Oak wood is considered as an ideal material for the construction of high-quality hotel furniture because it is much more durable than other types of hardwood. Furniture made of oak is resistant to fungal attacks, does not deteriorate quickly and suits various types of interior design. There are many types of oak, ranging from natural to American white oak, but manufacturers use only a few of them for building hospitality cabinets, tabletops, chairs, windows and floors. What are the advantages and disadvantages of oak hotel furniture? What is the right choice for your hospitality venue?
Advantages of Custom-made Oak Furniture for Hotels
Oak comes in about 600 varieties. Its most important advantages, determining the popularity in the hospitality industry, are high mechanical strength, resistance to abrasion, stains, dust and the fact that it does not require regular cleaning and polishing. Also, the beautiful texture of oak wood makes it a perfect match for both traditional and contemporary hotel projects. Oak wood is resistant to insects and fungi. Hotel furniture made of oak wood is less warped than other types of wood, and also has very good waterproof properties, such as the already mentioned white oak. Other advantages of oakwood are susceptibility to aesthetic processing and ease of coating. The long service life of solid oak furniture and greater stability make it a widely used material in hotels. When it comes to the construction of wooden countertops, wardrobes, cabinets and flooring for the needs of hotels, oak remains the most popular choice because it is durable and inexpensive. Most of the furniture for this sector is custom-made, so the choice of sizes, shapes and shades is endless. There are usually two types of oak wood, one is white oak and the other is red oak. The most popular recently is European oak and Character oak. European oak has a uniform appearance with a few unevenness. It is cheaper than Character oak and consistent in appearance. The Character oak has cracks along the grain of the wood. As a result, the surface acquires an interesting appearance. The distinctive oak is more prone to expand and contract in unpredictable ways, leading to small cracks and a more rustic feel over time. Character oak is about 20% more expensive than European Oak. Oak wood is widely available and relatively inexpensive compared to other types of hardwood. Oak is an economical and solid choice. Wood adheres well to the varnish and is the best material for wardrobes, windows, doors and floors.
Disadvantages of Custom-Made Oak Furniture for Hotels
When it comes to the disadvantages of oakwood, there are definitely fewer of them than the advantages. Oak wood is not as easy to polish as fine-grain wood. It is also very heavy so it is very difficult to make a contemporary piece of furniture. Oak wood is also very difficult to cut and prone to cracking if not handled properly. If the oak wood is not completely cleaned, the furniture may shrink and turn into cracks. The stain may darken and provide an unattractive two-tone appearance over time.
Maintenance of Hotel Oak Furniture
Maintaining oak furniture requires precision. Experts recommend one-time oiling with Danish or food-safe mineral oil, which will help maintain a good condition for longer. Soaking oak furniture in water will damage it. The reason for the wear and tear of hotel furniture are pieces of dust that accumulate inside the grain of the wood and cause damage. Both regular vacuuming and wiping the surface with a damp cloth to get rid of grease and dirt, and then drying these areas with a soft cloth will allow enjoying good-quality furniture for longer.
Sara Hospitality |
Oct 13, 2023
Purchasing new furniture for the hotel is a considerable investment for any hotelier. The hotel owner expects furniture will remain last longer in the future. Thus, buying furniture from American manufacturers offers a range of benefits, including materials, sustainability, and support to businesses and craftsmanship. However, after the devasting impact of a global pandemic, many hotel owners are evaluating their decision to purchase from their home country.
The hoteliers are in a dilemma to choose an American hotel furniture manufacturer and an overseas option while building or renovating hotel furniture. The decision can’t be taken lightly because it can affect the budget and guest experience. While making crucial financial decisions, it might be possible to end with a costly mistake in the future.
So, before making any decision, it is imperative to weigh the pros and cons of a hotel furniture manufacturer.
Here are some of the pros outlined in choosing a hotel furniture manufacturer:
The USA government made strict rules and regulations regarding product quality. Thus, every piece of furniture must meet the quality standards of the Consumer Product Safety Improvements Act. Fulfilling quality standards is a crucial part of the manufacturing process, and it ensures the safety of products before it is distributed to customers.
The American manufacturer uses safe and natural fiber to produce products and avoids harmful chemicals and glues. Thus, bringing American-produced furniture pieces will give you confidence and surety to remain last longer. Besides that, in excellent manufacturing practices, the workers are provided a safe working environment per CDC guidelines.
American furniture possesses more than recognition, and it is promised to every buyer about product quality. The USA is famous for its quality product and respect that stand the test of time. However, it is mainly applied when it comes to custom hotel furniture. The domestic furniture lives up to quality standards and workmanship due to the:
Durable materials
Safety regulations
American integrity and ingenuity
The guest should have a safe and comfortable stay. However, American-made furniture pieces are safe from structural but also in material composition. Usually, imported furniture pieces contain toxic flame-retardant chemicals, and due to this, it causes several other diseases like cancer and genetic issues.
But, there is a good thing about USA's toxic Substance Control Act protecting customers, employees, and the environment from such an atmosphere.
In present times, consumers look for considering options worldwide. While the imported manufacturers are known to offer affordable furniture, their pieces will only provide some bang for the buck. The international shipping, duties, and taxes add up for the foreign-made furniture piece to be competitively priced.
Conversely, American manufacturers will offer quality products without adding unnecessary price tags. Due to this, the local manufacturer does not require to import, the cost of savings is directly passed to the customer, and valuable business is not lost to other nations.
Expect a quick turnaround while ordering from an American furniture manufacturer. However, delivery should always be fine. Suppose you are waiting for a shipment of quality furniture near the end of the hotel project. With hotel structure and design taking shape as the deadline approaches, you can’t afford a logistical hold-up. An American manufacturer has far less complexity to jump over before getting the product to the website. The oceans, inspections, borders, and customs tariffs don’t stand in the way as they do with international furniture.
However, besides than pros, it has some cons to buying from American manufacturers:
A few decades ago, the USA became tough to do business with. However, only the powerful hotel furniture manufacturers will adapt, thrive, and survive. Also, there are few suppliers to choose from compared to poorly regulated overseas markets, but again American-made ensures quality and style, which is unavailable in other places.
It is where you are careful about cost - the balancing act. The imported furniture is usually cheaper because of foreign wage laws that pay pennies on the dollar compared to American workers, especially in Asia. Due to this, domestic furniture carries a higher price.
Choosing a USA manufacturer indirectly supports sustainability, manufacturing, and the US economy. Due to this reason, Sara Hospitality is proudly made in the USA and has stylish furniture pieces that will suit every hotel's needs.