How to Choose the Best Wood Type for Your Furniture

Choosing furniture wood can feel like a guessing game. Maple, Oak, Walnut, Cherry and Pine are all beautiful, and all can last for years. The right one depends on how you live, not on which is “best” overall.

Instead of another wood-by-wood breakdown (we already have those, linked below), this guide gives you five questions to ask yourself. Answer them and you’ll know which wood suits your home, your budget and your style.

Need the specific basics first? Start with our simple guide to wood types for furniture, then come back here to narrow your choice.

Question 1: How hard will this piece work?

A dining table that hosts homework, holiday dinners and everyday life needs more toughness than a bedside table. Wood hardness is measured on the Janka scale, and these approximate values give you a quick guide:

• Hard Maple: about 1,450. Very tough, and a great choice for busy households.
• Red Oak: about 1,290. Strong, classic and forgiving.
• Walnut: about 1,010. Durable, with a softer feel than Maple or Oak.
• Cherry: about 950. Good for everyday use, and a little more likely to show dents.
• Eastern white Pine: about 380. The softest option, and it picks up character marks over time.

Rule of thumb: for heavy-use pieces like dining tables, kitchen islands and desks, lean toward Maple or Oak. For lower-traffic pieces like nightstands, cabinets and bookcases, you have more freedom to choose on looks.

Soft doesn’t mean weak. A well-built Pine piece can last for decades. It will simply show life’s bumps sooner, which some people love.

Question 2: What look do you want?

Each wood has its own colour and grain, and this is often what makes the final decision.

• Light and clean (Maple): a smooth, even grain that suits modern and Scandinavian rooms, and works well in condos.
• Bold and traditional (Oak): a visible grain pattern that suits classic, farmhouse and transitional homes.
• Rich and luxurious (Walnut): deep chocolate tones that make a statement.
• Warm and elegant (Cherry): a fine grain and reddish-brown glow that deepens beautifully with age.
• Casual and rustic (Pine): a light, friendly look with natural knots, popular for farmhouse and cottage styles.
• One-of-a-kind (wormy Maple): natural markings and character in every board.

Still torn? Our Maple vs. Oak vs. Pine vs. Cherry comparison puts the woods side by side.

Maple

Oak

Natural Oak Finish

Cherry

Natural Maple finish

Question 3: Will you stain it, paint it or keep it natural?

Finish changes which wood makes the most sense.

• Natural or light stain: show off the grain with Maple, Cherry, Walnut or Oak.
• Dark stain: Cherry and Walnut take rich colours well. Oak’s open grain stays visible even under dark stains, which many people love.
• Painted finish: Pine and Maple give a smooth, even surface.
• Matching existing furniture or floors: the same stain can look different on different woods, so ask to see samples before you decide.

If you like the idea of choosing your own colour, our unfinished furniture advantage guide explains how raw solid wood lets you get the finish exactly right. And if you’re updating a piece you already own, see our furniture refinishing in Toronto page.

Question 4: What’s your budget?

Wood species affects price, along with size, construction, finish and customization. As a general guide:

• Pine or Wormy Maple is typically the most affordable.
• Maple and Oak sit in the middle and offer excellent long-term value.
• Cherry and Walnut are usually the premium choices.

If you’re deciding between a slightly larger table in Maple and a smaller one in Walnut, remember that solid wood is an investment. It’s built to last for years, and it can be refinished when you’re ready for a change. To see why it’s worth it, read Solid Wood vs. Veneer Furniture: What Is the Difference?

Question 5: How do you want it to age?

Solid wood changes gracefully over time, and each species does it a little differently.

• Cherry gradually deepens in colour.
• Pine develops a rustic patina and collects character marks.
• Maple and Oak stay steadier and hold their look.
• Walnut mellows with light exposure.

Any solid wood will last longer with good care, so keep our furniture care guide handy after delivery.

Which wood suits which piece?

Use this as a starting point. Because our furniture is made to order, you can always choose a different wood from the one shown.

Choosing wood for a condo or design project

Condo owners and interior designers often need a piece to fit exact dimensions and a specific look. That’s where custom work helps. Naked Furniture can be built to custom sizes, stains and designs, so you can pick a lighter Maple for a small space or a statement Walnut for a feature piece. If you’re specifying furniture for a client, our team can help you match wood, finish and size to the project.

Quick cheat sheet

• Busy family with young kids: hard Maple or Oak
• Modern, light-filled condo: Maple
• Luxury, statement dining room: Walnut or Cherry
• Farmhouse or cottage feel: Pine or Oak
• Want to choose your own colour: Maple or Pine, stained or painted
• Tight budget with lasting quality: Pine, Oak or Maple

See the woods in person

Photos help, but wood and stain are best judged in person. Visit us in Etobicoke to compare species and finishes side by side. Because each piece is custom-made in Canada (typically 6–8 weeks), it’s worth settling on the wood before you order. We’ll walk you through your options, with no pressure. Every piece comes with a 5-year manufacturer warranty, and we offer GTA delivery and setup.

Browse our solid wood dining furniture

Visit our showroom or request a custom quote

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best wood for furniture that lasts?
Hard Maple and Oak are excellent for long-lasting furniture because they’re dense and durable. Walnut and Cherry also last for many years with proper care.

Is Maple or Oak better for a dining table?
Both are great. Maple has a smoother, more modern look, while Oak has a bolder grain and a classic feel. Either handles daily family use well.

Which wood is best for kids or a busy household?
Hard Maple and Oak are the toughest options. Pine also works well if you’re happy for it to develop a lived-in look, and it can be repainted later.

Does the same stain look the same on every wood?
No. Grain, density and natural colour change how a stain looks, so the same colour can look quite different on Maple, Oak or Pine. Ask to see samples on the wood you’re considering.

Can I choose a different wood for any piece?
In most cases, yes. Many of our pieces can be made in your choice of wood, size, stain and finish. Ask our team about your specific piece.

Can I return furniture if I change my mind about the wood?
Because every piece is made to order for you, we don’t offer returns or exchanges. That’s why we encourage you to review the wood, finish and dimensions with us before confirming.

Is solid wood furniture worth the higher price?
For most people, yes. Solid wood lasts longer than veneer or particle board, and it can be refinished or repaired instead of replaced. See our solid wood vs. veneer guide for more detail.