How to Identify the Quality of a Wood for Furniture

Before choosing a wood for furniture, it is important to identify its quality. Some types of wood have a different look from others. Its endgrain, or the wood’s visible grain, should be unbroken. Another sign of real wood is its growth rings, which form on the tree’s trunk each year. A piece that has this characteristic is likely solid wood. Here are some tips to help you determine the quality of a wood for furniture.

When choosing a wood for furniture, it is important to learn how it is made. Usually, hardwoods are stronger and durable than softwoods. However, you should also learn how a piece is put together. It should have smooth joints and a solid feel when you sit down. The furniture salesperson should be able to explain how the joint is constructed. Hardwoods are better than softwoods when it comes to furniture quality, but they may be more expensive.

If you purchase furniture made of veneer, you should check the veneer for visible grain. If it is solid wood, there will be a visible grain. Veneers, on the other hand, are usually thin pieces of wood with a fake wood grain. If the grain is uneven on the surface, this means that the veneer is made of multiple pieces that are glued together. The veneer will have a cross section of particle board or another composite material.

Often, the color and grain pattern of the wood are important. Hardwoods have richer colors and grain patterns than softwoods. Generally, woods with distinctive patterns are more expensive than those with more subdued colors and grains. Weaker-grained woods are often stained or finished to add character. For this reason, removing the old finish of the wood is necessary before knowing its quality.

If you are considering buying furniture made from a specific wood, try looking for a database with the hardness and weight of various kinds of wood. You can also measure the wood to compare its density with others in the database. If the wood is salvaged from a boat, it is more likely to be of higher quality, as it will be free of knots. In addition, wood salvaged from a boat is usually free of knots, while cedar, oak, and ash are harder and more expensive. The wood’s grain and color are good indicators of the species.

End grain is another way to distinguish wood types. If the growth rings run the same direction as the grain, it is likely to be solid wood. If not, it is likely a veneer. End grain also identifies the kind of wood. The same pattern can indicate a veneer or ring wood. The end grain is also a good indication of the type of wood used for furniture. If you are unsure, consult a furniture store.

Wood types are also important for judging the quality of furniture. The best wood for furniture is the one that is stable and durable. The color and pattern of wood can determine its price and value. As a rule of thumb, hardwood is better than plywood and engineered wood. If you can’t identify the wood, you can still make a good decision with an engineered wood. It is a great choice if you want to save money and still get a quality piece of furniture.