Singapore’s tropical climate presents a unique set of challenges and considerations when it comes to buying wooden furniture. The high humidity and consistent warmth can take a toll on natural materials. Here’s what to look out for to ensure your wooden furniture stands the test of time.
A) Recommended Solid Wood Types For Wooden Furniture In Singapore
Solid wood furniture is furniture made entirely from natural wood boards or planks, rather than engineered or composite materials like plywood, MDF (medium-density fiberboard), or particleboard.
The defining characteristic of solid wood furniture is that every part of the piece, excluding hardware and upholstery, is made from whole pieces of wood.
1. Teak
Teakwood is considered the gold choice for furniture in tropical countries like Singapore. Teak contains natural oils that serve as a protective barrier, repelling insects, such as termites, and providing a high degree of resistance to moisture, decay, and fungal attacks.
This oil content also ensures that Teak furniture does not easily warp, crack, or split when exposed to moisture, making it exceptionally durable for both indoor and outdoor use
2. Oak
Known for its strength, durability and resistance to warping and mold, oak can be a good option for humid environments, particularly the white oak species, which is more water-resistant than red oak.
Oak is valued for its attractive grain patterns, light to medium brown color, and high resistance to wear and moisture. Commonly used in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry, oak offers both strength and timeless style. It’s versatile, easy to work with, and ages beautifully, making it a popular choice for long-lasting, classic furniture pieces.
3. Mahogany
This classic hardwood is prized for its rich colour, fine grain and durability, offering good resistance to decay. It is dense and less porous, which helps it resist swelling and shrinking caused by humidity fluctuations.
Mahogany is a top choice for high-end furniture and cabinetry.Valued for its elegance and workability, mahogany combines beauty with strength, though it is relatively expensive compared to other woods.
4. Chengal
A dense and heavy hardwood native to Southeast Asia, Chengal is highly resistant to termites and fungal attacks, making it an excellent local choice.
It features a rich golden-brown hue that deepens with age, making it ideal for high-quality furniture, flooring, and outdoor structures. Though heavy and costly, Chengal’s longevity and timeless beauty make it a valuable choice for lasting craftsmanship.
5. Acacia
Acacia is a strong, durable hardwood widely used for furniture thanks to its natural water resistance, attractive grain, and affordability compared to teak or mahogany.
It’s suitable for both indoor and outdoor use (if properly treated) and offers a warm, elegant look. While heavy and requiring occasional maintenance, acacia is a sustainable, versatile choice for long-lasting furniture.
B) Other Wood Types Used To Make Wooden Furniture In Singapore
1. Rubberwood
Often marketed as a more affordable and eco-friendly alternative, Rubberwood (or Hevea wood) is a sustainable choice as it is harvested from rubber tree plantations after their latex-producing life cycle has ended.
However, it is a perishable wood that is susceptible to insect and fungal attacks and requires extensive chemical treatment to ensure proper sealing and finishing.
Rubberwood has a light, uniform color and a smooth grain, making it easy to work with and ideal for furniture, especially budget-friendly pieces.
2. Pine, Cedar And Other Softwoods
While more affordable, softwoods are generally less dense and more susceptible to scratches, dents, and moisture damage. They are used for making affordable and lightweight furniture.
C) The Different Engineered Wood Types For Furniture In Singapore
Engineered wood furniture is made from wood-based materials that are manufactured by binding or layering wood fibers, veneers, or particles with adhesives, rather than using solid wood throughout.
1. Particleboard
Made from wood chips, sawmill shavings, and sawdust, all bonded together with resin. Particleboard is at the lower end of the quality spectrum and is the most affordable type of engineered wood.
2. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
Created by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, combining them with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels under high temperature and pressure.
MDF has become incredibly popular in furniture making because of its smooth, consistent surface that is free of knots and grain patterns.
3. Plywood
Constructed from thin layers, or “plies,” of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another.
Plywood is often considered the superior engineered wood due to its exceptional strength and durability.
4. Veneer Furniture
This type of furniture has a core of engineered wood (like MDF or particleboard) with a very thin slice of real wood glued to the surface to give it the appearance of solid wood.
D) How To Choose High Quality Wooden Furniture
1. Choose The Right Wood
The tropical humidity in Singapore presents a specific challenge for wood. Look for woods with a high natural oil content, such as Teak, which have an inherent resistance to moisture, decay, and pests.
Solid Wood vs. Veneer Furniture: Be clear about what you are buying. To identify solid wood, look for a consistent grain pattern on all sides of a tabletop or panel. With veneers, you might see a thin layer of wood glued to a different core material. While high-quality veneers exist, solid wood is generally more durable and can be refinished
2. Inspect For Quality
The durability of a piece of furniture is not solely determined by the type of wood used. A primary indicator of superior craftsmanship is the use of traditional joinery techniques, which are meticulously crafted to enhance a piece’s strength and durability.
The use of respected traditional joinery techniques like dovetail, dowel or mortise and tenon, ensures a piece can withstand stress and last for generations. Such joinery techniques are far more durable than furniture held together with just glue, nails or staples.
3. Assess The Finish
The finish applied to wooden furniture is its first and most important line of defense against Singapore’s moisture and day-to-day wear. A high-quality finish should be smooth, consistent, and free of imperfections such as bubbles, drips, or rough spots, which indicates a precise application.
Different finishes offer different levels of protection and require varying degrees of maintenance:
- Varnished or Lacquered Finish: These finishes provide a clear, hard protective layer that enhances the wood’s natural beauty while offering excellent resistance to moisture and scratches. They generally require less frequent maintenance but may discolour over time.
- Natural Finish: A natural finish showcases the wood’s inherent grain and colour, offering a timeless aesthetic. However, it requires a significant commitment to regular oiling or waxing to maintain its beauty and protect it from humidity.
- Painted Finish: While providing a modern, versatile look by completely covering the grain, a painted finish can be prone to chipping or scratching, which may limit its suitability for high-traffic areas.
5. Feel the Weight
A simple test of a piece’s quality is its weight. Furniture made from solid, dense hardwood will feel substantial and heavy, indicating a robust and durable construction. Lightweight pieces may be a sign of lower-quality, engineered materials.