If you are in the market for furniture types with the best quality, it may be hard to know what to look for. Looking for a strong, long-lasting piece of furniture can be daunting, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what you should know about finding the perfect furniture with the best quality.
Composition
If it’s wood furniture you’re looking for, the composition is important to notate before purchase. Hardwoods and softwoods have different features, so it depends on the intended use for the piece. Here are the basics about hardwoods and softwoods:
Furniture made from hardwood simply means the wood comes from a deciduous tree. Softwoods are made from the wood of a coniferous tree. In general, you’ll want to look for something that has a reasonably scratch-resistant wood surface. This is easily discernable by taking your fingernail to draw a thin line across the wood. If you are able to make a visible dent, then you know the surface won’t be able to stand up to much use.
Structure
In terms of structure, any solid wood will work. If your potential piece is plywood, you want to make sure that there are at least 9 layers. Additionally, you should check the entire piece for knots – including unexposed areas. Knots in the wood are highly susceptible to cracking. For the best quality, you want to avoid particle board, pressed wood, and fiberboard.
Construction
For the furniture types with the best quality, construction will be the main determinant. For the sturdiest, long-lasting pieces, it’s important to avoid anything held together with staples, nails, or glue. Dowels or screws offer the best integrity. The best joints are dovetailed and mortise-and-tenon to ensure strength and longevity. The corners should have an attached reinforcing block for added stability.
For the best quality construction, you should be able to lift the furniture piece at one corner without seeing it twist or hearing any squeaking. You should also be able to press on any corner without the piece rocking or wobbling. All legs should be touching the floor. Solid construction is essential to a high-quality, long-lasting, substantial piece of furniture.