Oak or ash - which is better for parquet boards
Oak and ash are most often used in the production of parquet boards. These traditional woods are classic materials for durable and aesthetically pleasing flooring. But what is better to choose: ash or oak? This question is often asked by buyers.
Or maybe exotic is better?
Some parquet connoisseurs recommend making an alternative choice: ordering flooring from an exotic species. Nowadays such wood is very popular and in demand. Parquet boards with a top layer of rosewood, teak, merbau, mahogany, wenge, iroko and other exotic species are distinguished by their rare beauty, durability, and increased resistance to moisture and temperature changes. But it is quite difficult to advise choosing these species instead of oak or ash. Firstly, there are people who prefer restrained European classics rather than bright tropical luxury. Secondly, flooring made from rare exotic species is very expensive, while oak and ash are much more affordable.
Therefore, for those who are interested in these two traditional breeds, we will name the characteristics of each of them.
Advantages:
- The density of oak wood is on average 750 kg/m3. Wood has high moisture resistance, so oak parquet boards can even be laid on a balcony or loggia, in the kitchen and bathroom. Wood is highly resistant to rot, mold and mildew.
- Oak hardness according to Brinell is 3.7. This is a high indicator with which the hardness of other rocks is usually compared. Withstands heavy loads. In order to damage an oak parquet board, you need to try very hard.
- Oak wood has many beautiful shades, both dark and light. Noble smooth texture. Oak parquet fits into almost any style and color scheme.
- The tree withstands various types of processing well. With the help of tinting, bleaching, staining, and brushing, an oak board can be turned into a masterpiece of design art.
Flaws:
- Such a valuable quality of oak as high hardness can sometimes be a disadvantage. Laying oak parquet is a rather labor-intensive process. Therefore, if you do not have special skills, we recommend that you seek the services of a professional.
Ash
Advantages:
- The density of ash is 700 kg/m3. This is very close to the value of oak (750 kg/m3). The wood is durable and resistant to negative influences.
- The hardness of ash is even higher than that of oak - 4.1. This parquet can withstand maximum loads. Suitable for large formal spaces where a high performance floor is needed.
- Ash has higher elasticity than oak. Withstands various processing methods. Ash parquet is easier to install than oak.
- It has a wide range of expressive warm shades. Ash has sunnier and brighter tones than oak. The texture of ash is coarser. Over time, the wood darkens; we recommend taking this property into account when choosing a color.
Flaws:
- Ash is less resistant to changes in temperature and humidity than oak. Does not like direct exposure to moisture and is more susceptible to mold. It is better not to install ash parquet boards in the bathroom, kitchen or balcony. More delicate ash wood dries out when overheated. Therefore, it is necessary to maintain an optimal temperature level in the room.
Conclusion
Both species - oak and ash - are excellent materials for making parquet boards. Their cost is approximately the same, both breeds have high performance properties. The choice between them depends on the specific tasks and conditions of the room, as well as personal aesthetic preferences.
Bottom line. Which is better, depending on the purpose of the table?
When choosing a type of wood for a solid table, you should take into account financial capabilities, the functional load of the product and its location. For rooms with high humidity, as well as for the kitchen/dining table, choose solid oak, beech or Hevea. Ash, walnut, wenge or larch are suitable for a desk or computer desk. The coffee table can be made of pine; it is not used too often and is not subject to heavy loads or mechanical stress.
Despite the fairly high cost of tables made of valuable wood, by purchasing such a product on our website in the solid wood tables section, you are making a long-term investment in the interior, which acquires sophistication and durability.
You can choose an option from the catalog or send your sketch, and we will make a unique table for you, including unusual design options.
We work with the following materials: solid beech, oak or ash. We provide painting, gilding, patination (artificial aging), varnishing and protective materials, and other types of processing.
Types of wood for the kitchen
Oak facades are very popular, since this tree is a hardwood. Oak fibers are characterized by a clear pattern. Solid oak is the best option if the cost suits you.
Wood colors:
- Light colors (bleached oak) are suitable for various styles;
- Red shades, which are quite rare;
- Brown oak colors are used for classic and country kitchen models.
The Warsaw project is made of natural solid wood. Color: bleached oak and silver patina. Size: 5 m. Price: $4730.
In ash wood, the fibers are arranged in smooth lines. This natural pattern is suitable for most interior styles, with the exception of avant-garde trends. The texture of this wood is deep and quite large; after painting, the expressiveness of the material is preserved. Due to the high level of elasticity, bent parts of the headset can be made from ash.
