We spend a large majority of our time asleep on our beds. Whether you sleep for the recommended eight hours or more, that’s a long time spent on your mattress. The type of mattress you sleep on has a significant impact on the quality of your sleep and how well-rested you feel the next day. It is for this reason that you need to be extra picky when it comes to choosing your mattress.

In this article, we shall take a look at the different factors you have to take into account when choosing the ideal mattress for your unique needs.

Types of Mattresses

Let’s explore the different types of mattresses in the market today. Some of these are what you sleep on currently, and others have cool features that you might like in your next mattress. Without further ado, here are the different types of mattresses.

Foam Mattresses

Foam mattresses are the most basic and cheap forms of mattresses on the market. Foam mattresses are made using different types of foam, such as memory foam, gel foam, and even latex foam.

Memory foam is a material that is made from polyurethane foam. It conforms to the shape of the sleeper. Memory foam mattresses provide a feeling of comfort as they cradle your weight.

Other forms of foam mattresses include the gel mattress, which is designed to redistribute body heat and help with cooling the bed down. Most foam mattresses do not boast any innovative forms of technology like coils, springs, or cooling agents.

Innerspring Mattresses

Innerspring mattresses contain at least one layer of coils to provide spring and bounce to your bed. The coil layer is topped with foam or latex to offer plush softness and comfort. Innerspring mattresses provide more support and sturdiness compared to foam mattresses.

The construction of innerspring mattresses encourages efficient airflow between the layers, which greatly contributes to cooling down body heat while you sleep. This is one of the most significant traits of the innerspring mattress.

In addition to its bouncy nature, innerspring mattresses offer support and durability. They can adapt your body weight and sleeping position. They also provide sturdy support to your spine and back, which helps with reducing back pain. This type of mattress can last over ten years, with the frame holding steady without falling apart.

Latex Mattresses

Latex mattresses are made from latex which is derived from the sap of rubber trees. This sap is processed into layers of foam that are used in mattresses. Latex feels naturally springy and does not cling to the body like other types of foam.

Latex mattresses are ideal for people who do not like the body-hugging nature of memory foam. Latex does not hold on to the form of the sleeper. It springs right back to its original form after any weight has been removed from its surface.

Latex mattresses are also ideal for keeping cool. Latex does not absorb body heat, unlike other materials in mattresses. This means that it doesn’t store heat at night, making for a cool and soothing night’s sleep.

Hybrid Mattresses

A hybrid mattress brings all the features from the other mattress types to create a mattress that has a combination of all the best features. Hybrid mattresses are a merging of foam mattresses and innerspring mattresses.

They may also have latex layers to provide the perfect type of support to your body. Hybrid mattresses come in different forms to cater to people with different demands. Coils will offer support for back pain, and memory foam will dispense “body-hugging” comfort.

These mattresses are ideal for most people because they are customizable to suit different needs. Hybrid mattresses also tend to be more expensive because they combine different layers together to form the perfect mattress for a good night’s sleep.

Airbed Mattresses

Airbed mattresses are inflatable and can be deflated and stored because they don’t take up much space. These mattresses are not usually bought for their comfort and support. They are ideal for on-the-go use. They also keep cool while sleeping because they are not made of insulating materials.

These mattresses may be used for only a short duration. Additionally, they are difficult to blow up and may get damaged if punctured by a sharp object. However, they are the perfect mattress for using a few times and storing away for future use.

Mattresses for Different Sleeping Positions

Buying a mattress is not a simple task. You need to take into account your sleeping position. People who sleep on their backs won’t do well with a mattress for stomach sleepers. Let’s dig deeper regarding sleeping positions and their corresponding mattresses.

Back Sleepers

Back sleepers are people who usually sleep on their back with their body facing the ceiling. Our backs have a natural lumbar lordosis, or curve at the low back. For this reason, the back sleeper will have to target medium-firm mattresses.

Medium-firm mattresses will be sturdy enough not to create a dip where the person’s bottom meets the mattress. However, they are also soft enough to accommodate the slight curve at the lower back. A medium-firm mattress is ideal for back sleepers, and it will keep them free from back pain.

Stomach Sleepers

Stomach sleepers get better sleep in when they sleep on their stomachs. Stomach sleepers benefit more from a perfectly firm mattress that won’t bend to accommodate the curve of their body. Soft memory foam may cause suffocation to a back sleeper.

A flat, sturdy surface will accommodate the natural curve of the back and offer enough elevation to have a smooth night’s sleep. Firm mattresses won’t create dips in the material when you wake up, making them ideal for stomach sleepers.

