Look at the "eyes of the fire" to distinguish between old and new beech furniture
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Furniture made from old beech and new eucalyptus may look similar at first glance after surface treatment, but there are significant differences in material quality and value between the two. So, how can you tell them apart?
Features of Beech Furniture
Beech furniture is not expensive because it's a common wood type. As an affordable material, it’s ideal for mass production. Beech offers excellent physical and chemical properties—resistant to decay, moisture, and impact, with a strong, elastic structure. One unique feature of eucalyptus furniture is its "chicken wing pattern," which gives it an elegant and refined appearance. That’s why, during the Ming and Qing dynasties, both nobles and commoners were fond of this kind of furniture. Today, modern beech furniture often follows traditional Ming and Qing styles, featuring subtle colors and classic craftsmanship that reflect a rustic, unadorned Chinese aesthetic. It brings a quiet, serene atmosphere, much like the imagery of Chrysanthemums and Southern Mountains.
However, no material is perfect. Although beech is durable, it has one major drawback: it's not resistant to insects. While many people love eucalyptus furniture, small pests seem to be attracted to it more than other woods. This means eucalyptus furniture is more prone to infestation. If you have old beech furniture, you may need to inject insecticide into the holes caused by bugs. New beech furniture should also be treated with an insect repellent to prevent future damage, ensuring long-term protection against pests.
Old Beech Furniture
True old beech refers to recycled wood from old beams or doors, not just any tree that's been around for 100 or 200 years. Even if a tree is 300 years old, if it was cut down recently, it still counts as new beech.
To identify old beech, look at the grain—old beech has a rough yet natural texture, unlike the rigid patterns found in other woods. The wood is very hard, so even with your fingernail, you won’t be able to scratch it.
Old beech furniture often has a natural oily sheen, not just a painted finish. There’s a dark yellow resin layer between the growth rings, giving it a rich, aged look. Over time, old beech develops natural cracks, blisters, and scars, which are signs of its long history. (Note: new beech is more susceptible to insect damage.)
Unfinished old beech furniture displays deep, natural textures on its surface. These characteristics make it easy to distinguish from newer pieces.
Understanding the difference between old and new beech furniture can help you make better choices when buying or restoring antique-style furniture. I hope this guide helps you in your search.
For more insights into the Chinese furniture industry, visit the official website of Xianghe Furniture City.