I have a influenced view when it relates to answering the question that is the title of this article, and I know it. At most, I can simply hope to adequately justify my position that bare wood furniture is, dollar for dollar, the far superior value, but let's have a look at a few of the causes why and see if I can't convince you.

Firstly, bare wood furniture is made of...well, wood. Not pressboard, not particle board, not sawdust and Elmer's trying to pass itself off as wood, but actual, honest to goodness wood! Next time you're at your local chain store, ask them to show you all their "solid wood" furniture and really look it over. Normally, I am betting you will find pressboard somewhere.

Next, bare wood furniture costs lower. Often a lot less. Yes, you've to "do something" to it (and we will get to that in a moment), but that is more of an opportunity gained than lost. Economic times being what they're, most everybody is trying to save money where they can, and this seems like a great tradeoff to me.

Third, bare wood furniture allows you to put your innovative stamp on it as you finish the piece, rather than getting anything "just like every 3rd house in the country." Express yourself! Be exceptional! Create something that's real "you."

Fourth, bare wood furniture is more durable. That's since, ultimately, all that pressboard actually isn't extremely strong. All wood furniture is as rough and long-lasting as it is beautiful.

Fifth, bare wood furniture gets better with age. With proper care at its finishing, you can create an heirloom piece which will possibly serve for many years. Majority of the shop bought furniture just becomes "used furniture" after 3-5 years. Huge difference.

I fell in love with unfinished furniture
with my first piece (a 6' tall, oak, double bookcase). As we gradually replace the furniture in our house, as much as possible, we are using bare wood furniture. It is cheaper, higher quality, more stable, and entirely unique.

What is not to like?

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