Side Sleepers

Side sleepers sleep on their sides. This means that the hip bone will be at the point of contact with the mattress. These are high-pressure points that can cause steep dips if using the wrong mattress. A soft mattress will carry dips into the surface, causing one to sleep against the natural curve of their body.

On the other hand, a firm mattress may cause misalignment of the spine. The ideal mattress for a side sleeper will be a medium-soft to a medium-firm mattress. These will offer enough support to keep the mattress material dip-free while offering perfect alignment to the spine.

Mattresses for Different Body Types

Mattresses react differently to people with different body shapes and weight ranges. It would be best to choose a mattress that will target your unique specifications to give you support, comfort, and cooling properties.

Weight differences

People who are lighter in terms of weight will be comfortable sleeping on a soft mattress. A soft mattress will provide support and comfort to lighter individuals. Lighter people won’t sink deep into their mattress, so there is little need to get a thick and firm mattress. For lighter people who sleep on their side, foam and hybrid mattresses will be perfect for a good night’s sleep.

In general, people who are at a heavier weight will benefit more from firm mattresses. A soft mattress will sink deep in the bottom area for back sleepers and the hip area for side sleepers. Sunken mattresses account for back pain in many heavy people. It’s for this reason that getting an innerspring mattress is advised.

For people of an average weight range, medium soft and medium-firm mattresses will do just fine. Average or middleweight people can benefit from most types of mattresses, although some may be too soft and others too firm. For that reason, they will need to take their sleeping position into consideration. In general, middleweight people will benefit from innerspring and hybrid mattresses.

Body shape differences

When it comes to your mattress, don’t skimp out on the minute details. Take into account your body shape. Side sleepers with broad shoulders should opt for softer mattresses to allow a natural resting position of the body frame. A foam or hybrid mattress will be ideal for body shapes with broad shoulders.

People with wider hips may experience some discomfort on their hips from too soft or too firm mattresses. People with wide hips who are side sleepers will need to be careful about the type of mattress they sleep on or risk getting hip pain. For such cases, it is better to opt for medium-firm mattresses. These will provide support without being too harsh on the natural curves of the body.

Mattresses for Body Pain

We spend a considerable chunk of our lives sleeping on our mattresses. Those hours of peace and quiet and night may sometimes be riddled with body pain. It is for this reason that you should be deliberate and intentional when choosing your next mattress. You need to take into account the amount of body pain that you feel. What areas are sore and give you trouble? These factors will provide you with a better clue on what mattress you should choose. Let’s take a look.

Low Back Pain

The low back is the area in the back just below the rib cage. It has a natural curved structure that may flare up in pain due to poor posture, lack of ergonomic furniture, and poor choice of mattresses. For low back pain, it is essential to choose a mattress that does not sink or get too firm for the back.

A side sleeper with low back pain will benefit from using medium-soft to medium-firm mattresses. This will be well represented in an innerspring or hybrid mattress.

A back or stomach sleeper will need a medium-firm to firm mattress to offset the balance between the surface of the mattress and the curve of the back. Choosing the right mattress will help to reduce low back pain.

Middle and Upper Back Pain

Middle and upper back pain is a less common problem in people unless they have poor posture or previous injuries. Upper and middle back pain can be supported with a soft or medium-firm mattress. Materials like latex offer body-hugging that can provide a relaxing and soothing feeling to the back.

Answering some frequently asked questions about mattresses

In this section, we shall answer some frequently asked questions regarding mattresses.

What is an orthopedic mattress?

Many people want to know what an orthopedic or semi-orthopedic mattress is. Ideally, an orthopedic mattress would have to be specifically tested and endorsed by a skilled orthopedic professional. Orthopedics is the branch of medicine that aims to provide support for disorders of the bones, joints, nerves, and muscles.

Nowadays, it is common for a mattress to claim to be “orthopedic” without any medical backing. That said, most regular mattresses do offer support and firmness that can help with back pain or other bone-related issues. Be sure to consult a medical practitioner before buying expensive mattresses which are as good as the regular cheaper ones.

Which type of mattress is best?

Innerspring mattresses are one of the most popular mattresses used all around the world today. They are made for the ultimate back support and comfort. They contain a layer of coils that create the bouncy effect in mattresses. They are ideal for the average person looking for a new mattress. Innerspring mattresses are great for side sleepers as well as back and stomach sleepers.

Which type of mattress is best for back pain?

People who suffer from low back pain will feel more relief from choosing to sleep on a medium-soft or medium-firm mattress. This type of firmness can be achieved using an innerspring, hybrid, or latex mattress. A latex mattress will offer support to the low back and a comforting encompassing feeling.

What is the lifespan of a mattress?

