What Causes the Smell of Solid Wood Furniture?

Wood furniture is also appreciated for its natural beauty, durability, and eco-friendliness; hence, it is the favourite choice of many people who strive to combine practicality with sustainability. But solid wood furniture is much more interesting than it seems because one of its features is its smell. This is many a time a subtle scent, but sometimes it can be pronounced, and it will tell a lot about the materials and processes involved in making the furniture. In this blog, we look at some of the lesser-known facts about the scents of solid wood furniture to help you make informed choices when it comes to choosing perfect pieces for your home.
Here are three main reasons contributing to this unique smell of solid wood furniture: adhesives, finishes, and, in fact, wood odor as such. The following explanation refers to these means in some detail.
Glues: Subtle Contributor to Scent of Furniture
Not even the best-made solid wood furniture can do without adhesives in the joints to fit the pieces together. These adives sometimes give off a slight smell which might be most noticeable the first several weeks after the furniture was made. Some of the more common adhesives include:
• Water-based polymer glue: This glue is low in VOC (volatile organic compound) and thus is "green". It has a very mild smell.
• White latex glue: This is a versatile adhesive, but it has a more pronounced odor than water-based polymer glue.
• Urea-formaldehyde glue: This is used very rarely in good-quality furniture because it can give off harmful formaldehyde fumes.
• Two-component glue: Commonly used for added strength, it has a low environmental impact and low scent.
At Oak Furniture Store, we prefer using non-toxic, formaldehyde-free adhesives such as water-based polymer glue and two-component glue. Though these kinds of adhesives are non-toxic and green, once the VOC evaporation occurs with time, odors may remain for a limited time, even though those fumes will also be non-toxic.

Finishing Materials: Smell from the Protective Layer
Finishing materials also have something to do with the smell of solid wood furniture, which improves durability and raises its appearance. Paints, varnishes, and waxes protect the wood, but their composition will determine the strength and character of the smell they emit.
Following are the most common finishing materials and their respective characteristics:
• Oil-based paints: These are highly durable and offer a completely sealed and protective layer. They generally possess a more overpowering smell, due to organic solvents within their formulation.
• Water-based paints: Those are very good substitutes for oil-based paints. These paints use water as a solvent, hence there is very minimal VOC emission with almost no scent.
• Wood wax oils: Most friendly to the environment, totally derived from natural sources such as beeswax and plant oils. They have a soft, natural smell and form a hard, breathable, semi-protective layer.
Comparisons of Key Factors:
• Eco-friendliness: wood wax oils > water-based paints > oil-based paints
• Durability: Oil-based paints > Water-based paints > Wood wax oils
Here at Oak Furniture Store, we do not settle when it comes down to choosing types of finishes that hit the most reasonable process with an excellent output in terms of paying meticulous attention during application, to the type of wood required. This is to ensure that your furniture not only looks amazing but also remains safe for your house and family.

Natural Wood Aroma: The Essence of Solid Wood
In regard to solid wood furniture, one of the most attractive features may be the smell, which arises naturally from the wood itself. This is usually a result of volatile oils, resins, gums, and aromatic compounds released within the nature of the wood. Different types of trees carry their different scents and offer a wide spectrum for sensory experiences associated with the origins of the trees themselves.
A more detailed explanation would be that the fragrance added by the woods used to make up your furniturewould include:
• White Oak & Ash: Sweet, fragrant with vanilla-like scent and typically considered to be smooth, sophisticated
• North American Cherry & Walnut: Premium quality and generally odorless; thus, perfect for people with excessive sensitivity to odors.
• Red Oak: Red oak has a sour note that could remind one of red wine or unripened fruit. This smell is more pronounced yet fades with time.
• Rubberwood: Rubberwood has a mild acidic smell, though it dissipates entirely with proper drying and treatment of the wood.
• Pine: The distinctively strong pine resiny smell has been associated with relaxation and usually has anti-mite properties intrinsically. This specific fragrance can give one a sense of restful freshness in a home.
• Paulownia: Most Paulownia wood is auxiliary material, practically odorless; it may sometimes have a little smell in limited spaces, say, drawers.
These are all natural smells, adding to the character of solid wood furniture and testifying to its genuineness. In time, these smells will mellow, leaving behind just a hint that the wood was ever natural.
Tips for Choosing Solid Wood Furniture
Knowing how solid wood furniture smells can help an individual estimate its quality and eco-friendliness. The following are some tips to make the best choice:
Choose Reputable Brands: Go for well-known brands like Oak Furniture Store for assurance of quality, environmental responsibility, and after-sales service.
Inspect Materials and Craftsmanship: Check the type of wood, adhesives, and finishes applied. Ask whether these materials are meeting environmental standards and certifications.
Accept Natural Odors: Wood possesses its natural smell. It is the character of the wood, and any strong or unnatural odors could signal synthetic materials or poor craftsmanship.
Let New Furniture Breathe: If there is a particular smell from adhesives or finishes, leave the furniture in a well-ventilated room for some days. It will speed up the dissipation of VOCs.

Bringing Nature Indoors
Solid wood furniture is not just something functional to add to your living space; rather, it's a chance to bring a part of nature right into your home. Natural scents, textures, and grains of woods add warmth, elegance, and character to any room. By choosing furniture crafted with care and sustainability in mind, you can enjoy the beauty of solid wood while contributing to a healthier, eco-friendly lifestyle.
At Oak Furniture Store, we’re committed to providing furniture that combines artistry, quality, and environmental responsibility. With the right knowledge and careful selection, your next solid wood piece can become a cherished centerpiece in your home for years to come.
- OFS Team
Comments 0