Mexican Pine Furniture

If you are looking for something that stays looking brand new and sterile forever, go buy some laminate from a big-box shop. But if you want a house that feels like a home, Mexican Pine is a solid bet. It is grown in managed forests, and because pine is a bit softer than solid oak, the craftsmen can get those nice curves and chunky details into the wood without it costing you a month’s wages.

Why the Corona look actually works

You have probably seen the corona furniture style everywhere. It is the stuff with the black metal bolts and the rustic wax finish. Some people think it is a bit old-fashioned, but I disagree. It is practical. I have got a corona wardrobe in my guest room that has been through three house moves and it is still standing. Try doing that with a flat-pack unit made of compressed sawdust and glue. It will fall apart the moment you take a screwdriver to it.

The beauty of mexican pine furniture is that it is forgiving. If you get a mexican pine sideboard and your teenager puts a hot mug on it without a coaster, you can usually buff out the mark with a bit of wax and some elbow grease. You can read more about that in my guide on Oak Sideboard Care: Protecting Your Investment. Even though that guide talks about oak, the principle of looking after real wood is the same.

Sorting out the bedroom and living room

When you are looking at Bedroom Furniture, you want stuff that can hold a lot of weight. Pine Wardrobes are great for this because the hanging rails actually stay in place. I have seen too many cheap units where the rail just collapses under the weight of a few winter coats. Same goes for a Chest of Drawers. You want drawers that actually slide, even when they are full of bits and bobs.

In the lounge, a TV Unit needs to be sturdy. These modern screens are light, but the units still get kicked and bumped. I always tell people to look at Sideboards too. A good Oak Sideboard is a bit more of an investment, but if you are on a budget, the pine versions do the job just as well for half the price. If you are stuck on what to pick, have a look at this Buying an Oak Sideboard: Shopping Guide.

Keeping it in good nick

Look, I am going to be honest with you. If you put a piece of pine right next to a roaring radiator, it might move. It is a natural product. It breathes. You might see a tiny gap appear or a bit of a creak. Do not panic. It is just the wood reacting to the heat. Keep it away from direct sunlight if you do not want the colour to fade, and give it a wax every few months. It is not a chore, it is just part of owning real furniture.

Is it worth the money

Yes. It is probably the best value for money you will find if you want real wood. It is “kid-proof” in the sense that you do not have to worry about every little nick and scrape. At Oak Castle Furniture, we see a lot of people starting out with pine and then moving up to oak later on. It is a sensible way to do it.

Common Questions

How do I get rid of a scratch in pine? Get a wax stick that matches the colour. Rub it in, buff it with a lint-free cloth, and you will barely notice it. Pine is very forgiving like that.

Is the Corona range easy to build? Most of it comes flat-panelled but it is much thicker than the stuff you get at the blue-and-yellow Swedish shop. The instructions are usually straightforward, just do not rush it.

Why is my furniture a slightly different shade than the picture? It is a tree. Every tree is different. The grain and the knots will vary. If you want everything to be identical, buy plastic.

Can I paint Mexican pine? You can, but you need to strip the wax off first. If you do not, the paint will just slide right off and you will have a right mess on your hands.

Is it heavy? Yes. Do not try to move the larger sideboards on your own unless you fancy a trip to the physio. Get a mate to help.

“I bought the Corona sideboard for my hallway. It has survived two dogs and three kids crashing into it daily. It still looks better than the expensive modern unit we had before that chipped within a week.”

Shop Related: Oak Living Room Furniture or browse our full range of Bedroom Furniture.

Corona Furniture