Overview of Buying Furniture: Wood Furniture Guide

When purchasing furniture one of the first factors that many consumers seem to be attracted to is the price tag; however, since furniture is intended to be a purchase that will be enjoyed and will last for many years to come there are actually several factors that should be taken into consideration before such a large purchase is made. While there are numerous options in terms of materials for furniture, include iron, glass and even some forms of plastic; the most enduring and classic of all materials for furniture production is wood. However; not all wood furniture products are the same and consumers should understand the difference between the various types of wood products when buying furniture. Top of the line furniture will be produced from solid wood and while consumers can expect to pay more for solid wood furniture, they will also receive more in terms of quality and durability. Some of the most popular woods for furniture construction include cherry, mahogany, oak and pine. Less expensive pieces of furniture will many times be constructed of particle board and plywood. While these products are made of wood, the construction may not be as strong and durable as solid wood furniture. A consumer can expect that furniture made from particle board and plywood may not hold up as well to daily wear and tear and may not last for as many years as solid wood furniture. Consumers should also consider whether they prefer a hardwood or softwood because this will make a difference in terms of the look of the piece but also in how well the piece responds to daily wear. The heaviest pieces are composed of teak and oak and other hardwoods such as cherry, maple, oak, mahogany and walnut. Generally, less expensive pieces are made of softwoods, but that also means that the piece may be more likely to become damaged from the slightest wear. Generally speaking, beyond price, consumers can determine if a piece of wood furniture will hold up well throughout the years by considering the following: The overall fit of drawers and doors The glides and stops of drawers The secure fit of joints The security of hardware Whether the piece has a heavy balanced feeling when rocked Whether table leaves fit properly The overall feel of the wood-does it feel smooth and is it snag free? By taking these factors into consideration when purchasing furniture, consumers can be sure to find the right piece that they will enjoy for years to come.