When you’re looking for new furniture, you want something that will last. After all, you don’t want to replace it after a few years. That said, it’s essential to be knowledgeable in furniture quality. You need to know what to avoid and what to look for. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to look for quality wood furniture. This will ensure that your products will hold up over the years.
Source of Wood
There are different types of wood used in furniture. You can choose between plywood, softwood, and hardwood.
Plywood is a versatile option. It is affordable, customizable, and easy to handle. But, some plywoods are flimsy. Because of this, they can deform under pressure or warp over time.
Hardwood is solid and durable. However, it can be expensive. If you’re willing to splurge on good-quality wood, hardwood will be your best bet.
Construction of Furniture
Furniture comes in many types. Some are handmade, engineered, and some are a combination of both. Take a look at the height, the thickness of solid wood, material weight, and so on.
Engineered furniture comes with a poplar board or composite board. These are made from walnut and hardwood plywood.
Crafted furniture is usually handcrafted and built with essential and hand-picked wooden pieces.
Wood Finishing
Exterior wood often fades and cracks over time due to moisture. Finishing is the process by which the surface of the wood is protected with a liquid coating. The coating gives the wood surface a distinct look, such as a shine or colour.
Finishes also protect the wood from things like dirt and moisture. Ensure that the wood furniture you plan to get is finished thoroughly and adequately.
There are several varieties of finishes. Some of the best ones are traditional top-coat lacquer and catalyzed lacquer. These offer high levels of durability coupled with ease of maintenance. Both are strong and durable enough to stand up to continuous use, as well as the toughest wear and tear from kids or pets.
Your furniture should have high water resistance. With the right finish, your furniture can hold up even after years of use.
Wood Colour
Although finishing is something to consider, you should also consider the colour. The furniture should still look like tree bark in its natural colour. If you see a piece of wood furniture far from its stated wood source, it is low quality. It may have gone through different stainings and artificial manufacturing processes.
Consider Craftsmanship
When you’re looking for new furniture, it might be tempting to pick the cheapest option you see. But, “cheap” and “quality” don’t always come hand in hand with furniture. If you want a timeless, valuable piece for your home, consider handcrafted wood.
There is something special about a piece of handmade furniture. While the price of such a piece may be higher, it is worth every extra penny after it is in your home.
In Canada, retail sales of furniture stores reached 11.6 billion in 2020. The number highlights the high demand for good furniture in the country. You can check out woodcraft in Ottawa and other cities in Ontario for some great examples of wooden furnishings.
If you are planning to buy wood furniture for your home, the tips above could help you know what to look for.