Antique pine furniture and reproductions

Submitted by analogik
Sun, 4 Jan 2009





A favorite for many centuries, the exclusive appearance of this knotty, light-colored timber has set itself graciously apart from darker and more traditional woods. Known as “pine,” this material has been, and still is, frequently used to build beautiful and comfortable furniture. These distinct pieces are repeatedly chosen by select decorators to give many rooms a preferred casual, rustic or country-style feel.
When purchasing pine furniture, take the various types of pine into consideration. Be it spruce, white pine, or fir, today, one can buy virtually any type of furniture in any of the various pine varieties. When at the shop, check the number of stains and colors which are presented and consider how they will fit in your home or office decor. Pay attention to the true character of the grain and verify that the wood is well preserved.
In the world of antique pine woodworking, many furniture builders will salvage the aged lumber from demolition sites, large-scale renovations, or larger furniture pieces that are beyond restoration. This means that, even if your Welsh dresser was only recently constructed, the storage unit may still be considered an antique, and almost as valuable as an original, dating back to the nineteenth century. In this case, the word “reproduction” may be subjective, and imply that the item may be a “look-alike,” rather than a “fake”.
Like with all natural wood, both new and antique pine furniture must be well maintained. The soft wood has a malleable texture and is easily susceptible to dents or scratches. Even if your furniture piece already contains obvious natural imperfections, which you may feel adds character you definitely do not want to add additional damage. Polish, wax or lacquer pine furniture when damaged or slightly discolored, and protect it by using general wood care products for daily maintenance. Furthermore, keep your furniture away from windows and vents, and try to avoid extreme temperatures, or lingering exposure to moisture. Taking good care of your timeless and original furniture pieces will keep them in fantastic shape, and will allow you to enjoy them for many years to come.



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