When it comes to building furniture, you have three popular wood choices. However, choosing the right wood means weighing the unique qualities of oak vs. walnut vs. maple. This classic trio offers distinct aesthetics, durability, and price points, making the decision anything but simple.
Our detailed comparison breaks down everything you need to know about these popular hardwoods. It’ll help you select the perfect material to match your style, budget, and lifestyle.
So, without any further ado, let’s get started.
1. Hardness Levels
Let’s start with the hardness levels. Oak is a classic hardwood known for its strength and durability. You will generally find both types, red and white oak, being used in furniture.
Red oak has a hardness rating of 1290, while white oak stands even harder at 1360. You can surely trust Oak if you are aiming for heavy-duty furniture. It’s definitely going to last for decades.
If you’re into something more luxurious, with a rich color, walnut should be your pick. You get a deep chocolate brown that catches the eye of the admirer. But its hardness rating is 1010, making it softer than oak or maple. So, it’s more likely to oxidize over time.
Unlike walnut, maple is an incredibly dense and strong wood. You will appreciate its remarkable hardness if you’re opting for larger sofas and tables.
Your children and pets won’t be able to scratch and dent it easily. It tops the chart with a hardness rating of 1450. Also, this makes it perfect for your kitchen cabinets and floors, too.
2. Grain and Appearance
Next, let’s compare the grains and appearance of each of these woods. Well, oak’s grain is really prominent and has strong patterns with striking lines called “rays. If you want your furniture to make a bold statement in your room, this wood is definitely your friend.
On the contrary, walnut’s grain is typically straighter and more elegant. You get a deeply satisfying, rich, chocolaty color. It offers a sophisticated and chic appearance that you will love watching.
Maple also has a very fine and consistent grain. You could get a smooth, shiny surface with maple. This is perfect if you’re looking for more of a contemporary style. Stunning “Birdseye” figures in this wood add an extra oomph without making your space too loud.
3. Moisture Resistance and Stability
Wood has a unique ability to change with the moisture in the weather. If you live near a beach or lakeside, you need stable wood to avoid warping or cracking in humidity. This is also crucial when choosing wood for your kitchen or bathroom projects.
Some woods, like white oak, handle moisture far better than others, so it’s your best bet for wet areas. You can even use it for outdoor furniture. However, red oak lacks this quality and isn’t a great choice around water. Spills can seep through, making it not ideal for wet spaces.
Walnut, too, has considerable stability against moisture. Still, while you can protect it with a quality finish, it is not something you should consider for outdoor furniture.
Unlike these two, maple can be tricky with humidity. Its tight grain makes it excellent for painting. You can make painted bookshelves, doors and furniture out of maple, but it’s not best to use it in areas where it can easily absorb moisture.
4. Cost and Availability
Your budget is a huge factor in deciding what wood would be perfect for you. You will find significant price differences between oak, walnut and maple.
For starters, Oak is widely available and very budget-friendly. You can source both types from most whole-house customization providers and building material suppliers. You get great value for your money, too, and it adds excellent value to your house.
Walnut is the most expensive option here. Wide and clear walnut boards are not easy to find. Moreover, the cost per board foot is higher than the other two.
Maple’s cost sits in the middle ground. Standard hard maple is more affordable than walnut. Let us put it this way: you get top hardness without paying top price.
5. Workability
How easily wood can be cut and shaped determines its workability. It affects the final cost and detail. So, if that’s your criterion of a good wood, Oak is quite strong and works with machines really well. Its open grain can sometimes tear out during planning, but it’s nothing you can’t fix with sharp tools and an experienced hand.
Similarly, walnut is a dream to work with when it comes to machines and hand tools. You get clean cuts and smooth surfaces out of walnut. It is less likely to chip or tear out while making.
Maple’s hardness, on the other hand, is nothing less than a double-edged sword. It provides amazing durability in finished furniture. But it can be tough on your tools. You need powerful machinery and patience. Since it’s difficult to work with, it could cost you more in the end.
6. Effects of Lighting
Lighting in your house certainly plays a great role in how your furniture looks. It can dramatically change your wood’s appearance. Therefore, if your room is flush with windows and skylights, you always need to consider that factor.
Woods like oak transform significantly under different lighting. You will see its strong grain become more pronounced. Although warm lighting can enhance its reddish or golden tones with cool lighting, you can mute its warmth for a modern look. Basically, you control how rustic it appears with your lighting.
Walnut is more of a chameleon in reacting to light. Its browns glow with red highlights. On the other hand, natural light can pull out its subtle grey hints. But you need to be careful when choosing walnut for a room with a balcony or a room full of windows and curtains. Direct sunlight slowly lightens its shiny hue over the years.
Maple’s light color acts as a reflector, making it perfect to use to bring life to a dim room. Warm lighting gives it a soft, creamy glow. Whereas cool lighting gives it a crisp and clean aesthetic.
Remember, always test your wood under your own lights. You might be surprised how drastically it changes when it’s in your space. Lighting can bring the wood to life for you. You don’t want a perfectly decorated house with perfect furniture and floor, only to ruin its look.
Final Word: Oak Vs. Walnut Vs. Maple
Between oak vs. walnut vs. maple, there is no definitive “best” wood. Your lifestyle, taste, and budget are the final judges for what should be your pick. This decision is more like a partnership between you and your wood, so choose wisely.
No matter what you choose, George Group’s whole-house customization team is here to guide you. We craft beautiful, lasting furniture tailored to your needs in any wood of your choice.
As your one-stop whole-house customization expert in China, we offer direct-factory pricing, expert design support, and comprehensive logistics for any furniture you pick.
You only have to decide whether you want your furniture to be a focal point or a subtle backdrop and leave the rest to our customization experts.
Visit our expansive 30,000 m² Foshan showroom to explore thousands of styles and materials, or connect with our team for a tailored sourcing solution that fits your needs. Let’s build furniture as sturdy or as intricate as you like.
For more tips and insights on decorating living spaces, check out our blog section.
