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Wood Furniture
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| Read the information on the tags and labels provided by the manufacturer. This will usually tell you if the piece is solid wood or if it is veneered. For instance, if the tag says cherry, that doesn't mean the entire piece is made of cherry, it simply means that all of the exposed pieces are made of that wood, and that the frame and other hidden parts may be made from a less expensive wood. If the label indicates that the piece is wood and wood veneer, then it is a combination of solids and veneers. Veneers are thin layers of wood bonded to a plywood, particle board or fiberboard core. This creates an extremely strong surface that resists bending and warping, and also offers an unlimited variety of matching grain patterns and inlays not possible in solid wood. One is not necessarily better than the other, but a mixture of solids and veneers is often less expensive. Since trees don't grow in the shape of tables and cabinets, narrow sections of wood are glued and joined together to create one solid surface. This is called bonding, and is used to create large surfaces on furniture such as the tops of tables, and tops and sides of case pieces. If done correctly, it is often difficult to see or feel the seams. Run your hand across the surfaces to make sure they are smooth and that there are no gaps. If tables have leaves, make sure they fit snugly, and that there are no gaps when the table is extended. Ask about the finish, which is also an important indication of quality. A good finish should consist of several layers of wax, oil, lacquer or paint to protect the surface. Check to make sure there are no cracks or bubbles in the finish. Good quality furniture should be finished on the tops, sides, undersides and backs. Furniture should have a solid feel with the legs, doors and frames firmly attached. Try to rock the piece, and look to see if the corners stay square, and that legs don't wobble or move. Take a look at the furniture to make sure doors and drawers have a uniform, well aligned profile. Don't be afraid to ask questions and inspect the furniture. After all, you are making and investment that you will have to live with for several years. - Back - |
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Good quality
wood furniture doesn't have to be expensive, but it does have to be well constructed. When
you are shopping for furniture, make sure you know what to look for in basic construction
techniques. A well constructed piece of wood furniture will have glued mortise and tenon
or dowel joints, and extensive corner blocking for strength and durability. The back panel
should be screwed in, not stapled. Drawers should have dovetailed joints and be carefully
aligned so that they fit well. They should be fitted with drawer glides and stops, move
easily and evenly when pulled in and out, and close securely. Drawers should have dust
panels which are simply a barrier between the drawers to prevent dust and dirt from
getting inside. If you pull the drawer all the way out and see an open space, they are not
fitted with dust barriers. The insides of drawers should be smooth to the touch to avoid
having splinters in your clothing. Doors should open and close smoothly without rubbing,
and should be mounted with sturdy hardware. Shelves should be sturdy and have center
supports to prevent sagging. If the piece has interior lights, they should be easy to
reach and operate. Entertainment centers should have pre-drilled holes for electrical
wires, and be sturdy enough to hold electronic equipment.