During colonial times in America, pine trees were plentiful and furniture makers began fashioning items made from the wood most available. Many pieces of antique pine furniture can be found attesting to the quality of the maker. While many are made of the softest of the pine species, there are many antique pine furniture items made of yellow pine, which is more durable.

While oak and most other hardwoods were the materials of choice among most furniture builders, as well as the owners commissioning their work, pine became useful due the ease of its use as well as price. In the early days of furniture making most pieces were designed and built for those with riches as well as social status. The existence of antique pine furniture attests to the needs of those without money finding other materials with which to fashion their furniture.

Centuries ago when nomads roamed the world, their every belonging carried with them, furniture was not high on their list of must-haves. Typically a chair would be fashioned out of the nearest log or rock. As they settled into a more stable lifestyle, they found they could use extra storage space to hold their belongings.

Shift To Softer Woods Makes Us Of Pine

While cherry and chestnut joined oak as the wood of choice with which to build furniture, pine trees were in abundance. Many pieces of antique pine furniture have been uncovered to show the builders were capable of working with a wood known for its softness, and fashioning pieces to last. Many believe that antique pine furniture was easier to make, as the wood was easier to work with than the traditional hardwoods.

Colonial furniture has many examples of antique pine furniture as when settlers began heading out to discover and inhabit new areas, they would build their homes and furniture from the most available resource. In many areas that would include pine trees, and today’s antique pine furniture was their state-of-the-art products. However, furniture was made for its practicality instead of its appearance.

Dressers and chiffarobes were designed to hold a family’s clothing in the absence of closets. Dressers and armoires were added for those who could afford them, or were handy enough to make their own. The existence of antique pine furniture shows the quality of the furniture makers of the time as they fashioned each piece by hand.