As you hunt for that perfect piece of furniture, it’s important to develop your own list of must-haves to help you make sure that you are absolutely in love with your investment. In my opinion, the top item on your wish list should be quality, and there are two ways that you can quickly examine this for any piece of wood furniture:

Source: Richard Oedel

Composition:

I’m guessing that you probably don’t want a piece of wood furniture that can easily be scratched simply by running your fingernail over it, right? You want something that will be able to withstand exposure to everyday life, and selecting a solid wood will help you to accomplish this. If you’re considering a piece made of plywood, make sure that it has at least 9 layers. Always check wood furniture for knots as they are more susceptible for developing cracks down the road.

Construction:

Always looks for joint construction (dovetail or mortise-and-tenon) when buying wood furniture, and never fall for anything that is held together with staples, nails, or glue. Also, be sure to check the furniture by lifting it from one corner to make sure that it does not wobble or squeak.

Anytime you purchase a piece of wood furniture crafted from a department store or antique shop, you are putting yourself at risk for purchasing a low quality piece. One of the best ways to ensure quality is by commissioning a piece of furniture from an experienced furniture craftsman. Having spent many years in the furniture making industry, I personally take great pride with each piece of furniture that I make. To learn more about commissioning a piece of furniture, please contact me, Richard Oedel, Fine Furniture Master.