I often get asked questions that pertain to the quality of wood furniture.
How can one check if a piece of furniture is a good quality and why is single piece different from another?
Why is this dresser so much more expensive from a very similar looking dresser?
Well… there are many parts that are important in making a good quality piece of furniture. A sideboard that is crafted from quality materials with all the top notch furniture making techniques, will not only be attractive addition to your interior, it may perhaps be passed on to several generations while withstanding many decades of abuse.
Here are a few tips that will help you distinguish between a good and a fabulous.
For a well constructed piece of furniture, look for the following:
*Wood- A sturdy piece of furniture will be made out of hardwood versus softwood.
Hardwood includes the following species: cherry, ash, oak, maple, walnut, teak and mahogany. These woods are usually stronger and more expensive.
*Joints- All interlocking joints on a piece of furniture should be double or triple doweled, corner blocked, glued and high-pressure stapled for support.
*Level factor- Large pieces of furniture should account for the gradual floor level difference in different homes. It should include a leveling device in the base for balance.
*Drawers & Doors- Good quality drawers will glide easily yet feel heavy and sturdy. The interior of the drawers should be smooth.
Doors should be properly aligned when shut and also feel substantial. When opened the doors should not make any noise and glide easily.
*Dust Panels – Good quality pieces of furniture will have dust panel partitions between the drawers.
*Shelves Support –Shelves should have center supports to prevent from buckling. You can gently lean on them to check how strong they are. If the shelves are adjustable they should be able to shift with ease and they must be placed on sturdy hardware.
*Hardware- All hardware must be strong and secure. There should be no rough edges on the hardware. The hardware ought to handle the load of the door and all the latches should function properly.
*Movement- The furniture should feel sturdy when rocked. If you get lots of movement there is a flaw in construction.
*Finish- Wood furniture should feel smooth to the touch unless it is meant to be distressed. The finish should look even and uniform with no spots, dents, lines or bubbles.