Kitchen set from the Geos Ideal factory made of ash. White color. Price: $3700. More photos of this kitchen
Kitchen made of solid ash. Front color: brown ash with walnut patina. Size: 3.7 m. Price: $4310.
Beech is comparable in strength characteristics to oak. The beautiful natural shade of wood allows you to use the material in its original form without changing the color. Sometimes solid beech wood is given a tone.
Walnut is often used to make decorative carved elements.
Alder, cherry and pine are used to create kitchen facades, but much less frequently. In terms of strength properties, these species are inferior to oak, ash and beech.
Characteristics of oak stairs
The wood of this tree is an excellent material for construction and making crafts. It is highly reliable and durable. Properly processed oak boards are resistant to rotting and, after special treatment, are used for installation in rooms with any level of humidity.
Texture
Oak boards are characterized by a large texture with clearly defined annual layers, heart-shaped rays resembling flames, with dark strokes. The wood of young trees has a grayish-brown tint, but changes with age and becomes yellowish-brown.
The sapwood of oak is quite thick, it has less strength and hardness. The properties of wood are largely determined by growing conditions. The texture and color of wood varies, this allows you to satisfy the taste of any customer.
Advantages and disadvantages
A staircase made from high-quality oak boards will last for centuries.
Positive aspects of an oak staircase:
- durability;
- strength;
- wear resistance;
- high aesthetic qualities;
- the ability to create a structure of any shape.
The main disadvantage of oak stairs is the high cost of the material. Regular treatment of the stairs with protective compounds will be necessary, but this requirement applies to any type of wood.
Which solid wood is best to choose from for a kitchen?
Not all tree species are suitable for the production of kitchen furniture. Constant temperature changes, evaporation, and mechanical loads require certain quality characteristics from the material.
The most suitable tree species for such furniture are those with high density, such as oak, beech, and cherry. In second place are ash, alder, birch and pine.
- Kitchen made of solid oak. An excellent investment in a family that emphasizes stability, status, comfort and reliability. Oak is the most durable material, so furniture made from it is not subject to deformation and will last for decades. An oak kitchen can become a real family heirloom. The most suitable style for this material is classic. A countertop made of natural stone will look most harmonious in a solid oak kitchen.
- Beech kitchen. Beech is another of the most popular wood species for furniture production. It is durable, easy to maintain, and can be tinted in any color. The texture of the wood does not have pronounced characteristic rings - it is smooth and will fit into any interior.
- Alder kitchen. This breed is moisture resistant and resistant to mechanical stress. Alder has a light warm color. Facades can be made in any style from classic to high-tech.
- Pine kitchen. Furniture made from this species is attractive primarily for its cost - an excellent option for those who want to have furniture made of natural wood, but cannot afford a set of elite species. Pine is actively used in our country for the production of furniture, so its processing technology in Russia is at a high level. Pine has antibacterial properties and is hypoallergenic - furniture made from this material is recommended for people prone to allergic reactions.
Solid wood table. Beech, oak, pine, ash, hevea, wenge or walnut? Pros and cons of different breeds.
Nowadays, there are many materials for making tables: laminated chipboard, MDF, steel, stone, glass, plastic.
They all have their advantages and disadvantages, but the most popular, high-quality material that never goes out of style is wood. However, the array can be different. Which breed should I choose? What are the pros and cons of the most popular tree varieties? More on this below. Solid wood has undeniable advantages over other raw materials. Namely:
- Environmental friendliness, absence of harmful fumes, beneficial effect on human well-being and mood.
- High wear resistance. Furniture made from natural wood will last for many years and can be restored if necessary.
- Good compatibility with other materials. A solid wood table looks harmonious not only in a classic interior, but also in a modern setting.
- Solid appearance. Wooden tables look expensive and often become the main item in the room.
How to care for wooden utensils
- Hot water and soapy water will help remove the smell and food residues. Apply it to a sponge and wipe the dishes with it, then rinse the product with water.
- Remember that you cannot wash wooden items in the dishwasher, or use chemicals such as washing powders or gels to clean them.
- To get rid of bacteria and odors, wipe your dishes with alcohol once a month.
- If the product has darkened or been stained by vegetable juice, hydrogen peroxide will help restore the color. Soak a soft cloth in the solution, wipe the dishes and leave them for 15 minutes. Then rinse with water.
