real wood
Real wood stands for natural beauty, durability and authenticity in furniture making. Not only does it give custom-made cabinets a unique character, it also ensures a pleasant indoor climate and a warm living atmosphere. When you choose real wood, you are choosing a piece of nature – crafted with precision and timeless design.
What is real wood?
The term real wood refers to wood that is obtained directly from the trunk of a tree – in contrast to artificially produced wood-based materials such as chipboard or MDF.
Real wood can be used in various ways in furniture construction:
- Solid wood: The entire cabinet is made of solid wood.
- Veneered real wood: A thin layer of real wood is applied to a base material (e.g. chipboard).
- Solid wood combined with wood-based materials: particularly popular in modern furniture construction to optimally combine stability, weight and cost.
No matter what form it takes, real wood always stands for naturalness, quality and individuality.
Why is real wood ideal for custom-made cabinets?
Real wood is a living material – and that is precisely what makes it so interesting for custom-made furniture. Every tree is different, every piece of wood has its own grain and colour.
The advantages at a glance:
- Unique appearance: no two pieces of wood are alike.
- Durability: Real wood is robust, stable and can last for decades.
- Sustainability: A natural, renewable raw material.
- Value: Real wood conveys quality – visible and tangible.
- Reworkability: Scratches or signs of wear can be easily sanded down or repaired.
Real wood can really show off its strengths in custom cabinetry, because the material, structure, and colour can be specifically matched to the room design.
Which types of wood are commonly used in furniture making?
Not all real wood is the same – each type of wood has its own look, hardness and effect.
oak
Very robust, with a distinctive grain. Perfect for durable furniture and timeless designs.
beech
Fine-pored, light and elastic – popular for classic and modern cabinet fronts.
walnut tree
Dark brown with an elegant grain. Ideal for elegant living spaces.
Ahorn
Light, uniform wood – creates a friendly and modern look.
pine tree
Soft, light wood tone with a lively texture – creates a natural and warm atmosphere.
Swiss stone pine
Fragrant coniferous wood valued for its calming properties.
When it comes to custom-made cabinets, many customers choose the type of wood to match the atmosphere of the room – from rustic to minimalist.
Real wood vs. veneer – what is the difference?
The term “real wood veneer” is often used in furniture construction. This sometimes causes confusion, as veneers are also made of real wood. The difference lies in the structure:
- Real wood veneer: A thin layer of real wood is glued onto a substrate (e.g. chipboard or MDF).
- Solid wood: Made entirely of real wood – solid throughout, even on the inside.
A veneered piece of furniture is therefore not an “imitation”, but a combination of real wood and sturdy substrate material – ideal if you want the natural look of wood but want to reduce weight and price.
What are the advantages of a real wood cabinet in everyday life?
A custom-made cabinet made of real wood is more than just a piece of storage furniture – it creates atmosphere.
The main advantages:
- Natural charm: wood brings warmth and character to any room.
- Durability: Real wood furniture often lasts a lifetime.
- Sustainability: Wood is a renewable, CO₂-binding raw material.
- Easy to maintain: surfaces can be easily cleaned or refreshed.
- Healthy indoor climate: wood absorbs moisture and releases it again.
- Timelessness: Real wood remains contemporary even after decades.
A custom-made real wood cabinet combines these advantages with maximum precision and personalised design.
What surface treatments are available for real wood?
Various surface treatments are used to protect the wood and emphasise its natural beauty:
- Oiled: emphasises the grain, feels warm and natural.
- Waxed: slightly shiny, protects against dirt and moisture.
- Lacquered: smooth, easy-care surface, ideal for heavily used areas.
- Brushed: emphasises the wood grain – particularly attractive on rustic furniture.
The surface you choose depends on the desired look and use.
How do you properly care for real wood?
To ensure that real wood retains its beauty for years to come, regular care is important – but it’s easy:
- Remove dust regularly with a soft cloth.
- Use mild cleaners, not aggressive agents. You can find more on this topic in the blog:
Optimal cleaning of cupboards - Re-oil oiled surfaces occasionally to renew the protective layer.
- Avoid direct sunlight to prevent fading.
- Small scratches can usually be easily polished out or lightly sanded down.
A well-maintained real wood cabinet does not age – it gains character over time.
Real wood and sustainability
When you choose real wood, you are automatically choosing a sustainable material. Wood is renewable, stores CO₂ and can be processed in an environmentally friendly way.
The Cabinetheroes ensure that all materials used:
- certified wood sources (e.g. PEFC, FSC) are used,
- regional supply chains are preferred,
- Processing and finishing are carried out by experienced carpenters.
This results in furniture that is not only beautiful and durable, but also environmentally friendly.
What advantages does real wood offer over synthetic materials in furniture construction?
While plastic fronts or laminate often appear “perfect”, real wood impresses with its naturalness and individuality.
- Each piece is unique – the grain, colour and structure are one of a kind.
- Easy to repair – minor imperfections can be fixed.
- Increased value instead of depreciation: real wood ages gracefully.
- Pleasant feel: wood feels warm and alive.
Especially in custom cabinetry, this results in a piece of furniture that can last for generations.
Further interesting articles for further reading
Would you like to build your own cabinet out of real wood?
Then submit your non-binding enquiry now. A Cabinethero partner or the head office in Nuremberg will then contact you personally to arrange an appointment for consultation and measurement. Your real wood cabinet will be created step by step – custom-made, durable and individually tailored to your home.
