little john kin

As a general rule, antique dealers tend to love furniture pieces that have been passed from one generation to the next as family heirlooms. But for several reasons, oak furniture seems to have a special place in their hearts. It's not uncommon to visit a local antique shop only to find oak pieces being the focal point of the dealer's collection. From dining tables to chairs; from bedroom sets the sofa sets; Oak furniture is loved by many the world over.

Oak's Durability

All hard woods tend to be very durable in nature, but oak is in a class all its own. Oak is a very dense and close-grained wood which makes it ideal for furniture production. The wood is easy to handle and can withstand the punishment dished out by most families on a daily basis. The durability factor alone means that a well constructed piece can last for generations.

Another great aspect of antique oak furniture relates to the practices of the skilled craftsmen of days gone by. In the days when furniture was created with only hand tools and years of skill, furniture pieces were constructed with amazingly tight joints, perfectly made cuts, and a structural soundness that can't be matched with today's machines.

The skilled craftsmen of 100 years ago knew how to build a long-lasting piece of furniture. When the wood of choice was oak, they ended up with a piece that could potentially last for hundreds of years. Antique dealers salivate when they find an oak piece that was made in the late 19th or early 20th century. The craftsmanship and durability of this kind of oak furniture is a great selling point.

Natural Beauty

All species of wood have their own unique characteristics that make them pleasing to the eye. But there's something special about oak varieties that give them a beauty which is appreciated by so many. Belgian Oak for example, is a very warm and welcoming wood that looks elegant and fine in just about any setting. White oak is another warm-looking wood that's been quite popular among furniture builders for generations.

Resale Value

Antiques dealers are in business to make money; there's no denying that. Because oak furniture looks so good and lasts so long, it's in high demand among customers. An old piece in great condition can fetch a good sum of money either in a shop or at auction, so the resale value alone makes oak furniture very attractive to antique dealers. On a final note, if you own antique oak furniture pieces, be sure to properly care for them in order to maintain the highest resale value in the future.