When shopping for quality furniture in Australia—whether at local showrooms, vintage markets, or online—it’s essential to understand what you’re buying. One of the most important distinctions is whether a piece is made of hardwood, softwood, or engineered material like MDF or plywood. Knowing how to identify genuine hardwood can help you make smarter investments, especially if you’re looking for durability, long-term value, and classic aesthetic appeal.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to tell if furniture is made from real hardwood, with insights relevant to the Australian market and timber species.
1. Understand What Hardwood Means
Hardwood doesn’t necessarily mean the wood is physically harder than softwood; it refers to the tree species. Hardwoods come from deciduous trees (like oak, ash, and eucalyptus), whereas softwoods are from conifers (like pine and spruce).
In Australia, common native hardwoods include:
- Tasmanian Oak
- Jarrah
- Spotted Gum
- Blackbutt
- Victorian Ash
These woods are renowned for their density, strength, and beautiful grain patterns.
2. Look at the Grain Pattern and Texture
One of the easiest ways to identify hardwood furniture is by observing the wood grain:
- Hardwood tends to have tight, dense, and complex grain patterns.
- You’ll often see variations and unique textures that are difficult to replicate in engineered or softwood furniture.
- Native Australian hardwoods like Jarrah or Spotted Gum typically show rich, reddish-brown to dark tones with distinct grain.
If the grain looks too uniform or smooth, it might be veneer over MDF or a softwood imitation.
3. Check the Weight of the Piece
Hardwood furniture is noticeably heavier than its softwood or engineered counterparts:
- Try lifting the piece—if it feels solid and dense, that’s a good sign.
- Timber like Blackbutt or Ironbark is exceptionally heavy, while something lightweight could be pine or particleboard.
This tip is especially useful when inspecting second-hand furniture or items with no clear labeling.
4. Examine the Joinery
Quality hardwood furniture often features traditional joinery techniques:
- Look for dovetail joints, mortise and tenon, or wood dowels.
- These techniques are rarely used on cheap, mass-produced MDF or plywood furniture.
In contrast, fasteners like staples, screws, or visible brackets often indicate mass production with lower-grade materials.
5. Look at the Finish and Edges
A real hardwood surface will:
- Have subtle imperfections, knots, or mineral streaks that add character.
- Reveal the same material all the way through, especially if you check beneath the furniture or inside drawers.
Engineered products may show laminates, veneered surfaces, or composite wood cores under the surface.
6. Ask the Seller or Retailer
When shopping in Australian stores—whether it’s Harvey Norman, Domayne, or an independent furniture maker—don’t hesitate to ask:
- Is this solid hardwood or veneer?
- What species of timber is used?
- Is the timber sustainably sourced?
Reputable sellers will be transparent. In fact, many Australian furniture makers proudly advertise FSC-certified or Australian-grown hardwoods.
7. Price Can Be a Clue—But Not Always
Solid hardwood furniture tends to be more expensive, especially when made from premium Australian timber. However:
- A high price doesn’t always guarantee hardwood—some designer brands still use veneered MDF.
- Similarly, you can find affordable hardwood pieces at estate sales, vintage shops, or local timber workshops.
Always inspect before buying, especially for large investments like dining tables or bed frames.
8. When in Doubt—Get a Professional Opinion
If you’re uncertain, especially when restoring or buying antique furniture, a local carpenter, cabinet maker, or timber expert in your area can often identify the wood for you.
Conclusion
In Australia, where native hardwoods are both abundant and highly valued, being able to identify genuine hardwood furniture is a valuable skill. Whether you’re after durability, aesthetic beauty, or supporting sustainable practices, understanding what you’re buying ensures your furniture will stand the test of time—both structurally and stylistically.
At TIMBERWORX, we specialise in crafting premium-quality furniture using 100% solid hardwood, including Australian native species like Tasmanian Oak, Blackbutt, and Jarrah. Whether you’re furnishing a home, a workspace, or designing a custom feature piece, our team ensures each item is built to last—and built with care.
Not sure if your current furniture is real hardwood? Or looking for a bespoke solution? Contact TIMBERWORX today for expert advice, or visit our showroom to feel the difference genuine hardwood makes.