- Wooden items should be stored vertically and away from sources of moisture and heat, such as radiators and stoves.
- If mold appears on the surface, vinegar will help. Dilute 2 spoons in warm water and wipe the dishes. Then wash it with warm soapy water.
- Once a month, wipe the dishes with a special oil for wood care. The product will preserve the appearance of the product and also protect it from drying out and waterlogging. The oil has a natural composition and is safe for health.
Types of array and their characteristics
Taking into account the truly huge assortment, it would take a long time to describe absolutely all types of trees that are used for furniture production. We will focus only on those that are especially popular in the domestic market.
Traditionally considered one of the most durable, reliable and expensive durum varieties. It can be found in various colors: whitish, yellowish-brown, with a gray or slightly green tint. The main advantages are that it dries well, does not deform, lends itself well to painting with paints and varnishes, and is not subject to deformation due to temperature fluctuations and rotting. Convenient to process, because glues well, sands, drills.
Oak is an excellent option for all types of furniture and can be used to make interior items that are subject to daily stress. However, due to some bulkiness, oak products are suitable only for spacious and bright rooms.
In our catalog you can see solid oak kitchens of various designs.
Ash
In terms of its properties, ash is practically not inferior to oak, having high strength and elasticity, but it has an even lighter shade and does not have heart-shaped rays. It is often used in its natural form, since after staining the color becomes grayish. It lends itself well to drying and does not crack, has good bending ability when steamed and therefore allows you to create stunning interior items with a unique design, but is difficult to manually process due to its increased viscosity.
The only disadvantage worth noting is that it can be located in dry rooms, since it reacts poorly to high humidity. Has a tendency to be damaged by wormholes if the products are not treated with an antiseptic.
Modern and classic kitchens made of solid ash can become one of the most favorite places in the house.
Linden is also especially popular. Despite the fact that its density is of an average level, furniture makers love it very much for its extraordinary plasticity and softness, uniform pattern and impeccable cream color.
It is convenient to work with linden both in terms of production itself and restoration using sanding; it is easy to install and does not lose its properties for many years. Thanks to its durable structure, it is often used to make a variety of furniture, including exclusive linden kitchen models, since it is very convenient to process both on a machine and by hand.
Birch
Birch wood is a hard wood and has a medium density. It is easy to work with, lends itself well to gluing and painting, but it shrinks greatly when drying and is prone to deformation and rotting. For this reason, it is rarely used for making furniture, but quite often as finishing materials, because... it perfectly imitates valuable wood species.
The greatest demand is for Karelian birch, which has a pinkish or white-yellow tint, and is often used as veneer in combination with other species. Due to the external similarity of the texture to marble (speckled surface), very interesting patterns are obtained, which allows you to create a magnificent design for kitchen sets made of birch.
Cherry)
Fine-grained cherry wood is a medium-sized species, characterized by good strength, flexibility, and impact resistance. It is easy to process with cutting tools, adheres well, and can be sanded and polished.
It is difficult to make large products from it due to problems with choosing the appropriate size, but it is often used as veneer and for the production of small interior items from cherry.
Classic kitchens made from solid cherry will add a fresh touch to any interior.
Red Alder
Alder is characterized by medium hardness and density, uniformity of structure, has a beautiful pattern, and its color varies from light yellow to brown-red.
Furniture manufacturers value it for its lightness, softness, moderate hygroscopicity and excellent technological properties that allow it to create interesting designs - it is easy to cut, glue, polish, and paint. Owners of alder furniture note other advantages, for example, the absence of odor and the ability not to absorb foreign aroma.
When choosing a kitchen set or any other furniture, it is very important to immediately take into account the type of wood. Evaluate the factors that will subsequently influence it (humidity, loads, temperature, etc.) to reduce the risk of possible problems during operation. And, of course, be sure to consult with the manufacturer - this will guarantee that your future furniture will last as long as possible.
Source
What is a furniture panel
To understand the choice of a tabletop made of solid wood, you need to understand that in industrial production, tabletops are not hollowed out from a solid tree trunk. Although we look at the photo for an example of such a tabletop. Solid wood countertops are made from furniture panels.
A furniture panel is a structure glued together from natural wooden slats using various technological methods.
A shield glued together from solid wide boards is called one-piece lamella . Lamella is a term applied to plates.
A board made from joined wide boards is called a finger-jointed board with a closed mini-tenon.
