Your Step-by-Step Guide for Buying Oak Drawers

 The kind of wood you choose and the quality of the finish can really impact the lifespan of your furniture. Going for the right material ensures that your chest of drawers will hold up well over time. Solid oak drawers for instance are built to last, but also look very aesthetically pleasing.

source: livingelements.com.au

Pick Your Materials Wisely  

Wood Options and Their Traits  

When selecting the perfect wood for your chest of drawers, there are plenty of factors to think about. It’s not just about aesthetics; you also need to consider durability, strength, your budget, the type of wood, and even how eco-friendly it is. Let’s break down these aspects to get a better understanding.  
Different wood types come with their own distinct features that influence their appearance, longevity, and ease of use. Here are some popular options:  

• Hardwood - sourced from trees like oak, maple, and walnut, hardwood is known for its strength and durability. It’s perfect for detailed designs and often showcases a stunning grain pattern.  
• Softwood - derived from trees like pine, cedar, and fir, softwood is simpler to work with. While it may not be as tough as hardwood, it’s budget-friendly and widely available.  
• Engineered Wood - this category includes materials like MDF, particleboard, and plywood. Engineered wood is cost-effective, easy to handle, and provides consistent strength throughout the product.  

Popular Wood Choices  

When it comes to picking wood for a chest of drawers, some of the top contenders are oak, maple, and walnut, thanks to their strength and good looks. On the flip side, pine, cedar, and fir are favourites for those on a budget and looking for something easy to find. Engineered woods like MDF, particleboard, and plywood are also popular because they’re affordable and simple to work with. Knowing the traits of each wood type can help you choose the best material for your chest of drawers.  

Hardwood  

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If you want something that’s durable, strong and has a classy vibe, hardwoods are the way to go. Oak, maple, and walnut are among the most popular choices for a chest of drawers, each bringing its own flair:  

• Oak - This wood is loved for its toughness, durability, and beautiful grain. It comes in two types: white oak (which is tough and rot-resistant) and red oak (which has stunning grain but isn’t as rot-resistant). If you’re after solid oak drawers in a traditional or rustic style, either type will do the trick. Oak wood drawers are built to last, often becoming family heirlooms. So, if you want something that can be passed down through generations, oak is a solid pick.  
• Maple - Known for its light, creamy hue, smooth feel, and impressive durability, maple has a subtle grain that fits well with various design styles. It’s perfect for a clean, modern look.  
• Walnut - This wood stands out with its deep, rich tones and intricate grain patterns. It’s also highly resistant to rot and decay, making it great for a chic and elegant atmosphere.  

Softwood

Softwoods like pine, cedar, and fir are popular for their affordability and unique charm. These woods come from evergreen trees and are called 'softwoods' because they’re easier to work with.  

• Pine - This wood is appreciated for its light yellow hue, unique knots, and its ability to resist shrinking and swelling. You can paint it, stain it, or leave it natural, giving you a lot of design choices.
• Cedar - This wood is not only durable and easy to handle, but it also has natural bug-repelling qualities. Its colour ranges from a light reddish-white to a rich reddish-brown, making it quite attractive.  
• Fir - Commonly referred to as Douglas Fir, this wood is budget-friendly and features a straight, noticeable grain. It's as strong as some hardwoods, which makes it a smart option.

Drawers vs Chests

There are basically two main types of furniture in this category: dressers and chests of drawers.
Dressers are designed for getting ready, featuring a long, wide top where you can lay out your clothes, and many come with a mirror attached. Chests, on the other hand, are all about maximizing storage.

• Gentleman’s Chest - a gentleman’s chest is a tall, wide piece that combines a cabinet section with drawers. The cabinet can have shelves or rods for hanging clothes or ties.
• Vertical Chest - this is your classic tall and narrow chest of drawers. It’s perfect for tight spaces since it uses vertical storage to save on floor area.
• Lingerie Chest - this tall, slim chest is designed for smaller items. As the name suggests, it’s ideal for undergarments, but it also works well for jewellery, makeup, and other little things.
• Combo Dresser - a combo dresser is usually quite spacious and features a mix of drawers and cabinets. The cabinets might include shelves or a rod for hanging clothes, making it a solid choice for storing oddly shaped items like outerwear.
• Horizontal Dresser - the horizontal dresser is your standard wide, mid-height dresser with plenty of tabletop space for decor, makeup, a TV, or whatever else you want! They typically have one or two rows of drawers and are great for rooms with a bit more space.
• Double Dresser - the double dresser is like the horizontal dresser’s bigger sibling. It’s generally wider, offering lots of storage in its large drawers, and often comes with a big mirror attached. This is ideal for larger rooms but can easily dominate a smaller space.