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.