The best mattresses can go 7 to 10 years without a replacement. However, be sure to clean your mattress and expose it to sunlight to refresh it and get rid of stale smells. If your mattress is worn out and you can feel the bed frame below, it is time to replace your mattress.  Sleeping on a worn-out mattress can cause back pain and distort spinal alignment.

Can memory foam hurt your back?

Memory foam is great for support and redistributing heat, so you don’t feel hot while sleeping. It offers a body-hugging comfort and coziness that many people love. However, if your memory foam is too soft and you are a side sleeper, you can get back and hip pain. Back sleepers will also need to avoid soft memory foam mattresses that don’t offer support.

If you want to get a memory foam mattress, make sure it is firm and offers supports to your low back without any sinking.

What mattress do chiropractors recommend?

Chiropractors recommend memory foam and latex mattresses. These mattresses are ideal for the average person. A medium-firm latex mattress will work wonders for people with back pain, reducing the pain and offering support.

Final Thoughts

In this article, we have taken a look at the different types of mattresses and how to choose the right mattress. You need to consider what kind of sleeping position you tend to have, your body shape and if you have body pain. After identifying these factors, you will finally have the perfect mattress that is suited to your needs.

 

Radiata pine in pine wood classification

 

Pine wood is known to be pliable and durable and is therefore preferred to most other woods. There are about 115 known species of pine each with different characteristics. These species fall into three subgroups namely white pines, yellow pines and foxtail pines.

 

Radiata pine global demand

The Pine we use for the local manufacturing of furniture, known as “PineTraite” is actually named Radiata Pine which falls under the Western yellow pine together with Jack pine lodge pole pine, Ponderosa pine and Jeffery pine.

Radiata pine is a highly valued type of pine in the world. It is majorly picked due to its traits that make it applicable in various fields. Furthermore, it has been planted widely below the equatorial boundary making it the most dominant pine in the southern hemisphere. It is found in the South temperate region of the world with South Africa, Chile and New Zealand being among its main sources. New Zealand in particular has enormously commercialized the highly demanded material making it one of the world’s key exporters of Radiata Pine. It is where most of the Pine used locally are imported from!

 

The high increase in demand is the main reason as to why Chile took advanced genetic measures with an aim of producing much knot-free timber. As a result, this also bore more suitable mechanical and physical traits.

At five years, pruning which is the cutting off branches, is initiated with the trees at about 6 meters in height. The pruning reduces the number of knots or emits all the knots. Pruning makes the pine logs more valuable too as they become more useful. In addition to this, the time in pruning is important. Pruning is done in times where exposure to pests and diseases is minimal.

 

Visual stress grading

This is the traditional method of grading. It entails visual analysis of the timber defects such as knots by checking their position and size on the timber itself.

The knots can lie on the face of the timber, the edge or in between the face and the edge. To know how useful the timber is, one finds the ratio of the knot cross section area to the timber’s whole cross-section. The higher the ratio the lesser the amount of timber present in the wood.

 

 

Grades of radiata pine

1 clears

This is the highest quality of Radiata pine. It is knot-free and is good for furniture making and mouldings. The material has no defects.

 

 

2 clears

It is the second highest quality of radiate pine. Only one face is cleared with the other might contain defects.

Merch grade

The timber can be graded mechanically by use of a machine to determine its stiffness and strength qualities. Through this, timber can be classified as a structural grade if it meets the suitable requirements. Timber which fails to attain these traits is classified as a merch grade. It is mainly used for fence palings, warehouse shelving and framing.

Dressing grade

This is a tight knot grade suitable for furniture and paneling. The size of the knot shouldn’t surpass 75mm and should be tight.

 

                         

 

The Drying Process

Kilns are essentially a large oven that has an over-sized chamber, in order to fit in plenty of timber simultaneously. Depending on the size of the operation, a kiln can be the size of an entire warehouse, or substantially smaller.

By kiln drying rather than air drying, more moisture is removed, and in a more even fashion because of the consistent heat applied to all areas of the timber. The additional heat also means that drying times are considerably faster than if timber is left to dry naturally.

 

 

Traits of Radiata Pine

Texture– Radiata pine has a fine texture. Moreover, it has straight grains.

Density– The density of any type of wood affects its stiffness and strength properties. Radiata Pine wood has an average density of about 530kg/m³. This figure is more than most pines some being scot pine, Eliot pine, European whitewood and many others.

Appearance– The radiate pine wood has a consistent pale cream color.

Workability– Radiata pine is an easily workable material but knots can be a hindrance.

Strength– Generally, pines classified under yellow pine are strong. When it comes to radiate pine, it is stronger than most pines in this category with its closest rivals being the Southern yellow pines. Moreover, Radiata pine possesses fewer knots. This trait makes it stronger.

