Buying Solid Wood Furniture

 

All furniture displayed on our floor is Made in America. We specialize in solid wood furniture that is not imported, but manufactuered by such fine furniture factories such Gat Creek, Brown Street, Mobel, and others. There are two types of solid wood construction; the first is 100% solid wood. The second is constructed from wood solids, wood veneers and furniture grade plywood sometimes used for stability in tall bookcases and other large pieces. All are fully assembled and made here in the USA. No particleboard!

The term "case goods," usually means chests, dressers, tables, living room and dining room pieces, which are generally constructed of wood. In actuality, today’s case goods may be made totally or in part of metal, plastics or other man-made materials. Materials are, of course, a determining factor in the look of a piece and will affect durability and price. We believe solid wood furniture will give you more value for your money and last much longer than cheaper materials.

Furniture Woods

All woods used for making furniture fall into two categories: hardwoods and softwoods, but the designation doesn’t really have anything to do with how hard or how soft the wood is. "Hardwood" identifies the trees that lose their leaves seasonally and "softwood" refers to those that keep their foliage all year.

Among the hardwoods frequently used in making furniture are ash, cherry, maple, oak, pecan, teak, rosewood, walnut, mahogany and poplar. In the softwood category are cedar, cypress, fir, pine and redwood.

Construction Techniques

Several different woods are frequently combined in the same piece of furniture. For example, the term solid cherry or solid mahogany means that all exposed parts of the piece are made of solid wood. The frame or other parts not visible to the eye might be of another wood such as gum or poplar.

Because trees don’t grow in the shapes and sizes required for making furniture, pieces of wood are bonded together in different ways to achieve the necessary sizes and shapes. This technique can actually strengthen the wood and add to the durability of the furniture.

Engraving & Printing

Modern technology has produced a less expensive method of achieving the look of wood veneers. Manufacturers can simulate a natural wood grain by printing or engraving a pattern on surfaces such as density fiberboard, paper or foil. This furniture is easier to produce and available at a lower price than similar furniture crafted of genuine wood and wood veneers. It can be attractive but doesn’t provide the same benefits as the real thing, which at today’s super affordable prices is an excellent choice.

About Furniture Finishes

The finish adds the final touch of beauty to wood furniture. A finish which provides uniform color and adds a degree of protection generally requires the application of several coats of oil, wax, lacquer or paint to the surface. Clear finishes allow the markings and grain variations of naturally beautiful woods to show through. Tinted or opaque finishes change the color of the wood and can make the two different woods appear the same. Finishes can vary the look of a piece, making it appear smooth and sophisticated or rough-hewn and rustic.

Distressing is a technique for aging new furniture and heightening its rustic appeal. The wood is beaten or battered before the finish is applied. Distressed finishes tend to hide finger marks and scratches and can be an excellent choice for rooms where there is a lot of activity.

Painted finishes are another popular way of adding the final touch of beauty. Painted pieces can be a bit more expensive than those with natural finishes because paint tends to point up flaws so extra care must be taken at the factory to make sure that imperfections are removed from the wood.

Your salesperson will be glad to explain the various finishes and fill you in on how to extend the life of your new wood furniture by pampering it with proper care.

When Buying Wood Furniture Look For:

Doors and drawers that fit well

Drawers that have glides and stops

Drawers that glide easily when pulled

Drawers with dust panels

Drawer corners that are joined securely

Insides of drawers that are smooth and snag free

Long shelves will have center supports

Doors that swing open easily without squeaking or rubbing

Long doors are attached with sturdy hinges

Hardware that is secure and strong

No rough edges on hardware

Interior lights should operate easily

Entertainment units that have pre-drilled holes for electric cords

A heavy balanced feeling when a table is rocked

Table leaves that fit properly

Finishes that feel smooth to the touch (except distressed)

If distressed, the finish wil have randomly spaced dark marks