Unfinished Office Furniture

Warm, environmentally friendly unfinished office furniture is a unique alternative to industrial metals typically used in commercial office buildings. Green industries and environmentally-conscious enterprises use workplace furnishings constructed from natural hardwoods and fruitwoods, such as oak, cherry, pine, maple and spruce. The distinctive difference between wood pieces and metal is the natural feel and warm texture that can only be found in nature. Furniture in its natural state can be stained with eco-friendly teak oil or organic aged walnut stain; or waxed, pickled, stenciled, whitewashed, or painted without endangering the environment or destroying forests. Because of wood's durability, oak office furniture and other types of grains last for hundreds of years without having to be replaced. Wood can be sanded and re-finished again and again; and the value just increases with age.

The beauty of unfinished furniture is that it allows for freedom of expression and freedom of design. Owners of exquisite unfinished oak office furniture can choose to make a personal statement by painting or staining natural woods in colors and tones that are one-of-a-kind. Paints and stains carry a distinctive personality. Cherry wood is rich, warm and elegant; while pine can be contemporary and a little bit country. Maple's formal character hearkens back to Colonial times, but depending on the style of furniture maple can also carry a modern twist. Solid oak pieces are stable, dependable and versatile. Selecting different stains gives oak a myriad of characteristics from strong, or masculine, to diminutively feminine, depending on the shade and density of a stain or paint color.

Working with wood can be a challenging but enjoyable experience. Natural woods yield easily to a wood finisher's hands; and a skilled finisher knows how to bring out the beauty of individual wood grains and slight imperfections. Just as a wood finisher makes the most of the beauty hidden beneath the surface of unfinished office furniture, God also knows how to make the most from the hidden beauty lying just beneath the surface of a man's soul. "Let them praise His name in the dance: let them sing praises unto Him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in His people: He will beautify the meek with salvation" (Psalm 149:3-4).

Business owners can choose to stencil oak office furniture or use solid paint. Artists, graphic designers, or sculptors may choose hand painted pieces that show off their craft. Attorneys and physicians may prefer more traditional finishes that depict a stable, traditional style befitting their professions. Daycare center owners may also prefer unfinished pieces that can be painted in animal patterns like towering giraffes, tigers, zebras, or primary colors to stimulate a child's creative mind. Butchers, bakers, and restaurant owners may opt for traditional oak pieces with clean and clear varnishes which make for easier clean up. Antique dealers, home appraisers and real estate brokers usually choose traditional styles and finishes that mirror those of the finest homes. Traditional cherry, maple, and oak are their natural choices.

When it comes to choosing unfinished office furniture, customers don't have to be shy. Facing a room full of unfinished wooden pieces may be intimidating. It's kind of like entering a steam bath or sauna full of strangers: they're all nearly naked and you don't know how to start a conversation! But while unfinished furniture is in its naked state, that's the time to make it uniquely yours. Instead of thinking in terms of finishes or clothing, take time to imagine how each piece will be used. Purchase items that provide the most usage: a desk and chair, credenza, and computer armoire are excellent choices for a well appointed and coordinated work space. Unfinished selections comes in all styles from the more traditional Queen Anne with gracefully turned legs, to Chippendale's more masculine profile, or the straight, blocky legs of Contemporary furnishings. Country styles have turned legs; while Quaker inspired pieces will have a straight-laced look, no-nonsense appearance.

The bare bones of unfinished office furniture styles will dictate which stains, paints, washes, or oils will eventually bring the unfinished wood to life. Buyers can consult store owners or designers for advice in selecting and applying appropriate finishes. Do-it-yourselfers may want to tackle hand rubbing or waxing unfinished wood surfaces, but the timid at heart may solicit the services of professional finishers to ensure that the results are more professional and eye pleasing. For instructions on finishing wood, handy individuals may want to consult home improvement and craft websites. Some offer step-by-step directions to achieving different results using techniques such as ragging, combing, distressing, or sponge painting. Unfinished wooden pieces should be lightly sanded before applying stain or paint to ensure that the wood is evenly coated. Some stains require several coats of stain, sanding between each application to avoid burring and unevenness.

Shoppers can expect to pay less for unfinished office furniture than pre-stained store bought varieties. Solid oak office furniture is a great value and a good investment for those seeking to get more for the money. Pieces can be collected over the years and added to existing selections. Items can be purchased online from reputable manufacturers or onsite. Buyers who want to be sure of the condition of selected pieces may prefer to buy from local companies. Online purchases will incur additional fees for shipping and handling, along with the cost of hand finishing. The lower cost, long lasting value, and versatility of unfinished wood for workplace interiors makes it a perfect choice for the budget-conscious business owner with a distinct sense of style.

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