Another concept on strength is that timber is majorly classified in the form of F5 or F8. Radiata pine falls under F5 which basically means it is suitable for application in structural members. F8 timber is commonly used in trusses and framing.

Versatility-Radiata pine is a versatile material applied in numerous industries. Some of its uses are in construction, paneling, moulding, veneer and fiberboards.

Grades– In grading, Radiata pine is classified in terms of presence of defects on it. When the material has no defects, it is graded as #1Clears. When the material has permitted defects present on one face it is graded as #2Clears.

Durability- Radiata pine isn’t self-resistant to infestation from pests like termites. With proper treatment it becomes highly durable.

Staining- This practice is very possible for radiate pine wood and can work well with numerous products chosen for this role.

Kiln dried– This is to minimize the moisture content in the wood. It helps eradicate fungi and pests which were present. Kiln drying also prevents shrinking of the timber which may lead to formation of curvature.

 

 

 As you would notice, most of our furniture are knots free pine from the outside, which is Clear 1 or Clear 2. The Pine which is imported from New Zealand has been through the Kiln Drying process, which removes humidity from the wood to prevent it from warping in the future –“Empeche Dibois Travaille”. Despite costing more than the cheaper grade of Pines, or Pallets, we have kept our prices very competitive!

 

 

Engineered woods 

 

1.Fiberboards  

Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)

 

 

MDF is a type of wooden material constituting of lignocellulosic fibers combined with resin and wax in the presence of high pressure and temperature. In the market, fiberboards are graded in terms of densities. Their making process sees variations of pressure and temperature resulting in different densities of the material. For example, HDF (High density Fiberboard) will require more pressure and temperature.

This type of Fiberboard lies between the High Density Fiberboard (HDF) and particle board. Particle board is the lowest density fiberboard. Moreover, MDF has no voids and is stronger in comparison to Particle board.

 

Advantages of MDF

• MDF has a smooth feel consistent on the entire material.
• MDF is less costly than Plywood.
• It makes use of wood residuals in their processing phase thereby enables more conservation of trees.
• For its finishing, painting is easier on MDF compared to typical wood as some colors won’t be suitable for it.
• MDF can be shaped to suit various designs. The consistent smooth nature of the material makes it easier to cut through using tools such as jigsaw and band saw.
• For Veneer, it is an excellent substrate.
• MDF is consistent in strength too.

Disadvantages of MDF

• Unless it is properly and completely sealed, MDF will soak up water, swell and break. To prevent this, use a suitable sealing product such as an oil-based primer.
• It is a heavy material compared to plywood.
• During cutting and sanding, it is advisable to use a particle mask. The reason behind this is MDF has formaldehyde which can cause irritation or allergy. Formaldehyde also increases chances of an individual getting cancer as it emits certain gases. With time, a piece of furniture made of MDF will have less of these substances. The US and UK government have established minimal content of formaldehyde in home furniture to be 0.11ppm and 0.07ppm respectively. For new furniture made of MDF, it is advisable to isolate it until its smell ends. Airflow should also be encouraged in the room to minimize exposure.
• Working on the edge of the MDF with screws may cause it to split. In addition to this, MDF are poor holders on screws and may subsequently strip from them.
• It is difficult to repair split or chipped MDF unlike solid wood

 

High Density Fiberboard (HDF)

 

HDF is made from wood fibers bond with resin under high pressure and temperature. It is harder and stronger than the Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). This material can be found in various sizes with its density of about 900kg/m3. HDF can be applied to various areas such as doors, cupboards, flooring and other numerous house designs.

Advantages of HDF

• It has a smooth consistent feel.
• HDF is stronger than MDF and Particle board.
• It is cheaper than solid wood.
• Similarly to MDF, HDF is easy to cut.
• HDF is easy to paint on unlike solid wood.

Disadvantages of HDF

• Like MDF, HDF can be affected by water. It will swell and break if it not water resistant.
• HDF requires replacing after five years thus is not durable.
• HDF are poor holders on screws and may strip

 

Particle board

 

This is the fiberboard with the lowest density. Particle board can be used in furniture, wall paneling and flooring. More so, Particle board is the weakest of the fiberboards.

 

Advantages of Particle Board

• It is the cheapest of all fiberboards.
• It is less costly than solid wood.
• It possesses a smooth feel.
• Particle board has multiple varieties.
• Not all particle boards contain formaldehyde.
• Particle board is lighter in weight.
• It can hold screws more than MDF and HDF.

Disadvantages of Particle Board

• It gets deformed once saturated with water.
• It is the weakest of all the fiberboards.
• It the least durable type of fiberboard.
• Moisture has a big effect on it similarly like the other fiberboards.
• It is not meant for heavy loads due to its low strength.

