How to Check Wooden Furniture Quality

Before you buy wooden furniture, it's always advisable to check the quality of furniture that you are about to buy. In this way, you will be able to buy the best furniture possible. Here's a guideline on what to check.

Wood source

The type of wood used in the manufacture of the furniture would have a direct bearing on how long you furniture would last. The furniture could be made of softwood, hardwood or re-engineered wood. Most furniture, usually, are made from hardwood from the deciduous forests. These include maple, mahogany, oak, teak, cherry, walnut and birch. Coniferous trees like cedar, redwood, pine and fir are softwood. Good quality furniture can be made from these woods as well. However, they are more prone to dents and scratches. Modern furniture is rarely constructed completely out of wood. Plywood is extensively used as it gives strength to the furniture and prevents warping or spilling. It's being used for making long-lasting, sturdy and attractive looking furniture when used with a high quality veneer.

Construction

The construction of a furniture piece contributes immensely to its functionality, beauty and longevity. The sturdiness and joiner of a piece furniture would tell you much about the quality. A good joint can also have screws and dowels but would never be stapled. Use of glue must not be visible outside the joint. Corner block forge stability and strength to furniture. They aren't visible from outside and bolt to each side of the interior corners. A fine quality chest of drawers or chest would have thin wooden sheets or dust panels between drawers on the body of a desk or chest. Besides making the furniture structurally stronger, they keep the dust away from papers and clothing.

Back panels facing the wall are usually attached together with screws for ensuring lateral stability. Unexposed parts must be well fitted and sanded smooth. This is a vital feature as only a well constructed piece of furniture would comprise such details. Drawers will have glides that allow effortless operation of a drawer and also helps in preventing the drawer from falling out. Office furniture that has glides like computer armories, file cabinets, desks etc. are crucial to the functionality of the piece.

Finishing

A quality finish of furniture would involve staining, sanding and finishing. Any neglect at any of these stages could affect the quality of a furniture piece. Signs of poor finishing include a rough surface, a cloudy or a glossy surface that shields the wood grain, dents, scratches or dust specks, splintered edges, dust spots that indicate missing areas or lack of enough coat on vertical surfaces and around edges.

It's always advisable to check out first hand the furniture you intend to buy. This will make you aware of the quality of the furniture that you are buying. You can also go for antique or vintage furniture as such pieces are likely to be sturdier than today's furniture. Remember, never compromise on quality even if your furniture costs more.


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