{"id":16920,"date":"2021-03-25T10:30:00","date_gmt":"2021-03-25T14:30:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/?p=16920"},"modified":"2025-09-15T16:01:57","modified_gmt":"2025-09-15T20:01:57","slug":"oak-vs-brown-maple-how-they-compare-for-wood-furniture","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.dutchcrafters.com\/blog\/oak-vs-brown-maple-how-they-compare-for-wood-furniture\/","title":{"rendered":"Oak vs. Brown Maple: How They Compare for Wood Furniture"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

It\u2019s time for oak<\/a> versus brown maple<\/a>, where we\u2019ll take on the two least expensive hardwood types that offer a world of possibilities for Amish furniture<\/a>, and we\u2019ll compare their strengths and weaknesses. The ultimate goal is to help you decide if one of these wood types<\/a> would be the best fit for your vision of new wood furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Comparing Colors<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Oak Wood Colors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are several different species of oak trees. The two main ones used to make oak furniture are red and white oak trees. Oak wood is primarily light in color. Red oak actually contains lighter shades than white oak, with colors ranging from white to soft brown, and heartwood and sapwood both displaying a pinkish hue. White oak\u2019s colors feature shades of light to medium brown, as well as dark to medium brown with some yellow shades mixed in.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Amish Shaker TV Stand <\/a>displays oak wood light shades.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Brown Maple Colors<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Brown maple showcases a variety of brown shades, including browns, tans, whites and creams that can include light and dark streaks, as well as a touch of red.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"Amish<\/a>
The Amish Ramsay Dining Chair<\/a> displays a warm brown maple shade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Comparing Characteristics<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

What does oak wood look like?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oak is a busy wood where grain pattern is concerned. Oak wood displays a prominent grain pattern with long, curving arches and loops, compressed into thin, parallel lines in some sections. Its pronounced patterns make oak easier to identify among hardwood furniture.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Amish Bridgeport Oak Wood Extension Dining Table <\/a><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Oak Wood Performance<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Oak is durable and offers a top performance for wood furniture full of function. The most widely used hardwood in American furniture making, oak is a good choice for pieces that see heavy traffic and high use. There\u2019s lots of strength in oak, earning it a Janka Hardness rating of 1360 for white oak and 1290 for red oak. Oak furniture can be enjoyed in a variety of colors, as oak wood takes a stain well from light to dark. Paints are a different story because oak’s coarse texture mean that oak is not the best for a painted finish. Woodworkers like the fact that oak glues and finishes well, making it easy to work with by hand or with machine tools.<\/p>\n\n\n

\n
\"\"<\/a>
The Amish Riverview Lounge Chair <\/a>offers strength that will last decades.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

Unique Characteristics of Oak Furniture<\/h3>\n\n\n\n