Catholic Altars: Should you choose Natural wood or Engineered wood?

When searching for Catholic home altars, Catholic wooden statues, or other wooden products, people often wonder why there is such a large price difference.

Even though they may seem to be the same type of statue, their prices can vary significantly, sometimes by several times. The reason lies in the quality of the wood used. Typically, industrial wood or pressed wood will be much cheaper compared to natural wood.

So, which type of wood should you choose for Catholic altar statues? Today, JmCatholic.com will help you find the answer to this question.

Pros and Cons of Natural Wood and Engineered Wood

1. Natural wood

Natural wood refers to types of wood sourced from trees with sturdy, solid trunks. They undergo industrial processing such as cutting, splitting, kiln drying, and seasoning.

This process produces stable wood fibers that are well-connected. Hence, they are crafted into Catholic wooden altars without the need for further processing into other materials.

The Pros of Natural Wood

• Strength: Natural wood boasts high structural integrity as it is directly harvested from trees. Through advanced technological processing, its bonding strength increases, resulting in more durable and higher-quality products.

• Aesthetic appeal: The grain patterns of natural wood are exquisite and diverse, unique to each type of wood without repetition. Catholic wooden altars made from natural wood exude a rustic, comforting, and elegant ambiance, adding sophistication to family spaces. Natural wood can complement various settings, from classical to contemporary.
• Flexibility: Natural wood exhibits remarkable flexibility due to its internal bonding, enhancing its resilience and ability to withstand impacts.
• Durability: While the durability may vary among different types of natural wood, they are generally superior to engineered wood or plastic materials, offering better load-bearing capabilities.
• Water resistance: With modern kiln-drying technology, natural wood's bonding and solidity are enhanced, making it more resistant to water and moisture when properly sealed, unlike engineered wood.
• High resale value: Items crafted from natural wood, such as Catholic wooden statues or altars, increase in value over time, enhancing aesthetic appeal and adding a touch of luxury to spaces.
• Safety: Natural wood is entirely safe for human use, and some types even emit pleasant fragrances that promote relaxation and well-being.

Cons:

The most significant drawback of natural wood is its high cost and scarcity. Crafting natural wood requires meticulous processes by highly skilled craftsmen.

Furthermore, the scarcity of raw materials drives up the cost of natural wood significantly compared to engineered wood.

However, its quality, durability, and meticulous aesthetic make it well worth the investment. It's no wonder that more and more people are opting for natural wood for their family's religious artifacts.

2. Engineered wood

Pros

Compared to natural wood, engineered wood offers:

• Affordability: Engineered wood is significantly cheaper due to its easily manufacturable raw materials. Cost is a crucial factor to consider when purchasing.
• Termite resistance: This wood material is made from wood chips and sawdust processed with chemicals, making it unattractive to termites.

Cons

For intricate handicrafts, especially Catholic wooden statues or altars, engineered wood is rarely used due to the following drawbacks:

• Low durability: Engineered wood, made from wood scraps, features weak internal bonds, leading to poor load-bearing and susceptibility to damage. This is a significant drawback for Catholic artifacts, often considered sacred.
• Moisture absorption: Engineered wood is prone to moisture, mold, and decay when exposed to water or high humidity.
• Low aesthetic value: Poor internal bonding leads to less refined detailing, lack of natural luster, uneven grain patterns, and less elegance compared to natural wood.

• Toxicity: Additional chemicals like adhesives and paints used in engineered wood can emit unpleasant odors and potentially harmful to human health.

Natural Wood vs Engineered Wood: Which is better?

The choice between natural and engineered wood depends on your usage needs. If you prefer simple, cost-effective interior items that can be frequently replaced, engineered wood is suitable. However, for intricate handicrafts, especially Catholic religious artifacts, natural wood is the best choice.

To meet aesthetic and durability requirements, J&M Catholic's Catholic wooden statues and altars are handcrafted from natural wood, offering the best selection for Catholic faithfuls. 

All our products are meticulously crafted, utilizing quality kiln-dried wood, ensuring longevity and affordability on the market.

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