Choosing Quality Wood Furniture

If you are buying wood furniture then you should aim to get the best quality pieces within your budget.

There are a few ways to tell whether a piece is good quality or not. Firstly it will be made from solid wood rather than just having a veneer. Solid wood is stronger and more durable - obviously something you will want if you are paying out good money for furniture.

The type of wood it is made from will also influence choice. Hardwood varieties are often used for furniture because many of them are strong. Hardwoods include walnut, cherry, oak and birch. The type of wood will give the overall colour if a natural finish is wanted. If not, wood can be stained or painted to change the colour. If the piece is coloured, make sure that the colour is applied evenly and that there is no trapped bubbles or dirt. The colour should be rich which means that it has been built up over several coats. The piece should also be painted or stained on the back and underside too to help prevent swelling or shrinking.

The design of the piece is also very important for the overall aesthetics. A good design should stand out as being beautiful to the eye - whether you like a rustic or modern look.

Looking a bit more closely at the piece - it needs to be put together well. The joinery will tell you how well it is made. Quality joints can be dovetail or mortise and tenon. A good piece of furniture won't be stapled and it won’t have any glue showing. Everything should look professionally done.

Make sure that that all surfaces are smooth - even those that aren’t on show, and check that any moving parts have a smooth action. Look at the piece from different angles - it shouldn’t have blotches or scratches.

The only time that it is desirable for there to be scratches and dents is if you are buying a piece that has been deliberately distressed to give it character and the appearance of age. Even so, the look should be good and done with care.

If you are getting a chest of drawers, look for a dust panel between the drawers. It will make for a stronger piece and help stop dust.

Obviously the furniture needs to sit flat on the floor and it has to be sturdy - try rocking it slightly to make sure that it doesn't sqeak or start to come apart.

For some people, the origins of the piece will be important. Look for locally sourced wood that has been crafted by a local furniture maker. This is better for the environment because it reduces carbon dioxide emissions from transportation, and better for the local economy.

If money isn't a major issue for you, you may do well to find a quality designer furniture company that can totally customise your piece for you when you order it. This means that everything down to the finish and trim will be exactly as you want. You could look at something like the Quercus furniture range.

Whatever furniture you decide to buy, you will never regret choosing quality.