 

2. Plywood

 

Plywood is a board of plies or sheets of real wood glued together. The arrangement of these sheets which have grains will determine the strength of the whole material. There are numerous instances where plywood is used for different purposes. Some of its applications are on floors, roofs, furniture which are custom built, walls and kitchen cabinets. Below are the types of plywood:

Hardwood plywood

This type of plywood has great strength and stiffness. With great impact resistance, hardwood plywood is used for wall structures. Although it will require finishing for a smooth attractive look, hardwood plywood can be used in making furniture. Hardwood plywood can be made from oak, mahogany, birch or maple.

 

Softwood plywood

Softwood plywood is a product derived from softwood trees such as fir, cedar and spruce. Softwood plywood is mostly used in furniture making whereas hardwood is applied in construction. Moreover, softwood plywood is less expensive than hardwood plywood but less durable than the latter.

 

Tropical plywood

This type of plywood is derived from tropical wood. It has a better strength and quality than softwood plywood. This has brought about an increase in its demand worldwide. There has also been an increase in its price as buyers search for reliable sources in Asia and Africa.

 

Advantages of plywood

• It possesses great uniform strength. By establishing an alternating pattern for the grains, plywood is able to gain uniform strength.
• It is available in several large sizes unlike solid wood.
• The layers of plywood can be altered to give both beauty and strength.
• In contrast to solid wood or real wood, plywood makes the most out of the raw material available. Its making assists in conserving trees.
• Depending on the type, plywood is a versatile material.
• Hardwood plywood lasts longer because of its great quality in strength. In general too, plywood is more durable than fiberboards (MDF,HDF and Particle board)
• Plywood costs cheaper than solid wood.

Disadvantages of plywood

• It is essential for a purchaser to buy water resistant plywood if its later use will expose it to wet conditions. This is because the layers may detach.
• One has to find a trustworthy source when buying the material. It is easy to tell the type of wood used on the outer layers but not the inner ones.
• Work has to be done on the edges of the plywood where the layers are observed. This is mostly the case when using plywood as a material for a custom made furniture. In this scenario, covering the edge with wooden strips after applying glue might do the trick.
• Plywood is less strong than solid wood.
• Plywood is more costly than fiberboards.
• Furniture made out of plywood has to be manually done thereby taking lots of time.
• Nails are not recommended for plywood for they may cause the material to split. Screws are the best way to fasten the material through proper technique such as drilling.
• Plywood can delaminate in hot climatic regions.

 

3. Oriented Strand Board

 

Other terms for Oriented Strand Board are sterling board or flakeboard. This engineered wood is made from compressing flakes with adhesives. OSB is derived from trees which are fast growing and possess a narrow diameter.

Advantages of OSB

• When it comes to price, OSB is less costly than plywood.
• OSB is not only denser than plywood but also stronger.
• OSB can be produced in larger panels compared to plywood.
• OSB can be customized to suit the buyer.
• OSB has nail lines which assist greatly in installation.

Disadvantages of OSB

• When OSB has unprotected edges, it may swell up once exposed to moisture. This happens when cuts are made exposing new unprotected areas.
• The adhesives used in production of the material may emit formaldehyde. Fortunately, it is possible to find manufacturers who produce formaldehyde free materials.
• OSB can be difficult to paint but can still be done. For this exercise, use oil-based paint.
• Once exposed to moisture, plywood is known to swell evenly and dry quicker. This is very unlikely when it comes to OSB as it will take ages to dry.
• OSB is heavier than plywood, this reducing its workability.

 

 

 

Coating

1. Melamine

 

Initially an organic compound, melamine resin is formed through polymerization as a hard and durable plastic material. It possesses high heat and fire resistance attributes and is commonly applied to particleboard, plywood or MDF. It can be found in a variety of colors, patterns, sizes, and thickness.

Uses

1. It is used on cabinets, floors, counters, furniture, and whiteboards.

Advantages

1. There is a wide array of melamine colors and patterns to choose from.
2. The coating is not only waterproof but also shatter and scratch resistant.
3. It offers a concordant finish.
4. It is cost friendly in that it is used to cover other wood products.
5. It is a lightweight material.

Disadvantages

1. As a coating, it is susceptible to chipping.
2. In some instances splintering can occur where nails and screws are used.

 

2. Paper

 

It is made from acrylic and other types of resins meant to increase the internal bonding strength. Paper coatings are light basis weight papers which are used on surfaces for decorative and protective purposes. They are printed and their top coated with urea, polyester or melamine to enhance durability and performance. They exist in a variety of wood grain patterns and colors for one to choose from.

Uses

1. Paper coating is used in cabinetry, home and office furniture, wear- resistant laminate floors, paneling, lamination of chipboard and plywood and other woodwork projects.