A board glued together from narrow joined boards is called a face-glued board.
As you can see from their drawings of panel designs, the best option for a tabletop would be a panel with a minimum number of joints, that is, a solid lamella panel.
How to choose a kitchen yourself?
If you don’t want to contact professional designers, you can do all the work of measuring, selecting and arranging the kitchen unit yourself. So. Take measurements. Accurately measure the lengths of the walls, the distance between the window sill and the floor, the height of the ceilings, and write down the obtained values.
Decide for yourself how much furniture you will buy, how best to arrange it in the space, what household appliances you will use and where to place them.
Draw your own project. It is not difficult. Use specialized programs or a piece of graph paper. Transfer the dimensions of the room onto it and place cabinets, a sink, a hob, a refrigerator, etc. on the plan. If the kitchen is small, it is better to place the set at an angle to make it more spacious.
When the project is ready, decide on the style of the kitchen set. Consider the fact that it must be combined with the overall style of the interior. Agree with family members so that everyone agrees on one option.
Decide on the price you are willing to pay for purchasing a kitchen. Since it will be developed according to an individual project, its price will automatically be higher. Of course, you can try to find a ready-made set that fits the size of your room and save money. But if you can't do this, use the tips above to save money.
Ash
The main characteristic feature of this wood is a considerable gradation of shades from very light to dark brown. Thanks to its high strength, ash can withstand heavy loads without deforming even when heavy objects fall onto the surface. Such an array is not prone to distortion, is resistant to moisture, and has good wear resistance. Due to the bright pattern and beautiful wood texture, solid ash can be used in various interior styles (classic, modern, high-tech, etc.)
Manufacturing of stairs
Our company will produce a wooden staircase of any size and design according to your order.
Below are approximate prices for the production of an open staircase with a flight width of 1000 mm, having 5 rises 1 m high, made of oak and ash.
Type of stairs | Price of oak stairs, rub. | Price of ash stairs, rub. |
Straight | 170000 | 155000 |
L-shaped with winder steps | 275000 | 245000 |
L-shaped with platform | 270000 | 255000 |
U-shaped with winder steps | 300000 | 285000 |
U-shaped with platform | 320000 | 305000 |
Goose step | 150000 | 135000 |
Circular | 250000 | 235000 |
Stair cladding made of a different material | 170000 | 155000 |
Caring for a natural wood countertop
Wood is a material perfectly adapted to everyday life; it is environmentally friendly and resistant to damage. In addition, oil impregnation and varnish create additional protection on the surface of the countertop.
Of course, you shouldn’t test a wooden tabletop with fire. But if you accidentally spill wine or juice on the surface, it’s okay, just wipe it with a damp cloth or microfiber cloth.
By the way, it is strictly not recommended to use wet rags - even elite wood can begin to swell.
A slightly damp cloth is the ideal material for wiping a wooden tabletop. It is also recommended to use special products for the care of wooden surfaces.
Main characteristics of wood species
For a competent approach to choosing a tree, several fundamental reasons should be taken into account:
- strength;
- hardness;
- hygroscopicity;
- wear resistance;
- hardness;
- impact strength;
- resistance to deformation.
The main aspects when choosing are density (low, medium, high) and hardness (super-hard, hard, soft). Hardwoods are considered the most reliable and durable, although with proper processing and excellent production, furniture can be made from different species. For example, soft varieties are comfortable to work with and produce a beautiful design, although they do not differ in wear resistance and are susceptible to scratches. Compacted wood is more difficult to process and openwork carvings have to be done by hand, which means it costs significantly more, but it lasts for centuries.
Every tree has its own unique characteristics, and you need to know about them before choosing one or another typeface.
Ash
Minuses:
Does not tolerate constant humidity very well. Better than beech, but still, if you expect a service life of more than five years, it is better to choose something else for bathroom furniture, such as oak, larch or pine.
Pros:
High density, like ash - 690 kg/m3, this makes it an ideal material for dining table tops and work tables.
Minuses:
High cost, relative to other breeds under consideration. The cost of an oak countertop is 14,200 rubles.
Requirements for wood for making stairs
In order for the design to be reliable, durable, and beautiful, the material must have the following properties:
- homogeneous structure;
- absence of rot and defeat;
- permissible humidity level;
- environmental safety;
- hardness;
- ease of processing.
It is very important to choose the right wood for the construction. Different breeds have different properties. Oak and ash wood is often used to make stairs.