Be aware of the types of wood your furniture is typically made from. Different types of wood have different qualities, so the same piece of furniture made from one type of wood may be a whole lot sturdier when made from a different type of wood. This can also lead to a bigger price as well.
Learn to recognize different quality of woods. Some furniture is made from solid wood, which is a lot more expensive and fragile. Veneers are basically made from a low quality wood base covered in layers of real wood. The cheapest wood furniture you will find is made from resin, plastic and wood scraps.
When buying furniture, quality is important. Custom furniture makers will not use nails and glue to join wood corners and ends together. They will use a process known as wood joinery. This produces a high quality joint that will be sturdier and will take more weight. Nails and glue construction will not deliver a solid quality product.
If you want to make a truly environmental statement, buy furniture made with recycled wood. This not only saves trees, but often the wood pieces are available in sizes and widths not possible from managed or young forests. This means you get unique furniture that is as good for your style as it is for the Earth. Wood is often recycled from old buildings and structures, remnants from historical logging periods, landfill scraps and even retired orchard trees.
When determining your budget for furniture, consider the expected lifespan of the piece. Light aluminum frames or particleboard pieces are likely far lower in price, but also lower in life expectancy. Heavy wood, solid furniture lasts a lot longer, albeit at a higher initial investment. How long you plan to be in a home can factor in too.
When buying a couch, pick up the cushions and take a look at the frame. Is it solid wood? Are the springs solid and sturdy? While a couch might look good from the outside, remember that the inner workings are what will determine the life of the couch and how well it holds up to your family’s demands.
Carefully inspect the legs of furniture you’re considering buying. Wood should be the primary material, and should be jointed to the furniture instead of nailed together. Legs that are nailed on will not hold up nearly as long. And when purchasing a sofa, look for pieces that have an additional leg in the middle, which will provide extra support.