Advantages

1. They are very easy to clean.
2. In comparison to solid wood, they have superior stain and scratch resistant attributes.
3. They are affordable.

Disadvantages

1. It is not entirely heatproof.
2. Unlike natural wood, damaged paper coating cannot be repaired through sanding.

 

3. Foil

 

It consists of Layers of paper coated with lacquer or pre-impregnated with acrylic and melamine resins. This results in the formation of a highly impermeable and glossy surface that can be colored or printed on. Lacquer coating is an eco-friendly, hard and protective coating. There are plain wood foils and sheathed foils which are mainly used for coating wood-based products. Varieties in accordance to wood types and style include ash, beech, cherry, walnut and oak.

Uses

It is used on doors, cabinets, furniture and interior designs.

Advantages

1. They require low maintenance as the foil resists stains. In addition to this, they are easy to clean.
2. Offers many aesthetically pleasing colors and patterns.
3. They are waterproof and scratch resistant.
4. Foil is not only a durable but also a cost effective material.

Disadvantages

1. In cases where foil is not properly installed or maintained, it can peel off.
2. Foil is not heat resistant thus should be protected from heat sources.

 

4. Veneer

Fine slices of wood which are adhered to wood panels for example MDFs and particle boards to provide a flat panel. Veneer is obtained through slicing of flitches or paring tree trunks through the use of rotary lathes or slicing machines. The grain appearance on veneer depends on the wood species for example mahogany, ebony, and teak. Classes of veneers include phenolic backed, raw, wood on wood, laid up, reconstituted, and paper backed veneers. Veneer can be often differentiated from Solid wood as any carving need to be painted as the natural wood ring on the veneer cannot be pressed onto the carving. Moreover by looking into drilled hole for screws or hinges, we can see whether the inner material is MDF or particle board or solid wood!

Uses

1. Adding the appearance of wood to anything for example furniture.
2. As a decorative material for wood projects.
3. Veneer is also a form of manufactured board

Advantages

1. Compared to wood, the occurrences of cracking and splitting are significantly reduced.
2. The adhesive used in placing the veneer provides additional strength to the wood.
3. Veneers are sustainable as furniture made with veneers use less wood as compared to those made of natural wood only.
4. Due to temperature and humidity changes, solid wood may not be ideal in certain projects. Veneers are better alternatives due to their superb expansion and contraction characteristics.
5. Veneers provide high quality finishes.

Disadvantages

1. Lengthened exposure to moisture can damage the wood veneers.
2. To last longer, they will require more maintenance such as polishing and varnishing.
3. Wood veneers can’t be repaired once damaged.

 

Source of leather

The raw material primarily used in creating it is cattle hide. However, the most preferred and picked for the job is the cow hide. The cow hide is preserved to prevent decomposition by either salting or brining. In the occurrence of decomposition, the hide will be rendered unsuitable for use.

Moreover, the cow hide is thickest in comparison to other cattle hides. This particular trait plays a bigger role in the leather processing phase. It is split into two layers with the top one giving high quality leather in contrast to the bottom one.

The quality of leather is also determined by the state of the hide and feeds the animal gets. An animal with lots of pest bites will certainly provide a poor hide resulting to low quality leather.

 

Leather making process

As mentioned above, the preservation measure for the hides is salting. Once it is availed for processing, the hide is to be soaked in water for it to regain the lost moisture. To remove its hairs, the hide undergoes what is known as a lime bath.  In this stage, the hide is soaked in calcium oxide. Furthermore, any residing flesh on the hide will be omitted by certain equipment consisting of blades.

After the soaking process, the hide will be about 4 mm thick. It is split into two with each meeting several purposes in the future. The bottom layer also referred as split leather can be split further as shown below. The leather is neutralized by ammonium sulphate after the lime soaking.

 

 

The next important stage of the leather making process is called Tanning. This process aids in the conversion of raw hides into leather. The hide is kept in a tanning drum with a tanning solution added. After the process, the leather is sorted and graded. Moreover, a second tanning process can be initiated to make certain that the leather is ready for use.

Lastly, the leather goes through its finishing phase. The leather is first dried upon completion of the tanning process. It is later on dyed to various colors and oiled to make it softer and water resistant.

 

Types of leather

There are several types of leather ranging solemnly on appearance, durability and quality. They are as follows below:

 

Full grain leather

 

 

This type of leather is obtained from the top layer of the cow hide. It is very costly than the other types and less workable because of its toughness. More so, full grain leather is the highest quality type and contains all the grains on the hide without the surface being tampered with either by buffing or sanding. This is the main reason why it is referred as ‘full grain.’

