What to Look for (Before You Get Caught Out)

Not all sideboards are built the same, and most shops won’t tell you the truth about it.

Kiln-dried timber is a must. If the wood hasn’t been dried properly, it’ll warp and crack the moment you turn your central heating on in October. Properly dried oak stays put.

Check the joints. If you see dovetails in the drawers, you’re onto a winner. It means the maker actually gave a toss about strength. Dowels and glue are fine for a year or two, but dovetails last a century.

Also, look at the grain on the front. On a quality piece, the grain flows across the doors and drawers like a single picture. If it’s a mess of mismatched bits, they’ve rushed it.

One honest warning: these things are proper heavy. A three-door sideboard can easily hit 70kg. Don’t go trying to lug it up the stairs on your own or you’ll put your back out.

Styles and Finishes

Oak is more versatile than people think. You can have the traditional look with turned legs and panelling for a period home. Or, you can go for clean lines and simple handles for a modern flat.

The finish is what sets the mood. A light oil looks very “Scandi” and fresh. A dark wax feels warmer and more classic. Neither is better than the other; it just depends on your room.

For a hallway, a slim oak sideboard is a godsend. It’s tough enough to handle keys and bags being chucked on it every day, but it still looks smart when guests walk in.

The Reality of the Price Tag

Solid oak costs more than bits of sawdust glued together. There’s no point pretending otherwise. It’s a proper investment, the kind of thing you have to think about for a bit.

But do the maths. A cheap unit lasts five years if you’re lucky. A solid oak sideboard will still be sitting there in thirty years, looking better than the day you bought it. Buy it once, buy it right.

“I was worried about the price at first, but the moment the delivery chaps put it in the dining room, I knew why I’d paid it. It’s solid as a rock and the grain is stunning. Proper furniture.”

Oak vs. The Rest

Common Questions

How do I look after a solid oak sideboard? It’s simpler than you think. Keep it out of direct sunlight so it doesn’t dry out too fast, and give it a quick buff with a quality wax or oil every six months. Avoid those cheap silicone sprays; they just gunk up the grain.

Will the wood change colour? Yes, and that’s the best part. It’ll mellow into a richer, warmer honey tone over time. It’s a sign of real timber reacting to the light in your home.

Is it actually 100% solid oak? Ours is. No MDF, no chipboard. Even the drawer bases and the back panels are solid wood. That’s why they’re so heavy.

What happens if I scratch it? The beauty of solid wood is that you can actually fix it. A bit of fine sandpaper and a fresh coat of oil, and the scratch is gone. You can’t do that with the cheap stuff.

Will it handle my heavy dinner set? Easily. Oak is incredibly dense. Unlike cheaper units that sag in the middle under a bit of weight, a solid oak sideboard will hold your best plates and a stack of books without flinching.