Pair of Chinese Horseshoe Crest Armchairs

Many hardwood species are deciduous. Deciduous hardwoods, such as oak, normally show annual growth rings. Hardwoods are often slow growing because they have a more complex structure than softwoods. The dominant feature separating hardwoods from softwoods is the presence of pores. The pores can vary greatly in size and shape. The wood from these trees, as one would expect, is generally harder than that of softwoods. In both groups there is an enormous variation in the actual wood hardness. Inlay is commonly used in the production of decorative furniture, where pieces of coloured wood are incorporated into the surface of the main body, adding delicate or intricate patterns and designs. Inlays normally use wood veneers, but other materials, like mother-of-pearl or ivory, may also be used.