Buying wood furniture can be a confusing experience when you are unsure of what you are looking at and what you are looking for. Before you set out to buy, research styles, determine how much money that you can invest, take measurements of the area you are buying for, and determine how and who will be using the furniture. The best thing to do when examining the structure of a piece is to thoroughly examine it with your eyes and your hands. Ask questions so you can understand what you are purchasing.
Do the drawers fit well?
A piece of furniture needs to be well-constructed in order to endure everyday wear and tear. Drawers should glide in and out easily. Metal or wood glides are preferred. Avoid plastic glides, which often need to be replaced due to breakage.
Do shelves have center supports?
When purchasing storage systems, keep in mind how much weight will be placed on the shelves. Will you use this piece of furniture for a TV or books?
Supports are necessary when a shelf needs to hold a lot of weight.
Do doors swing out and close easily?
Whether they're on a buffet or an armoire, doors need to be able to withstand everyday use. They should fit flush and sit level. Look for latches or magnets so that doors stay closed.
Does the hardware seem secure and strong?
Hardware on a piece of furniture must be strong and made of a solid material like metal or wood. It must be screwed firmly into place to ensure a long life.
Is it double-dowelled and corner-blocked for durability and stability?
Corner blocks are small pieces of wood glued into corners to strengthen joints and help ensure that furniture remains square. Dowels bind two pieces of wood together, increasing the strength and durability of the joints.
Is the finish smooth to the touch and evenly dispersed?
Is there a protective coating to prevent water rings and other surface marks? Finishes can vary the look of a piece, making it appear smooth and formal or rough and rustic. Whether the piece is distressed, painted, or stained, the surface should look even and be smooth to the touch. High-gloss finishes tend to scratch easily and require maintenance. Distressing and satin/matte finishes will tend to disguise flaws better. How you treat your furniture, who uses it, and where it is used will determine the importance of a protective finish. Dining and kitchen tables, end tables, desks, and cocktail tables generally get the most use and need to be able to withstand liquids, heat, pressure from writing, and so on.
Are drawers dovetailed or stapled?
Dovetail joints lock two pieces of wood together and strengthen drawers. Stapled drawers can be found on lower-priced pieces, and they'll have a greater chance of breakage with everyday use.
How long will the furniture last? Materials affect durability and price of wood furniture, but the care a piece of furniture receives and the punishment it takes will determine the length of its life. Even the finest, most durable furniture can wear out if it receives extra hard use.
What does good quality furniture cost?
Think of furniture as an investment, and buy the best that you can afford. If you are buying for a low-use area, or simply as a temporary solution, a piece of furniture can come in different versions at different prices. Some factors that will affect price are:
- Design: Is the design an original, a reproduction, or an adaptation?
- Materials: Furniture that is made with solid woods, complicated or rare veneers, and exotic materials will tend to cost more. Less expensive furniture will be made with simulated wood or composites.
- Construction: Is the furniture made by hand or machine-made? Handmade furniture takes much more labor and more time to create, and therefore costs more.
- Details: Are details handcarved or molded designs? Again, handcarving is an art and takes time to produce, which tends to cost more. Furniture that has applied decoration that is created in a mold tends to be less detailed and therefore less expensive.
- Shipping & Storage: Is the furniture assembled at the factory or does it need to be assembled at home?
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