Full grain leather possesses a natural look bound by its imperfections and marks. This type of leather is breathable too.  Once full grain begins to age, it transforms into a certain patina which gives it a beautifying and remarkable look. Full grain leather can be classified into two:

1. Aniline leather

This type of leather is made from aniline dyes which are permitted to entirely soak through the hide. This technique might lead to variations of color on the hide. Aniline leather can be stained on and also fade with time.

 

 

2. Semi-Aniline leather.

The process for making this type of leather is similar to aniline leather. The aniline dyes are permitted to entirely soak through the hide too. The main difference between the two comes from an added step on it.

After the initial similar process, a pigment color is included on the top surface to give it a consistent look. There is an addition of a protective layer to make the leather stain resistant and less exposed to the sun.

 

 

Top grain leather

Just like full grain leather, this type of leather is obtained from the top layer. It is the second best quality of leather and is easily workable. Top grain leather is sanded to remove the imperfections and marks on its top surface. This results in the omission of the natural grain and its strongest fibers.

The leather then gets an imitation grain which gives it a more appealing look and softer feel. Top grain leather is less breathable than full grain leather and is stain resistant.

 

 

Nubuck leather

This type of leather resembles suede. Despite this, Nubuck leather is obtained from the top layer of the hide. When sanded, the hide gets a velvet-like appearance and touch. This type of leather can be dyed to any sort of color and is more durable than suede. A good factor is its aging can subsequently form a patina.

 

         

 

Split leather

As stated earlier, the hide is split into two. The bottom layer is referred as split leather. This type of leather is commonly used to provide suede used in the fashion industry to make jackets and shoes most specifically boots.

More so, split leather can undergo sanding and embossing for it to have a natural appearance.  This can be a polyurethane layer or a vinyl layer on its surface thus resulting to the creation of another type of leather known as Bi-cast leather.

Bi-cast leather resembles the top grain leather but is cheaper in price.  Bi-cast leather has a consistent texture and is also referred as genuine leather. However, unlike its name, Bi-cast leather isn’t durable and strong like the top layered leather.  It tends to peel after a given time making it unsuitable for everyday use.

 

 

Bonded leather

Bonded leather can also be termed as reconstituted leather. Bonded leather consists of scraps of leather blended with polyurethane or other adhesives. The result of this action makes the material look like real leather yet the content it bears for leather alone is very minimal.

A potential buyer gets the feel of having a furniture or piece made of ‘leather’ but for a lower cost. One of easiest ways to tell whether it is bonded leather from real leather is by asking the price of the item. If the price is very affordable with a natural leather appearance, think twice.

Bonded leather is what is commonly used on bibles, photo albums and belts at times.

 

 

Faux leather

Faux leather is man-made leather made from Polyurethane and Vinyl. This type of leather is not comprised of any hides like the real leather. Vinyl is less breathable and softer compared to Polyurethane which can resemble real leather by look and feel. This man-made type of leather is durable and very affordable.

Faux leather can give multiple colors and texture types. Even though this type of leather can’t peel off or crack, it can tear unlike real leather.  Finally, faux leather is incapable of forming a patina which is noted in real leather when it begins to age.

 

 

 

Tips on buying leather

When purchasing a furniture or material composed of leather, here are factors which you should have in mind:

1. Durability- when searching for a type of leather which is durable and of high quality, opt for the top grain or the full grain leather. Nubuck leather is another pick you can select but stains can be a discouraging factor. It will require some maintenance.
2.  Price- this will vary depending on the grade of the leather a commodity contains. A grade of high quality will cost you more but will be worth it. A grade of low quality will give you the natural look of real leather at a low cost. This will come with its drawbacks too such as the leather peeling off or cracking with time.
3.  Suede vs. Nubuck- Though it’s not easy to tell them apart, these two are very different materials. Nubuck are obtained from the top part of the hide while suede is obtained from the bottom part. Nubuck have naps which are protein fibers on its surface. They are what give the leather a velvet appearance. Nubuck is stronger and rougher than Suede too. On the other hand, Suede is more porous than Nubuck. It requires a waterproof substance to prevent liquids such as water sipping through it.
4. The grade of the leather– Before buying leather, know what you’re after and have alternatives too. This will be less time consuming if you were to find that the grade you wished to purchase was out of stock. Furthermore, if you are after real leather, avoid bonded leather or split leather. Any leather material which possesses polyurethane and vinyl to it is no true leather.
5.  Semi-aniline leather and aniline leather vs. pigmented leather– Pigmented leather color application is non-similar to the aniline leather coloring technique. Pigmented leather coloring is done by simple application on its surface. They are tougher than aniline leather in their feel but are stain proof and unaffected by scratching.
6. Sauvage- it is a special effect on leather which gives it a creasing look.
7.  Terms used– Another term used for full grain leather is enhanced leather. Another term used for top grain leather is corrected leather. Moreover, ‘genuine leather’ as used in the stores is not entirely pure leather. It may contain a small percentage of leather with a combination of vinyl or polyurethane. This could be either bonded leather or Bi-cast leather.

