A lot of furniture today is made of wood composite or plastic, so it’s seen as more of a disposable asset—meaning you buy it now, keep it a few years, and then toss it. Real wood furniture, however, is built to last and designed to stay in the family for generations, with no major updates or maintenance required. Check out this guide to learn how long real wood furniture lasts.
How long wooden furniture can last
Solid wood furniture lasts an average of 10 to 15 years before it starts to show signs of aging, such as fading or cracking. However, there’s a difference between regular wood furniture and heirloom-quality wood furniture. Heirloom-quality handmade wood furniture should last more than a lifetime. In fact, it can last for decades if properly maintained. This type of wood furniture is more likely to reach the “antique” milestone, meaning it can last 100 years or more.
How to ensure wood furniture will last a long time
Taking good care of your wood furniture is key to helping it last a long time. Dust it regularly, and make sure to wax it often. Wax protects the wood from scratches by giving it a thin layer of extra protection. If you have handmade or custom-made wooden furniture, be sure to ask the makers which cleaning practices are best for the specific type of wood and furniture piece. Try to keep the wood furniture out of prolonged direct sunlight, as this can cause the color of the wood to fade—whether it’s finished and stained or a raw wood material.
The type and quality of wood, the amount of use the furniture sees, and the regularity of care and maintenance will determine how long your wood furniture ultimately lasts. Check out Vintage Mill Werks’ collection of heirloom-quality solid wood furniture for a lasting piece for your home.