Basic Material Knowledge

About types of wood and leather

Whether industrially manufactured or lovingly handcrafted – all furniture pieces have one thing in common: they are made from a specific material. To truly value and care for your unique pieces, it's helpful to know what kind of wood they are made from. Below is a brief overview of the wood and leather types most commonly used in furniture production.

Acacia

Acacia wood is very hard and durable, making it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use. It has a warm, reddish hue and a fine grain. When buying furniture, pay close attention to the product description, as "acacia" often refers to black locust, a related species.

Cherry

Cherry wood is medium-hard with a rich, reddish-brown tone. It typically has a wavy grain and fine texture. Due to its excellent workability, it is often used for solid furniture, parquet flooring, or veneers. However, it is not weather-resistant and is sensitive to fungi and insects, making it less suitable for outdoor use.

Oak

Oak is robust and weather-resistant, with a beautiful fine-grained pattern and a warm tone. Its hard surface structure resists wear, fungi, and insects. However, it can develop cracks fairly easily. Proper care is key to maintaining oak furniture, floors, and veneers for the long term.

Birch

Birch is a native European hardwood. While solid, it is also flexible and thus less load-bearing. Its light yellow-white tone and soft wave-like grain give it a gentle appearance. Common uses include veneers, parquet, or solid wood furniture.

Walnut

Walnut is a mid-weight and premium wood, appreciated for its dark brown to grey-black tones and fine grain. It adds an elegant touch to any space. While relatively hard, it is not weatherproof. Walnut is mainly used for solid furniture, interior fittings and veneers.

Teak

Teak is one of the most durable types of wood, perfect for outdoor use. Its golden-brown color and uniform structure give it a classy and inviting look. If used outdoors, it should be re-oiled regularly to maintain its appearance.

Suede leather

Suede has a soft, velvety surface and a matte look. It is sensitive to environmental factors and should be protected with a waterproofing treatment. However, care products that alter the surface are not suitable.

Smooth leather

Smooth leather typically has a slightly glossy and even surface. It’s a popular material for furniture and fashion due to its durability and attractive look – especially when properly cared for.

Artificial leather

Artificial leather is made from synthetic materials. It’s a robust and animal-friendly alternative that mimics the look and feel of real leather. However, it tends to build up static electricity more easily.