- Follow us:
Monday, September 5th, 2016
1030_Highlands_Dining_Table
No homeowner buys furniture with the wish from the onset that this piece would someday fall apart or wobble after just a year or two. Of course, you also don’t want to have a chair that could turn into your embarrassment by having a guest crash to the floor once it is used. The determination of quality furniture can be tricky yet it would eventually pay to learn how to speak furniture. This all begins with learning the basic furniture categories.
Wood Veneer on Solid Wood
This kind of furniture has become renowned as of late because of the growing scarcity of hardwood. These come with veneers consisting of thin layers of decorative wood. If you are looking for high quality, hardwood furniture, then this isn’t the way to go. The veneer is actually prettier and more expensive wood placed atop a less expensive piece. This is an economical technique used by manufacturers to make furniture pieces that are affordable.
Buying veneer means you have to be extra careful. Feel the edges of the piece then make sure that they are tightly fused onto the subtrate. This is no indication of less quality but that you should just pay more attention to craftsmanship when buying veneer.
Solid Wood
This is a furniture piece that has zero wood fiber or particle board. This is the board milled coming from the tree. Nothing can be more natural than this.
Solid wood could be hard (e.g. walnut) or soft (e.g. fir or pine). More often than not, wood can be refinished and has a long lifespan. It is also possible if you want to keep it as an heirloom. Find wider boards that are matched in color and grain so that you achieve a consistent appearance.
Solid Wood Products
Watch out for this phrase when you are out shopping for the best furniture materials. This could become a trap that could lead you astray if you’re not careful enough. Solid wood product is indicative of particle board or MDF but never solid wood.
Solid Hardwood
This is the most durable wood furniture option. Since it is hardwood, you can be guaranteed that the furniture piece will last for hundreds of years especially when you take good care of it. Maple, cherry and oak are great examples of hardwood. Just run your hand through the surface, it should feel smooth to the touch.
Laminate
This can look like real wood or it could also come in different colors. This is a sturdy surface material that is commonly applied over a fiberboard or particle board. Wood grain laminate is a photo of wood grain applied to the base material before sealing.
Just like when you’re buying veneer, make sure that you check the smoothness of the laminate. It should also be well-attached to the base, if not, this could result in chipping or early wearing and tearing.
Hooker Furniture Bedroom Rhapsody King Tufted Bed
Wood Veneer on Medium-Density Fiberboard or Particle Board
This is less durable than sturdy wood because it is comprised of outer veneer or particle board as covering. This is often engineered so it is stable. It offers the look of wood but just don’t expect too much of it. What this is is just mid-range furniture so you may have it for a few years.
Upholstered Pieces
This is the term used on any kind of furniture with fabric or leather covers. It also has webbing, springs, and/or padding. Find quality pieces that are kiln-dried, hardwood furniture frames. These should be stapled or nailed. Check the joints and make sure that they are tight and well-fit.
Generally, take a very good look as you take a step back. The fabric patterns should be carefully matched. Always look for a consistent finish with zero imperfections.
Tags: McCreerys, McCreerys Home Furnishings, tips, types of wood furniture, wood, wood design element, wood elements, wood furniture categories, wood furniture types, wooden, wooden furniture
Posted in Furniture, Interior Design 101, Interior Design Elements | No Comments »
Follow us on our social media
© McCreery's Home Furnishings | All Rights Reserved | Privacy Policy
