What kind of wood do you like?
All wood furniture is made from either hardwoods (trees that lose their leaves seasonally) or softwoods (from trees that keep their leaves year round). Oak and teak are hardwoods that really are hard and heavy. Fine hardwoods like walnut, mahogany, maple, cherry, or oak are found in the most expensive pieces. Softwoods like pine are used in less formal pieces. Some woods have a nearly smooth, unpatterned finish, while others have very noticeable grain lines.
Is the wood solid, bonded, or veneer?
”Solid walnut” furniture means that all exposed parts of the piece are walnut. But the frame and inner parts may be of other, less-costly wood. Because timber cut from trees is not the size or shape required for furniture, bonding is often used to join pieces together to form larger pieces. Thin layers of fine, decorative wood can be bonded to the face of furniture pieces. This centuries-old technique is called veneering. While you may want solid wood pieces, veneered wood can combine different textures, tones, and patterns of wood in one piece.
What kind of finish is on the wood?
The finish on a piece of furniture can enhance the natural look of the wood or change its look completely. If you want the grain to show through, a simple (but regularly applied) finish of oil or wax is all you need. For more durability, lacquer or varnish is applied. Distressing furniture by beating or hammering the wood before the final finish is applied makes the wood look older. Painting can change the look of a piece and add value.
Do the components work properly?
Be sure that the drawers of a chest or cabinet fit well and slide easily on glides and stop flush with the front. Drawers should have dust panels to keep the contents clean, and the insides should be smoothly finished. Doors on cabinets should open and close easily with hardware that is of high quality, installed securely. If the piece has interior lights, their switches should be easy to access. If the piece is to be used as an entertainment center or computer station, holes should be drilled for electrical cords. Be sure that the legs of a table are even and that the table does not “rock.” The finish should be smooth to the touch and the finish on the leaves should match each other and the base.
With all these things in mind, and maybe a checklist, you’re ready to go. As you shop, some elements will be more important than others. But all these guidelines should be considered before you make the final decision to buy.
