When you shop for a new car or major appliance,
you do your homework first. You research brands to check out their reputation
for reliability and quality. And you walk into the showroom with the knowledge
you need to make a smart decision.
Buying hardwood furniture is no different. Not
all pieces are made the same — literally. There are shortcuts that could turn
your expensive piece into a yard sale cast-off. Wobbly legs, warped tops, and
sticky drawers are just a few problems that can be avoided when you choose furniture
wisely. So here are 12 things to look for when shopping for wood furniture.
1. Wood finish
The first thing you see on hardwood furniture is,
of course, the wood itself. The finish makes all the difference here. A smooth,
lasting finish requires time. Ask about the finishing process. Was this piece
hand-rubbed in a multi-step process? What product was used? Is it harmful to
the environment? Is the finish water-resistant? Will it withstand spills like
coffee, acidic citrus juices, and red wine? What will you need to do to keep
the furniture looking brand new?
2. Solid wood
Wood represents a broad range of quality, colors,
and grains. Hardwood — like maple walnut, and cherry — is preferred over softer
woods — like pine and spruce — for the durability and exquisite appearance of furniture.
The word “solid” doesn’t guarantee exceptional quality of furniture. In some
cases, the furniture is made entirely of wood, making it “solid”; however, everything
but the exterior could be a lesser quality wood. Compressed wood, particle board,
and veneers can all qualify as “wood”. If you’re not sure, ask! If there are
veneers, ask how they are manufactured the furniture and applied because a
veneer can come apart from the piece if not properly constructed of furniture.
3. Joinery methods
Checking out how the wood parts have been joined
is like looking into a crystal ball. If you see staples and excess globs of
glue, I’m seeing a short life. Dovetailing and mortise and tenon joints are the
two best ways to build in strength for furniture.
A dovetail joint is made by joining two pieces of
wood together across their width and at right angles to each other in furniture.
The angular design of this technique — even without adding glue or screws —
makes it virtually impossible to separate the joints. Also, these distinctive “tails”
are aesthetically pleasing.
A mortise and tenon (also known as “tongue and
groove”) adds strength and demonstrates exceptional craftsmanship. The tenon is
a wood extension that fits into a deep groove, called a mortise, on the
connecting piece of furniture. The joint is glued or pinned in place.
4. Drawer guides
One of the fastest ways to determine the quality
of wood furniture is to open and close the drawers. How easily do they glide?
Is there a built-in “stop” so that the drawer closes effortlessly? Is it
mounted straight? A drawer guide is like the engine of a car. They range from “putt-putt”
to “vroooom”. A quality guide is costly because it is necessary to extend the
life of the piece. Be sure to ask about the warranty on the hardware because this
is a good indicator for the life of the furniture.
5. Drawer construction
The dovetail joinery is particularly valuable
with drawers, because opening and closing them puts strain on the joint.
Without dovetailing, the front of the drawer of furniture could easily loosen
or come apart altogether. Next, run your hand along the interior of the drawer
of the furniture. The wood should be smooth, preferably made from the same
material as the exterior. A rough surface, even slightly so, indicates the
craftsman was rushing through the project. And if there is a shortcut here,
there are likely many more.
6. Back panel
Even though the back of your hardwood furniture
is not likely to show, the care that is taken to craft the piece shows on every
plane. The back panel provides support for the piece and should be carefully
affixed to do the job correctly. Look for nails and screws.
The presence of staples on the back panel is
another of those dreaded shortcuts!
7. Corner blocking
A corner block is a simple step in the furniture
construction process. The craftsman adds small wooden blocks glued in corners
to enhance the strength and ensure that the piece remains square. It takes
time, however, so a company can save time and money by skipping this step. And
the money you save will cost you in the durability of your furniture. Extensive
corner blocks are a sign of superior craftsmanship of furniture.
8. Table top
A beautiful table in the showroom can become
unsightly at home if you don’t know what you’re buying. Bonded pieces can wrap
or separate, if not constructed properly. Rub your hand along the top to ensure
the furniture is perfectly smooth. Check the leaves to be sure that they fit
easily and well, and that the leaves’ grain blends with the tabletop. Look at
the engineering of the hardware. Does it glide easily? Is the metal of furniture
strong enough to support the table top? The corners should be reinforced with
blocks and the legs should be secure. Give it a push and a tug to check for
wobbling.
9. Chair legs and joints
A wobbly chair is an unsafe chair. Turn the chair
upside down to see how well it was crafted. Are the legs and joints sturdy? Has
the craftsman used mortise and tenon joinery? Do you see dried glue seeping
from the joints? Look for additional corner blocks reinforced with screws. Make
sure the slats and rungs don’t wobble when you pull on then.
10. Level and alignment
A piece of furniture that falls out of alignment
puts stress on the joints. Before purchasing the furniture, stand back and look
at the alignment of the doors and drawers. Check out the hinges to make sure
they are sturdy enough to keep the doors aligned. Are there levelers on the
bottom? Although your furniture should be made square, your home might settle
in time, causing a shift that could throw the piece out of alignment. A leveler
allows you to compensate for a little imbalance. If it’s not there, ask if it
can be added.
11. Hardware
Hardware can be another cost-cutter. Don’t be
swayed by the beauty of the wood. Look at the door pulls, handles, and hinges.
Are they good quality for furniture? Have they been adhered properly? Are they
straight? Test the drawer guides and table glides.
12. Shelf supports
Furniture like book case or hutch in a showroom
is usually bearing little weight. Think about what you’ll put there in “real
life”. Are the shelves designed to safely support heavy dishes or books? Are
the pins inserted into brass grommets instead of raw wood to reduce wear?
Look for center supports on longer shelves and
check the construction to ensure that you’re not risking a catastrophic
collapse!
Remember, furniture is an investment. Think about
the life you want from each piece of furniture before purchasing. A great piece
becomes an heirloom. The lesser pieces of furniture are destined for yard sale
clearance.
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