Expert: Jamie Yocono - 5/5/2007

Question
Hi. I'm in the market for a drawer chest for my 9 year old son.  I have found two that I like.  Both are Shaker style, but one is made out of maple and the other birch.  I want this drawer chest to last until he goes to college and beyond.  Which wood would you recommend?

Answer
Hi Beth,

Great question!

Both of the woods you mentioned are deciduous hardwoods, meaning that they come from trees that lose their leaves. Hardwoods are considered the best woods to use for furniture making, so you're having to decide between two very durable woods.

That said, Maple is probably considered the premium of the two species. Birch grain is just a little more plain than Maple, and when it's finished, it doesn't give you the "wow" factor that Maple gives.

To tell you the truth, it's like choosing between a Chrysler and a Dodge. Close.... but it depends on what you're attracted to.

So.... in my opinion, if the prices are close, I would chose the Maple. If there's a huge difference in cost, Birch would be a good way to save some money. But logically speaking, they're quite similar in durability.

Maple would be my choice. Some wood "snobs" consider it to be the Cadillac of domestic hardwoods.

Hope you didn't mind my automobile comparisons... it just seems an easy way to explain it!

OK, good luck, I hope this helps. Please feel free to write back if you have any further questions after reading this. And if this answer was helpful... please take a minute and rate my service. Thanks!

Jamie Yocono
Wood It Is! Custom Cabinetry
Las Vegas, NV
www.wooditis.com