 

 

How to identify real leather from faux leather

 

1. Texture- Real leather can either be smooth or rough depending on the type. However, real leather is inconsistent in its feel as it is natural. On the other hand, faux leather has an exaggerated feel to it and is perfectly done.
2. Pores- Real leather has variance in patterns along with inconsistency. Faux leather possesses patterns that are well done thus lacking the natural look.
3. Constituents- Before purchasing the material, take a look at the label. If the constituents show the material is real leather, you can purchase it. Manufacturers will have nothing to hide if their material is real leather.
4. Smell- real leather has distinct natural smell compared to faux leather. Faux leather bears a plastic-like smell.
5. Factor of price- although highly priced furniture with real leather or leather itself should be a big indicator, this is not always a guarantee. Even faux leather can be highly priced to deceive the purchaser.
6. Aniline leather and pigment leather- Aniline leather has a soft feel and is warm. Pigment leather has a coat which keeps it stain proof. It feels cold when touched. Semi-aniline leather is the result of these two types of leather.

 

 

Leather maintenance

• Leather should have minimum exposure to the sun.
• Keep leather far from abrasives to prevent scuffing.
• Use leather cream to add moisture to it.
• Store it in a cool and dry area.
• Opt for a damp cloth when cleaning it and avoid soaps.

Teak is known for crafting durable, pest-proof furniture with stunning textures

 

Proper teak is considered one of the finest materials in use across a vast number of commercial industries. Its consistency, weather durability, and natural appearance make it a highly sought after material in furniture manufacturing, shipbuilding, construction and hand carving.

 

Our choice of Teak Grade

 

There are three grades of teak that vary in quality, price, and sustainability. At Furniture.mu, we choose to offer B-grade teak products.

A-grade teak is cut from the tree’s centre (the “heartwood”) and is considered the finest teak timber, making up only one-fifth of the total log.

Notable for its golden-to-medium brown coloring and its natural oily sheen, A-grade teak is among the most expensive timbers on the world market.

And for a good reason, as it boasts incredible durability in the face of weather and protects itself against rot, termites, fungus, marine borers, and excess moisture.

However, due to its excessive cost, we here at Furniture.mu offer the more affordable and similarly high-quality B-grade teak.

B-grade teak is taken from the outer layer of the heartwood and makes up one-quarter to one-third of the log. It similarly protects against rot and insects, but requires some protective treatment to match the weather durability of A-grade teak.

However, this is a small effort to make when considering the cost difference of the two grades.

B-grade teak is aged at least 15 years and has a slightly darker hue than A-grade.

C-grade teak is the most inferior teak timber used in commercial markets and frankly…

It shouldn’t be used in commercial markets.

The timber is taken from the outer layer of the log, which is the weakest area. Even with protective treatment, C-grade teak is extremely soft and hardly fit for indoor use – its outdoor durability is virtually non-existent.

Avoid at all cost! It has a short lifespan and simply isn’t worth your time or money.

 

How to tell C-grade Teak from the rest?

 

 

C-grade teak is often harvested at too young an age. As a result, its color is noticeably uneven, with a stark contrast of dark and white shades.

It can also be distinguished by spots of putty or epoxy that fill in where wood is too soft for manufacturing.

Mostly cultivated by local farmers, C-grade teak furniture is often not properly dried or not machine manufactured. So if it’s a bad teak chair, it’s probably made with the worst grade of teak.

C-grade teak is sometimes dipped in chemicals to give it a deceivingly darker and more consistent hue. This detracts further from the wood’s quality as dipped teak can’t be treated with oils. If you’re unsure about the quality of teak furniture, look to see if the manufacturer/distributer is reputable.

At Furniture.mu, we pride ourselves in offering only the finest products at a reasonable price. Our selection of B-grade teak offerings is no exception – we don’t insult our customers with cheap knock-offs.

 

Maintaining Teak

 

WASH: Always wash teak with soapy water and make sure not to use a rough brush – you don’t want any scratches on the finish.

UV PROTECTION: Apply a teak sealant. This should protect the teak from long-term sun damage.

BRIGHTEN (optional): If you find your teak fading, purchase a teak brightener to bring it back to life.

*TIP: Watch out for warping doorframes and floors. Keep your home at room temperature and beware of sudden drops in heat from the outside – this can contribute to warping and eventual cracking.