦠Before 1900, most furniture was made with woods like walnut, oak, mahogany, rosewood, fruitwoods, and rare wood veneers and inlays were in commonly used. Wood has two kinds of grain, a close grain and a coarse grain: Red and Brown are two common colors of mahogany. Hummel Figurines and Collectibles Value Chart - Hummel Price Guide. There are many books and online resources to use, but experience Mahogany — Native to Central, South America and the West Indies, mahogany is a popular type of wood used in furniture in European styles. Using a lovely antique oak child's chair, we run through some of the obvious points to look out for when hunting for genuine antique furniture. Their furniture was made with maple, oak, walnut, birch, and cherry, as well as pine. The difference between the two is the subject matter. Pictured is Chinese Rosewood with intricate carvings and inlay. Maple is a hardwood that has a coarse grain. The term âantiqueâ can be interpreted in several ways. Rosewood — This wood gets its name from the scent it gives off when you cut it, much like the flower. Oak is very popular in the Arts and Crafts movement. is always the best teacher as trees grow differently in each environment. It can be tempting to want to ⦠Parquetry is veneer in geometric patterns. Share. Hi this is an antique Bassett dresser. Walnut and mahogany were prevalent between the years 1700 to 1800, and maple and cherry were common from 1800â1900. Types of Collectibles that are No Longer Worth Collecting, Royal Doulton Markings – Back Stamps and Trademarks. Mahogany is native to South America, North America and the West Indies. Rosewood can easily be confused with mahogany. If the edge is seamless then it is solid wood. Step 1 Rub a small amount of linseed oil, using the cotton swab, into an inconspicuous spot on the furniture or trim. Red and white oak are very popular varieties. Royal Doulton – Celebrity and Artist Collaborations, How to Tell if a Royal Doulton is a Fake, Forgery, or Reproduction. Walnut is a hardwood that has a close grain. Oak is highly popular in furniture that dates from 1700 to earlier years. Softwoods are not In the 17th century Europe started to use oak to make furniture. Softwoods are usually conifers, while hardwoods are from deciduous the right kind of care specific to that wood and piece. For the furniture that doesn't have a maker's mark one could check out the types of frames to which the wicker is attached. Many times lighter woods (elm, maple or oak) are stained to look like darker woods such as mahogany or rosewood. There are several distinct features of Chippendale pieces that allow you spot them upon close inspection. Pine was frequently used to make furniture that was intended to be painted or veneered. Antique Furniture â Types of Wood. Measure the tabletop for round tables. The Spruce / Elise Degarmo If you are trying to determine the age of a piece of American antique furniture, it will require investigative work. 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Some of the rose scent the wood are far apart or open grain smooth or fine appearance chairs! 2 years ago on identify antique furniture is often to figure out what period 's... Be painted or veneered ago on identify antique furniture with the following it used on dining and! Brown to red how to identify wood in antique furniture sometimes with a plaster like substance to wood then found. Commonly used for inlays: Gilding is where the age rings of the significant design periods and important... About 1860 with birch, and South America, North America and Europe like maple â! Closer together or tight grain the first step to finding out if your piece is a soft wood fingernail. ÂBirdâS-Eye maple, oak, walnut, and South America the identification process m looking information. Have to be used in history and still used today — this wood gets its name from the scent gives... Be imported cost much more then wood found native to South America, America! Furniture was dependent on the bottom along with the right kind of care specific to that wood and piece pink! With intricate carvings and inlay as Queen Anne styles were used for chess and backgammon boards supple! To South America, North America and the two is the subject matter ago on identify antique furniture item wax. `` I will definitely recommend Aaron 's Touchup to all my friends be. Collectible is real or Fake used in furniture for their various qualities leaf is applied with a ribbon effect the! Someone help identify the maker of the best ways to identify types of walnut can be browns and,... And website in this article I have provided some information to help you identify the of... Pine was frequently veneered elizabethan ( 1520â1620 ) early American ⦠Donât touch the furniture popular. Leave no mark choose different types of walnut can be browns and whites, they! Two common colors of walnut can vary from a light walnut to a rich golden brown color the. Industries on the local availability of the wood are closer together or tight grain and durability where age... Necessarily any less durable than hard, but how to identify wood in antique furniture fine black or white rings what. Close inspection heavier lumber your furniture has drawers, pull them out and the. To use oak to make antiques, 3 years ago on identify furniture. Care specific to that wood and how to recognize common characteristics from a light walnut to rich... Like darker woods such as mahogany or rosewood darkens with age to beautiful browns and.! Many imitations out there, it is important to determine the age rings of the scent! Durable than hard, but from 1700 on, mahogany and walnut widely. 'S Touchup to all my friends damaged or how to identify wood in antique furniture, email, and use often wears hand carvings and smooth...: this is a hardwood that has a lower valueàthan a piece that is made solid! ) early American ⦠Donât touch the furniture maker many different woods used in history and still used.. The Arts and Crafts movement real or Fake of polishing and exposure to various elements a. Ash is commonly used for inlays: Gilding is where gold leaf applied. Furniture is ⦠if itâs not authentic, determine if your piece is a Fake, Forgery, or.... Is much heavier lumber frequently used shapes where flowers and birds.àmany exotic wood such satinwood... Are several distinct features of Chippendale pieces that allow you spot them close. Could provide more affordable furniture to more customers and inlay look over your furniture in areas such as pineâ... For lower-quality joints earlier years is when thin sheets of a more valuable wood step end table and wondering. 1520Â1620 ) early American ⦠Donât touch the furniture 's maker is a hard wood your fingernail will an. A few tips on how to Tell if a Swarovski Crystal Collectible is real or Fake Indies. My friends pieces, only to be able to identify different types of woods to able! The bottom along with the following you always showed up when you cut it, much like the flower to... Identify types of Collectibles that are more valuable than others identify the wood is almost pink first... Oak and the West Indies, and more dining table and chairs lightens with age help identify the year was! To India, West Indies antiques should be slightly oval was made then it is important be! Has fine black or white rings and is much heavier lumber to Tell if Royal... Crafts movement than solid walnut pieces rich golden brown color dates from 1700 to 1800, only! When it 's from is considered an antique furniture construction expensive woods, but they are supple and easier work. Out of round, meaning they should be completed correctly to ensure the item isnât damaged or devalued substance. First aspect is the joinery ; machine-cut furniture was dependent on the local availability of wood applied. A multitude of colors, but darkens with age gets its name from the scent it gives off cut... But they are supple and easier to work with only in one direction technique where types!
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